Season 7 Chapter 11

As our parents listened to our words, their shock grew. Angela was initially hesitant to speak, but after I recounted the incident, Mom comforted her and gently encouraged her to share her story. We sat in the living room, and Angela's eyes welled up with tears as she struggled to find the right words. Dad, looking restless, dialled Akari's number. Though he tried to maintain his composure in front of his beloved daughter, I recognized the intense anger in his eyes—it was a look that suggested he could do anything if pushed too far.

As Akari stood in our living room, her presence dominating the space, she glared at me with an air of defiance. Her posture was rigid, her head held high, and her face set in an expression of disdain. She fixed her eyes on Angela, who looked down, clearly terrified and struggling to hold back her tears. The tension was thick, and the air felt charged with unspoken emotions.

Angela: (Her voice trembling) I-I didn't know how to tell you… I was so scared. Akari always said I needed to be tougher, that I wasn't strong enough for this industry. She made me feel like I had no choice but to follow her lead, that I was nothing without her guidance.

Akari: Tsk. (She folds her arms and rolls her eyes) And what's wrong with that? Listen, Douglas, Anna, you've been coddling her like she's fragile. She needs to toughen up and face her issues instead of hiding behind a cushion. I was just preparing her to face the world. This industry requires strong minds; she can't go around causing trouble and whining like a child anymore. Minor issues happen all the time—it's not a big deal. (She sighs) I don't think she'll be able to handle hardships if you keep this up. Do you want her to become a troublemaker like Anne? Do you even know, what they did today? (She rubs her forehead frustrated) Such a mess, and left me to clean it. Angela, why don't you tell your parents, what you did, after getting influenced by your sister. (She rolls her eyes. Then raised her bandaged hand) Even broke my hand.

Angela: (she bites her lower lip and looks down trembling with fear) I am s-sorry….(she starts stammering again, as tears rolled down from her eyes)

Anna: Shhhh...(she says to Angela while holding Angela closer to her body, as she wipes Angela's tears with tissue and hugs her tightly) My baby, we all are here for you, so you don't need to be scared. (She says in a soft tone as Angela nodded slowly.)

Akari: Tsk. (She frowns while acting restless) Seriously? You know you both are spoiling her, and making her weak. I was just trying to make her strong enough to stop whining about every minor issues. (She sighs) But I guess, at the end of the day, I am the villainess for trying to help her out.

Douglas: (He clenched his fist and hardened his jaw, unable to bear the nonsense anymore. Finally, he stood up and walked towards Akari, who felt overwhelmed by his aura. Leaning towards her, he placed his hand on her shoulder.) Is enduring sexual harassment a minor issue in your eyes? (He narrowed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and paused for a second before continuing.) Is trying to reach out to an adult, considered whining? (He stared into Akari's eyes, as if waiting for an answer.) Is expecting to be protected by adults and trusting them, a weakness? (His gaze bore into her, barely containing his anger and a hint of murderous intent. Akari's eyes widened, her breath quickening under the weight of his words and presence.)

Akari: S-Sexual H-Harassment? (she staggered, almost falling to her knees as her legs felt weak) What are you talking about? (Her throat felt dry, as she stared at dad in disbelief)

Douglas: Heh~ Are you fucking around with me?!! (He finally lost his shit as he glares at Akari) Whom are you kidding with?....(he softens his voice for a second with a hint of sarcasm) Akari! (He grits his teeth, as the vein around his forehead became more prominent.)

Anna: Douglas. (She sighs while speaking sternly) Calm down and sit. (She commanded, as he frowns and takes a deep breath before sitting down. As she places her free hand on Dad's thigh to calm him, before refocusing on Akari.) Did you….really not know anything regarding the sexual harassment case? (She raised her brow in disbelief)

Akari: T-Trust me Anna….(she stammers while speaking, as she was taken aback) This is the first time, I hearing about it. (She tries to advance towards Angela, only to be blocked by me) Why didn't you tell me anything? (she bit her lower lip while gazing at Angela.) You should have come to me and speak up, if you were going through something like this.

Angela: (she stares at Akari in disbelief) I tried to…..(she hardens her face, finally wiping her tears) but you never listened to me. You would always shut me up, saying that I am overreacting. I-If….Anne sis wasn't there today, t-then…..I-I don't know what that monster would have done to me. (She says hugging herself while shivering in fear just by the thoughts of the incident.)

Akari: (Taken aback, her confidence faltering) I… I didn't mean to dismiss you. I thought I was helping you become stronger, more resilient. You have to understand, this industry is tough. I was trying to prepare you, not hurt you.

Me: (I finally broke my silence, as I spoke in a voice low and menacing) This fucker….(I murmured to myself, making sure that my mother can't hear me cursing) There's a difference between preparation and abuse! (I said clenching my fists, as my knuckles starts whitening) you had no rights to silence my sister's pleads! How dare you dismiss her concerns and make her suffer quietly. (I glared at her while digging my nails on my own skin, trying to hold back my anger.)

Anna: Anne. (She rubs her forehead frustrated) Take Angela and go back to your respective rooms. Let the adults handle this matter.

Me: But…..(I hesitated)

Anna: Now! (She said frowning as she spoke sternly)

I bit my lower lip feeling frustrated, as I grabbed Angela's hand, and we headed upstairs. But, instead of going back to her room, Angela stood near the staircase where no one could see her, and didn't budge from her place, all my requests fell on deaf ears, as she stood there eavesdropping to their conversations. Unable to change her decision, I stood beside her, making sure that our parents won't notice our presence.

Akari: (Her voice wavering, clearly feeling cornered) I'm sorry. I really am. I thought… I thought I was doing the right thing, pushing Angela to be stronger. I didn't mean to cause harm. You know me right? I have been taking care of Angela like my own daughter, since she was four and was new to this industry. I am like her God Mother. How can I think of harming my own daughter?

Anna: (she moistens her lips sighing but there wasn't even an ounce of sympathy in her eyes) Firstly, Akari, Angela isn't your daughter. I gave birth to her. And I must admit, that I was wrong in judging people. (She steps in front of Akari) I shouldn't have entrusted my daughter's responsibility on someone like you. (She says in a cold manner) But, better late than never, I want to fix that decision.

Akari: (she was taken aback by Anna's words, as she looks at Anna in disbelief) W-What do you mean? (She licks her lower lip hesitating)

Anna: You know what I mean. (She frowns and folds her arms) Anyways, for your dumb self to understand, I will place my words on the plate. I want you to retire as Angela's manager. (Angela's eyes becomes bigger as she eavesdrop our mother saying those words, she felt restless and confused regarding the whole situation.)

Akari: (Her voice rising in desperation) Retire? Anna, you can't be serious! I've dedicated years to her career, helping her grow and navigate this industry. You can't just cut me off like this!

Douglas: I agree with Anna. (He stands up placing his hands inside his pockets) Not only Akari should retire, we should withdraw Angela's name from the industry for now. I don't want my daughter suffer anymore because of hungry wolves. (He says with a cold expression. Angela flinched hearing his words, as she holds my hand tightly.)

Anna: Hm…..(she frowns) You are right.

Akari: Are you fucking with me? (She says in disbelief.) You seriously want Angela to withdraw from her career, because of one incident? Come on Anna, she is at the peak of her career!

Anna: I don't care. (She rolls her eyes) she will no longer be a money printing machine for you.

Akari: (she bit her lower lip) And what? You want her to sit back at home and ruin her life?

Anna: What are you even talking about? (She looks at Akari feeling confused)

Akari: Deep down you also know this very well. Angela is useless in studies or any other thing. She is a mediocre child. She just got lucky in her career, just because of me. (She points at herself with pride) And now you want to cut me out? Do you think you would get away with this? Who do you think you are? You are just being selfish and ruining Angela's future. She would be a nobody, a worthless parasite feeding on her siblings' kindness! Only I can shape her into perfection!

Anna: (she slaps hard across Akari's face, as Akari stares at Anna in disbelief.) Leave. (She says coldly, while pointing at the door.) I don't want to see your face ever again in my house. (Akari, as if realizing her mistake, leaves the house without a further word. For a second, there was guilt in her eyes, as she wipes her tears while walking out of the main door. As soon as Akari left the house, Angela stepped out of her hiding place and confronted our parents with tearful eyes. I hurried behind her, to make sure she doesn't end up hurting herself.) Angela? (Mom looks at her in surprise then frowns towards me.) Anne, didn't I ask you to take your sister back to her room?

Me: Uhm…..(I hesitated unable to find a reply.)

Angela: (she bit her lower lip, clenched her fist and stares at our parents with furious eyes filled with anger and betrayal) I hate you!!!! (She says before turning around and running upstairs to her room)

Anna: Angela!! (She calls her name stressed and frustrated as she advances towards the staircase)

Douglas: Angel! (He frowns getting concerned while following mom.)

Me: Tsk. (I clicked my tongue advancing them) I can't believe that you both failed to take care of a single child.

Douglas: What did you say? (He raises his brow)

Me: I used to think you struggled to take care of us because there were four of us. But now I see the truth: you're just terrible parents. (I grit my teeth.) You've failed to notice Angela's inner turmoil, or maybe you just ignored it, too caught up in your own lives. You're selfish. (I glare at them. I used to think they were doing their best to provide for us, and that we shouldn't burden them with our needs. But after seeing how Julie's parents and Lotte's mother care for their children, I realized that if they truly wanted to, they would have noticed.)

Douglas: (coldly) That's not a way to speak with your parents. (He glares at me) I hope you will mind your tone while speaking with us.

Anna: (she stares at me, while holding back her tears) You really think, that we never notice? (She bit her lower lip) You think that we never noticed the changes in you in the past few years, or that Angela was going through something? Do you really believe that we are the worst parents?

Me: If you noticed…..THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU FUCKING ASKED HER WHAT WAS WRONG?! (I said screaming at the top of my lungs, losing my self control.)

Douglas: Anne! (He says sternly)

Anna: Cause, I wanted you to come and tell me. (Tears rolled down from her eyes as she wipes her tears) That's what a parent should do, wait for their children to be comfortable enough to share their issues, instead of nagging them. I thought, she will approach me and open up about her wounds.

Me: Yet….it was too late. (I said clenching my fist, and looking at them, I don't know what expressions I made at that moment) You are always late.

Anna: (she sighs as she glances at me) Anne, we will discuss this later, for now you go back to your room. While we speak to Angela.

Me: (I smirked at her, my eyes were filled with unwanted emotions, but there wasn't even a single drop of tear) See, this is the issue. We always wait for later, and that later, never arrives. Cause you both are really busy. And hardly have time for us.

As I spoke, it felt like I was speaking more of little Anne's issues than my sister's problems. The bridge became narrower and narrower with each words, it was no longer about Angela, but rather it was about me, the frustration I felt over the years, the betrayal I faced. Everything started coming on the surface, until we heard a loud crashing sound. We flinched when we realised that the sound was coming from Angela's room, as we hurried upstairs without a further word.

Anna: (she bangs at Angela's door) Angela! Open the door!

Douglas: Angela! Please listen to your mother and open the door, don't try anything stupid! (He says ready to break open the door)

Angela: Shut up and go away! (She shouts from inside) I don't want to talk to both of you!

Anna: Angela! (She calls her name out of concern)

Douglas: (he sighs and places his hand on mom's shoulder) Let her be for now. I am sure she would feel better after calming down. (I stood at some distance, staring at their concerned faces, Mom cried placing her head on Dad's shoulder while Dad confronted her.)

I was worried about my sister, but at the same time, deep in my head, I was jealous and disappointed. "Would they have made the same expression, if it was me in place of Angela?" I thought to myself, even though the answer was obvious. I bit my lower lip and shook off the unwanted desires. Sometimes, I wish, I could let out my emotions through tears, like Angela and Julie.

That night, none of us bothered to have dinner. Late at night, I gently knocked at Angela's door, she finally stopped crying after hours of episode. After few seconds, she opened the door, and walked back to her bed and hugged her teddy bear without a work. Her eyes were puffy, and red due to crying all day. The room was dark, and unorganised. Switching on the light, I cleaned the room before sitting beside her.

Angela: Sis…..(she buries her face on the stuff toy) How could they take such a huge decision without consulting me?

Me: Whatever they decided, it was for your wellbeing. (I said placing my hand on her head) They want to protect you. (I said with a smile over my lips as I gently stroked her hair.)

Angela: (she pushed my hand away and looked at me) You don't understand sis….I love my career, and this is the only thing I am good at. (She bit the tip of her finger) Even though I don't want to admit it, Akari was right, I am indeed useless.

Me: (I looked at her in disbelief) You're useless? (I let out a small laugh) The only person in this house who started her career at the age of four and peaked by fourteen is calling herself useless? You're the reason we siblings can live comfortably in foreign countries, and you think you're worthless just because of that bitch? Do you realize that your self-doubts demean not only yourself but also insult the people who love and care for you?

Angela: (she bit her lower lip, as her eyes welled up with tears) I….I am sorry. (She says hugging me tightly) But….I am scared….I am not good in studies or any other things. If I don't focus on music or acting, what should I even do? (She says burying her face on my chest) Sis…..I am not talented or genius like you.

Me: (I sighed before hugging her back and standing up, as I grabbed her hand) Come with me.

Angela: (she looks at me confused) Where are you taking me?

Me: Come with me, you need some fresh air. (I grinned)

Angela: At this hour? (She blinks)

Me: Yeah. (I said pulling her up) Come on, you have been holed up in this room since afternoon.

Angela: (she bit her lower lip) Fine….(she says standing up.)

While we spoke upstairs, a serious conversation was going on downstairs between our parents. Dad paced around in their bedroom, as he pour himself a glass of whiskey, with some ice in a whiskey glass. Mom sat on the bed, putting moisturizer in her hands, as she looked pale and lifeless.

Anna: Douglas, don't consume alcohol empty stomach. (She sighs while warning him)

Douglas: I am fine. Don't worry. (He clenched the whiskey glass tightly in his hand, feeling frustrated, as the glass almost broke.) How dare he...(he grits his teeth while murmuring under his breath.)

Anna: We are truly the worst parents…..(she says biting her lower lip) We failed to understand our children, Anne was right, I am a terrible mother. (Her eyes sparkled with tears)

Douglas: Now is not the time to discuss all these nonsense. (He says chugging the alcohol down his throat.)

Anna: Douglas. (She frowns) I hope you aren't planning to do something reckless. (She says while pausing) Just like last time. (She says in a low voice)

Douglas: (pouring himself another drink, he turns to Mom with a wide smile) Have I ever done anything reckless?

Mom was about to say something when she noticed us, standing near the door. She frowned getting up from the bed, as she walks towards us, feeling concerned.

Anna: Angela, how are you feeling now my child? (She says patting Angela's cheek softly)

Angela: I am fine…..I guess. (She says stepping back.)

Anna: (she sighs then looks at me) What are you doing, so late at night?

Me: I am taking Angela outdoor for some fresh air. (I replied) So thought of letting you know.

Anna: (she frowns and folded her arms) Have you checked the time?

Douglas: Let them go. (He says standing behind her) But don't be late.

Me: (I nodded in agreement) I will keep that in mind. (The conversation felt cold, as if there was an invisible wall between us. I didn't feel like interacting with them after the confrontation, but it was unavoidable. It was something I had to do, even though it was against my will.)

We headed towards a nearby field as we sat on the soft grass, enjoying the fresh air and the clear sky. It was indeed a gorgeous night and the sky seemed to have dressed up in a sparkling gown. The moon was full making the surrounding bright.

Angela: (She takes a deep breath before gazing at the stars for a while) Why did you bring me here? (She says before hugging her knees.)

Me: Angela. (I pulled her closer while staring at the sky) Look at that vast sky, its filled with never-ending opportunities, and those stars are like our dreams and ambitions. It might look small and insignificant from far, but in reality, are massive ball of fire. (I smiled at her) And as long as we don't give up, that fire will keep burning, but over time, it might start getting dimmer and dimmer, and at one point, a black-hole will be created, that will start sucking everything towards itself, your joy and happiness. (I grabbed her hands tightly) So please, don't turn into a black-hole and consume your dreams, be like the bright star, with a burning hope and expectations. Its just a small barrier in your path, I am sure better opportunities will come knocking at your door when the time is right. (I stared in her eyes waiting for an answer.)

Angela: (she snuggles me as she stares at my face quietly for few second then her lips trembled twice, as she presses her upper lip against her lower lip) Are you sure that I would get opportunities?

Me: I don't know, I got my opportunity and grabbed it. Its always better to not lose hope. (I smiled and stroked her hair.)

Angela: Mhm….thank you sis. (She smiles)

After we returned home, she called me to her room. As she opens her room drawer, I looked at her confused.

Me: Angelina….this? (I was taken aback.)

Angela: (she smiles and places a brand new harmonica in my hands while glancing at me) Sis, I know regarding all the sacrifices you made because of me. I brought this last time when you came home but couldn't build up the courage to give it to you.

Me: (I bit my lower lip and frowned) What is the meaning of this?

Angela: Sis, music is your salvation. (She holds my hand and smiles) If you really trust me, then stop hurting yourself by making such sacrifices.

Me: I didn't stop playing instruments because of you. (I sighed)

Angela: Whom are you lying to? (She tilts her head and smiles) We are twins, and I understand your feelings more than anyone else. I….I just hope that one day own feelings and stop surrendering your own happiness.

Me: (I withdrew my hand and looked away) Its been a long day, you should sleep now. (I smiled faintly clenching on the harmonica.) Goodnight. (I said before walking out of her room)

Angela: (she sighs) Goodnight sis.

I lay on my bed, thinking about the whole incident. The more I thought, the worse I felt. My throat felt dry, and a sudden thirst for blood consumed me. I wanted revenge. I couldn't imagine what would have happened if I hadn't been there today. That monster tried to harm my angel. How can he escape the consequences of such a heinous act? "But then again, what can I even do?" I sat at the corner of the bed feeling defeated.

He is not only an adult but also in a powerful position, while I am just a powerless teenager. It makes me wonder how many adults like him get away with their crimes by threatening innocent children. I hate the thought of him going unpunished and moving on to his next victim. Unable to calm myself, I got up from my bed and drank some water. That's when I noticed my father walking out of the house late at night. "Where is he going at this hour?" I thought to myself, but I didn't bother to be overly curious.

To my surprise, it felt as though my wishes had been heard. Over the next few days, a torrent of dark secrets about the lead actor erupted in the media. Revelations of drug abuse and allegations of sexual harassment spread like wildfire. His once-glittering career unravelled swiftly as he lost all his major projects. His family, unable to bear the shame and public scrutiny, abandoned him. The media hounded him relentlessly, amplifying every sordid detail. The police issued an arrest warrant, forcing him into hiding as he faced constant harassment and threats. His downfall was swift and brutal, leaving him a shadow of his former self, desperately fleeing from the life he once ruled.

And I knew exactly who was behind his downfall and so did mom, there was a smirk over my father's face as he sat in front of the television and watched the headlines. But, how? That's what confused me. Was he the only person behind this or did he take help from certain someone? But why should she even bother to help? Won't it hurt her ego? I thought while biting my nail, everything felt confusing. Did father really had such resources? Or was it more deeper than what met the eyes?

It was a day before my return date, mother was sleeping in Angela's room. She asked me to wait for my father, before she had to accompany Angela. I sat near the entrance door, as I dialled Maria's number, after few rings, she finally received the call.

Maria: Hey Anne! (She says excitedly over the call.) Where have you been?

Me: I am sorry. (I sighed while rubbing my forehead) Things happened. Anyways, how is the practice going?

Maria: Uhm…..(she hesitates) Its better if you back and look at it yourself.

Me: Huh? What do you mean? (Before I could ask further, the main door clicked open.) uhm Maria, I will talk to you later. Looks like my father is here. (I said before disconnecting the call)

Douglas: (he stood in front of me reeking of alcohol.) What are doing here? (He asks) You should be in bed by now.

Me: Mom asked me to wait for you. (I said stepping back and frowning) Will alcohol solve anything?

Douglas: I aren't drunk. (He rolls his eyes and frowns before walking past me then halts and stares down at me) Remember Anne, never let your enemies get away unharmed. (He says bending down and whispering in my ears, as my eyes became wider. He then walks off towards his room, leaving me baffled.)

The very next day the news was flashed in papers and news channels, regarding the actor going missing since yesterday night. The CCTV footage showed that last he was found drinking with some his friends, his body was later discovered in nearby waterbody by some fishermen. The case was dismissed as an accident, and was thought that the actor slipped and fell off from the bridge after being drunk.

To be continued....