A NEW FAMILY MEMBER

Everything was well that day, but the next day, Dad received a call from the hospital informing him that Krunal had been in an accident.

I've never seen Dad so worried.

My father and I went to the hospital.

Doctors assured us we had nothing to worry about because the fractures were non-fatal, but he was in ICU.

Dad and I gave Krunal a visit to the ICU and spoke with him.

"How are you now, Krunal?" "The doctor said there's nothing to worry about; you'll be OK; all you have to do is rest," Dad said to Krunal.

"I'm well, sir; thank you for coming," Kurnal said.

"Krunal, how did the accident happen?" my father inquired.

"Why are you asking such questions now, Dad? Let him rest," I suggested.

"Sir, "that was not a random accident; it was pre-planned. "I must be lucky to be alive," Krunal stated.

I had no idea that I got tears while he was speaking.

"What is this, Dad?"

" "Who Did this?

"I yelled at my father.

"Don't yell at your father none of this his fault," Krunal said.

My father appeared to be to blame for what had happened to Krunal.

"Can you wait outside, Shristi?" "I need to talk to him privately," my father said hesitantly.

I stepped outside and waited for a while, curious as to what they were talking about.

My father came out a few minutes later and told me not to bother him since he was leaving to bring some fruits.

I waited until my father had left before entering and taking a seat next to Krunal.

We stared at each other for a while after I went inside, without saying anything.

"Do you have anything to ask or have you simply dropped by?" he inquired nervously.

I couldn't figure out why he asked; maybe it was because my face appeared as though I had a thousand inquiries.

"Shristi, how are you and your father doing?" he inquired.

"Yes, why do you ask in that way?" I inquired.

"You appear to be upset with him for happening this to me," he remarked.

"Yeah, but what kind of business is this? Is it necessary to put people's lives at risk?" I inquired.

"Yes, that is required. Even though we are correct, a few people will oppose, but we should not give up if someone opposes; that is what your father is doing "He stated.

"Fine, just be careful next time," I said, smiling.

"You have to be careful in college," he remarked.

"Krunal, why do you care so much about my family?" I inquired.

"Shristi, are you sure you want to know this?" he asked.

"Yes, I always wonder, considering how much you care about my family and how much my father cares about you, who you are?" I questioned hesitantly.

"I'll tell you, but keep it between us," he asked.

"OK, it'll be between us; tell me now," I assured.

"I was born an orphan. Those orphanage caregivers informed me your father took care of me for a few days before he joined me at that orphanage.

I grew up there, and your father provided for my needs and schooling.

I'm bad at school for a reason: I always miss my parents. I rejoined your father as a grownup, and I have always admired the way he respects me. He gave me everything when my parents abandoned me. That is why I work for him. As your older brother, I promised to protect your family and his business.", Kruanl explained.

With his past, he touched my heart. I felt terrible about my hatred for Krunal.

"Krunal, you are no longer an orphan; you are my brother from now. I'm sorry for being so disrespectful to you without understanding all of this about you; please forgive me "I begged pardon.

"It's all right, Shristi. When you're angry, you're cute. I've always dreamed of a sister like you."

For a short instant, I was overtaken with emotion and happy for Krunal's being in my life.

I always thought he was pushing himself too far in my family matter and I was wrong.

We had a wonderful brother-sister moment, and I wished him a speedy recovery.

While my father was arriving, he brought some fruits and good news: the source of the problem had been eradicated by the police, and we were no longer in danger.

I felt very lucky for a moment, that was a very memorable day in my life.

I wanted to question Dad about Krunal as we were heading back home.

I was thinking about whether or not to inquire.

"Dad, why didn't the Krunal parents show up?" I inquired.

"Dear, how do I put this—he lost his parents at a very young age," he said softly.

"Then who will look after him now that he's been discharged?" I inquired.

"He's living with his friends, so they might take care of him," he explained.

"Really?" "But I think they might have some job to do," I inquired.

"Sweety, I know how you feel, but it has to be that way, right?" He explained.

"However, dad, why don't you take him home with us for a few days till he recovers?" I said.

"I'm really lucky to have a daughter like you, a child, who is concerned about others, but do you think your mother agrees?" he asked.

"However Krunal worked for us all these years, it will be a token of gratitude to take care of him in his difficult times; as well, I was bored at home since my little brother left for boarding school; Krunal will be my big brother, and I will talk to mom about this," I said.

My father looked stunned at my words.

"I'm proud of you, child; you have a bigger heart than I expected," he said cheerfully.

He agreed to my words, and I can't wait to tell Pritam about it when I persuade my mother.

Mom was quite interested in what happened at the hospital once we arrived and freshened up.

Dad began to tell her what had happened, and he also stated that he wanted to bring Krunal home for a few days.

Mom seemed surprised and told Dad that they needed to talk about it.

That night, I was delighted, and I texted Pritam to tell him what had happened.

He also expressed his gratitude for what had happened and expressed his eagerness to see me.

The following morning was the last day of vacation, and I couldn't bear listening to Mom's decision.