Promises:
Thursday 5th of January, 1989
The twenty-three year old Swamini ran around the Vadhera house, her arms laden with blankets and cloths. She stopped momentarily as her eyes fell on her seventeen year old brother merrily bobbing along to some song on the radio. She rolled her eyes, her frustration evident in her posture. "Inder? Inder!" He turned startled towards her voice, carelessly flinging his arms around amounting in a broken stereo on the floor. "Ye-yes Di?"
He tried to cover the remnants of the machine with his body, wincing internally at her unimpressive look. "Inder, I told you to look after Viren and this is what you're doing? Go." He turned immediately before disappearing down the corridor into the den room. He paused at the doorway, smiling softly as his gaze fell on his two year old nephew playing happily with a stuffed toy tiger. He turned towards Ripa, the Vadhera's maid who was busy cleaning around the toddler.
"Ripa, you can go, I'll watch over him." She nodded before leaving Inder alone. He chuckled slightly as Viren made roaring noises in an attempt to imitate the tiger. He bent down and picked the small boy up, swinging him around as Viren's laughter filled the room. Shifting him around, Inder balanced him on his hip as he walked out towards the living area. "So Viren, we're going to go see someone very special later." The little boy looked up from the toy in his hands, his eyes inquisitive. "Spesh-al? Who?"
"Well, you'll find out soon. First you need to eat." The little boy clapped his hands enthusiastically as he saw the Sippy cup and sandwich laid out on the table. "Chachu, jooose! Jooose!" Inder sat Viren down into his highchair and watched fondly as the toddler attempted to cram the jam sandwich into his mouth.
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
Inder yawned as he sat waiting impatiently in the hospital waiting room. He held Viren in his lap as his free hand ran down his face. Viren held on to his favourite toy tightly as he eyed around the waiting room, wary of the various strangers sitting surrounding them. He brought the toy to his chest, cuddling it dearly as he leaned back to rest against Inder.
Inder looked towards the opening ward doors, smiling as his older brother came out, relief evident in his face. Vikram headed straight towards Viren, picking up the two year old and embracing him in a hug. "Pappa!" Vikram squeezed the little soul, a small laugh escaping his lips. "I hope you've been a good little boy for everyone today." He ran a hand over his back, soothing the small child. He turned towards the rest of the family scattered around the waiting room, his smile lighting up the windowless space. "Our Viren's got a little brother to play with now."
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
Vanshika held out her hands, eager to have her son in her arms. She half sat against the uncomfortable hospital beds, a pillows supporting her back. She smiled as Vikram placed Viren into her arms and instantly brought him closer to her as he cuddled into her side. "Viren, hunny, you're alright aren't you?" The little boy nodded into her side as she lovingly ran her hand through his hair. "Love you Mummy." She held him close as Vikram reappeared with what seemed like a bundle of blankets within his arm.
Viren looked up from under his mother's arm, spying the mysterious parcel. A small frown appeared upon his lips as Vikram rested the small bundle in his arms as he sat on the opposite side to where Viren was laying. "Look Viren, we've got someone special for you to meet. He's your new baby brother."
Viren looked suspiciously at the wrinkled little face, his hand extending out to try and prod the little being. "Viren, no, you'll hurt him." Vanshika scolded him lightly as Viren retracted his hand, unsure of what to do. He leaned in closer to the bundle, only to jump back as the little bundle opened his eyes, the soft gurgles escaping his lips. Vanshika smiled assuredly as Viren leaned back in, gazing into the eyes of his little brother. He looked up towards Vikram, pointing at the bundle. "Baby?"
Vikram nodded earnestly, as Viren went back to look at the small baby. "He's your baby brother. Before long, you'll be playing with each other, fighting with each other, looking after each other. Viren, the baby's going to need you and need to promise to look after him and love him the most in the world, just like you're Mummy and Pappa love you."
The little boy looked deep in thought as he glanced between his parents. "Love?" Vanshika took his hand, and placed it lightly upon the baby. "Yes, just like you love your Mummy and Pappa, you're going to love your little brother too… Hunny, promise you'll look after him and love him." Viren turned towards his little brother, slowly rubbing his hand over the layers of blankets just like his parents did, smiling softly. "Promise Mummy."
Sunday 26th of September, 1994
The five year old Virat sat on the sofa, his football in his arms as he awaited the return of his father. He hummed along to the Spiderman tune, shaking his head side to side as the rest of the house revolved around their daily routine. Viren walked passed, stopping briefly as he noticed the delirious expression on his younger brother's face. Rolling his eyes, he continued out towards the back patio with his favourite book in hand.
As the sky grew greyer, Dadaji ushered back inside as the decorations around the house were beginning to take shape. Viren glumly sat down opposite Virat, sneaking a glance towards his humming brother before reopening his book. "Bhai… Where's Pappa?" He looked up from his book, his eyes falling on the nave face of Virat. "He's out Kiddo. Why?" The little boy looked deep in thought as he turned towards the clock on the wall. "He said he's play football with me, but he's three hours late."
Vanshika appeared adorned in a ruby red saree, distracting both boys from their conversation. "Boys, it's so late and you aren't even ready? Come on, it's Karva Chauth, quickly come with me and get changed." She dragged both her sons to their room, forcing them to sit down on the large bed as she rummaged through their cupboard in search of the matching sherwani's their father had bought. Finding the red and gold suits, she dressed her sons, stopping to take some pictures to the annoyance of the brothers.
"Okay, okay, I've taken my pictures. Oh, your Pappa's going to think you look so adorable when he sees you two. Now remember boys, we have guests over so you'll have to be on your best behaviour. So that means the football stays in here Virat and Viren, keep an eye out over your brother, I don't want him getting into any kind of mess. Promise boys?" They boys looked between each other before sighing and turning back to their mother. "Promise Ma."
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
Viren and Virat sat to the side of the living room, heads in their hands as they yawned out of pure boredom. Viren glanced around the congregation of women chatting as their husbands stood awkwardly to the side awaiting the sighting of the moon. They rolled their eyes at the overly happy kids running around their living room, a privilege which they would never receive. Virat swung his leg like a metronome, waiting impatiently for Vikram to return. Viren placed his hand over the knee, stilling it as he tried to focus on his book.
They sat in their place for the next hour, tiredly watching as the moon appeared in the cloudy sky and the ladies one by one broke their fasts. They also watched as one by one, the women moved away from the outdoor patio with their husbands as the clock ticked by until only Vanshika was left standing in place awaiting their father. A light flurry of rain began to descend on the Chandigarh sky. Viren closed his book as the attention within their house turned towards two officers, prime and pristine in their uniform making their way towards Dadaji, Inder and Swamini.
Viren's eyebrows furrowed together as the trio turned to look towards them, their emotions incomprehensible. Virat reached out his hand, grasping a hold of Viren's arm as he felt a sense of unease fall upon him. Placing the book to his side, Viren walked towards Dadaji as Virat held onto the sleeve of Viren's sherwani. Virat looked outside towards the patio, noticing the cautiously stepping Khadambheri approaching Vanshika.
He heard the clatter of the dish as the rain began to thicken, drenching Khadembheri within seconds. Viren turned towards the sound, his eyes growing wide as he watched Vanshika slowly sinking to the ground, her face within her palms. He placed a step towards the door but found his torso being held back by Swamini as she tearfully looked between both her nephews. Viren looked between Swamini and Vanshika, shrugging off the formers arm as both boys ran towards the crumpled wreck of their mother.
"Ma!" They called out into the deafening rain, slowly approaching Khadambheri as she leaned over Vanshika. Viren leant down, trying to peer through his mother's palms. He took a hold of both her hands, gently pulling them down, his eyes flashing over her distraught face. "Ma…" Virat knelt down next to Viren, his long hair falling over his eyes as the rain worsened. She let out another sob before crashing both her sons into her arms, burying her face into their hair. "Promise me you'll never leave me… Promise me you'll never leave me…"
Virat nodded his head into her chest as Viren pulled back to look into her eyes, slowly wiping the water away from her face. "We promise Mom."
Friday 8th of June, 2001
"You promised! You promised you'd be there!" The tears streamed down his face as his hands clasped tight into little balls. The roar of thunder drowned out his sobs as he stood upon his balcony facing the Mussoorie landscape, his tears fading into the pounding rain. Vanshika stood behind the heavy glass doors, peering out at the twelve year old figure of her youngest. The quiet steps behind her caught her attention, her gaze turning to her younger sister-in-law cradling her baby son with his plush mouse toy in hand.
"Bhabhi, he's going to catch a cold if he stays out any longer. Why aren't you bringing him in?" Khadhamberi's eyebrows knit together in confusion as she slowly rocked the baby back and forth. "He won't listen; he never does. He's his father's son…" The silence enveloped them as Vanshika kept a watchful gaze over her son. Khadhamberi sighed softly, her own eyes focused on the small figure standing near the balcony rail. "He does know that Viren won't make it tonight?"
Vanshika hummed quietly, her arms coming to rest against the glass. "Yes… but Viren promised, that's all that matters." The small baby began to stir, the soft sound of his cooing filling up the room. "These two brothers will be the death of each other; God willing let them never separate. One day when my Shlock is all grown up, the love between these three – let no one cast an evil eye on them."
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
Vanshika sat upon her son's rocking chair, the little bundle of Shlock positioned in her arms. Khadhamberi sat upon Virat's bed, both women keeping their gaze on the drenched boy on the balcony. The hands on the clock moved by as the sky grew darker, the boys resolve still unimaginably strong. Yawning slightly, Vanshika almost missed the whirlwind of flurry that sprung past them with eyes bright and glee in his voice. "Bhai's here! Bhai! Bhai's here!"
His mind was empty, save for the thought of his brother downstairs. Skipping the infinite stairs, he sat on the chrome banister, swishing down with the wind blowing through his hair. Bounding from the bottom of the stairs, he ran as fast as his legs could allow him to the front door, pulling the heavy oak doors open with all his might. Grinning from ear to ear, he whispered softly as his eyes refused to believe the sight before him: "Bhai…"
The slightly damp fifteen year old looked inquisitively, a small smile emerging as his arms sagged under the weight of his various bags. "How did you know I was coming? I didn't know I was coming home until about two hours ago." Virat took the last few steps towards Viren, his arms encircling the taller boys waist as his head buried into his chest. Dropping his bags, he brought the smaller boy closer, a hand running through his wet hair. "Why're you so wet kiddo? Don't tell me, you stood outside all this time… Virat what if something happened to you? What if you became ill?"
His arms held on tighter to Viren, his eyes squeezed shut. "Virat… Virat? Virat, what's wrong?" He just about heard the quiet mumbling coming from his brother, "You promised… You promised you'd come…" Smiling softly, Viren manoeuvred the boy so as to see his face, the shiny eyes beaming back towards him. "I promised you, didn't I? How could I break that?"
Vanshika wiped away the stray tear that had escaped her eyes, her face glowing. Khadhamberi leaned her arm on Vanshika's shoulder as she beamed at the sight before her. "Truly, whatever God has put together, let no one come between them."
Tuesday 16th of August, 2005
The sixteen year old stared vacantly at the large ceiling above them; the rotation of the fans captivating his attention. Letting out a shallow breath, he turned towards his older brother sitting next to him. Smirking slightly, he spied the plane ticket hanging out of the pocket placed along the armrest between their chairs. Slowly, he eased the ticket out, careful not to disturb Viren as he read his thick book.
Smiling jovially, he hid the ticket in his hoodie pocket only for his smirk to disappear as he caught sight of Viren's upturned eyebrow. Shrugging his shoulders, he again turned his attention to the airport windows, watching the planes arriving and departing. "Arre Bhai, you and your books. I'll never understand this obsession."
Placing down the book, Viren shared Virat's gaze, the eighteen year old weaving his arm around his little brothers shoulder. "C.S Lewis once said, 'We read to know we are not alone'. I read because I see my future through these words." He smiled slightly as Virat scoffed at Viren's words, shrugging off the arm. 'Flight BA56-D to London, Heathrow is now boarding at Gate 15. Flight BA56-D Heathrow London at Gate 15.'
The tannoy blared through the waiting room, shaking Viren alert. Standing up, he collected his messenger bag, placing his book inside whilst his blazer hung on his arm. He stood in front of Swamini, kneeling down to take her blessing before moving over towards Vanshika. He slowly wiped away the tears from her face. She held his hand against her cheek, the tears still flowing. "Y-you take care of yourself, okay? An-and remember to call home every day."
He nodded solemnly, placing a small kiss on her cheeks before making his way to Virat. "Kiddo, you need to take care of yourself, Ma, Badi Ma, Shlock, everyone… You're the oldest now, make everyone happy and you'll make me proud." He tapped him on the cheek, trying to avoid his eyes as best as he could. Taking the few steps towards the check in desk, he halted as he heard the timid voice calling out behind him. "Bhai…"
He turned slowly knowing that this goodbye would be more painful than he'd planned. Virat stood with the ticket in his hand, a small smile on his face. His eyes were brimmed with tears, the smile on his lips not reaching them. "You promised… you promised you'd never leave me…" Running a hand through his hair, Viren let out a shaky breath before taking the few paces to Virat. "I know…" His words came out softly, as his hands rummaged around in his side bag. "…but I'm not. I'll be right here through this. Atticus Finch, remember?" He pulled out an old battered copy of 'To Kill A Mockingbird'.
"My hopes, my dreams, and my future; everything is in there… If ever I was to be a man, Atticus Finch is who I'd be." Placing the book in Virat's hand, he eased away the ticket from his numb fingers, his eyes reflecting the sadness he saw in Virat's. Viren didn't break their eye contact as he paced backwards, afraid of letting go. Virat's mind clicked back in place as he smiled softly, waving his hand as Viren disappeared through the gate. He slowly flicked through the well-used book, smirking as he saw the many letters annotated into the text; each addressed 'Dear Virat…'
Friday 16th of March, 2007
The eighteen year old Virat stood gazing at the mirror, musing silently at the cast wrapped around his arm and the connecting sling. His restricted movement annoyed him greatly, but not as much as his wounded head or broken rib was doing at that moment. Turning towards the door, he eased himself out of his room making his way towards the dining table, all the time thankful for his room being on the ground floor.
Taking his place, he hissed in pain as his chest became painfully heavy. Dadaji stood behind him, a glass of water in hand with his painkillers laid out on the table. "You need rest Virat, what are you doing out of bed?" Dadaji looked sternly at Virat, handing Virat the glass. Vanshika appeared with an assortment of bowls in her hands; laying them down, she brushed her hands against the apron around her waist, giving Virat a knowing look. "Habit Ma. Eight o'clock, eight o'clock, eight o'clock. Plus, do you have any idea just how boring it is lying in one room twenty four seven?"
"Well you should have thought of that before you went joy riding around town." Vanshika turned towards the voice, shock adorning her face as she saw Viren standing at the door, a few bags in hand. "Viren? You're supposed to be in London… What are you doing here?" Viren kept his eyes focused on Virat, his usually light eyes darkened. "Well who would have thought I'd have such an idiot of a brother who decides to get drunk and go on a joy ride on a motorbike he's never ridden in his life!"
"Bhai-" Viren cut him off as he made his way towards the table. "Don't you dare! I told you to make me proud, and this is what you do? What the hell Virat! Do you have any idea what was going through my head when I got a call at three in the morning telling me my baby brother is lying in the ICU? Internal bleeding, broken ribs, broken arm, concussion; just what the hell do you think you're doing?"
Virat turned away from his gaze. "All the way from London and I don't even get a 'Hi, how are you. Are you well?' What did you expect? You weren't here; this house is some sort of circus!" Viren towered over him, annoyance written all over his face. "Don't you dare, you promised me you'd look after yourself and everyone else, and you think this is it?" He pointed towards the sling and the stitches along his right eyebrow as Virat stood up to stand face to face with his brother.
"Promise? What promise? All those promises you've made over the years, you've never lived up to any of them. And who the hell are you to think that you can control me? You're not my father!" A flash of red flew past Viren's face, but it disappeared as soon as it appeared. Viren looked at Virat, a deadly sense of calmness overcoming him as he cocked his head to the side.
"You're right, I mean, just who am I? Exactly who am I? Nobody it seems; thank you Mr. Virat Singh Vadhera for putting that into perspective for me, really thank you." He smiled sarcastically, brushing past Virat and moving towards the door as Vanshika called out towards him. "Viren. Viren! Come on hunny, you just got here, where are you going?" She could just about catch his parting words as he disappeared out the door. "Like any of you care…"
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
Vanshika placed the coffee mug on the living are table, letting it clatter in an attempt to showcase her annoyance. Virat rolled his eyes as she turned to fluff up the cushions on the sofas, quietly muttering to herself. Her agitation grew as he continued to play on his phone, finally reaching boiling point as he released a chuckle due to the funny little sounds coming from the game. She snatched the mobile from out of his hands, discarding it behind her shoulder so that it came to land between two cushions. "Virat, what's happened to you? Where is my Virat gone?"
He turned to look at her, a look of arrogance in his eyes. "He's right here, why?" She let out a sigh as her hands came to rest at her hips. "Talking to you is like talking to a brick wall. Virat, please for my sake, just stop all the nonsense." He turned his gaze towards the coffee mug, staring intently at the curvature of the handle. "Virat, seriously, these last two years have changed you so much. I want my Virat back, my loving and caring Virat. That Virat who would think twice before doing something stupid. That Virat who would start his day by giving me a hug and asking for 'all the best'. That Virat who would worship the ground his brother walked on, who would consider his Viren as Ram, who never mind speak but could never think about ever hurting his Viren. I want my Virat back, and you are not him." She wiped away the stray tear that cascaded down her cheek as she glanced towards the clock.
"Well tough, because he's gone and he's never coming back!" He looked towards her, his eyes defiant. "Virat… how could you hurt him like that, huh? He's your best friend, your brother, your Ram; heck Virat, he is your father! He loves you the most in his life and you hurt him so bad. Hunny, why? Why?" She looked expectantly towards him, giving up after a few moments as he remained staring at the coffee. She shook her head in disappointment, slowly turning away as the clock drew closer to twelve. "Because! Because… because he left me… he promised he wouldn't leave me ever and then he broke that! He left Ma… he left."
She turned back, her heart slowly breaking as her youngest son broke down on the sofa, his eyes shining with unshed tears. She approached him, seating herself down opposite him on the coffee table. "Baby, can you really hold that against him? Don't you want him to grow, live his life and be happy?" He turned away from her, trying in vain to blink away the tears. "He could have been happy here, in Chandigarh." She placed her hand on his knee, rubbing it softly. "Virat, darling-"
"No Ma, you don't understand; you won't understand! I need him here, I need him with me, it's just not the same…" He looked back towards Vanshika, her hand coming to rest on his cheek. "Virat, don't you think you're being just a tad bit too selfish? You can't hold on to him forever. I think I understand now… All this acting out, this sudden change… It was all for him; for him to notice you, react somehow. You just needed some way to make him notice and this was it…" She looked into his eyes, the truth evident within them.
"Oh Virat! If only you knew. That night before he left, he spent the whole night at your side, watching you sleep. He calls every day to hear from you but you don't want to talk to anyone… He never wanted to leave you in the first place, he never would have if he knew you needed him so much. He thought that he could somehow lessen the separation by leaving you his things – things that meant the world to him. Do you remember the book Virat? That book which your Pappa gave him, his most precious gift in the world… that same book he spent three months annotating so he left a part of not only him but your dad too. Hunny, if you really loved him, you'd let him be free because he thinks about you all the time, he always will." She rubbed her hand over his cheek before passing him the coffee cup and disappearing towards her room leaving Virat in quiet contemplation.
Saturday 17th of March, 2007
Virat was still sat in his seat in the hall as the clock kept ticking by into the early hours of the night. He awaited the return of his brother, but felt more agitated with every tick of the clock. His growing agitation came to a head as the clock struck two and the sound of quiet chuckling rang from behind the door. Getting up carefully, he ventured towards the door, his ears picking up the faint knocking on the wooden doors. Trying his best with one arm, he opened the door as best he could, slightly startled by the dishevelled Viren, smiling madly towards him. "Bhai?"
Viren pushed past him, stumbling towards the support pillars running along the perimeter of the open living area. "Hey Virat! How you doing my man?" Virat quickly closed the door, turning back to his ludicrous brother leaning heavily on one of the pillars, his hand outstretched as his thumb was turned up. He caught a whiff of the smell coming off of Viren, turning his noes up in slight disgust. "Bhai, have you been drinking?" He smiled lazily, closing one eye as Virat stared helplessly at him. "Yeah, and it was goood. Hey, Virruuu, did you know you have a twin? He's got a broken arm too… Oh wait, there's another one, hi Virruuu number two, number three."
He waved towards either side of Virat before momentarily losing the support of one leg, sinking slightly towards the floor. Virat caught a hold of his shoulder and guided him towards his room, praying silently that nobody would awake with the commotion Viren was making in the hallway. He somehow managed to force Viren into his room, making him sit on the edge of the bed, still fully under his drunken stupor. He poured out a glass of water, handing it to the dazzled Viren who took it graciously, drinking the glass within three gulps.
Virat smiled gratefully as Viren sobered up slightly, taking another glass of water. Viren glanced around the dimly lit room, his head shaking from side to side. "Hey Virruuu, when did it get so dark in here? I don't like it… way better when we were kids." Virat rolled his eyes, sighing as he fought to keep Viren upright. "It was pink when we were younger." Viren smiled whimsically, his head lost in the past. "That's exactly why! Pink is such a beautiful colour… I think – I think my favourite colour is pink." Virat stared at his incredulously; slightly wary of the twenty year old sprawled out on his bed. "You hate pink! You hate it with a passion."
"Ah, Virat, come sit here and I'll tell you how it really is." He motioned to the space beside him, waving his arm around as if doing a snow angel on the bed. Virat complied, lying back staring at the ceiling like Viren. "You see kiddo, the big wide world is such a weird place… You say I hate pink, my stomach says differently." Virat looked towards him, uncertain if Viren was drunk or if he was high. "Your stomach…" Viren smiled cheesily at Virat, patting his stomach knowingly. "Your stomach is where your brain is. Hey Virruuu, I forgot to tell you, I'm pregnant." He stroked his non-existent stomach lovingly as Virat nearly choked on the air around them.
"Bhai-" Viren turned up his hand stopping Virat as he spoke. "No, no Bhai. You sai- you said I'm nobody, so no Bhai. Call me Vee, it's so much less confusing yaar." He brought his arm down onto Virat's face, unable to control his limbs properly. "Bhai, I mean Vee, I didn't mean that. Any of it." Viren looked towards him, his arm still awkwardly draped over Virat's face. "Yes you did. In your heart, you meant it, and I don't blame you." He poked Virat gently in the chest as he retracted his arms.
"I don't blame you at all Kiddo… You were right, what promises have I kept, huh? Not even one." He motioned the number with his finger, shaking it around as it momentarily captivated his attention. "Bhai?" Virat broke him out of his daydream as Viren turned towards Virat and then his finger. "Oh yeah… Anyways, where was I? Erm, yeah, promises. I've never kept one Virat… Not one. I promised I'd look after you, and love you, and look after you and never leave you and what did I do? I left you. I'm sorry Kiddo, I'm such a bad brother, I was so selfish." He turned towards Virat, a half smile plastered along his lips.
"Bhai, come on. You've kept every single promise you've ever made. You've never let yourself break one, always finding a way through them. Bhai, you've been right here all this time and I've been too stupid to realise. I'm sorry Bhai." He held onto Viren's hand placing it atop his heart as he looked sincerely into Viren's eyes, somehow certain that deep down his words had travelled through Viren's drunken stupor. "Arre yaar, all is well." Viren yawned before closing his eyes, Virat following suit soon after. "Hey Virruuu, my baby just moved."
~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~
Virat awoke to the sound of vomiting coming from his bathroom. Sitting up, he laughed as he remembered the antics of the night before as his attention turned towards the awful looking soul emerging from the bathroom. He raised his eyebrows, smirking at Viren who in turn sent death glares towards Virat. "Arre Bhai, you know morning sickness is a pretty common symptom of pregnancy."
Viren lowered himself into the chair opposite Virat's bed, his hand rubbing his stomach as he ran his other hand through his very messy hair. "Virat, promise me you'll never let me drink ever again." Virat laughed as Viren groaned loudly. "Never!"
Wednesday 19th of September, 2012
The twenty-three year old sank down to the floor, his face in his hands. His thoughts flew wild with the buzz of the hospital ward growing quieter as time slipped by. Rubbing his closed eyes, his thoughts flew back to her and whatever the hell that had just happened. 'I'm sorry; there's bleeding in her brain as a complication to the increased blood platelets in her system because of the leukaemia. We're trying out best.' The doctor's words raced through his head, his thoughts turning to the unthinkable.
The reassuring arms shook him from his anxiety, his eyes fixating on the breathless form of his brother. "Virat, I came as soon as I could. I just saw Jeevika, she's worried as hell; Kiddo, are you alright?" He scanned the emotionless face as fear struck him. The blank eyes changed instantaneously, the sudden pang of pain hitting him hard as Virat buried himself into Viren's chest.
"Bhai! Bhai, you promised! You promised nothing would happen to her… Bhai, you promised!" His sobs racked his body as Viren clenched his jaw tightly, his eyes resting on the ceiling above. "Virat, don't you worry. I promised didn't I? Nothing will happen to her, nothing. I'll go to the ends of the world to make her better, don't you worry… I made you a promise."
Friday 20th of November, 2015
Virat stood apart from everyone else, the white clothes draped around his body looking extremely out of place on him. He buried his hands into the pockets of the kurta, his eyes trained onto the flames burning wildly atop the pyre. His gaze shifted to those standing around the funeral pyre, the amount of white almost blinding him on this uncharacteristically sunny day. He found his family standing in solidarity from the winds of sorrow, his mother's face resolute as she watched her son burn away slowly.
He glanced towards Jeevika and the child within her arms. Her new found strength had dazzled them all until they realised that this was the classic case of the fight for survival. He looked back into the pyre, his mind reliving each and every one of his memories. He watched as the fire began to die away, recognising too that as the light of the fire diminished, so had the light in his life. He watched silently as a part of him burnt away forever.
Cricket
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