The Rathores in Therapy: A BCHD Epilogue

Chapter 48: Shadows and Light

Last Time: "I trust you, Kabir," she whispered emotionally. "And I'll be here with you every step of the way."

Kabir smiled warmly, the connection between them stronger than ever. "Together," he agreed, his voice a soft but firm promise. "We'll face it all together."

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March 6th, 2023, 6:00 pm, Rathore Bhavan, Jodhpur

Banni hesitantly opened the door to their bedroom, the kulfi tin and two spoons balanced in one hand. She was glad to see that Kabir hadn't locked it from inside. The room was dimly lit by the setting sun's light, casting long shadows across the room and giving it an ethereal glow. Banni scanned the room for Kabir, her eyes finally settling on the window.

There he was, perched on the window sill, surrounded by his Mumma's rose bushes. Their delicate petals, bathed in the soft light, seemed to glow, creating a halo around Kabir. He was staring out into the garden, lost in his world. Banni hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight before her. Kabir looked vulnerable, yet there was a certain beauty in his solitude.

As she stood there, Banni recalled her conversation with Myra downstairs. "Banni Bhabhi, I've never seen Kabir Bhaiyya like this before," Myra had confided in her. "He came back from his session with Dr. Sandeep and just... retreated to his room. It's like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I'm really worried."

Myra's words had only increased Banni's concern over the past couple of days. While Dr Sandeep had warned Banni about the possibility of Kabir being a bit emotionally volatile after a trying session, this seemed something worse, especially since his nightmares had also returned over the past two days. The restless nights and the haunting dreams had left Kabir even more withdrawn, and Banni could see the toll it was taking on him. She knew she had to be patient, to be there for him, but the worry gnawed at her. Her heart ached to see Kabir so burdened, and she resolved to do whatever she could to help him find some semblance of peace.

Taking a deep breath, Banni stepped softly into the room, careful not to startle him. She moved closer to the window, her heart pounding in her chest. "Kabir?" she called out softly. He turned his head slowly, his eyes meeting hers.

Banni's heart ached as she took in the hollow look in Kabir's hazel eyes, noticing the puffiness around them that spoke volumes. A knot of worry tightened in her stomach. His silent suffering was almost palpable, it filled the room, making her heart heavy.

"Kabir," she repeated, her voice trembling slightly. She carefully placed the kulfi tin and spoons on the side table, her hands shaking as she did. She reached out to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. His body was tense, like a coiled spring, but he didn't pull away. She took that as a good sign.

"I got you some kulfi, Kabir," Banni said as she leaned closer. She tried to inject some lightness into her tone, though her heart clenched at the sight of him so lost and hurt. Swallowing hard, she reached for a small chuckle, telling him, "You know, someone once told me that kulfi can make a sad person happy."

At her words, Kabir's gaze flickered, his hazel eyes welling up with tears. Banni could see the realization dawn on him. The memory of that past conversation, when he was still Baawla Yuvaan, seemed to hit him like a tidal wave. Tears spilt over, trickling down his cheeks, but he didn't look away. He held her stare, a silent acknowledgement of the shared memory that was both bitter and sweet.

Banni continued, her voice soft but steady, "Back then, I thought you were only making it up so that I would make you more kulfi. But now, after starting therapy, I think I understand." She paused, her hand still gently resting on his shoulder, her words hanging in the air between them. "I've found it helps too, Kabir."