The Malhotras

Arush gulped in fear and slowly got up from his chair. He made his way to Advait with small steps lowering his head. Advait made him stand between his legs and hold both of his hands in one hand.

"Kahan gayi diary?" He asked, his voice was calm.

Silence.

"Batao." He pressed.

"Mi-Mil nahi rahi." Arush replied looking down.

Aditya mentally palmed his forehead at the foolishness of his little brother.

Advait caught his lie and his eyes hardened, maybe he would have left him for his mistake but now after his lie... he was screwed.

"Corner me jao aur murga bano." He ordered him.

Arush looked up at him with pleading eyes but met with his hardened glare.

"Sorry bhaiya." His voice was low barely above a whisper.

"I don't want your sorry jo kaha hai wo karo aur jab tak diary mil nahi jati na waha se hilna bhi mat." Advait warned sternly.

His eyes tear up instantly, the corner of his eyes pricked with the tears.

"Jao ab, diary kahan hai ye yaad aa jaye to aa jana." Advait said and busied himself in a file.

Arush looked at him and then at Aditya who was suddenly so interested in study.

He didn't want to face the humiliating punishment so he thought to told him the truth, "Bhaiya." He whispered.

"Agar diary kahan hai ye yaad aa gaya ho to hi muh kholna." He replied without looking up at him.

"Mere room me hai." Arush replied meekly.

Advait glared, "Go, bring it." He said curtly.

But Arush was still standing there trembling in fear of the anticipation.

"Bring it to me. Now." Advait said, his tone left no room for argument.

Arush flinched and left to bring the diary as he didn't have any other option. He came back after a good five minutes.

He stood maintaining a safe distance from Advait, the diary was clutched behind his back and the tears were threatening to fall from his eyes.

Advait forwarded his hand, "Dikhao."

A lone tear fell down on his cheek and he hesitatingly forwarded the pieces of his diary towards Advait.

Aditya squeezed shut his eyes to prepare himself for the blast.

Advait was incredulous, he looked between the diary and his innocent brother.

"What is this?" He raised his voice making Aditya and Arush jump on their places.

"Diary." He whispered in response.

"Is that what you called a 'diary'?" He sternly asked.

He caught the hold of his ear and again made him stand between his legs.

"Tumne kiya ye?" He asked twisting his ear.

He barely nodded his head when a sharp whack landed on his back and the more tears made it's way to his cheeks.

"Kya soch kar kiya ye books ko aise phada jata hai manners nahi hai?" He scolded harshly.

Aditya gulped and buried his face in his notebook to avoid unwanted attention.

"Bolo kyu kiya ye?" He yelled making him flinched at his place.

He looked at him with watery eyes, "Mu-Mujhe laga isko phadne se homework hum-humesha ke liye khatam ho jayega." He stuttered in fear.