Kindle to Rekindle

65. Nothing lasts forever

I wrote your name with love on the golden sand and admired how it shined, only to see it get washed away minutes later by a large wave leaving behind half-broken shells.

Nimrit fed Reet with her hands and made her lie down for rest. When she heard her soft snores, she came out and was greeted by a room full of people. The royals along with Shakti were sitting and discussing something. Shakti made Nimrit sit next to her and caressed her head with love.

"I am... Okay. I will be. I have to be?" The transition in Nimrit's statements gave a glimpse of her true state. She looked down and said, "I owe you all explanations. Amber Khanna was not my biological father but he raised me like his own. You all have witnessed the love he had for me. Raghav is my half-brother. When Mumma's family refused to accept her relationship with Papa she was expecting Raghav. No one was aware of it though. Mumma was sent away to deliver a child somewhere in secret. Papa was beaten badly and was warned if he came anywhere near Mumma they would kill her. He tried finding her but was not successful."

"Nimrit you don't owe us any explanations. We respect your privacy." Swarnima wanted her to heal and not bother about anything else. The past was past.

"No Nim D. I should. You all have been so kind and caring towards us and must know about the family you are helping unconditionally." Nimrit was talking like a mature person. Trauma changes the person suffering from it.

"If that is what you want, I will tell everyone." Shakti took Nimrit's hand in hers and narrated the remaining story. "When Raghav was born Dickey wanted to put him in an orphanage but Reet requested me to take him in. How could I deny her request? I was the anchor in Amber and Reet's story. I adopted Raghav legally but Reet's parents made me sign the non-disclosure agreement. I did as told fearing what they would do to the innocent infant soul. Reet was married to a wealthy man who was a monster in human skin. Soon Nimrit was born but the tortures on Reet didn't stop. One day, the house they lived in caught fire and Nimrit's father couldn't survive it." Shakti's eyes met Nimrit's and she gave her a small smile.

A story that could be written like a full-fledged novel was narrated like a blurb.

"Amber had worked hard and secured a good repute and position in Hawk-eye. After nine long years, Dickey finally went to meet Reet when her husband died. Amber tracked him down and met his love once again. There were some other issues too but they can be discussed later. I guess that is what Nimrit wanted to share with you all." Shakti concluded and exhaled a heavy breath.

Amber and Reet's story was exceptional. After years of separation, they found their way back to each other.

Rudra acknowledged Nimrit's honesty and integrity in sharing such a private story. Nivedya was moved after knowing what Reet and Amber had to go through and he understood the reason why Amber was so protective of Nimrit.

Nimrit's nani and Dickey returned from somewhere and found everyone sitting in the hall. It irked Dickey and in a taunting tone, he said, "Shakti, you told us they are the royals, don't they have any work other than hanging around here?"

Before Shakti could counter him, Randeep stood up from his seat. He was a tall and well-built person whose aura was enough to intimidate anyone. "Mr Dickey, taking care of Nimrit and Reet is our top priority. You can relieve yourself from your duty like you always have."

Reet's mother folded her hands and said, "I apologise on his behalf. He doesn't know who he is talking to. We are fortunate our daughter has such great people around her."

The matter died there but Shakti suggested everyone resume their work. "With everyone around, Nimrit will keep her brave face on. Maybe if we disperse, she might feel lonely and vent out her emotions. One or two of us can stay of course."