Author's POV

Antara busied herself with the final touches of the already completed arrangements. Suddenly, the faint sound of a helicopter reached her ears. She instinctively looked up, then turned her gaze back to the deity in front of her, closing her eyes in silent prayer.

The others nearby also heard the approaching helicopter, causing them to glance upward. A sleek aircraft appeared, circling the area with a loud, powerful hum that grew stronger as it descended. After completing a full loop around the venue, the helicopter finally landed in the designated empty space.

Immediately, media personnel rushed forward, eager to capture a glimpse of the arrival. However, before they could get close, a team of bodyguards, dressed in all-black with earpieces, quickly surrounded the area. Their faces were stern and emotionless as they firmly held the press back, maintaining a secure perimeter around the landing site.

The helicopter door opened, and a man stepped out, his silhouette gradually coming into view.

Camera flashes erupted from all directions, each photographer desperate to capture a single glimpse of him. However, the guards quickly blocked their attempts, forming an impenetrable wall. They were well aware that their boss despised the attention.

The man was dressed in a long black coat, with dark sunglasses shielding his eyes, adding to his mysterious and commanding presence.

Reporters bombarded him with questions, but he remained silent, unfazed by the chaos around him.

As he began to move forward, the head of security barked an order at the media, "LOWER the cameras!" The command startled them, causing a brief pause.

The media understood that any attempt to take his photograph would be futile; within minutes, any captured image would be erased. He had no issue with being seen face-to-face, as he was now, but being photographed was strictly off-limits.

The crowd parted, making way for him to reach the entrance. With long, purposeful strides, he moved forward, his expression unreadable. As he entered the entrance, his focus shifted to a solitary figure ahead. The media knew their access ended at the entrance-beyond that point, they were not allowed.

His blank eyes settled on a familiar silhouette standing tall, his expression unreadable to most, but not to him.

Kabir, however, couldn't see the subtle changes in his brother's face, as his eyes were hidden behind dark shades.

He felt a swell of pride as an elder brother, seeing his sibling's success up close for the first time. Yet, there was a lingering sadness and disappointment in Kabir's heart, knowing he hadn't been there to support him during his most painful moments.

Abhimaan Singhania

[The third son of Niranjan and Antara.]

Angad and Aadir, on the other hand, rolled their eyes at the female reporters eagerly asking their father when he planned to get married. "Come on, he's already the father of us, his two 'innocent' sons," they thought, sharing a knowing glance.

Just then, Ridhima, Angad's friend who had recently arrived from New York, approached him excitedly. "Who is he, Angad? Can you get me his number?" she asked, causing Angad's jaw to drop in disbelief. Behind him, Aakriti and Drishti giggled, while Siya, along with Bade Papa and his chachu, shook their heads in amusement.

"For God's sake, Ridhima, just leave it," Angad said, exasperated. "He's 44 years old. You're way too young for him, and besides, he's quite old."

She gasped in shock. "No way! He doesn't look a day over 35!"

"It's okay," she added, brushing it off with a grin. "Besides, who cares about age, right?"

Aadir chimed in with a smirk, "Reminds me of that saying, 'What's in a name?'"

Soniya quickly responded, "Yeah, yeah, same thing!"

Angad, now with a deadpan expression, simply said, "He's my father."

The words hung in the air, and Ridhima instantly fell silent, embarrassment flushed across her face, leaving her at a loss for words.

---

"Siya, go and call them," Antara instructed.

Siya walked over to the brothers and said, "Maa is calling you all for the Pooja. Let's go."

The brothers exchanged glances, hesitating for a moment.

Kabir was unsure whether they would all go together. He wondered if they would perform the aarti as they used to in the old days, but he knew things had changed. He didn't want to upset anyone.

As they moved toward the area where the Pooja was to be held, the four brothers stood with a noticeable gap between them, their faces uncertain.

They remained rooted in place, unmoving.

"Who will come forward for the puja?" the pandit asked, turning to Antara.

Kabir lowered his head, emotions swirling in his eyes as his heartbeat quickened. He couldn't see his mother's face because her back was turned to them.

Without turning around, Antara spoke firmly, "My four sons will together perform this puja," Antara, her voice louder and more resolute, emphasizing the words "four sons."

Kabir's head snapped up at her words, taken aback.

Angad and Aadir exchanged heartfelt smiles, joined by Samer and Divit. Divit was holding a iPad on a video call, where their two elder brothers, Aadarsh and Aarush, were connected with their wives. The two brothers, who had been holding hands anxiously, broke into wide smiles upon hearing their grandmother's declaration. Though the family couldn't openly express their happiness in front of others, Aadarsh hugged Aarush tightly, pressing a kiss to his brother's temple.

Abhiram and Vyom were the first to move. Kabir wanted to join them, but he hesitated when he saw his father. From behind, Abhimaan observed his brother's dilemma. As he gazed at their father, who remained as unreadable as ever.

So he did one thing which he can do now. He took calculated steps forward, his strides long and purposeful, and reached out to hold Kabir's hand. Without a word, he began leading his brother forward.

Kabir looked up, startled by Abhimaan's sudden action. As he caught a glimpse of his side profile, he noticed the same calm, emotionless expression. Kabir didn't say anything; he simply followed.

Together, the four brothers climbed the stairs and took their positions as the Pooja began. As the ceremony commenced, the three younger brothers instinctively waited for their eldest, abhiram Bhai, to take the lead. When he did, they joined him, holding on together, united once more.

As the aarti concluded, the siblings turned toward their parents to seek blessings, just as they had always done together.

One by one, they stepped forward. When it was finally Kabir's turn, a wave of nervousness seemed to sweep through the entire family.

Kabir stood in front of his father, his face betraying a hint of hesitation. Angad, standing beside Aadir, noticed this and quickly concocted a plan. With a subtle nudge, he pushed Aadir forward, pretending it was unintentional. Aadir stumbled into Divit, who, in turn, lost his balance and bumped into Samar. The chain reaction ended with Samar colliding into their father, causing Kabir to fall forward and inadvertently touch Niranjan's feet.

Siya and Drishti exchanged awkward smiles before discreetly moving toward the guests, hoping to divert their attention from the scene.

“What are you doing, Angad?” Aadir exclaimed in irritation, but was cut off by Divit.

"Why are you pushing me, bhai? If the iPad had fallen, Mummy would’ve dragged me home by my ears! Your handsome little brother would’ve been embarrassed in front of everyone."

Angad chuckled and whacked their heads. "Just look forward," he instructed.

The sudden commotion startled both Kabir and Niranjan. Kabir, regaining his composure, slowly bent down to touch his father's feet. Instinctively, Niranjan’s hand moved to rest on Kabir’s head, an automatic gesture of blessing. Though brief, that touch meant the world to Kabir—it was enough.

As Kabir withdrew his hand, Niranjan abruptly turned and walked away, leaving Kabir standing there, swallowing the lump in his throat. He then moved toward his mother, touching her feet with the same reverence. Feeling her hand gently rest on his head, he stood up, only to see her beginning to walk away as well.

But something inside him urged him to speak. "Maa," he called out, his voice carrying a note of longing.

Antara froze in her tracks, her back still turned to him. She closed her eyes.

The night air was cool, with a gentle breeze sweeping through, as if it was trying to soothe the pain carried by the night’s silence.

Just then, a melodic tune drifted into her ears, catching her attention. The same melody reached the ears of the elder Singhania brothers, who turned in unison toward its source.

दिल से दिल का रिश्ता जो है
पल दो पल में मिटता नहीं
बंधन दिलों का टूटता नहीं
बंधन दिलों का टूटता नहीं

Kabir looked at his mother's back. Closing his eyes, he let memories of his childhood wash over him.

तेरे दिल का मेरे दिल से रिश्ता पुराना है
इन आँखों से हर आँसू मुझ को चुराना है
मुझ को चुराना है, मुझ को चुराना है

Hearing his voice after so many years, Antara felt a sharp pain in her heart. A tear slipped from her eye, the song capturing the deep connection and unspoken words between them.

Kabir took a step closer to her, gently holding the end of her saree. He brought it to his face, seeking comfort in its familiar touch.

Angad, sensing the deep, personal moment unfolding, signaled to his brothers. Understanding his silent message, they all quietly moved towards Aakriti, guiding her away from the scene, leaving them alone under starlit sky.

तेरे दिल का मेरे दिल से रिश्ता पुराना है
इन आँखों से हर आँसू मुझ को चुराना है
मुझ को चुराना है, मुझ को चुराना है

He closed the gap between them, and Antara stiffened, clenching her fists tightly. He slowly rested his head on her shoulder.

तेरी बेचैनी का, तेरी तन्हाई का
एहसास है मुझ को, सुन
मैं जो साथ तेरे हूँ, फिर तुझे है कैसा ग़म?
दर्द बाँट लेंगे हम, सुन

Antara stepped out of his embrace, moving two steps away. But Kabir didn't hesitate this time. He felt the need to pour out all the feelings he had buried inside for so many years.

इन पलकों में ख़ुशियों का सपना सजाना है
तेरे दिल का मेरे दिल से रिश्ता पुराना है

He moved in front of her, only to see her eyes filled with tears. He smiled softly as he gently wiped them from her cheek.

कैसे मैं बताऊँ ये, तेरा इस तरह रोना
देखा नहीं जाता है, सुन
शाम जब ढलती है, सुबह मुस्कुराती है
ख़ुशबुएँ लुटाती है, सुन

For the first time, she looked at him. He shook his head, disliking her tears.

उदासी के लम्हों में हमें मुस्कुराना है
तेरे दिल का मेरे दिल से रिश्ता पुराना है
इन आँखों से हर आँसू मुझ को चुराना है

He turned away from her, his eyes filling with tears. Antara took a step towards him and placed her hand on his shoulder. He quickly wiped his tears as he turned to face her.

The look she gave him was enough. He moved his hand, and as he hugged her, he buried his face in her shoulder, allowing the tears to fall. Antara embraced him, and they sat down together on the stairs. Soon, the rest of the brothers joined them, and under the night sky full of stars, they found solace.

From a distance, a figure watches intently, but as always, he melts into the dark shadows and quietly slips away.

                           ******

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