1. The Mistake

Kairav was determined to take care of Kirti and assured everyone he would handle her medications. He checked the schedule multiple times, but in a moment of oversight, he missed verifying one of the medicines. Kirti unknowingly consumed the wrong dose and soon began feeling nauseous and dizzy.

The family panicked, and Kairav froze, unsure of what to do. Naira rushed in upon hearing the commotion, her heart sinking at the sight of Kirti pale and struggling to breathe properly. She immediately sprang into action, administering an anti-nausea injection and stabilizing her.

Once Kirti was out of immediate danger, Naira turned to Kairav, her voice sharp and laced with concern.

Naira: “Kairav, how could you be so careless? This isn’t just about responsibility—it’s about her life! You can’t afford to make such mistakes!”

Her words hit Kairav like a punch. He opened his mouth to defend himself but realized she was right. He looked down, guilt written all over his face. Seeing his expression, Naira softened, taking a deep breath.

Naira: “I’m sorry for raising my voice. I know you were just trying to help. But that’s the thing about responsibility—it’s heavy, and it’s easy to make mistakes. I’ve made my share too. We all just need to be more careful.”

Kairav nodded silently, but her words stayed with him, piercing deeper than he expected. Kartik, noticing Kairav’s trembling hands, took him aside.

Kartik: “Kairav, it’s okay. You’re not a doctor, and you’re not perfect. Mistakes happen. Today, it was you; another day, it could be me or Naira. That’s the thing about being human. Don’t let this consume you.”

Kairav: “But Kirti… what if something worse had happened? I don’t know if I could’ve forgiven myself.”

Kartik placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Kartik: “That’s exactly how Naira feels every time she’s blamed for something out of her control. Think about that.”

Kairav froze as the weight of Kartik’s words sank in. For the first time, he began to understand what Naira must have gone through all these years.

2. Naitik’s Plan

Days passed, and while Kairav stopped openly criticizing Naira, he couldn’t bring himself to face her. He avoided her, unable to confront the growing guilt in his heart.

One evening, Naitik approached him with a small box and an old diary, handing them to him with a solemn expression.

Naitik: “Your mother left these behind. I think it’s time you go through them. Maybe they’ll help you see what you’ve been missing all along.”

Kairav hesitated but opened the box. Inside, he found handwritten notes from his mother, a photo album of their childhood, and a painting Naira had made when she was little.

He froze when he saw the painting—a simple depiction of a superhero with a little girl holding his hand. On the bottom corner, in Naira’s messy handwriting, were the words: “My Bhaiya, My Hero.”

His chest tightened as memories came flooding back:

1. The times Naira clung to him as a child, calling him her protector.

2. Their mother’s gentle reminders: “Promise me, Kairav, that you’ll always take care of Naira. She’ll need you, even when she doesn’t say it out loud.”

He reached for the diary, flipping through its pages. It was dated from the time he began distancing himself from Naira.

3. The Diary

“Bhaiya didn’t even look at me today. Did I do something wrong? Maybe I’m just not good enough for him anymore.”

“I made his favorite kheer, but he didn’t eat it. He said he wasn’t hungry, but I saw him eating later. Why won’t he talk to me?”

“I miss my superhero. I don’t know what I did to lose him, but I wish I could fix it. Maybe if I try harder, he’ll come back.”

Tears streamed down Kairav’s face as he read her words. Each entry was filled with pain, confusion, and an unwavering love for her brother despite how he had treated her.

He clutched the diary to his chest, the painting resting on his lap. He remembered the day Naira was hospitalized, her frail body connected to wires, and how all his anger had melted away in that moment. Despite everything, he had loved her deeply.

His mother’s words echoed in his mind: “She’ll need you.”

And now, he realized, he had failed her when she needed him the most.

4. Seeking Forgiveness

The next morning, Kairav approached Naitik, tears still fresh in his eyes.

Kairav: “Dad, I’m so sorry. I made you choose between me and Naira. I let my anger blind me, and I forgot everything Mom taught me. I don’t know if I can ever make it up to her.”

Naitik, his own eyes glistening, placed a hand on Kairav’s shoulder.

Naitik: “You can, son. But it won’t be easy. You need to show her that you’ve changed—not just through words, but through your actions. And you need to forgive yourself too. That’s the only way to move forward.”

Father and son embraced, united in their resolve to mend their fractured family.

As Kairav held his mother’s painting close, he whispered:

Kairav: “I’ll make it right, Naira. I promise.”