" So, that's your story.... Have you both even thought of the consequences?" Abhinav asked, not bothering to mask his exasperation. He stood up and turned away, only to gaze out through the window. Siddhi was still trying to process the information. She said " I.... I don't know what to say!"
Abhishek felt quite dejected. He thought that his brother was disgusted with the truth. It was saddening to think that his brother would no longer look at him with affection and pride. Shame and regret would replace those emotions, in his eyes. Siddharth could feel his pain. Abhishek never could bear to disappoint Abhinav even slightly.
" Bhaiyya..... It's not Abhishek's fault, it's not anyone's fault that we are...... It's damn natural!" He tried to reason. Being the thoughtful person he was, Abhinav's head was spinning with thoughts about how his brothers would become the laughingstock of the town, and how they would receive only hurt from others. He was worried for them. And on top of that Abhishek often took things to heart. He darted out for some fresh air.
Seeing him leave without a word, Abhishek momentarily forgot that he had a fractured tibia and lunged out of the bed. Siddharth rushed to hold him back, but too late. Abhishek's right foot touched the ground, and he winced in pain. " ABHI!" Siddharth exclaimed and held him. He quickly led him back to the bed and hoisted his legs back onto the bed. Abhishek had a pained expression, and Siddharth looked worried stiff. Siddharth was half sitting on the bed, with Abhishek's torso in his arms. Abhinav stopped in his tracks. After a moment, the old, 'protective' Siddharth was back. Not minding the others in the room, he almost exclaimed in frustration
" Abhi, I always knew you were stupid, but today, you have proved that you are 'stupidity in person'. Who jumps out of the bed like that, with a broken bone?"
Seeing his 'mother hen' avatar, Abhishek eased out a bit and chuckled slightly. He shouldn't have done that.... " ABHI!, HERE I WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU BECOMING CRIPPLED, AND YOU ARE IN THE MOOD TO LAUGH? WHO ARE YOU?MARVEL'S SPIDERMAN, THAT YOU CAN HEAL YOURSELF QUICKLY? ONE MORE TIME YOU DO THIS, AND I WILL PERSONALLY BREAK YOUR OTHER LEG!" Abhishek schooled his features. He knew better than to anger Siddharth. He had momentarily forgotten about the tension that existed there.
" Whoa! Sid, cool down! Abhinav bhaiyya, I've never seen this idiot so protective of someone!" Siddhi chuckled. The tension in the room had eased out a bit. Abhinav had seen through Siddharth's anger. It was from utmost care that that anger had stemmed. He sighed. ' Maybe this was the best arrangement for his brother.' But, he had to clear something first.
" Siddharth, are you sure about this? I mean, Abhishek has never had any girlfriend before, but you..." He trailed off. Siddharth immediately understood. His love life was not a secret to Abhinav. He stepped up and said
" Bhaiyya, it's true that I've been wasting my love and loyalty on girls who never valued them. For years he has been by my side, with me through thick and thin, but I never noticed Abhishek's love for me. Now that I have, I'll cherish him and us. Believe me bhaiyya, when I say that the attraction and feelings are mutual between us."
Siddhi gasped. She could almost digest the fact that Abhishek was gay, but the revelation that her brother was even more versatile. " Sid, my brother, so you are... you mean... both men and ......"
" Yes Siddhi. It seems that I am into men and women. Maybe bisexual? Does that disgust you?" Siddharth sighed. But his question was asked in all earnest. She quietly came over and wrapped him in a hug " No man! There is nothing to be disgusted about! Your sexuality is your private matter, and there is nothing bad in that. I have read that there is nothing unnatural in being attracted to the same sex."
He hugged her back, with a faint smile. What he dreaded had not happened. His sister was with him in this. She was not disgusted. After a while she looked up and smiled at him and Abhishek and said " I always imagined him bringing a beautiful 'bhabhi' home, who might be quite disgusting, keeping his past choices in mind!" She snickered and Siddharth playfully smacked her head. Abhinav was standing still, still contemplating, while the other three were all smiles.
YOU ARE READING
The best arrangement: Between us...
Romance"In every lifetime, in every world, I would find you and choose you." The envelope sat on the desk, untouched. Its edges were frayed, reflecting the decade that had passed. The handwriting on the front was unmistakable - sharp, deliberate strokes th...
