Pearl's pov
I went inside holding 2-3 shopping bags in both hands to avoid my family's suspicion. Driver uncle also followed me, carrying more bags. When I entered the living room, I saw my parents and brother enjoying their tea. Everyone turned to me when they heard my footsteps, and they all smiled warmly.
"Did you return safely, sweetheart?"
my mom asked.
"Yes, mom,"
I said, smiling at her.
They frowned, looking at my hands. I followed their gaze only to realize they were looking at the bags in my hand.
"Pearl, why are you carrying those?"
my brother asked, still with the same expression.
"Oh, these? They're not heavy, brother. Uncle was stopping me from carrying them, but he was already holding so many bags that I wanted to help him,"
I said.
"That's so sweet of you, sweetheart. Come, sit with us,"
my mom said.
"No, mom, let me change first, then I'll join you guys,"
I replied and headed to my room upstairs. I went in, grabbed a pair of pajamas with long sleeves, and stepped into the bathroom. Stripping off my dress, I stood under the shower, scrubbing my hands where he had grabbed me. They turned red. I saw the ugly bruises he left on my hands through my blurred vision; the water was blurring my eyes, but I cried silently in the shower.
Brother was right; this world is not good for an introvert like me. I must stay away from the outside world. Now I understand why bhai wants me to cover my face when I go out. I understand his concerns now, but he's a little overprotective.
I turned off the shower, wrapped a towel around myself, and stepped out. I dried off and applied ointment to my bruises. It stung a lot, and I just gulped; I couldn't even scream. I'm very sensitive to pain. Then I put on my long-sleeved pajamas, which were so big that they covered my palms too. It was a little oversized, but I needed it in this situation. I can't explain to them what I went through today; my brother would forbid me from going outside again. Although I get what I want while staying home, I want to buy my art supplies on my own. He'd make me take my classes from home too, so it's better to keep this to myself. I tied my hair in a messy bun, with baby hairs falling on my forehead here and there.
It's a good thing I asked driver uncle not to say anything to my brother. I saw guilt written on his face, but it wasn't his fault. It was that man's fault. Anyone can make a mistake, but he has no right to judge others. He's an arrogant, ruthless bastard who doesn't respect others. He's full of himself. His arrogance got on my nerves. I'm usually not someone who gets angry easily, but he made me furious instantly. Oh god, forget him, pearl, don't think about him. He's not worth your time—just forget about him,
my mind scolded me.
I went downstairs. My mom and brother were still sitting in the living room, talking. They heard my footsteps and looked in my direction. Suddenly, I felt scared out of nowhere. Come on, Pearl, they are your family, not him. Calm down, calm down. I saw them frowning at me. I climbed down the last step and went to them. They were still looking at me, this time with concern.
"What happened, sweetheart? Are you alright? Why are you looking so pale? Are you not feeling well?"
my mom asked, concerned.
"No, no, mom, I'm good; it's just that I'm tired, that's all,"
I wanted to say, but no words came out of my mouth as my mom and brother kept looking at me.
I suddenly remembered his piercing and disgusting gaze and began to panic. I couldn't believe I couldn't shake off this feeling.
"No, no, Pearl, get a grip; they are your family. Don't be scared, you are safe,"
my mind said, trying to reassure me. But still, I didn't know why I felt like my feet were glued to the ground. Why couldn't I move? Oh god, I don't want to fall to the ground. Oh my god, what should I do?
As I was thinking, I suddenly felt someone hugging me. I looked up to see my brother embracing me in his arms. I felt secure and suddenly relaxed in his arms. I sighed in relief.
'You're okay, Pearl. Don't let him cloud your mind. It's making you hate and fear your own family. Calm down,'
I consoled myself.
"Are you okay, pearl? Are you hurting anywhere? Did anything happen at the mall? I felt that you were scared on the phone. Is everything alright, beta?"
my brother asked, full of concern, still holding me in his arms.
"Yes, brother, I'm alright. I'm just tired from wandering around the mall,"
I said, hugging my brother back.
"Okay, Pearl, don't scare us like that,"
he said, kissing my forehead and leading me to the sofa while holding my hands to sit beside my mom.
I just nodded in affirmation. I looked at my mom only to see concern and sadness written all over her face.
"Mom, I'm really alright. Don't be sad, okay? Oh, come on, mom,"
I said, side-hugging her. I looked up again to see if her expression had calmed, but instead, I saw confusion.
"Why are you wearing such a big outfit, Pearl, and one with thick, full sleeves in this warm climate? Aren't you uncomfortable? Do you have a cold or fever? Are you sick, love?"
my mom bombarded me with questions, placing her hand on my forehead to check for a fever.
"Mom, mom, relax. I'm cold because I was in AC the whole day, so I felt chilly. That's why I'm wearing this, and I'm comfortable,"
I reassured her, lying smoothly.
For the first time in my life, I lied to my family, and it was all because of that jerk. I had to do this because I have a reason.
If my brother finds out what happened today...
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