Episode - 02 | The Best Brother.

Aariz had tried to brush off the thought of finding the mysterious voice his sister was obsessing over. However, as the days passed, Ferisha’s restlessness became impossible to ignore. She stayed up late into the night, her eyes shadowed with exhaustion, or spent hours lost in thought, her usually bubbly personality dulled.

Seeing his little sister so troubled began to gnaw at Aariz. He found himself thinking more and more about the strange pull that this voice seemed to have on her.

What was it about this voice that had shaken her so deeply?

One late night, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer, Aariz decided to confront her. He knocked softly on her door and stepped inside. Ferisha was sitting cross-legged on her bed, a bag of chips in her lap, munching absently as she stared at the wall.

“Feri, can I ask you something?” he began, his tone hesitant yet gentle.

She blinked and turned to him, her mouth full of chips. “What?” she mumbled.

Aariz took a seat on the edge of her bed, leaning forward slightly. “What is it about that voice that’s keeping you awake? I mean, I’ve seen people get obsessed with songs, movies, even books... but a voice? I’ve never seen anyone lose sleep over it.”

Ferisha sighed, setting the bag of chips aside. She pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them as she thought about her answer. “I don’t know how to explain it, Bhai,” she admitted, her voice quiet. “It’s not just a voice. It’s the way it made me feel when I heard it. Like... it wasn’t just sound. It felt like...”

“Like what?” Aariz prompted, his brows furrowing in concern.

“Like it reached inside me,” she said, searching for the right words. “Like it spoke to something in me I didn’t even know was there. It was calm, warm, but strong. I don’t know who he is, but I can’t stop thinking about how it felt to hear him speak.”

Aariz frowned, trying to process what she was saying. “You mean... it felt personal? Like it was meant for you?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes, exactly.”

He studied her face, and the sincerity in her eyes made it impossible to dismiss her feelings. Aariz sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “You really are something else, Feri. Falling for a voice,” he muttered.

“I’m not falling for it!” she retorted, her cheeks flushing. “It’s just... I need to know who he is. I feel like I won’t be able to rest until I do.”

Aariz looked at her, the corners of his mouth twitching into a faint smile despite himself. “You’re one of a kind, you know that?”

“Does that mean you’ll help me for sure?” she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

He sighed dramatically. “What choice do I have? You’re clearly not going to let this go.”

Ferisha giggled.

Aariz leaned back slightly, chuckling as he watched his sister light up with excitement. “Well,” he said, trying to sound casual, “if you want, you can come to my room. You can sleep there.”

Before he even finished the sentence, Ferisha shot up from her bed, her eyes sparkling. “I was waiting for this, honestly!” she exclaimed, a grin spreading across her face.

In her usual whirlwind manner, she grabbed her half-eaten bag of chips, her phone, and her trusty pillow, clutching everything like precious treasures. Aariz couldn’t hold back his laughter as he watched her hurriedly bounce around, her enthusiasm radiating through the room.

Then she leapt off her bed, the little tail of her green dinosaur onesie swishing adorably behind her as she ran toward the door. Aariz shook his head, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

As she reached the hallway, he muttered to himself, “Allah! When is this girl ever going to grow up?”

Ferisha turned her head to stick her tongue out at him before disappearing into his room. Aariz sighed, running a hand down his face, but the smile didn’t leave. Her energy might be endless, but moments like this reminded him of how much he cherished her.

He followed her to his room, knowing full well his bed had already been “hijacked.”

Aariz wasted no time the next day. Determined to address his sister’s growing restlessness, he immediately dialled the engineer’s number. When the call connected, Aariz greeted him and got straight to the point.

“Sir, I need your help,” Aariz stated, projecting confidence. “I’m looking for someone, and I believe you may know who I’m talking about.”

The engineer, clearly occupied, sounded distracted. “Who are you referring to? I deal with many people daily. Be more specific.”

Aariz took a deep breath and pressed on. “It’s someone my sister overheard during a call with you the time when our Mansion construction went wrong. A young man—his voice made a lasting impression on her. I understand it sounds unusual, but I need to identify him.”

The engineer paused briefly before responding, “I’m sorry, but I can’t recall who you mean. I’ve been swamped with work. Perhaps when I’m back in town, we can discuss this in detail. Give me two weeks.”

Aariz hesitated for a moment but then firmly agreed. “Alright. Two weeks it is, but I need you to remember this.”

Once the call ended, Aariz leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. Two weeks felt lengthy, especially with Ferisha’s impatience escalating by the day.

The next two weeks proved challenging. Every evening when Aariz returned home, whether from college, the gym, or meeting friends, Ferisha would be waiting for him, her hopeful eyes lighting up the moment he walked through the door.

“Bhai!” she called out eagerly. “Did you find him?”

Each time, Aariz sighed and placed a reassuring hand on her head. “Not yet, Feri. You need to be patient.”

However, patience was not Ferisha’s strong suit, and Aariz knew this all too well. He could see the disappointment flicker across her face, even though she attempted to mask it. It was wearing on him too—watching her become increasingly consumed by this unknown voice.

Despite his reassurances, Aariz found himself pondering her restlessness more.

What was it about that voice that had captivated her so intensely?

And what would happen if they never found him?

As the two weeks dragged on, Aariz resolutely committed to doing whatever it took to bring a smile back to his sister’s face, even if it meant stepping far outside his comfort zone. For now, he would wait, but he wouldn’t let this matter rest for long.

___

Two weeks had passed, yet the engineer still had not returned. Aariz was left with no choice but to wait for him to arrive.

___

The Next Month.

Ferisha lay on her bed, her heart racing with anticipation. It was her 18th birthday, and she knew her family would surprise her, as they always did. She glanced at the clock, willing the hands to move faster.

When the clock struck 12, she sat up with a confident smile, eyes fixed on the door. She expected the familiar sound of footsteps, the cheerful knock, the door swinging open with her family bearing gifts and laughter.

But nothing happened.

Her smile faded, replaced by irritation. She checked the clock again. “It’s already 12. Why hasn’t anyone come?” she murmured, disappointment creeping into her voice.

She waited longer, her hope dwindling with each tick of the clock. By 12:05, her heart sank. This had never happened before. Her family had never forgotten her birthday. And Aariz, her brother, was always the first to burst into her room with a teasing grin and warm wishes. Where was he?

Resolutely, she climbed out of bed, the initial excitement now giving way to concern. She tiptoed to the door and cracked it open, peering into the dimly lit hallway. Silence reigned.

Stepping out, she surveyed the corridor. Nothing. The house, usually vibrant with energy, now felt hauntingly still. She marched to Aariz’s room, her bare feet brushing against the cool floor.

At his door, she pressed her ear against it, determined to catch any sound—a shuffle, a voice, anything. But it was silent. Frustration bubbled inside her.

She knocked firmly, calling out, “Bhai? Are you in there?” Yet, still, no response.

Feeling defeated but resolute, she turned away from the door and descended the staircase. The lavish hall below loomed in shadows, faintly illuminated by the dim LED lights. The house, once her sanctuary, felt alien now.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she paused, her eyes adjusting to the low light. Disappointment pressed against her chest like a stone. “Did they really forget?” she thought, her determination hardening with each passing moment.

Ferisha positioned herself on the last stair, her elbows resting firmly on her knees, hands cupping her cheeks. Disappointment weighed heavily on her heart, draining away the excitement she had felt. She glared into the dimly lit hall, determined to understand how everyone could forget such a crucial day.

Just as she let out an exasperated sigh, the house erupted into life. All the lights flickered on simultaneously, flooding the space with a warm, golden glow.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as the hall transformed dramatically. The sleek black and silver theme creates a sophisticated ambiance, with a shimmering sequin backdrop that adds a luxurious touch. The illuminated "Happy Birthday" neon sign takes center stage, making the decoration look more glamorous.

The large "18" numbers with glowing lights stand out, signifying a milestone moment in Ferisha's life. Surrounding the display are clusters of black, silver, and metallic balloons, arranged by her brother to match her taste. The combination of glossy and transparent balloons with glittery elements adds depth and texture to the decoration.



“Happy Birthday, Feri!” her family shouted in unison, their voices ringing through the hall.

She blinked, her mouth dropping open as she took in the surprising scene. Aariz stepped forward, a mischievous grin plastered on his face, holding a bouquet of roses in one hand and a party hat in the other. “You didn’t honestly think we’d forget, did you?” he teased, placing the hat firmly on her head.

Their parents emerged from behind him, clapping and beaming with warmth. “Surprise, darling!” her mother declared, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Ferisha’s shock swiftly shifted to laughter, her cheeks flushing with a mix of joy and playful indignation. “You guys are unbelievable!” she exclaimed, her voice ringing with delight.

Aariz chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Unbelievable? Honestly, Feri, admit it—we pulled off the ultimate surprise!”

She couldn't suppress her laughter, tears of happiness welling up in her eyes. “You absolutely did,” she confessed, her heart swelling with gratitude as she surveyed the people she cherished most.

“Now, make a wish,” Aariz urged, gesturing to the cake. “And don’t take your time. I’m starving.”

Everyone laughed, and Ferisha confidently stepped toward the cake, the candles flickering brightly before her. She closed her eyes, a smile firmly settling on her lips as she made her wish.

When she opened them, she blew out the candles to the thunderous cheers and applause, feeling more ecstatic than she had in weeks.

It was the triumphant beginning to her 18th birthday.

__

After the birthday celebration wrapped up, Aariz led Ferisha to his room with a purposeful stride. She followed closely, balancing the remaining pieces of her birthday cake in her hands, a triumphant grin lighting up her face.

“Bhai! My cake's going to fall,” she half-heartedly protested, her tone playful yet firm. “Where are we headed?”

Aariz glanced back at her, a confident smirk on his lips. “Just come with me. You’ll see.”

Once they entered his room, Ferisha confidently dropped onto the couch, instantly prioritizing her cake over her surroundings. As Aariz moved toward his wardrobe, she caught a glimpse of him sifting through it but held off her curiosity until he pulled out a file and approached her, extending it with a teasing grin.

“Here’s your birthday gift,” he declared, his voice filled with mischief.

Ferisha eyed the file with a hint of suspicion. “What’s this? Are you seriously gifting me a house in LA?” she asked, her excitement palpable.

Aariz let out a laugh, settling next to her with an air of assurance. “Trust me, it’s something way better,” he teased.

Intrigued, Ferisha handed him her cake without hesitation. “Hold this,” she commanded playfully, grabbing a wet wipe from the side table to clean her hands. Once content, she took the file, anticipation bubbling within her.

As she opened it, her brows furrowed at the sight of a man’s picture clipped to the top page. Confusion washed over her as she looked up at Aariz. “Who’s this? Bhai, don’t tell me you and Mom-Dad are trying to marry me off. That’s not happening!”

Aariz rolled his eyes, suppressing a groan. “Stop being so dramatic, Feri. If this were a marriage proposal, I’d be the first in line to get married. Now, focus and look properly.”

Still skeptical, she pointed insistently at the photo. “Then who is this guy?”

With a composed demeanour, Aariz leaned back, crossing his arms, a smirk dancing on his lips. “Someone you’ve desperately wanted to meet. Your love at first call.”

Ferisha froze, her eyes widening with realization. She snapped her gaze back to the file, intently studying the striking man in the picture. Her heartbeat quickened as clarity dawned on her.

“He’s the one?” she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Aariz, already enjoying her leftover cake with satisfaction, nodded affirmatively. “He’s the one. Your first love.”

Pure joy erupted on Ferisha’s face. She eagerly flipped through the file, absorbing the details. The man’s name was clearly typed at the top: Zehraan Ali Nawaz.

Her lips curled into a triumphant smile as she spoke his name softly yet assertively, “Zehraan Ali Nawaz.”

Ariz observed her reaction, feeling a mixture of amusement and pride. Seeing his sister this happy made all his efforts undeniably worthwhile.

To Be Continued... 🦋

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***