The Rathores in Therapy: A BCHD Epilogue

Chapter 45: Baring the Soul

Last Time: "Will you do that, Banni?" Dr. Shobha finally asked, her voice soft but insistent. "Will you try to listen to Kabir with an open mind?" Banni looked up, her gaze meeting Dr. Shobha's. After a long pause, she finally nodded. "Yes, Doctor," she agreed. "I will try."

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March 3rd, 2023, 10:00 PM, Rathore Bhavan, Jodhpur

Banni observed Kabir as he began his usual nightly routine. The soft melody of the lullaby he sang to Kanha filled the room, a soothing contrast to the raw tension evident in his rigid posture. The little boy, tucked securely in his father's arms, gazed up at Kabir with wide-eyed innocence, oblivious to the undercurrent of emotion coursing through the room.

After Kanha was asleep, Kabir moved on to tidying the "Toy Corner". Banni watched as he picked up the scattered toys and arranged them neatly on the shelves, his movements precise and methodical. He moved with a controlled grace, each action deliberate and measured.

Banni's heart ached as she watched him. She knew that beneath that calm exterior, Kabir was wrestling with his anger. She had seen it before, that almost imperceptible tightening of his jaw, the way his eyes hardened, the tension in his shoulders. It was an anger that he constantly fought to control, an anger that he tried to shield her from.

Banni's thoughts drifted back to her conversation with Dr. Shobha. She remembered the doctor's words, her hypothesis that Banni's view of Kabir's feelings may be radically different from his true feelings. Dr. Shobha had advised her to speak to Kabir, to listen to his words and try to understand his emotions.

But was this the right time?

Banni looked at Kabir, his back turned to her as he continued tidying up. His movements were mechanical, a clear indication of the turmoil within.

Should she bring up the topic now? Or should she wait for a more suitable moment?

A small voice in the back of her head questioned her hesitation. Was it really the wrong time? Or was Banni merely afraid of what Kabir would say?

Banni's heart pounded in her chest as she faced the harsh truth. Yes, she was afraid. She was afraid of what Kabir's answers might be. Afraid that they might not align with what she wanted to hear. But then, did she even know what she truly wanted to hear?

Banni was dragged out of her reverie by Kabir's voice, "I can see them, you know, Banni Chow?" His voice broke the silence, resonating in the quiet space.

Blinking, she realized that Kabir had finished tidying the room and was now standing in front of her, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. "What can you see?" she asked curiously.

"The question marks, of course," he replied, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "They're floating all around you."

Banni blinked, taking a moment to process his words. "Question marks?" she repeated with confusion.

Kabir's eyes glinted playfully as he continued, "Yes, question marks. They float around you whenever you have questions, swirling around in a cloud of confusion." He reached out, his fingers tracing the path of an invisible question mark on her face. "And the biggest one," he said, his fingers lingering on her cheek, "is right here."

Banni could feel heat creeping up her neck, spreading across her cheeks. She was always amazed at how well Kabir knew her, how he seemed to read her emotions as if they were written on her face. His touch, light and comforting, sent a wave of warmth through her, calming her racing heart.