Unkept Promises

All, too not fine

"Shh, rote nahi. Calm down.", he patted my head.

(Rote nahi - don't cry)

After I had clamed down considerably, I saw Abhiram standing in front of us, a pained expression on his face.

"I had expected better from you mere (my) Ram, much better.", even I could sense the disappointment in his tone. And much as his words were true, I felt really bad for Abhiram. How could I not? Dev had been his best friend, his brother since ever and seeing a person so close to you being disappointed in you definitely does hurt. Who knows that better than me even though I was not the one at fault.

Abhiram only nodded in response, but it was sincere as though he had accepted Dev's words.

"Devvvv", we all heard an excited squeal and Dev must have felt a small body crashing into his legs.

"My baccha", Dev let out an equally excited squeal and picked Aaru within his arms.

(My child)

"Devv, giffts.", Aaru demanded.

Had it been any other person, Aaru would have just smiled politely and waved his hand like a sweet little boy, but this little boy turned into a tiny devil when it came to Dev and Dev being the goofy man that he was loved Aaru as if he were his own.

"I have the complete rights to spoil my nephew. You two can discipline him all you want, but just not in front of me.", were his words when we used to stop him from getting stuff for Aaru since he was born. After some time, we had given up, because who were we to argue when it came to Dev.

"You have to close your eyes for that.", Dev tried to whisper.

Aaru did as he was told and Dev held a large bag in front of him. I could only shake my head at those two.

"Woahhhh", Aaru gasped in excitement when he saw the contents of the bag. It seemed that Dev had gotten him the a lot of stuffed toys of some characters from the Little Mermaid which has been his favourite since the past few months.

"Thank you Devv.", Aaru once again went into his arms, happiness bubbling on his face.

Seeing his wide smile, I could feel a grin stretching onto my face and when I glanced at Abhiram, he too was softly smiling at the two of them.

Our eyes clashed and I felt my grin faltering. As if that familiar realization had struck him yet again, Abhiram's smile too faltered and guilt took over his features.

"Avanti, Ram, I am taking Aaru with me for some time. Don't worry, I have his spare clothes and all other necessary things with me. You two need to have that much awaited talk without Aaru in here.", Dev declared.

I nodded in understanding. We both knew that Aaru would be completely fine with Dev by his side, and we too would have the privacy for a much required conversation. As much as I was tired of all of those emotions, we needed to have that conversation. It had been too long now.

"Ram, you have to make this right. I cannot see my favourite people drowning in misery like this. Its enough now.", his words were sharp and more than me, they were directed towards Abhiram.

"Yes Dev.", I heard the faintest of the whispers from Abhiram.

"Baccha, say bye to momma and dadda."

Aaru who had the Sebastian crab stuffed toy with him which seemed like his new favourite now, thanks to Dev, bounded over to his dad.

Pulling him down by his arm, Aaru pecked his cheeks.

"Bye dadda."

Abhiram took him within his embrace for a long minute before releasing him and ruffled his hair whispering a bye.

"Take care sweetie."

Then Aaru bade me a goodbye and off he went with his Dev leaving behind the most awkward silence.

Earlier, we would find instances to be alone, to have our privacy, but now, all of that seemed foreign, never known before.

It seemed as though now, despite of the loads of unresolved issues, unspoken words in between us, we failed to speak now.

And the next chapter guys?

What do you think they will speak?

And how shall it be?

Let me know in your comments!

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See you later :)