"From Rivals to Forever: A Journey of Love"

Chapter 26

The votes and views just keep on decreasing along with every chapter I post so I just hope the story is engaging as readers(most of you being authors too) I just want you to provide a genuine feedback in case my story is not that good I'll try to improve but if you would stop reading how would I improve. I simply wanna improve so along with reading please keep on guiding me too.

Kabir's Perspective

I stepped through the front door, the familiar warmth of home wrapping around me like a comforting blanket. My body ached from the fight, and my lip throbbed slightly where Jai had landed that one hard punch, leaving a noticeable bruise beneath it. I hoped no one would pay too much attention to it—I didn't want Mom worrying.

The sound of clattering dishes and laughter from the kitchen told me that everyone was gathered there. I headed straight for the living room, where Mom appeared first, her face lighting up the moment she saw me. Her eyes darted to the gold medal hanging around my neck, and she gasped, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Mom!" I called out, feeling a wave of pride and joy that had nothing to do with the medal, but everything to do with seeing her so happy.

I didn't hesitate. I pulled the medal from around my neck and gently placed it on her, watching as she stood there, momentarily speechless. Her fingers brushed against the medal, her eyes welling up with tears as she looked at me, pure emotion in her gaze.

"This belongs to you," I said softly, holding her gaze, wanting her to know how much her support meant to me.

She blinked back tears and smiled through them. "No, Kabir. This is yours. You earned this," she said, her voice thick with pride. Then, in true Mom fashion, she reached out and gently touched my face, pausing when her thumb brushed near the bruise just under my lip. She frowned slightly but didn't say anything.

I bent down to touch her feet, seeking her blessings. Her hands came to rest on my head, her touch filled with love and pride. "You've made us all so proud today, beta."

Next, I turned to Dad, who had been watching the scene unfold with a look of pride of his own. I bent down to touch his feet, too, and he patted my shoulder firmly. "Well done, son," he said. "You fought like a true champion."

Chachu, as usual, couldn't contain his excitement. He pulled me into a tight hug before I even had a chance to touch his feet. "Kabir! You were fantastic out there! I knew you'd do it!" he exclaimed, his booming voice filling the room.

Chachi stood beside him, smiling knowingly. There was a sparkle in her eyes—one that seemed to say I know exactly who you fought for today. I touched her feet, too, and she patted my back, her eyes flicking briefly to the bruise but choosing not to say anything.

Then came my favorite part. I walked over to where Arjun was sitting, his small face lit up with excitement. I scooped him up in my arms, causing him to squeal with delight. "Arjun, guess what?" I said, leaning in conspiratorially. "This little trophy is all yours."

I handed him the small trophy, and his eyes widened as he grabbed it with both hands. "Really, bhaiya?" he asked, looking at the shiny object as if it were the most precious thing in the world.

"Really," I confirmed, lifting him higher in my arms. "You're my champ."

"Congratulations, bhaiya!" Arjun shouted, holding the trophy up in the air, mimicking the cheers I had heard at the match. The whole family laughed, and for a moment, all the aches and pains from the fight faded away.

After some more celebration and chatter, I excused myself to head upstairs. I desperately needed a shower. The soreness in my muscles and the dull ache under my lip were catching up with me. In the bathroom, I stood under the warm water, letting it ease the tension in my body.