The Shadow of Retribution: A tale of vengeance and the price of justice.

Chapter 15

The Past
24th September 2022
Kathmandu, Nepal.

Today was a Saturday, and I woke up late to find my little brother beside me, already awake and engrossed in Mobile Legends. He greeted me with a warm "Good morning," his cheerful face instantly lifting my spirits. My little baby. My beacon of hope in times like this. I realized he loved me far more than he showed; despite his young age, he looked after me with a protectiveness that felt almost parental. He kept track of my medication, reminded me of mealtimes, and never once complained about the empty bottles I left in my room. The first time I accidentally burned myself with a cigarette, he cried, and I remember coming home from school one day to find he had thrown away all my blades. He made silly videos with me, sang with me—my brother was the one I clung to in my darkest moments.

Today, I found myself writing another letter to D, reminiscing about our time together in high school. I thought back to the moment everyone in school realized we were together. It was why D wasn’t interested in anyone else, and I didn’t care for anyone else either. Back in high school, on August 15th, he’d taken me out for a date. We had been together for about two months then, quietly and discreetly. No one knew, and we’d only meet on weekends and talk to each other in school on Fridays. Every Friday evening, he’d pick me up and drop me back on Sunday.

That particular day, I’d brought my asthma pump along and, without realizing it, left it at his place. The next day, he brought it to school, pulling it out from his blazer pocket to return it to me. In that moment, everyone saw, and suddenly it felt like a spectacle. Someone even exclaimed, “Wow, Sambhavi isn’t just dating—she’s in an actual relationship with Jared!” From there, everyone started asking us questions, and we were practically forced to go public. But honestly, I was happy to be able to love him openly.

That same evening, he invited me over, saying he had something important to discuss. So after heading home, I changed and made my way to his place. He made us coffee, and we settled by the window, a spot I’d always dreamed of waking up to. Breaking the silence, he looked at me and asked, “What would you think about moving in with me?”

I was stunned. He continued, “Imagine it, babylah. You could move in, and we could redecorate my room into the Gothic vibe you’ve always wanted. We’d get that grey rug and the vintage dresser you’ve been eyeing online. We could put Rajnigandha flowers in a vase every day. There’s plenty of space—just think about it.” His words weren’t just an invitation; it was the attention to every detail of my dream room that made me feel truly seen.

"But what about your friends? Would they be okay with it?" I asked, not wanting to overstep. He smiled, reassuring me. “I’ve already spoken to them. They’re more than happy to welcome you home.”

That was the moment I felt I’d won in life. And now, sitting here hugging my little brother, tears fall. Because in loving D, I both won and lost at the same time.