After a good evening with Priya and her mother, I walked home with a spring in my step, feeling the warmth of the romantic evening lingering around me. After arrived home, I was greeted by my mom and Abhi, their expressions a mix of knowing smiles and mischief.
"Already had dinner over?" Mom asked, trying to suppress a chuckle.
"Come on, Mom, not you too," I replied, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.
"Yeah, yeah, you got really good bro, Even I was amazed by that." Abhi teased, slapping me on the back.
Mom winked at me. "Looks like someone's finally got a girlfriend."
"It's not like that," I said, though the protest was weak.
"Whatever you say, Jain," she said, her smile growing wider. "But it's clear as day to everyone else."
Abhi's grin grew into a full-fledged laugh. "You're smitten, man!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at their teasing. "Okay, okay, I might be," I admitted.
Their playful banter was a comforting reminder of the love and support that awaited me at home. Despite the secrets and the fantastical nature of my relationship with Priyatama, I knew that in the end, she was the one who truly made me happy. And that was all that mattered.
Later that night, after a whirlwind of a day filled with love, laughter, and acceptance, I retreated to my own room to process everything. The silence was only broken by the soft hum of the ceiling fan and the distant sound of crickets outside my window. I lay in bed, feeling the warmth of the day's memories wash over me.
Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, my phone buzzed with a notification. It was Priya. My heart fluttered as I picked it up, her name lighting up the screen in a warm glow.
"Hey," I answered, my voice a mix of sleepiness and excitement.
"Hi," she whispered back, her voice as sweet as the scent of jasmine that filled the air. "I hope I didn't wake you."
"No, I was just about to sleep," I said, a smile playing on my lips. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to hear your voice one last time before I go to bed," she confessed.
We talked for hours, our conversation a gentle dance between the mundane and the profound. We discussed our futures, our hopes, and our fears. Her words painted a picture of a life filled with love, adventure, and the pursuit of our shared dreams.
And as we talked, the realization grew stronger: she was more than just a girl I liked; she was the soulmate I had been searching for all along.
"Priya," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I love you," I confess, I am still nervous even after knowing that she accepts it anyway.
There was a pause in the line, and I held my breath, waiting for her response.
"Jain," she said, her voice trembling. "I love you too, You don't know how happy I am now."
Her words were like a warm blanket, wrapping around me and filling me with a sense of peace.
As we said our goodnights, my mind was filled with the promise of tomorrow. And just as I was about to end the call, my phone beeped again. It was Ratika.
I looked at the time. "What's up?" I asked, surprised by the late call.
"Hey Big Brother, Sorry for the late-night call, I just wanted to talk," Ratika's voice sounded small and sad.
"Sure Ritu, what's going on?" I asked, my heart immediately reaching out to her.
"I heard you guys went out today," she said, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Yeah, we had dinner at her place," I replied, keeping my tone neutral.
"Are you really going out with that girl?" she asked, her voice a little lower, and I could sense the disappointment in her tone.
"Yes, we started today," I said, not wanting to lie to her or hide the truth.
"Why did you choose her so quickly?" Ratika's question was filled with concern, and I knew she was hurt by the sudden turn of events.
"Well, I don't know," I said, trying to find the right words. "Maybe because we just click, like we're made for each other."
"But isn't it too fast?" she pressed, her voice filled with doubt.
"Maybe for some people," I said gently. "But I think I know what I'm doing."
There was a brief silence, and then she spoke again. "Okay, big Brother, I just wanted to make sure you're happy."
"I am," I assured her.
"Yeah," she said with a sigh. "I know. Just So I.....Feel little sad that you might won't give us much time."
"Goodnight, Ritu," I said, feeling a twinge of sadness in my heart.
I know Ratika cares for me deeply, and I can't help but feel a pang of guilt for not sharing my feelings with her sooner. As her big brother, I've always tried to keep a protective distance, but she's become so much more than that. I hope she understands that my bond with Priya is something special, something I've never felt before. I'll have to find a way to explain it to her without causing her pain. But for now, I'll cherish the love I have found and let her know that she'll always be a part of my life, even if it's not in the romantic way she might have hoped."
"Hey Ritu, I know this might be a bit much to take in, but I wanted to talk to you about something," I started, feeling a bit nervous about her reaction. "You know I've always cared for you, right?"
"Of course, Big Brother," she responded, her voice a little softer.
"Well, things with Priya are... different," I tried to explain. "It's like we've known each other forever, and it just feels right."
"But big bro, we've been friends for so long," Ratika said, her voice carrying a hint of sadness. "What about us? I know I talk stupid, but I don't want to share the time you spent with us with others."
"You're my best friend, Ritu," I assured her. "And nothing will ever change that. But sometimes, some people need some space, You are my brother's, Girlfriend Ritu."
"I just don't get it," she said, her voice cracking a bit. "I know I'm being selfish but I always want a big brother and you make it granted for me, I don't know why I feel jealous instead of happy for you." Ritu's voice shakes as she speaks, "I am just being immature, but we always stay like this right?"
"We do," I told her. "We have an amazing friendship that I wouldn't trade for anything. And being with Priya won't change the fact, You might become my brother's wife later, but for me, you are always my sister, that fact won't change, And don't worry I might not be able to give you two all the time used to, but I sure give you guys my time."
"I guess I just need some time," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "I really funny I always wanted you to find a girlfriend, but now that you find one, I feel jealous. I am really sorry big brother But I don't know why I feel like that."
"Take your time, Abhi also down seeing you like that," I responded, feeling the weight of her emotions. "But please remember, we're still here for each other, no matter what."
"Okay," she murmured before ending the call.
The conversation with Ratika left me feeling a mix of emotions, I knew that Ratika would always be an important part of my life. And maybe, just maybe, with time, she'd understand that no matter how close we are there is alwayss a wall between us, She is mine sister the fact won't change, she is still immature and unable to control her feelings, and it's might because of me, she is feeling like that, It's not to late I should started to keep more distance before thing messed up.
The next morning, Abhi looked a little troubled. When I asked him what was wrong, he said, "It's Ratika. She's mad at me."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
He sighed. "Well, she asked about Priyatama, and I was just joking around. I didn't mean to make her upset."
"Don't worry," I reassured him, "I talked to her last night. She's just a bit worried about my relationship with Priya."
Abhi's eyes widened. "You guys are already in a relationship?"
I nodded, a smile playing on my lips. "Yeah, it happened pretty quickly."
"Wow, that's... intense," he said, looking thoughtful.
"I know it's a lot to take in," I said, "but I've never felt this way before."
"I'm happy for you, bro," Abhi said, his voice genuine. "But just remember, Ratika's family. She's been through a lot, you know?"
"I know," I nodded. "And I'll make sure she knows she's still a huge part of my life."
"Thanks," Abhi said, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "I just don't want to see anyone getting hurt."
"Me neither," I agreed, patting his back. "Let's just keep supporting each other, okay?"
"Yeah, definitely," he said, a small smile ghosting his lips.