It was Raksha Bandhan.
The day when sisters tie threads on wrists—symbolic, gentle promises of protection.
But for Siya, it was more than a thread this time.
It was a cry for support.
It was a scream in silence—
"Please hold me before I fall again."
🌸 A Special Request
She stood outside her house that morning, eyes darting between the gate and the lane.
Her fingers fiddled with the Rakhi box.
The wind blew softly.
But her heart was racing.
"Abhi, tu aa raha hai na?" (You're coming, right?)
"Siya, I don't think—"
"Please don't say no. You're the only brother I have… and I really need you today."
His voice softened.
"Okay. I'm coming."
He was shy.
An introvert.
And ever since her breakup with Ruhan—his best friend—he had kept his distance.
But today?
She wouldn't let that happen.
💗 The Thread Was Tied
When he entered, she lit up for the first time in days.
"Baith na, tujhe toh dher saari daant deni hai." (Sit down. You deserve a good scolding.)
He smiled shyly, scratching the back of his head.
She brought the plate—diya, roli, Rakhi, sweets.
And gently tied the thread around his wrist.
"I know I was wrong… but thank you for still coming."
"Sisters don't need to be perfect to be loved," he said softly.
She looked at him—and her eyes welled up.
🏡 Parents Leave, Memories Stay
Her parents were happy to see them laugh together.
After chatting for a while, they went to the relative's house nearby, leaving the two alone in the living room.
The laughter slowly faded.
And silence sat between them.
"Abhi…"
"Hmm?"
"Do you remember how it all started? Ruhan and me?"
He nodded.
"You were glowing like a fool when he proposed to you. I thought you'd pass out from blushing."
She chuckled.
But then her smile faded.
"We were so happy. Weren't we?"
He didn't reply.
"You saw it, right? How real it was?"
Still silence.
And then, her voice broke.
💔 A Confession in Pieces
"Abhi... I still love him."
She bit her lip, trying to control the sob.
"It's been months. And every day I wake up hoping to see his message. I tell myself, 'Maybe today he'll call. Maybe today he'll say he wants me back.'"
"But he doesn't."
Tears started rolling.
"I miss him so much. I pretend I'm fine. I talk to people, I post stories, I smile… but inside, I'm just empty."
"I ruined it. I blocked him. I didn't trust him. I thought avoiding him would heal me. But I'm dying here, Abhi. Slowly. Quietly."
He sat still, eyes moist.
"Siya..."
"I just want him back. Even if for a moment. I just want to hear him say my name again like he used to."
"I can't breathe anymore with this weight."
She covered her face and cried like a child.
🤝 The Brother's Promise
Abhi moved closer, slowly placing a hand on her head.
"You both hurt each other, Siya. You both bled. But don't think for a second that he doesn't love you anymore."
"I've seen his pain too. He never bad-mouthed you. He never moved on. Not even close. He just… shut down."
She looked up, stunned.
"He didn't?"
Abhi shook his head.
"No. He just keeps everything inside. Just like you."
She leaned into his shoulder and whispered:
"What should I do, bhaiya? I don't know how to go back. But I can't live without him either."
Abhi looked down at the Rakhi on his wrist.
"Let this Rakhi be more than tradition today."
"Let it be my promise—that I'll help you bring back the happiness you deserve. Even if I have to talk to him myself."
She clutched his arm tightly.
🌙 That Night
She stood in front of the mirror later that night, staring at the tear-stained version of herself.
But something had changed.
There was hope now.
The thread she tied in the morning wasn't just on his wrist…
It now tied her broken heart to a chance again.
And this time?
She wasn't going to give up so easily.