Nishabdaha~ The Transcendence of Solitude

52| Past Resolved

On Yaduveer's inaugural visit to the park, he found himself surrounded by a group of inquisitive children, their curious eyes fixated on him as though he were an extraterrestrial visitor. In those initial moments, Yaduveer couldn't help but question if he had stumbled upon the wrong place entirely, feeling like an outsider amidst this youthful congregation.

As was customary, after their competition, the trio converged in the park. What made this gathering even more significant was the fact that almost a week had elapsed since their last meeting.

In a gentle and apologetic tone, Vardhan broke the silence, addressing Yaduveer, who instinctively pulled away at his touch, his mind flooded with haunting memories.

"Yadu,"

"What? I've endured enough because of you."

Vardhan sighed, his hand offering a reassuring squeeze, a gesture of brotherly comfort.

"I am extremely sorry. I realize the mistakes I've made, and I understand the toll it has taken. But all I can do is offer my sincerest apologies. Both of us will move forward, Yadu. You're the fortunate one; you've reclaimed everything you lost. But me? I've lost everything except my daughter."

Yaduveer nodded solemnly, his gaze drifting towards Karthikeya and Kaushalya, who remained in Yaduveer's line of sight.

"You speak the truth," Yaduveer admitted, a half-smile forming on his lips.

"Hmm?"

With a contemplative smile, Yaduveer folded his arms and leaned against a nearby tree. "Should I so?"

Vardhan struggled to find words as Yaduveer continued, "You cost me a year of my life, Vardhan. Furthermore, it was I who disrupted the tranquil contours of my married life, not you."

"Well, it did begin with me, Yadu. If I hadn't been there, you wouldn't have had to endure all of this."

Yaduveer's response carried a trace of sarcasm as he asked, "So, you're finally accepting your mistake?"

Vardhan sighed deeply. "I know it was difficult..."

"No," Yaduveer interjected resolutely.

"It was suffocating. You know that Lakshmi won't return because she's no longer with us, and my Kaushalya? She was right there, just a few kilometers away from me, and yet I couldn't reach her. I no longer know whom to blame. All I understand is that we both bear our fair share of responsibility, and it all traces back to the clutches of addiction," Yaduveer concluded, his words echoing the profound impact of their shared struggle.

Yaduveer's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their shared history. "Let time decide if I can give our brotherhood another chance," he stated, his tone filled with a mix of uncertainty and hope.

Suddenly, breaking the tension, Karthikeya, dashed toward Yaduveer with an enormous grin, calling out, "Appa!"

Yaduveer swiftly knelt down to Karthikeya's level, his arms open to embrace the young boy. "Yes, Karthu," he replied warmly.

With his eyes sparkling, Karthikeya made his sweet request, "Ice cream! Mumma isn't saying no!"

Kaushalya, who had just noticed Vardhan's presence beside Yaduveer, couldn't help but feel a hint of unease. She wondered if Vardhan's appearance might trigger the emotional state of Yaduveer.

Yaduveer chuckled at his son's request and replied, "You already had two ice creams yesterday! If you catch a cold, your mother will surely make my life miserable."

As Yaduveer glanced briefly at Vardhan, a hint of uncertainty clouded his expression. "We'll see if I can," he added, leaving the possibility of granting Karthikeya's wish hanging in the balance, as if it symbolized the tentative nature of the second chance they were all cautiously exploring.