Family is an institution that evokes varied feelings for different individuals. For some it is a source of unadulterated joy and a lifeline; for some it may bring unacceptance; for some a responsibility; and for many it is a combination of all. And for Abir and Mishti, it was the latter. Though both of them had their own families, many times, they often made Abir and Mishti feel desolate. Their family members failed to read the unsaid pain and loneliness in their beautiful eyes. Although, there were exceptions to this. Bade Papa and Badi Maa, and Naanu, often understood Mishti and Abir’s unspoken pain, respectively. Definitely there were times when neither of these three understood their children’s sufferings, the most standout period being the breakup phase. Barring that unfortunate duration, Bade Papa, Badi Maa and Naanu, had been always been Mishti and Abir’s rock. They always supported their children in all their endeavours and encouraged them to speak their mind. Perhaps, this made both Abir and Mishti,nervous about informing these three people about the decision they had taken. And then there was of course Kunal- Abir’s nanko.
Abir and Kunal shared an unbreakable bond of brotherhood. Their love for each other was boundless. Ever since childhood, when his mother had brought home an infant Kunal, Abir had assumed the role of a father figure to him. Kunal looked upto his brother for crucial advise whenever he was stuck at crossroads. Kunal and Abir could go to any lengths to protect each other, and this wasn’t a hidden fact. Even Mishti had slowly started to build a beautiful bond with Kunal, setting aside their bitter past. There was a time when Kunal blamed Mishti for any unfortunate incident in their life, especially when it concerned Abir. Now, the very same Kunal had not only accepted Mishti as Abir’s wife, but also as his friend. He identified and acknowledged Mishti, not only as Abir’s wife, but for the wholesome human she was. Mishti reciprocated his respect and concern by giving him advice when he asked for it and listening to his problems. Gradually, they two had started to form an uncanny bond. Given the importance Kunal held in Abir’s life, and owing to the slowly budding friendship between Mishti and Kunal, they both had decided to first inform him about their decision. Abir knew that it would be big jolt to Kunal, but he had no option. He had to make sure his Nanko would not breakdown and be alright, before he and Mishti could face his mother. Hence, Abir and Mishti decided to inform Kunal about this decision together.
Kunal and Kuhu were in their room. Kuhu looked tensed while Kunal was working on his laptop. Kuhu was pacing from one end of the room to the other. All she could think about was her last conversation with her Abir bro. She had never seen her bro so formal with her, except for the one time he had confronted her about mixing sleeping pills in coffee. Even then, he did not ignore her after that incident like he had today. Kuhu could not wrap her head around Abir’s changed behaviour. “Kunal, tum Abir bro se ek baar baat karke dekho na. Woh jabse resort se laute hai unhone mujhse baat hi nahi ki. #Ignoringme. Toh tum kya unse ek baar baat karke yeh puch nahi sakte aakhir aisa kya hua ki unhone mujhe Hi bhi nahi kaha? Kunal tum meri baat sun rahe hona?”, Kuhu questioned, worried. Kunal looked up from his laptop and answered her calmly, “Kuhu, bhai busy hai. Woh Mishti ke saath hai. Apni wife ke saath time spend kar rahe hai. Itne tensions ke baad woh ek dusre se mile hai. Toh hume unhe thoda space dena chahiye na? Aur bhai ko NGO ka pending kaam bhi pura karna hai. Toh his hands are full right now. Sahi time aane par woh khud tumse baat karne aayenge aur agar nahi aaye, toh tum jaake unse baat karna and agar koi problem ho toh use solve kar lena. It is not fair that I interfere between you and bhai, because you both have your own equation.” Kuhu was clearly annoyed and hence she retorted, “But Kunal woh dono toh pura ek extra din resort main spend karke aaye hain. Toh kya Abir bro ek baar, mujhse baat nahi kar sakte? #ForAMinute? I am telling you Kunal, Mishti ne hi Abir bro ko mere baare main complain kiya hoga. Uska toh kaam hi yahi hai. #ComplainBox. Har choti cheez ka baare main Abir bro ko jaakar complain karna aur mere khilaf unke kaan bharna. Usne us inauguration waale din bhi yahi kiya tha. Jaake abir bro ko complain kar diya ke maine uske kamre main jaakar photo frames tode. #ShikayatiTattu.” Kunal tried to control his anger. He got up from his study table and questioned her calmly, but with a raised voice, “Tumne Abir bhai aur Mishti ke room main jaakar frames tode? I can’t believe it Kuhu. Itna immature behaviour. Tumhe koi hak nahi hai ki tum unke kamre main jao aur waha tod phod karo. That is not what I expected from you Kuhu. Aur rahi baat Mishti ke tumhare khilaaf kaan bharne ki, toh woh bhai ki wife hai Kuhu. Woh unse koi bhi baat share kar sakti hai. Maine tumse pehle bhi kaha tha ki husband aur wife ek unit hote hai. Toh woh ek dusre ke saath apni feelings share kar sakte hai. Jaise tum abhi iss waqt kar rahi ho. And Kuhu stop blaming Mishti for everything that happens in your life. Sab kuch Mishti ke wajah se nahi hota hai. Start taking responsibility for your own actions, warna bohot der ho jaayegi.” Kuhu was stunned with Kunal’s volley of accusations. She surely didn’t expect Kunal to react in this way. Yet, she answered back Kunal, almost shouting “Kunal, tum aisa isilye bol rahe ho kyunki tum Mishti ko nahi jaante. Usne mujhse hamesha sab kuch cheena hain aur aage bhi woh yahi karegi. Usne meri family mujhse cheen li aur aaj woh Abir bro aur unki friendship mujshe cheen rahi hai. Aur aaj tum mere husband hote hue, tum bhi ussi ki side le rahe ho. Jasmeet chachi sahi kehti hai Mishti sirf ghar todna jaanti hai. #HomeBreaker.”
