The Rajputs - Journey

Chapter 14 - Being always there for you

The mansion's grandeur was subdued, its usual warmth tempered by the lingering emotions of the previous night. Abhimanyu and Anay's heartfelt apology and reconciliation had brought a sense of relief, but also left a residue of regret.

Morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow. The air was thick with unspoken thoughts, each brother lost in his own reflections.

Abhimanyu stood by his window, gazing out at the dawn, his eyes still red-rimmed. He thought about his words, spoken in anguish, and how they had hurt Anay.

In his room, Anay sat on his bed, staring at the floor. His heart still ached from the pain he'd caused Abhimanyu. He replayed their conversation, wishing he'd been more understanding.

As the morning unfolded, the brothers' regret and sorrow slowly gave way to hope. Their bond, strengthened by apology and forgiveness, would emerge stronger.

Anay stood outside Abhimanyu's room, his heart racing. He had been gathering courage for hours to talk to his brother.

Taking a deep breath, he raised his hand to knock. Just as his knuckles touched the door, it swung open.

Manik stood in the doorway, a knowing glint in his eye. "Bhaiyu, what's up?"

Anay hesitated, unsure if he should reveal his intentions. "Just... wanted to talk to Bhaiya."

Manik's expression softened. "Go for it, Bhaiyu. He needs to hear it."

Anay's doubts resurfaced. "What if he's still upset?"

Manik placed a reassuring hand on Anay's shoulder. "Bhaiya loves you, no matter what. Be honest, and he'll listen."

Anay nodded, resolved strengthening.

Manik stepped aside, gesturing toward Abhimanyu's room. "Go, Bhaiyu. Make things right."

With newfound determination, Anay stood outside Abhimanyu's room, taking a deep breath before knocking.

"Come in," Abhimanyu's voice called out.

Anay entered, finding Abhimanyu sitting on the bed, eyes fixed on him.

"Bhaiya, can I talk to you?" Anay asked, his voice hesitant.

Abhimanyu nodded.

Anay took a seat beside Abhimanyu. "Bhaiya, I'm sorry. I know I've been hiding things from you, and that wasn't right."

Abhimanyu's expression remained neutral. "What made you realize that, Anay?"

Anay looked down, his voice barely above a whisper. "I realized I was only hurting you and our bond, Bhaiya. You deserve better. I should have been honest from the start."

Abhimanyu's silence hung in the air before he spoke. "Why did you hide things, Anay?"

Anay's eyes met Abhimanyu's. "Fear, Bhaiya. Fear of losing you, fear of being judged. But that's no excuse."

Abhimanyu's expression softened. "You're my little brother, Anay. I'll always be there for you, no matter what."

Anay's voice cracked. "I know, Bhaiya. That's why I'm sorry. I promise to be more open from now on."

Abhimanyu smiled, pulling Anay into a gentle hug. "I forgive you, Anay. Just don't hide things from me again, okay?"

Anay nodded, feeling relieved and loved.

Abhimanyu's eyes locked onto Anay's, his voice cracking with emotion. "Anay, I'm sorry... for not being there, for not understanding. I feel like I've failed you in so many ways."