Chapter 124. Flashback

[Flashback]

The night air was heavy with the scent of freshly mowed grass and antiseptic from the hospital corridors. A dim yellow glow from the garden’s lampposts cast long, eerie shadows over the two brothers sitting on the wooden bench. The usual chill in the night didn’t bother Irtaza, not when the fire inside him was burning him alive.

Shehryaar studied his older brother’s disheveled state. His usually sharp and composed demeanor was shattered, replaced with something unsettling. His crisp shirt was wrinkled, the first few buttons undone. His sleeves were carelessly rolled up to his elbows, revealing clenched fists and veins protruding from his arms. He reeked of alcohol—something Irtaza rarely touched.

Shehryaar’s frown deepened.

This isn’t good.

"Irtaza, what happened?" he asked, his voice firm but laced with concern.

"Nothing." Irtaza's response was short, clipped, emotionless.

Shehryaar scoffed. "Why are you drunk, then?"