Hope

5.Bonding

After the party concluded, the atmosphere was heavy with a mix of emotions. Arnav Bhai was deeply wounded by Agni Bhai's unexpected revelation, and though Agni Bhai was intoxicated, there came a moment of lucidity when he realized they weren't alone and attempted to compose himself. Nirav Bhai felt the sting of witnessing the conflict between his brothers, and Nishant Bhai was pained too, longing for the days when Agni Bhai, his protector and partner in mischief, would join him in playful pranks.

I, too, was affected by Agni Bhai's accusations, finding myself among the wounded. Yet, as the night deepened, I found no solace in sleep. Restlessness drove me to seek distraction in video games and TV series, but my mind refused to settle. Hoping for some peace, I ventured towards the terrace, drawn by the prospect of the calming stars and the soothing touch of the night's cool breeze. It was there, on my way, that I overheard a conversation that radiated warmth and love.

Peering from the window, I listened as Nishant spoke to Arnav Bhai with a gentle concern that touched my heart.

Nishant to Arnav Bhai: "You can't sleep, can you? I've noticed you're restless. Try to get some rest. Why dwell on what Agni Bhai said? Just wait; by tomorrow, he'll be the first to apologize and make amends with you."

The tenderness in Nishant's voice painted a vivid picture of the deep bond and understanding that existed between the brothers, offering a glimpse of hope and reconciliation amidst the night's turmoil.

Arnav Bhai responded with a light-hearted rebuke, "If I'm not sleeping, it seems you're awake too. You have college tomorrow, go to sleep. And don't worry about all this; get some rest. And what's with you disturbing me every other day? Neither do you sleep, nor do you let me sleep. Your chatter is the reason I can't find sleep." Despite the mock complaint, his tone was light, attempting to ease the mood.

Nishant Bhai, longing for comfort, replied, "I can only fall asleep after hugging you, did you know? It feels like it brings me peace, a kind that I can't quite explain. So, no matter what you say, I'm not giving up my right. I'll hug you every night and fall asleep. You can't say anything to me about it."

Arnav Bhai pondered, realizing, "You are my peace. You think it's you who finds solace in coming close and sleeping next to me, but my heart fills with joy, and I find my tranquility in your presence. Seeing you here, sometimes the greatest happiness comes from making your family happy, and that happiness belongs to you. You'll understand when you're older, when you have your own child, a wife, someone you'd do anything to make happy." As he spoke, he gently stroked Nishant's hair, a gesture filled with affection and a deep understanding of the bonds that tie them together.

Nishant, feeling the warmth of his brother's affection, pleaded for more, "Bhai, it feels so good. Please continue."

In his thoughts, Nishant acknowledged, "I knew if you were left alone, you'd just berate yourself and keep dwelling on your thoughts. Distracting you and bringing you some happiness by being here is what truly makes me happy."

The tenderness of the moment brought tears to my eyes, a type of love I had never known from either parent. The longing for such affection overwhelmed me, leaving me to wish I could have been in Nishant's place, even just for a day. But the harsh reality reminded me that life isn't a fairy tale; there's no time travel, no fantasy. Life unfolds as a series of stories, each turn revealing new challenges. I've learned to face them head-on. They may never be mine to have, but I won't give up my right to trouble them, to be a part of their lives in my own way.

With a heavy heart, I decided it was time to return to my room, to seek solace in solitude. As I passed by Agni Bhai's room, curiosity led me to glance inside, only to discover another scene filled with profound affection.