I let out a whistle as the feeling of gratification evolves around me. I grab my backpack from the conveyor and slung it over my shoulders. My backpack weighs down from the glistening trophy but an indescribable feeling of euphoria.

I breathe in the Delhi air as my heart feels at home. Someone truly said that you are at peace in your city, sitting in the comfort of your room. When you have been outside the country for long the longing does not cease to exist. There is this calm in the Delhi rush and traffic which is irrefutable by the natives here.

My security team and the police give me a sign of affirmation to exit. As I neared the exit door my hands worked automatically to pull my cap down and place my sunglasses as I prepare myself for the upcoming intrusive questions. The peace of my inner thoughts is filled with shouts, cheers, and a barrage of questions.

" You have had a slight injury in Australia, how are you coping up?"

" There was news for you butting head with the Australian captain are they true?"

" Mark Woodsey managed to take your wicket yet again. What will be your strategies against him?"

" Are you dating an Australia fan?"

Oh! That's a new one.

My memory might be quite vague but the media once broadcasted a piece of news that I was involved in a whirlwind romance with a girl from Mumbai and to butter up the made-up incident further they added that she left my apartment at an ungodly hour in the night. I did not dare myself to read it any further before they disclose any confidential information about me which funnily is not true, again. I do not remember the last time a female companion stayed back at my place. I am not going to hide the fact that there has never been a lack of female attention due to popularity and money. I'd had a fair share of girlfriends. The latest miss India, models, and actresses but not even one could make me settle down for life.No offense to them. I still remember a 2-year article from Cosmopolitan India which openly questioned, who would be the woman to tie down Arjun Malhotra? Honestly, I am also sitting wide-eyed and open arms.

This is not my first time maneuvering my way through the sea of reporters and admirers. I have lived in the limelight enough to handle this bombarding. I do not tend to be shocked by a microphone being pushed my way or my t-shirt being pulled which is exactly what is happening right now. You never get used to it.

I was 18 when I first played from team India in the Under 19 world cup. I remember being scared of stepping onto the field in the first match. There was an intangible pressure on my shoulders and I knew if I do not give my 100% here then there would be no chance for me to showcase it. I still count myself lucky to be one of the 15 and further being one of the 11 players who would walk onto the field with India plastered over the chest and our names on the back for the world to see. Many eyes were watching the upcoming players of every country as they would carry on the teams further.

I gave in what all I had right on the field as slowly and steadily with the continuous zeal I emerged as the star batsman of the world cup. I took the 'Man of the Tournament' trophy home and team India came out victorious. Sometimes I close my eyes as I replay that moment again and again. The moment that changes my life in inexplicable ways.

I began catching the eyes of the cricket fraternity and the media. There has been no turning back from that day. Match after match, series after series, and at the age of 24, I secured a permanent position at number 3 in the team. I look at all the love and support poured in for me which makes me push myself every day to do better and to make me the countrymen proud.

Cricket runs into the blood of Indians. People worship us, they have so much faith in us. I know when I step into the field that I am carrying hopes of 1.3 billion people. I was one among millions who wanted this one chance.

This feels like a true blessing and privilege.

I was back in Delhi after a successful Australia series which we won by 3 - 1. I would be a fool to imagine that there would be no media outside the airport. I spot my car and bodyguards clear out a way for me and usher me inside.

" Congratulations and welcome back." I hear as soon as I settle down. I turn to rest my back against the door as I remove my backpack to keep it on my side.

" Thank you. You look, good uncle." I smile wholeheartedly at my manager.

Mohan Talwar, a 51-year-old man with an impeccable white beard that looks like ice. He was an old aid of my father and joined the company when he was fresh out of college. When my name was reaching places, many endorsements started coming my way. I was a clueless and quite perplexed 21-year-old boy and that's when I knew only one man could be of any help to me. While others have moved on to more professional, young, and charismatic managers, I never thought that was even a possibility. Mohan uncle was slightly unconventional with his approach but he was the best for me.

" Acha toh me jabse divorce hua hai tabse hi lagne lag gaya ( I started looking good from the day I got divorced)." I throw my head back and laugh. Uncle was divorced with no kids which I think paved a way for his sense of humor.

" Ahhh...ab samjh. Forever the heartbreaker. ( Now I get it )." I give him a knowing look with an affirmative head bobble.

" I am getting many calls but I have scrutinied 4 offers. I do have one video that has piqued my interest." He looks at me with skepticism and holds out his iPad for me to see.

" This is my video," I state, as a matter of fact, not knowing where it is going.

" Beta, the words are also yours." He plays a very short clip where I could be seen fuming with anger and my colorful strings of words could be easily deciphered from my lip movements. Oh ho!

" Khotyaa...penalty lag jaani hai. ( fool, you could be penalized)." He smacks the back of my head like a toddler.

" Uncle, he was getting on my nerves. " I throw my arms forward.

" Or you were angry at yourself because you let go of your wicket because of your mistake." He lifts his brow in a knowing gesture and I slouch back.

" We seem to be at an impasse." I tap my thighs not meeting his eyes.

" Impasse vaase kuch nahi..you do not lose your calm Arjun. You are very well collected with your emotions and that is a commendable quality. You get my point."

He was right that I never lose my calm. It was not like that I have never been the one to sled or reply furiously but they were not a regular occurrence. Anger takes you nowhere.

" I understand." I nod my head in affirmation and deleting the video as I pass on the iPad back to him with a boyish grin.

" Now, rest. I'll contact you with the final deals and then we can get it rolling." He moves his finger in a round motion with an aghast look on his face.

" Is it something the young managers around you do?" I try to stop my lips from curling into a smile but I am failing miserably.

" Rolling? Ghumana !" He exclaims and starts putting his stuff back into his shoulder bag as we near the home.

" You are anyway cooler." I clasp his shoulder with a chuckle.

"Punjabi hu." He waves as soon as the car stops and we both bark out a laugh.

___________

This is not the welcoming sight I was expecting.

This is the first thought that comes into my mind as I take over the scene in front of me. I puff air into my cheeks and slowly release it. Here we go.

" You look good." I wonder if this was a statement or a question.

Karn Sharm, my brother, my sole family. He slowly looks up from the half-consumed glass of scotch with a welcoming smile but there is something buried underneath his facade. He is slouched against the sofa as his shoe-clad foot is placed right on the cream sofa. I step towards him and stop right in front of him as I tilt my head unconsciously examining him.

" I feel good." His voice sounds inebriated and somber. I bend down slowly to take the glass from his hand and very precisely remove his foot from the sofa and to my pleasure he does. Shoes on the sofa and bed are something that irks me but what disturbs me more about this situation that he is not putting up a nonsensical fight or does his best to infuriate me. This does not look good. My worry spikes suddenly.

" Ok. What would be the reason?" I ask him as my eyes narrow slightly to grasp the situation better. Karn leaps out of the seat to hug me which I happily return but, something is eating him. It is almost palpable.

" Arjunnnnn, it's great to have you back. Chakke chuda diye Australia ke ( You crushed Australia)." He moves back giving after squeezing my shoulders.

" Karn Karn.... sit back," I speak softly. Karn shakes his head and rushes to get something from the hidden corner.

" This is your gift! Specially imported from New Zealand." Karn comes back cradling the bottle like a baby. I take a hold of the bottle before he drowns himself to being unconscious or worse, DEAD!

"It is very tall." I raise my brows and look at Karn.

" Yes." He says cheerily.

Karn Sharma is a businessman. He imparts as rich, arrogant, ruthless, disciplined, and all the adjectives well fitted to a businessman painted like a freaking rainbow but well there is always a ' but '. The reality is strikingly contradictory.

He is all that but he is my brother. He has two strikingly different personalities. The second one is our secret. He is everything that is expected of a businessman and more than that, he is the best brother. He can lift my spirits, he is always ecstatic. If he is somber then it simply means trouble and worry.

I still remember when I first met him. I was orphaned at the age of 6 and my immediate relatives turned me over into an orphanage.

I was the aloof child here always playing on my own. I heard a boy of my age who is dressed immaculately arguing with the nearby balloon seller on the road and trying to sell his obnoxious business deal to him. A few moments later he came up to me and simply stared at me juggling with my cricket ball.

" Can I play?" He extended his hand forward but I chose to ignore.

" Mujhe Bhi khelna hai ( I want to play )." He repeated in Hindi because he must have thought that I am not well versed in English.

" I don't want to," I replied not sparing him a glance.

" I am here to meet my sister." He continues with an elated voice.

" Congratulations." I genuinely felt happy for her to have a family.

" Mumma said I can choose my brother or sister." What is wrong with him? I am not interested in talking to him.

" You look like my twin brother." This makes me stop midway from my next throw as I turn to look at him. He had the same light skin tone as me, we looked somewhat similar but that's just when you see it from a distance. We were the same height, even our hair was slightly wavy but no, I was not his twin.

" You are an idiot." I deadpan and go back to throwing the ball.

" No, I am not." He stomps his feet.

" Mummaaa... " He shouts and goes back inside to his parents.

Around 10 minutes later he comes back dragging his parents by their clothes.

" Look at him." He points right at me. I look up at his parents who give me a loving smile evoking a sense of warmth in me.

" I want him as my brother. No one else." He runs to stand right beside me and his parent's mouths widen and they let out a breezy laugh.

" You are our long-lost son but I guess we found you now." His mother comes forward and bends right in front of me and takes my hands in her soft ones.

" What is your name mera baccha? ( My child )" She asks passing her fingers through my hair. A surge of emotions passes through me and a lump forms in my mouth.

" Arjun Malhotra." I say after clearing my throat. Her eyes look just like my mother. There was love so much love.

" That's a great name. Do you want to come with us? I promise we will love you so much and you will be Arjun Malhotra always. Karn needs a brother and we need a son. You are going to be our own. Will you let us have the honor?" She kisses my hand affectionately and looks at me with hope. I move my eyes away as tears form in my eyes voluntarily.

" You will complete our family. I would want nothing else than fathering two most amazing boys." His father comes up to me and moves his hand on my head in a fatherly manner. After a very long time,e my heart blooms and thumps harder against my cheat. Tears roll down my eyes and I throw my arms around her, my mother.

" Thank you," I say into her neck as I feel her body shake with cries just like mine.

They always kept their promise.

I was home.

____________

"It's 3 in the noon. Do you know where I am going with this?" I tip my chin towards the scotch-filled glass.

" Brother, sweetie don't be a spoilsport,)." He whines and tries to grab the bottle out of my hold but I take a step back.

" I cracked an amazing deal last night and then you won the man of the series match. I just want to get myself drunk out of happiness." Karn rubs my shoulder and leans forward. I pull away as much as I can. He's going to kiss me. God no!

" I spare you." he says wiggling his eyebrows. Thank you, lord.

" I have to attend a meeting so you will show me the souvenirs you got me. Then I'll leave." He claps his hands and settles down.

Yes, I have to get Karn souvenirs from every tour. He is picky and whiny when it comes to gifts. There was an instance when I got him quite an expensive watch but much to my dismay I got to know he has been sweeping out mine just fine. A silver Rolex peeks from his cuffs and I guess it's mine too.

" You are going to tell me what is going on ?" I place the bottle on the table and sit right beside him. He gives me a side-eyes, hard.

" I...Disha and I broke up. " He rubs his hands in his face and the effect of alcohol notches down.

" You guys were doing just fine before I left." My brows knit automatically contemplating the possible reasons.

" Same story." He sighs in dejection.

The story is quite simple. He meets a girl, they go out, he spends an outrageous amount of money on dates, showers them with all his heart and gifts, and then... nothing.

It does not turn into some serious and comes at a dead end. Any woman would be lucky to have him and it's not just money but his big heart. He would shower love and every luxury he can afford.

" We are young and there is no pressure to settle down. One day you are going to meet just the perfect woman until then spoil me." I wiggle my brows playfully when he gives me a blank stare.

" That is where my whole money is going actually." He states firmly.

" What do you want to do tonight?

We can take a trip?" I shrug nonchalantly.

" You are so sour on trips. I have to drag your ass around the whole day. I know you just want to stay at home after a foreign tour." He scoffs at the end.

" What else?" I prompt.

" I want to go on a drive in one particular car." He turns his body completely to face me with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

" You said anything." He points his index finger at me accusingly as soon as I open my mouth. I sigh and articulate my words properly.

" Karn. you wrecked my last car. You thought it would be amazing to drive it on congested roads of old Delhi to see whether it can be driven there or not. " I try to keep calm and not remember what he made out of my new car. The horror!

" And I proved a point. You can't take that car to purani Dilli ( Old Delhi). It is going to dent. How is that my mistake?" He gives me a look as if I am being unreasonable here.

"I should be thanking you as you were a great help. There is a dent, scratches and the color has scrapped off the edges; you are a great help as always."

I give him a tight smile.

" These snide remarks won't be taken lightly. Looks like the fate of that car is again in my hand. Now the keys." He stretches out his hand and wiggles his fingers.

He'd had a bad day.

" In the bowl." My face is hanging low.

Karn is a multimillionaire but he is the adamant follower of the saying - your siblings' s stuff is even better.

" I'll see you after I take my car for a smooth drive." I hear him shout on his way out.

"That's not your car Karn and that souvenirs you were asking about well guess what I didn't get any," I shout back.

He is back in the living room in a second and looks at me indignantly as he tries to read my face.

" You are lying. Try harder, next time brother."

______________

" Smooth as a butter." I hear him enter the living room. My back is facing him.

" I hope you enjoyed it. Here take this it is yours." I shove the trolly in his direction when he takes the seat right in front of me.

" Did you get what I told you?" He asks bringing the trolly right between his legs.

" No, I did not get you a baby koala. They would die here." I state sharply because it does not seem to get through its thick skull.

" I was just kidding. I know you can't just hide animals in your bag and take them back with you." Karn says while looking all suspicious as he clears his throat and checks for a non-existent lint on his suit.

" Why do I have a feeling you tried something like that?" I throw slits in his direction.

" Not going to lie. I did plan on taking a panda when I was in China for some business but let just say I got besotted with them."

" Why a panda?" I ask confused.

" That shit is cute and their brain work in some fucked up way. They are endangered and for a second I thought that humans can be abrasive but then I saw 2 pandas sitting on a branch and just below that there is was a mountain bottom. This is why they are endangered. Also, china trades pandas for a billion US dollars " He exclaims like he is at some motivational seminars.

" I wonder what if your investors, partners see you in your not-so-whitewashed form. That would be a spectacle" I make a hmm sound and look up at the ceiling.

" I am a tyrant outside and trust me you don't want me to unleash that side of mine in front of your baby brother. " That dark, arrogant, ruthless aura he has ( for everyone except for me ) takes over his face.

" Are you trying to scare me?" I say with a straight face.

" I can't even if I try to." He chuckles and a smile breaks on my face.