REVEALING THE RELATIONSHIP

After Dr. Patel had left, Deep's thoughts lingered on the scars he bore as a result of his injuries. He couldn't help but wonder about how his appearance had changed and whether it would make a difference to the people who cared about him.

As if on cue, Gia entered the room, her presence bringing a sense of warmth and reassurance. Her eyes immediately fell on Deep, taking in his expression, which seemed pensive and troubled. Sensing his unease, she approached him with a gentle smile.

"Hey, Deep. How are you feeling now?" Gia inquired, her concern evident in her voice.

"I'm okay, Gia. It's just... I can't help but wonder: do the scars make me look different? Do they make me less handsome?" Deep's voice wavered slightly as he broached the subject, his vulnerability laid bare.

Gia's eyes softened as she took a seat beside him, reaching out to gently grasp his hand. "Deep, you are just as handsome as ever. Your scars don't define you. They tell a story of resilience and strength. You've been through so much, and you wear those scars as a testament to your bravery and survival. "Deep absorbed her words, feeling a glimmer of comfort wash over him. Her unwavering support offered a sense of solace in the midst of his insecurities.

"What about everyone else, Gia? Will they see me differently because of these scars?" Deep's voice conveyed his lingering apprehension.

Gia shook her head, her gaze unwavering. "Those who truly care about you will see beyond the scars, Deep. They will see the same person they've always known—a kind, courageous, and resilient soul. Your outer appearance may have changed, but your essence remains unchanged. Besides, these are not permanent scars. they will fade away."

Deep nodded, taking in her words. He found himself grateful for her unwavering encouragement and understanding. As he contemplated her reassurance, a sense of acceptance began to take root within him. "Thank you, Gia. I needed to hear that," Deep expressed, his gratitude evident in his eyes.

Gia offered him a warm smile, her presence a balm to his concerns. "You're welcome, Deep. Just know that your scars don't diminish the strength and beauty that reside within you. You're still the same remarkable person, scars and all."With Gia's comforting words lingering in his mind, Deep felt a newfound sense of acceptance and self-assurance settle within him. Though the scars would always be a part of his physical journey, he understood that they didn't define his worth or his spirit. As he gazed at Gia, a sense of gratitude washed over him, knowing that her unwavering support would carry him through the challenges that lay ahead.

Deep sat at the kitchen table, a million thoughts racing through his mind. His parents, seated across from him, wore solemn expressions, an air of gravity hanging in the room. They had asked him to sit down earlier, and there was an urgency in their voices that made him uneasy.

"Deep, there's something important we need to tell you," his father began, his voice tinged with emotion. Deep glanced between his parents, sensing the weight of their words.

"Your mother and I have kept this from you for a long time, hoping to protect you," his father continued, his eyes locked onto Deep's. "But we can't keep it a secret any longer."

Deep's heart raced. He couldn't fathom what could be so significant that his parents had hesitated to share it until now.

"Years ago, before you were born, our family faced a great threat," his mother added, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "A man named Ejay was at the center of all our troubles."

Deep's brows furrowed in confusion. Ejay? The name sounded vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place it. His parents had rarely spoken of their past, especially the darker parts. Deep knew there were secrets, but he had never probed for fear of reopening old wounds.

"Ejay was responsible for causing immense pain and turmoil in our lives," his father explained, his gaze unwavering. "He was the reason we had to move cities, change identities, and live in constant fear."

Deep's mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of information. His parents had always shielded him from their past, ensuring he grew up in a safe and loving environment. The revelation about Ejay left him feeling both shocked and curious.

"And the most difficult part for us to reveal," his mother hesitated, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, "is that Ejay is... he is your older brother, Deep."

Silence enveloped the room. Deep's breath hitched as his mind struggled to process the revelation. Ejay, the man responsible for their family's suffering, was his brother? It felt surreal, almost impossible to believe.

"I don't understand," Deep finally managed to stammer out, his voice barely above a whisper. "How could he... be my brother?"

His parents exchanged a glance, their expressions a mixture of pain and regret.

"Ejay made choices that led him down a dark path," his father explained, his voice heavy with emotion. "He became involved in things that tore our family apart. We tried to help him, to guide him, but he chose a different life—one filled with danger and wrongdoing."

Deep felt a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, disbelief, and an unspoken sense of grief for the family he never knew existed.

"We've kept this secret to protect you, Deep," his mother said, reaching out to hold his hand. "We didn't want his actions to define who you are or taint your future."

As the truth sank in, Deep struggled to reconcile the image of the brother he never knew with the person responsible for so much pain. Ejay, his own flesh and blood, had been the source of their family's torment.

Questions flooded Deep's mind, but he found himself unable to voice any of them. The revelation had left him grappling with a newfound sense of identity and a past he never knew existed.

"I'm so sorry we kept this from you," his father said, his voice filled with remorse. "We understand if you need time to process everything. Just know that we love you, Deep, and we've always wanted to protect you from the shadows of our past."

Deep sat in silence, the weight of his parents' words sinking in. The revelation had shattered the facade of the life he had known, leaving behind a complex web of emotions and unanswered questions. As he tried to make sense of it all, one thing remained certain—he needed time to come to terms with the startling truth about his family.