The Foundling

6. Acceptance

Everyone in the room stared at Krishav, their eyes wide with shock, as they heard his sudden declaration of calling the baby his younger brother. The air was heavy with tension, and their thoughts crashed against their minds like a tsunami. Their faces displayed a myriad of reactions, ranging from confusion to disbelief, as they tried to process this unexpected information.

Ranvijay, unsure of how to approach this sudden topic, voiced the collective thought with a single word, "How?" Krishav couldn't help but laugh at their bewildered expressions, their thoughts clearly visible on their faces as their minds raced at lightning speed, trying to make sense of his words.

"Please, everyone, calm down," Krishav said, his face serious, not wanting any misunderstandings to arise. His words hung in the air, and Ranvijay found himself staring intently at a nearby flower pot, lost in thought. The idea of babies growing from plants and being delivered within such a short period seemed absurd, yet his mind couldn't help but wonder if it could be true.

Suddenly, Neha shook Ranvijay, her worried eyes meeting his. "Are you okay, Ran?" Ranvijay nodded, offering reassurance to his wife. The room fell into a tense silence, all eyes fixed on Krishav, waiting for his explanation.

"We found this baby yesterday, placed outside our door in a basket" Krishav began, his voice trailing off as a loud gasp escaped Neha's lips. Ranvijay, face now devoid of expression, let out a small growl, his trembling hands and glistening eyes betraying the turmoil within him. Neha rushed to comfort her husband, embracing him tightly and whispering soothing words.

Abinash quickly moved to sit in front of Ranvijay, gently tracing patterns on his palm, attempting to calm him down. "Hey Ran, listen to me, calm down. Take a deep breath," Abinash urged, his voice filled with concern. Neha's touch provided comfort, gradually bringing Ranvijay back to the present.

Ranvijay squeezed Neha's hand reassuringly, his gaze shifting to Abinash, who looked at him with worry. In a moment of vulnerability, Ranvijay pulled Abinash into a heartfelt hug, patting his back. "I'm okay, Abhi," Ranvijay spoke in a shaky voice, trying to assure his friend.

Their embrace was interrupted by Anjali's voice, attempting to lighten the heavy atmosphere. "Okay, guys, Abhi, let go of Ranvijay before Neha accuses you of stealing her husband." Laughter filled the room, bringing a sense of relief as everyone settled back down.

Abinash sat next to Ranvijay, his fingers intertwined with Ranvijay's left hand, while Neha held his right hand firmly.

The room was filled with a mixture of apprehension and sympathy as Krishav glanced at Ranvijay, his worried eyes reflecting the knowledge of his uncle's painful past.

Ranvijay had been abducted by one of their servants as a child and left on the doorstep of a deranged couple who delighted in tormenting innocent souls.

It took Ranvijay's family years to find him, but the damage inflicted during those ten long years had left him with lifelong scars and PTSD.

Despite the weight of his own trauma, Ranvijay managed to offer Krishav a gentle smile, his eyes conveying reassurance and a silent plea to continue the story.

Nodding in response, Krishav addressed the group, recounting how the abandoned child had been discovered, detailing the heartbreaking condition in which they found him.

The room fell into a somber silence as everyone fixated their gaze on the infant, their hearts heavy with condemnation for the heartless mother who could abandon her own flesh and blood in such a state.

Anjali's heart twisted with anguish upon hearing the baby's tale of injustice. "How could someone be so cruel as to leave a defenseless baby like this?" she whispered, her voice tinged with sorrow.