The Rathores in Therapy: A BCHD Epilogue

Chapter 50: Roots of Resilience

Last Time: Determined to embrace these moments fully, Banni made a silent promise to herself. She would pay attention, document, and cherish every small thing that made their relationship special. She would see and appreciate the unique aspects of their bond, not just because they were different from what Kabir had with Tulika but because they were beautiful in their own right.

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March 15th, 2023, 2:00 pm, Jain Counselling Centre, Jodhpur

In their therapy session, Dr. Shobha leaned forward, her eyes kind but penetrating. "Banni, with all the documentation you've gathered, do you now see that your relationship with Kabir is fundamentally different from what he had with Tulika?"

Banni thought over the question, her mind racing through the countless moments she had meticulously recorded, each a testament to the unique bond she shared with Kabir. "Yes, I can see that," she replied slowly. "But... couldn't it just be because Tulika and Kabir never had the chance to bond like Kabir and I did? If they hadn't been separated, couldn't they have formed a deep relationship too?"

Dr. Shobha considered this, nodding thoughtfully. "That's a valid question, Banni. Relationships are indeed shaped by the time and experiences shared. However, it's important to remember that every relationship is unique. Even if Kabir and Tulika had more time together, it doesn't necessarily mean their bond would have mirrored what you and Kabir have. Your shared experiences, the trials you've faced together, and the love you've nurtured through both easy and challenging times are distinct to your relationship."

Banni's brow furrowed as she pondered this. "But isn't it likely that Kabir and Tulika could have had a much better relationship if given more time? They loved each other so much, and it was only a tragic twist of fate that separated them, not any kind of quarrel or incompatibility."

Dr. Shobha's lips curled into a slight, amused smile. "Ah, Banni, do you believe in fated-mates? Couples who are meant to be together irrespective of the obstacles in their way?" She paused, letting the question hang in the air. "It's a romantic notion, isn't it? But tell me, do you think love is about destiny, or is it something we actively choose and nurture every day, despite the challenges?"

Banni sighed, her voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and confusion. "I used to believe love was something you actively choose and nurture every day. But Kabir and Tulika... they seemed like they were meant to be, no matter what I did. I couldn't stop their marriage, and it felt like fate had already decided their story."

Dr Shobha nodded, absorbing Banni's words. "So, you believe that Kabir and Tulika were fated to be together?"

Banni hesitated for a moment before responding. "Yes, it felt like that."

A gentle curiosity filled Dr. Shobha's eyes as she posed her next question. "If Kabir and Tulika were truly destined to be together, then why do you think 'fate' led to Tulika's untimely death?"

Banni was taken aback by Dr. Shobha's question, her mind reeling with the implications. It was an angle she had never considered, and the thought made her uncomfortable. The idea that Tulika's death could be anything other than a tragic, random occurrence felt not only cruel but also profoundly unsettling. She struggled to reconcile this new perspective with understanding fate and love.

"Dr. Shobha," Banni began, her voice trembling slightly with disbelief and a hint of indignation. Are you suggesting that fate somehow orchestrated Tulika's death? That it was all part of some grand design to bring Kabir and me together?" The words felt heavy on her tongue, laden with the weight of their implications.