The Rathores in Therapy: A BCHD Epilogue

Chapter 13: Ouchies and Innocence

Last time: As she lay there, she tried to think of what she could do to make things right, but for now, all she could do was hold onto Kabir and try to find peace in the moment.

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February 10th, 2023, 3:30 pm, en route to Rathore Bhavan, Jodhpur

Kabir couldn't help but feel worried as he watched Banni staring out of the window. She had barely spoken to him since they left the hospital, and he knew she was still upset about what had been revealed in the impromptu therapy session that morning. Kabir wished he knew what to say to cheer her up, remembering his attempt earlier that afternoon...

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February 10th, 2023, 12:30 pm, Jain Counselling Centre, Jodhpur

Kabir slowly opened his eyes, his body heavy with sleep. He turned and saw Banni sleeping peacefully beside him in the tiny hospital bed, her small frame fitting perfectly against his. He couldn't help but smile at how adorable she looked with her hair tousled and her face relaxed in sleep. But as he looked closer, he noticed the tear stains on her cheeks, and his heart sank. He couldn't bear to see her in pain, especially when he knew it was because of him. He had revealed the truth to her about how much her actions had hurt Yuvaan. He knew it would devastate her, but he also knew she deserved to know. Banni would never intentionally harm Yuvaan; Kabir had known that all along. He had struggled with the decision to tell her, but he ultimately decided that she needed to hear it from him. As he lay there, watching her sleep, he couldn't help but feel guilty for making her cry. He gently brushed his thumb against her cheek, attempting to wipe the tears away, when her eyes fluttered open.

Banni slowly awoke as Kabir's fingers brushed her cheeks. She looked up at Kabir, who was looking at her lovingly. She smiled at him, feeling confused and disoriented. She didn't exactly know where she was.

Kabir chuckled softly. "I know I'm irresistible, Banni Chow, but that's no excuse for forgetting propriety," he teased her.

Banni immediately blushed at this extremely familiar dialogue. She tried to get off the bed, desperately wanting to escape the moment's awkwardness.

Due to her upbringing in the conservative Marwari community, Banni had always been reserved regarding physical intimacy. However, Banni's inhibitions faded over time, and she became more comfortable expressing her desires. She found that when she craved intimacy, she would be bold and assertive, often throwing herself at Kabir and making it clear that she wanted to be fulfilled. While Kabir was always happy to oblige, he couldn't resist teasing Banni about how she pretended to be shy but was actually quite shameless.

Amused by Banni's flustered behaviour, Kabir chuckled again, "I always knew you were bold, Banni, but climbing into my hospital bed for cuddles is a bit too bold. You could have waited until we got back home. It's not like I would have refused you."

But as Kabir continued to tease her, Banni was reminded why Kabir was in the hospital in the first place. She hung her head, her excellent mood evaporating as guilt took over.