Loss. Life. Love. 23 year old Aniruddh after the loss of his parents, takes up the responsibilities of his two younger siblings and navigates life. Challenges, hardships along, his heart yearns for the ones he has lost. Secrets of past remain deep e...
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I would be lying if I said I was not nervous. I feared going into that place. I feared facing the people. And a small part of me, but surely a part indeed, feared, losing my brother.
Even though, I lack in showing it to him, but..I know he is my everything. He is our life, the laughter and joy, our gift.
As I stood infront of the mirror tying my tie, I could see Bhaiya's reflection in the mirror as he buttoned his shirt.
He looked lost in his thoughts but all those were clearly reflected in his eyes.
Neither of us could muster up the courage to express our fears.
We simply couldn't.
"Verma uncle ne kaha hai ki voh ghar aayenge humlog ko pick karne." I said, though I couldn't lift my eyes to look into his.
Bhaiya startled out of his thoughts. "Haan, unhone kaha hai ki saare documents voh ghar par ek baar cross check karke fir hi chalenge. Tum Aashu ko taiyaar kar dena, mai nashta dekhta hu"
"Nahi" I spoke up immediately. "I mean... aap uske paas chale jaiye mai..mai breakfast lagata hu"
I can't see him. No. Not today.
As I held the door knob to move out I heard Bhaiya whisper, "Please Adu. I can't."
My breath hitched hearing his breaking voice but I held myself.
"Usko dekh kar mera dil toot jayega aaj" Bhaiya whispered. I could hear the tears behind the voice and walked back to him.
I sat beside him on the bed. Neither of us looked at each other.
After a while, I spoke.
"Mujhse bhi nahi hoga Bhaiya. Raat se sehma hua hai voh.. kuch bol nahi raha. Maine raat mein usse baat karne ki koshish kari, usne kuch nahi bola" I opened up, keeping the tears at bay remembering the painful conversation yesterday.
"Dil ghabra raha hai mera. Kuch..kuch galat ho gaya toh." Bhaiya poured out his pain, as his tears too flowed.
"Vineet Uncle sounded very confident yesterday on the phone. Mujhe lag raha he is really trying hard for the custody." I shared my fear.
Bhaiya looked at me with teary eyes.
"Mai uske bina nahi reh paunga Adu. Bhagwaan Ji is asking too much from me now. Agar voh log unke favour mein decision diye toh.." He choked up as my resolve broke too.
" Toh aaplog ladenge mere liye."
We both turned back to find Aashu standing there, with tears brimming in his eyes.
He walked towards us and stood straight infront of Bhaiya.
Cupping Bhaiya's face in both his palms he looked straight into his eyes.
