The Rathores in Therapy: A BCHD Epilogue

Chapter 44: From Contradiction to Clarity

Last Time: "Kabir and I didn't marry just for Kanha," she said, her tone steady. "It wasn't... it wasn't a marriage of convenience, or of obligation. It was a marriage of love."

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March 3rd, 2023, 1:30 PM, Jain Counselling Centre, Jodhpur

Dr Shobha looked at Banni, her mind a whirl of thoughts. On one hand, Banni vehemently claimed that Kabir was truly in love with Tulika, but on the other hand, she stated that her marriage to Kabir was one of love. The contradiction was glaringly obvious. If Kabir was truly in love with Tulika, how could he marry another woman "out of love" within weeks of Tulika's death?

She wondered if this contradiction had any basis or if Banni was trying to reconcile two contradicting opinions by force.

Deciding to probe further, Dr Shobha leaned forward, her gaze steady on Banni's face. "When did Kabir confess his love for you, Banni?" she asked softly, her voice calm but probing.

Banni looked up at Dr. Shobha, her eyes reflecting her inner turmoil. "When he proposed to me," she replied, her voice barely audible.

Dr. Shobha nodded, her expression understanding. "And when was this?" she asked, her tone gentle yet insistent.

Banni hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to her hands. "It was... it was one month and ten days after Tulika's death," she admitted, her voice shaky.

Dr. Shobha maintained her calm demeanour. "So, to confirm," she began, her voice steady and comforting, "Tulika died on the 10th of February, Kabir proposed to you on the 21st of March, and you were married two days later?"

Banni nodded in confirmation, her gaze meeting Dr. Shobha's steady one. "Yes, Doctor," she affirmed apprehensively. "That's correct."

Dr. Shobha then moved on to her next question. "Banni," she began, her voice calm and patient, "was Kabir ready to be your husband in all possible ways — mentally, emotionally, as well as physically?"

Banni paused, her gaze dropping to her hands as she considered the question. "Yes," she finally said, her voice quiet but firm. "Yes, he was ready to be my husband."

She fell silent for a moment before adding, "In some ways."

Dr. Shobha regarded Banni thoughtfully, her gaze steady. "Did you discuss this before your marriage?" she asked, her tone gentle but probing.

Banni shook her head. "We couldn't," she admitted regretfully.

After a moment's pause, she continued, "But we did talk about it on our first night."

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March 23rd, 2022, 11:30 pm, Rathore Bhavan, Jodhpur

Banni sat on the edge of the bed, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The room was adorned with flowers, candles, and soft music playing in the background. It was a beautiful setting for their "first night" as husband and wife.

But as she looked around, memories flooded back to her. Memories of the last time this room had been decorated, but for a different purpose. It was a cruel act, a reminder of what everyone thought she would never experience - intimacy with her beloved Yuvaan, whose mind was frozen at 7 years old.

But as Banni took a deep breath, she reminded herself that this time was different. Kabir loved her, and they could build a beautiful life together, starting today. With that thought, a sense of hope filled her heart.