Rajbir - 5

Rajbir 4 : https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/nisha-aur-uske-cousins/4814382/rajbir-4

"Just by the way, Kabir, don't you feel you are taking this surprise thing too far? I mean, hiding it from your wifey?". Kabir grinned on hearing Nishu's grumpy tone. "Patience, Nishu. Rememeber what I told you when we were making halwa for your family for the first time. Patience". "Kabir", said Kabir's mother - Ketaki - warningly. "Thanks, Mumma". "And that's why I didn't tell you anything. Mumma's pet". "Kabir, tu kitna-", Nisha stopped midway, glancing at Ketaki," accha hai,na?". Ketaki and Kabir both burst out laughing. Kabir replied as usual," Aur tu mere A se kitni J hai, na?". Nisha gave a reluctant smile and leaned back, watching out of the window on her last journey to home. She and Kabir were permanently shifting to Dubai. This made Nisha a little teary eyed.

Kabir frowned as he watched the rearview mirror. Ketaki gave a sigh and said,"Nishu, you are not shifting to Dubai. Relax. No, I can't read your mind", she answered in reply to Nishu's shocked look,"Kabir, keep your eyes on the road". "Mumma-". "No arguments, Nishu. I am stronger than you know. I will stay in Dubai and still manage to a bossy, nagging mother in law". "Mumma, you are like Maa to me. I can't leave you alone", said Nisha.

Ketaki hugged Nisha. "You are my daughter and I know where your happiness lies". Nisha panicked. Once her Mumma decided something, nothing budged her. "Kabir! Kabir! Take my side!". "Chill, Nishu! My surprise will take care of everything". "Useless husbands!", said Nishu, under her breath. Ketaki smiled. They were still kids - both of them.

Nisha, Ketaki and Kabir reached home from the airport at last. Ketaki and Nisha were surprised to see an unlocked door while Kabir trailed behind with their luggage. Nisha went inside curiously and saw Viraj standing, appearing to wait for someone.

Ketaki entered next, noticing Viraj and felt that there was something familiar about him she couldn't place. Nisha greeted Viraj and called out loudly,"Kabir, you have called Viraj for the surprise as well?". Ketaki felt a jolt when she heard the name. "Viraj?", she questioned, her voice shaky. "Oh yes. Sorry, Mumma. Forgot to introduce you. This is Viraj Singh Rathore. My sports coach and close friend. Viraj, this is Kabir's mother".

Ketaki's vision blurred and she trembled. Kabir caught her hand. "Kabir, this is Viraj? My Viraj?". Kabir nodded.

Viraj stood unsurely, his eyes only on Ketaki. Ketaki couldn't hold herself back anymore and went and hugged Viraj, sobbing hard. Viraj embraced his mother back, crying himself. Nisha looked at Kabir, confused. "Viraj is my brother - for whom I came from Dubai". Nisha was shocked beyong belief. Viraj was Kabir's brother.

She watched as Ketaki inquired about Viraj's health, his life and berating herself for being a bad mother. Viraj denied it all and repeated hugged his Mom, wiping her tears. Nisha was overwhelmed to see the life in Viraj's eyes, the joy in Ketaki's and was proud of her hubby. He had brought his family together after all.

Kabir caught Nisha's hand. "Let's give them some privacy". They went to their bedroom. Kabir hugged his Nishu tightly, the way he had been embarrassed to in front of Mumma. He stroked her hair as he said," I missed you, wifey. So much. Did you miss me?". Nisha smiled. "Every second of every day. This was the best surprise of my life. I am so, so proud of you , Hubby".

Kabir beamed. Nothing made his day more than praise from his wifey. "When did you find out the truth? How?". Kabir shared everything with Nishu except what Viraj's outburst and his running away. It was a matter between two brothers and Kabir knew that Nishu would never forgive Viraj for the things he had said to her hubby even if they were said in justified anger. Anyway, Viraj's love was undoubtable and this past would have no effect on their future. "Viraj accepted you just like that?", asked Nisha, suspicious. "Well, it took him some time but your hubby's charm is irresistible". Nisha didn't believe him but let it go. Viraj seemed to have accepted Kabir and Ketaki as his family and that was all that mattered.

Nisha looked away, unable to meet Kabir's eyes as the full implications of Viraj being Kabir's brother hit her. Kabir realised the change in a heartbeat and pulled Nisha on the bed. She crashed against him, hands on his chest. "Kabir!", exclaimed Nisha, trying to move. Kabir didn't allow her to escape.

"Tell me what you are thinking", murmured Kabir, his voice gentle. Nisha buried her head in his chest, her voice muffled by his shirt. "I once believed I was in love with your brother. Does it bother you?". Nisha shivered slightly, not being aware of it. She didn't know how she would live if Kabir distanced himself from her.

"Nishu.. Never.. Ever..". He pulled her in an upright position, sitting himself and was appalled to see her fighting tears. Kabir put his fingers under her chin and forced her to look into his eyes. "Nishu, you did no wrong. When will you believe that? I learnt what love is from you. How can I stop loving you, my angel? You just wait and see, it will be your name on my last breat-". "Kabir, how dare you?". Nisha covered Kabir's mouth with her hand, angry that Kabir had even thought such a thing. "Trust me when I say that nothing can come between us".

"Kabir", said Nisha, still worried," I didn't tell Mumma anything about Viraj and me". She shook her head against Kabir's protests. "That was okay when Viraj was a stranger to her. But she deserves to know the truth about her son and daughter --- in law". Kabir corrected, convincingly,"Daughter". Nisha gave a sad smile.

Kabir pulled Nishu back in his arms. "Tell her the truth. There is nothing to say because there was nothing between Viraj and you. I am the only person you have loved". Kabir kissed the top of Nishu's head. "I know you feel that Mumma will see you as someone who hurt her elder son instead of her daughter. That will never happen. Mumma has seen a lot in life and she doesn't judge people. Mumma has accepted you as a daughter from heart and nothing can change that".

Kabir's words gave her confidence. She would beg forgiveness and bear any punishment but would make sure that she remained her Mumma's daughter.

Nisha lay her head contently on Kabir's shoulders. "Kabir, this must be the best day of your life. Your family, together, finally". Kabir's arms tightened around Nisha. "Yes. It's the best day of my life. Not the best night, though", continued Kabir, mischievously,"My best night was on our honeymoon when you-". "Kabir!", said Nisha, blushing furiously, entirely at peace to be in her husband's arms - her favourite place in the world.