LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 28: Explanations
Hyeon growled after listening to Yeoubi 's statement "What did you say? I dare you to say it again!"
Yeoubi looked straight into Hyeon 's eyes, repeating his words mixed with a taunt this time.
"I said, I think it is time to kick him out of the band, as he has already done enough; I have cleaned up his mess enough times! Let me remind you of the incident from last year, in case you have forgotten. So it is better that you five continue the band; and I will announce his retirement due to health conditions. This is the only way you can save the band at the same time as his face in the industry and his reputation in front of the world."
Hyeon smirked, posturing in order to intimidate Yeoubi. "Bold of you to assume that the band will continue without him! Don't forget that we are here just because he is; and let me warn you right now if you ever plan to utter a word of this in front of him or hurt him in any other way! I don't care about what all rubbish has been accumulated in your brain and what you think, but he did and still does respect you in the same way he respects us. So you better keep your lips sealed. And about the incident from last year, that you wanted to highlight: I have said this before and I am saying this again- it was all a misunderstanding. He is innocent and will surely provide you with sufficient proof of that. I think you have a lot to plan for the tour, so you better leave now after briefing me on the details the doctors have told. Or better yet, just text me those and leave right this moment."
Yeoubi gritted his teeth with anger at the way Hyeon had dismissed him. "Have you forgotten that I am the who made who you are today?"
"No, it's not me who has forgotten! But you certainly seem to have forgotten that Ji-hun was the one to give us hope with all his savings, which he had been keeping for his house. Buying a house for himself had been his biggest dream, and he had disregarded it for our sake at the time when everything was falling apart. So the next time your mind glances over this fact, look in the mirror and remind yourself how ungrateful a person can be. Now please leave before I might go overboard, I have heard enough from you for today."
This was when Kaoru and Chang Min came forward to calm Hyeon down before his anger escalated further. They remember how happy and peaceful they all had been just a year ago, and Hyeon and Yeoubi had a really good bond; but everything had just gone downhill after the incident. Before they could have stopped Hyeon from engaging further, Yeoubi spoke up again.
In a low voice, he said "I am really upset by your behaviour. Is this what I get after all the things I have done and continue to do for you guys; I really saw you all as my family!"
Hyeon retorted instantly "Families don't back stab each other, nor do they believe in the bullshit other people might be spewing; because they have an aspect of their relationship, which I don't know if you have ever heard of- called 'trust'!"
Yeoubi replied irritably "I do trust him! But why can't you understand that one mistake - only one mistake and his entire career will be ruined! So I want to announce his early retirement from the band because of the taxing schedule; and try to grab some really good acting contracts instead,which he might be more relaxed with. I also see him just like my younger brother, what do you think I am?"
By this time, Kaoru and Chang Min had been trying to remind Hyeon to not engage further due to the risk of damaging his relationship with Yeoubi permanently, but a part of them also wanted answers for what they considered an disproportionate judgement on their Manager's part. Besides, Hyeon was too far gone in his emotions and he wouldn't calm down till the time Yeoubi was still standing there and provoking him.
"I don't know- a hollow shell!? You didn't even care for the emotions of a person who has always been there for you at your lowest point! I don't think either of us is in the right mind talk about this, please let's not talk now and-"
Hyeon paused midway when he heard Ji-hun's strained voice in the background.
"Why are you guys fighting, Hyung?"
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"What? Who blamed you Nitya, and why?" Ruchi asked, trying to make sense of whatever little snippets she had gotten from Nitya's soft whisper.
"No one!" She replied just as quickly, suddenly aware that she had almost said it out loud; as if she had gotten caught cheating on an exam, by her professor! She then took a deep breath and asked "Professor, can you please ask Mehul Bhaiya to come inside? I wanted to talk to him," she changed the topic and finally requested what she had wanted to do ever since she had realized that she had hurt her brother's feelings in her bid to protect his reputation.
Ruchi smiled again; she patted Nitya on the head to make her comfortable, saying "Of course, dear. But we will definitely talk about this some other time, okay?"
Nitya nodded in affirmation as Ruchi called Mehul and left. Mehul entered the room with his eyes that were somehow puffy now. Rubbing them harshly, he said, "See Nikku, the hospital environment isn't suiting me and I am getting allergies! Naveen and Veer have gone outside to grab something for you to eat, the doctor said that you had gotten a fever due to over-exertion! So you better rest, okay? I have applied to the university for one week's leave, you don't have to worry about anything! I will definitely make sure to send the course material through Naveen, or Atharv or Kanan…" Mehul was busy with his monologue about the arrangements. Seeing that her brother was flustered, Nitya extended her hand towards him, wordlessly asking him to come near her bed. As soon as he did, she grabbed the little finger of her brother's hand with her whole hand wrapped around it, like she used to do in her childhood.
She then looked up at him and said "Dada, I have never been ashamed of you being my brother; rather, I have been always proud about this fact and will be proud about this forever. I am the luckiest girl in the entire world; not because of what I am, but because I have got you all as my family and friends; and most importantly, I've got you! I love you so much, but I have always tried to stay away from you in public; and actively tried to avoid announcing our relationship, just because I was afraid of what would happen when everyone would blame you of nepotism. I didn't want them to think that I am getting all these opportunities because you are my brother, and to make you feel embarrassed about being my brother-"
Mehul immediately cut Nitya off by pulling her into a tight hug. 'He couldn't bear to hear how his sister thought of herself as a liability to him, when it couldn't be farther from the truth!'
They stayed that way for a moment, and then Mehul broke the silence by saying "Nikku, why are you so scared of getting disowned, kiddo? Who told you all this crap that has made you so scared, should we consult a doctor? Do I need to call mom and daddy? Just say the word and I'll get whatever you want, that would put you at ease! Just tell me, and this is Dada's promise to you that he will bring you anything and everything; but please stop thinking about yourself in this way!"
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