The Brother Who Finally Spoke

After Abir returned home, he didn’t go straight to his room like usual. The butler met him at the entrance and informed him that his father and older brother were waiting for him. In that moment, the memory of Lucy’s voice echoed in his mind — calm but firm, fierce yet comforting.

"Face your fears... break your limits... you will shine like a star."

He clenched his fists, took a breath, and walked toward the study room — not as the timid boy who once avoided conflict, but as someone finally ready to stand his ground.

When he stepped in, the tension hit immediately. His father stood tall and intimidating, eyes sharp and commanding. Lucky sat across the room, arms folded, playing the victim with that same smugness he always wore.

His father didn’t wait long before speaking. His voice was hard. Cold.

“Where were you until now?” he demanded. “Didn’t I tell you to come home with your brother?”

Lucky quickly jumped in, faking concern. “Do you even know how long I waited outside your school? And this is what I get after everything I’ve done for you?”

Abir stayed still. He had so much he wanted to say. So many times he had stayed silent just to avoid conflict. But not today.

He spoke calmly. “I’m sorry I didn’t inform you. I was visiting a friend.”

Lucky scoffed loudly, turning toward their father. “See? Told you. He doesn’t care about anyone but himself.”

Their father gave Abir a disappointed look. “Apologise to your brother.”

But this time… Abir didn’t bow his head.

“Sorry to disappoint you, Dad,” he said, voice low but steady, “but I’m not going to apologise. Because this time, you need to hear the truth.”

A cold silence spread through the room.

Abir continued. “Yesterday, after school, I was being bullied. Badly. I called Lucky for help. He refused — because he was with his girlfriend. I was hurt and scared. And he ignored me.”

Lucky flinched slightly.

“A girl… someone kind… found me bleeding on the ground. She took me to her home, treated my wounds, even called Lucky to inform him. And what did he do? He hung up. Didn’t ask if I was okay. Just sent the butler to pick me up like I was nothing.”

His voice cracked — not with weakness, but with raw emotion.

“And today… he didn’t show up again. I waited for an hour outside school. So I left with my friend.”

The truth weighed in the air. There was nothing else to hide.

Their father looked at Lucky, disappointment now obvious in his eyes.

Lucky, caught in the moment, tried to save himself. “I was working on a project… I couldn’t leave.”

But something inside him shifted as he said those words. For the first time, even he could feel it — the difference in Abir. The boy who used to shrink into shadows now stood taller than him in that silence.

Their father didn’t argue. He simply looked at Lucky and said, “Apologise to your brother.”

Lucky’s ego cracked. Slowly, he turned to Abir. And this time, his words weren’t filled with pride, but with shame.

“I’m sorry, Abir. I messed up. I… hope you can give me another chance.”

Abir gave a small nod. “I believe in second chances. But not for the same mistake twice.”

His words hit deeper than any punch.

Their father, now softer, asked, “You always said you wanted to live quietly… Are you sure this is what you want now?”

Abir didn’t even hesitate.

“I don’t need to hide anymore. I’m not trying to fit into their world. I know who I am now. I don’t need to prove it to anyone.”

And with that, he excused himself and left the room. Quietly. Calmly. Stronger.

—

Back in his room, Abir sat on his bed and let it all replay in his mind. His heart was still racing, but this time… it was because of pride.

He had stood up for himself. For the first time, he didn’t bow.

He smiled faintly, whispering to no one but himself, “Lucy… I know you’d be proud of me.”

He thought of her — the girl who didn’t know him at all, yet stood by his side when he needed someone the most. Who treated him not like a name, or a family title, but a person.

She’d called herself his sister. And today, that made all the difference.

—

Somewhere else in the house, Lucky stared out the window in silence.

He didn’t speak. Didn’t move. Just thought.

Where did he get that confidence? That fire?

He didn’t understand everything. But one thing was clear — Abir had changed. And deep down… Lucky knew why.

He smiled faintly, more to himself than anything.

He finally let go of the past. And maybe… even if he never understands why I didn’t help him that day… I’m still glad. Because he’s stronger now. And that’s what matters most.

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