Always there to guide you back

Unique punishment

"Seems like everyone here has forgotten me " came a voice from behind.
Virat turned to see Sakshi Bhabhi standing there and pouting.

" These mother - daughter duo are champions in pouting". Mahi Bhai muttered and all of them laughed.
Sakshi Bhabhi playfully glared at Mahi . Then she came and hugged both of them .

" We all missed you so much , Virat . You didn't visit us for such a long time." said Sakshi.
" Yes Virat. You should come more frequently. We have a right to know how our son is , right?" joined Devaki aunty.
Virat felt as if he had been stabbed.

They are from small towns. They are raised in small families.

These words kept ringing in his mind .

No, no, no. Why Mahi Bhai? I will die of guilt. How reckless can I be for saying those things.

He swallowed the lump in his throat and spoke, " Sorry. I was really busy with everything. So I was not able to come. But I promise I will try to visit more often."

" Mahi and Virat. Go and freshen up. Then we will have dinner together." said uncle.
They both nodded.

Virat glanced at Mahi Bhai

Bhai please. Shout at me but don't punish me like this.

He pleaded with his eyes but MS ignored him

On his way back to his room , Virat was lost in his thoughts.
Mahi bhai's family had always treated him like their own family member.
And he said those awful things about them.

At dinner table, everyone was asking him about his family's well being . That made him regret his words even more.

They care so much about my family

He was shifting uncomfortably throughout the whole dinner.
He noticed that Mahi Bhai never addressed him directly.
He always talked about him in third person.

After the dinner, MS said , "Maa, I am taking the dogs for a walk".
"I will also come , Bhai."Virat found himself saying almost instantaneously because he could not face them right now .

In the lawn , Virat was silently walking beside MS tugging on his shirt like a kid.

MS had let his dogs free and was walking slowly .
Virat was expecting MS to snub at him anytime but it didn't happen.

Your silence is killing me , Bhai.

" I can't handle this, Bhai " Virat suddenly stopped in his tracks .
MS turned to look at him , his eyes gleaming with anger.
" What Virat? What can you not handle? This small town or this small boy and his small family" said Mahi Bhai in such a tone that it pierced through Virat's heart.

MS had stormed off to the house by then. Virat just closed his eyes and felt the cool breeze on his face.

What have I done! He is beyond hurt . He will never forgive me now.....

After sometime he returned to the house. He saw Sakshi sitting on the couch with a tensed face.

" Is everything okay, Virat? When Mahi came back , he was looking hurt and now you are also...." trailed Sakshi.

" I messed up bad this time , Bhabhi. Please forgive me . He will never forgive me and I know I don't deserve it"
said Virat.

" No Virat . Whatever might me your mistake, he will forgive you because he loves you . We get angry from those whom we love the most . Just convey your feelings to him , Virat. He cares for you enough to forgive you." she consoled him.

Virat nodded and went off to his room . He just sat on his bed and thought about his actions. When he thought of the words that he had said that day, he flinched.

Why can't I control my words ?

He was trying to sleep but all in vain. Mahi bhai's face kept coming to his mind.
On the other side , MS was also not able to sleep either . He was turning sides on his bed.

" If you are this uncomfortable, then just go and talk to him. Even he is miserable. However much you deny, we both know you are worried for him." came Sakshi's voice.

MS stood up and went outside the room ......