The evening passed by in silence. Ma and Baba ji were really angry on Raj ji and he in return was fuming about how I played the cards. Maybe because of the fact that I am pregnant, he didn't want to show it on me, and therefore went out to the shop and he did not come home yet.

After Sushant left, Rekha barged into my room.

"Bhabhi, thanks a lot.", she said with tearful eyes.

I asked her to sit on the bed and then look at me.

"Listen, I always took you to be an intelligent girl, what happened to you today?"

"Bhabhi, there is definitely no amount of explanation that can suffice to what happened today. But I swear it was really not how Bhai assumed it to be.

I had called Sushant to infact break-up with him-"

"Wha-what?"

"Yes Bhabhi, I mean, see no one is really going to be happy about the outcome of this relationship. You've already saved me twice from Bhai's anger and wrath. Every single time, that's not possible right?"

"Yes that's true. But Rekha, tell me one thing, how are you going to handle all this? Is it worth losing Sushant just because your brother's a short tempered person and your mother is a tough nut to crack?"

Without an answer Rekha just blinked at me.

"How do you think I survive these two, Rekha?

Because whatever you are telling as reasons to give up on a great guy and an honest relationship, I have and face a fair share of them too!

Infact, your brother is not even home yet and this is the first time, since-"

I gently touched my tummy and closed my eyes.

Yes it's true, it's been the first time we've had a fight since I am pregnant. He has never left me out of his sight and today, because of blinded anger, he has not even stepped into our room.

Rekha came closer and just squeezed my arm.

"Bhabhi, I am so sorry. I am really not proud of what happened."

"See, it's really okay, but don't be a fool. Always be proud of what you feel and on whom you feel this for. You are a head strong girl. Go, just speak to the boy and both of you, be eachother's support and come up well in life.

Bring the best out of eachother. Be eachother's warmth and we'll figure this out together."

"Bhabhi, are you sure about this?"

"Well, it's really not my place to give you confirmations, Rekha. But you should know whether it's worth fighting for or not.

Let me tell you a secret. Think of this as a girl talk okay?"

Rekha nodded.

"See, I really wasn't sure about your Bhai until I married him. It all happened real quick and I didn't even get a chance to absorb the transformation from a daughter to a daughter in law.

But your Bhai never forced me into anything. He understood or at least tried to understand what it is for me to undergo all of this. We had our disagreements initially and I did have a hard time adjusting and adapting.

Your Bhai, with every passing day however made me realise that the pain of adaptation was worth undergoing. Today, I carry his child in my womb, Rekha. This is how much I love him. From being a woman who really didn't want to be a part in any of this, I have come to an extent of doing everything possible under the sun to keep your brother happy.

This is what love does to you Rekha and I am really happy that you found yours at such a young age. I am sure your brother will see this side too, okay? Just give him some time. For him, you are always his little sister who comes to him for anything and everything. He just feels that you may not need him if Sushant comes into your life.

All you have to do is ensure that he has a special place in your heart. Okay?"

"Bhabhi, but why will Bhai think like that? You know that he is always-"

I knew where she was going.

"Well, that's how men work!"

She chuckled and we both shared a laugh together.

And suddenly, it was broken with a knock interruption. Rekha stiffened and I carefully moved my eyes. It was Raj ji. He looked sad more than angry but also looked a bit contended.

"Bhabhi, I'll-"

"Rekha, stay!", said both my husband and me, together.

The jinx kinda held a little longer as our eye contact seemingly spoke louder than ever.

"Ahem", Raj ji said, breaking it.

"I owe you an apology Rekha. I overheard your conversation with your Bhabhi.

See, I wasn't at my best behavior but that is not what I will apologise for. You are my sister and your safety and happiness is everything that I can think about. But your Bhabhi is right. This sort of anger was more towards me losing a place in your life.

That would hurt me the most."

"Bhai, you will never-"

"I know", he breathed.

"It's in every brother, Rekha and I am sorry."

"No Bhai, I am so sorry for putting you and Bhabhi in such a situation."

"You are lucky to find love in such a young age, dear.

The boy did seem good. I actually had a chat with him and came. He seems sensible, ambitious, smart and matured. You have chosen a good guy Rekha.

But promise me that it would not interrupt your studies, and when the time is right, your Bhabhi and I will talk to Ma and Baba. Until then, whenever you are meeting him, tell your Bhabhi and go, so we'll know how to handle at home.

Be happy dear and I am so sorry that I put you through all this."

Rekha's eyes pooled with tears as she stood up to go hug her brother. Looking at this emotional moment, even my eyes started tearing up.

"Hey, don't I deserve a hug?"

I asked the siblings.

They laughed and came over the the bed as we shared a warm consoling hug!

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