Rajbir - 6

It was the best Diwali of Kabir's life. Everyone he loved was there with Nishu and him. All of them together with no misunderstandings, regrets, worries or sadness. Kabir wished his Dad was still alive to see his family together. He knew, though, as he looked up at the moonless sky which so different from the one he had walked into to get away from his brother, that his Dad and even Viraj's Dad were feeling their joy wherever they were.

"Enjoying the sights, hubby?", asked Nisha, as a spectular display of lights caused by the crackers lightened the sky. Kabir wrapped his hand around his wifey's shoulder. "It's a beautiful night", said Kabir, feeling happiness all around him. Inside too. "Yeah. Diwali always is. A bright moonless night. So unique. Where the dark can't get you".

Kabir looked at Nishu, trying to understand what she was really saying. "I always wondered why Maa named me Nisha. The night..The dark.. Guess, it was a pretty accurate description for the effect I have on people".

Kabir sighed,"Nishuuu" and pulled her against him. For the life of him, Kabir couldn't see how a selfless and loving girl like Nisha could think so negatively about herself. "The dark is comforting. Relaxing. It takes away all your worries and leaves you a fresher person. Darkness makes a way for light to pass through and shields when the light gets too intense."

Kabir could read the disbelief in Nisha's eyes. "Nishu, are you blind? Can't you see the changes you have brought in Viraj, Mumma and most of all, me. My entire family owns you, Nishu. You were there when Viraj had just come out of his painful paralysis and saved him from his evil Bua. You gave Mumma a daughter and the assurance that someone loved her so much that she could leave her family, her country for her. And me, Nishu? Do I even need to say? LSD to Viraj to being my wife, your love gives me strength everyday. Have I never been able to make you feel that?", questioned Kabir, a little upset.

Nisha cursed herself for her insecurities. "So sorry, Kabir. I don't know what happens to me. Please don't spoil your mood. You make me feel like the most special girl on earth. You do". Nisha tugged at Kabir's mouth and he gave in with a smile. Kabir knew why Nisha felt this way whenever they were happy. She was afraid someone or something would steal it all from her. He knew her bitter life experiences had made her such a worry wort and he was determined to change that. Kabir was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't realise when Nisha pecked him on the cheek and ran away. He remembered his similar gesture when he had danced with Nishu in her house and gave a delighted laugh.

Viraj and Ketaki saw this from a distance and were happy for them. Kabir now truly considered the Rathore Palace as his home. Viraj remembered the moment three days ago when this palace became a home again.

"Why don't you want to stay in the palace, Kabir?", asked Viraj, his eyebrows furrowed. The easiest conclusion was that Kabir had not forgiven him but Viraj knew better now. "Big Bro", said Kabir, hesitating,"I am not a Rathore. That house belongs to you. I didn't come to find you for your wealth". Viraj said gently," I know that. You came to find your elder brother and you did. Don't you want to stay with him? I know you are attached to this place but that is the legacy of my ancestors. As much as I want to stay with you, I can't leave the palace. I feel closer to my father there. Maa agrees. She has mixed feelings about going back but agrees that it's the right thing to do. To preserve the heritage of our forefathers. To protect the misuse of the powerful family assets and name from relatives like Bua. The Palace was for the family of Rathores. You, Nisha are that, Kabir". Kabir understood what Viraj was saying and agreed. He was going to miss the rented place which became his home, though. Viraj leaned in and whispered,"Tell you what. Keep this home as a holiday home, whenever you and Nisha want privacy from the rest of the world". Kabir grinned, the stress evaporating from his face.

Kabir stood and watched everyone around him. Jwala and Bunty were bursting crackers; Dolly and Saurav were lost in each other; Dadaji, Dadi were listening to Papa's songs; Sirf Suketu , Umesh Bhaiyya, both the Taijis and Taujis were playing cards; Nishu, Kirti, Maa and Mumma were arguing about something. Seemed like online shopping as Kirti was waving her phone animatedly. Kabir wished this night would never end and he would remain frozen here forever, seeing this scene for eternity.

Where was Big Bro?, Kabir wondered. "Behind you". Kabir jumped. "Are you, Mumma and Nishu sure, you all can't read my mind?". Viraj chuckled. "You have such a clean heart, Kabir, anyone can read your mind". Kabir became embarrassed. Viraj smiled and said,"I have a present for you".

Kabir looked up in surprise. Viraj had unknowingly already given him a gift earlier in the week. He had explained to Mumma about Nisha and his previous relationship. He had made sure that Mumma not blame Nishu in the slightest and that had been exactly what happened. Another thing his wifey had worried about, uselessly.

Still, Kabir wasn't going to refuse Viraj's gift. It was the first Diwali gift from his elder brother and Kabir looked at Viraj excitedly. "Drive carefully, Kabir", said Viraj, handing Kabir keys to a brand new Royal Enfield. Kabir grinned from ear to ear and bent to touch Viraj's feet. Viraj stopped him short. "No. We are friends first". Kabir agreed to that. Viraj needed a friend who he could open up with. There were many people who respected him.

"I have something for you too". Viraj shook his head firmly. Kabir's existence in his life was already the most precious present Kabir had given. "Elders don't accept gifts from their little ones". Kabir sighed. His bro and his principles. "We are friends first", quoted Kabir. Viraj saw the eagerness in Kabir's eyes and didn't want to disappoint him."Just this once". Kabir promised,"Just this once. And on your birthdays. And a few others occasions". Viraj bit back a smile so as to not encourage Kabir. Irrcorrigible as always. Kabir reached inside his Kurta pocket and removed a small, gift wrapped box. "Here". Viraj felt unbelievably touched as he took the box. Another present from his brother. He opened it to find a handsome, old wristwatch. "My Dad's", Kabir said,"He would have wanted you to have it". Viraj's eyes swelled up with emotions. He hugged Kabir and Kabir hugged him back tightly in return. He caught Nishu looking at him with a heart melting smile and gave one in return.

Kabir gave thanks to the Almighty and knew that this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey for his loved ones and him.