Confronting Reality

As I slipped into unconsciousness, the world around me faded into darkness. I was vaguely aware of Karun's strong arms lifting me, wrapping me in a warm blanket, and carrying me back to the safety of our home. His voice, filled with concern and love, was a soothing melody that guided me through the haze of my mind.

When I finally regained consciousness, I found myself lying in my bed, the soft sheets enveloping me like a cocoon. My eyes fluttered open, and I was greeted by the concerned gaze of Hemma. Relief washed over her face as she saw me awake, and she quickly called out for Karun.

In a matter of seconds, Karun was by my side, his eyes brimming with tears. He took my hand in his, holding it tightly as if afraid I would slip away again

After a moment, Hemma gently suggested that we join her for lunch. As we sat around the table, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension. Karun's eyes followed my every moment. All the worry was evident in his eyes, silently urging me to speak.

Finally, unable to bear the weight of his gaze any longer, I began to explain what had happened. I recounted the vivid dreams that had plagued me, the mysterious visitor who had haunted my subconscious, and the overwhelming sense of urgency that had driven me to the sea.

Karun listened in stunned silence, his expression alternating between anger and concern. When I finished speaking, he was silent for a long moment, his fists clenched in frustration.

"Why didn't you tell me about this sooner, Kathy?" he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration and worry. "We could have avoided all of this if you had just spoken up."

I recoiled at the accusation in his tone, feeling a pang of guilt wash over me. "I... I didn't want to worry you," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "And besides, what could we have done? We can't just abandon the mission because of a few dreams."

Karun's expression softened "But Kathy, this isn't just about the mission," he said gently. "Your safety is more important." He turned to me with a look of determination in his eyes. "We need to abort this mission, Kathy," he said firmly. "I won't let anything happen to us, no matter what the chairman says."

But I shook my head, "We can't, Karun," I insisted. "We don't have a choice. We have to see this through to the end, no matter what the cost." I saw karun, my brother whose determination seemed unwavered. I softened, "I know, Karun," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "But... but something is calling to me from the other side. I can't explain it, but I feel like we need to see this through to the end."

Karun's eyes widened in alarm, and he opened his mouth to protest, instead he got up and left.

After Karun left, Hemma's voice softened as she recounted the events of the morning. "I was awakened by a frantic knocking on my door," she began, her eyes reflecting the worry etched on Karun's face. "When I opened it, Karun was there, his eyes wide with fear. He told me he had found you unconscious and wet by the sea, and he was shaking with worry as he brought you back home."

Her words painted a vivid picture of Karun's concern, his usual composed demeanor shattered by the sight of his sister in distress. She described how he had rushed across the rooms, his footsteps echoing with urgency as he carried you, his hands trembling with fear for your well-being.

"He was beside himself with worry," Hemma continued, her voice filled with compassion. "He couldn't bear the thought of something happening to you, Miss. Kathy. You mean everything to him, and he would do anything to protect you."

As she spoke, I felt a lump form in my throat, overwhelmed by the depth of my brother's love and concern. Despite his tough exterior, Karun had always been fiercely protective of me, and knowing that he had been so worried about me brought tears to my eyes.

"He's just worried about you, Kathy," Hemma reassured me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "He loves you kathy, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, That's what family does..."