Everyone around fell silent as I walked into the hall. There was once a time I would worry about them and their opinions afraid that it would bring me and my family into a mess or even reach them in a wrong way, but today, strangely, I feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. How strange the night just changes.

My brother walked up to me and my son, and took Aditya in his arms kissing him on his head. I had forbidden anyone and everyone from kissing my son on his face to avoid infections and allergies. “Why is he red?” He asked, cuddling my son close and lifting the tote bag off my shoulders.

“I tried to make him stay with Latha aunty, thinking that I could be back early for him, a nice excuse too, but he wore himself down crying. I couldn’t see him like that and here we are.”

“Hey, Adi. You are my baby boy. I am glad you made it here for my birthday. And I am so glad that you could convince your mother, unlike me who failed to bring you here. Do it again, but just don’t cry, okay.” He spoke so seriously and Aditya looked as if he understood every word of it. My baby looked back at me and I smiled at him. He looked back at his uncle and then snuggled into his warmth again. Both of us chuckled as we saw him being back to his naughty self. I rubbed his back as my brother guided us to the hall. My parents were surprised to see me there and I was surprised in return when I saw my brother’s wife standing with a few guests. 

I looked at him and then back at her and he sighed understanding my unsaid question. “She came back the day of your hearing. Mom threw a big fuss about it and I kept mum. She is sorry and wants us to be back.”

“And what do you think of it?” I asked him, checking on Aditya to see if he was asleep. My son was still looking around with his tiny fist in his mouth.

“She is still my wife. That’s all.”

“What about the feelings you once had for her?” I asked him, feeling bad for his life to take such a bad turn.

“I don’t know that. All I have is anger and disinterest. I hate myself for letting each of them get to you. I–I sometimes hate myself for falling in love with her too. If I didn’t do that, you would have never been so hurt.”

“Don’t blame yourself bhai. And there is nothing wrong falling in love. All that is wrong is not being capable of that love.” I took a deep breath as flashes of the past hit me. Preethi, my bhabhi walked towards us and her eyes darted to Aditya in my arms. 

“Hi bhabhi.” She greeted me, her voice pretty soft and low. She pointed to Aditya in my arms and she looked back at me.

“I am not your bhabhi, bhabhi.” I replied and a look of realization passed her face. She quickly nodded looking at bhai for help, but my bhai was busy playing with Aditya. 

“Is he bhai’s?” She asked again, trying to keep her emotions in check.

“Which bhai?” I asked her and she gasped.

Shaking her head vigorously, she spoke again. “I did not mean that way bhabhi. I just wanted to confirm if he is Kabir bhai’s son.”

“Really? What makes you think he is not Samay’s? After all I was cheating on Kabir with him, right? Then what makes you so sure of the fact that he is Kabir’s?” 

“Bhabhi, I am so sorry for what we did to you. I am so sorry for what you had to go through. Please forgive us.” She was in tears, trying her best to compose herself. 

“I don't think I am clear. I am not your bhabhi, that’s an important thing. You can call me anything you wish to but not that. I am sure you remember the names you gave me when you sent me away. And I don’t think you made any mistake, why are you apologizing? After all, not everyone can be a person like me right? Selfish and greedy. Bhai, I think I will leave bhai. I don’t want to stay here anymore and cause you trouble tomorrow. Aditya is also sleepy. We shall head back.” My brother nodded and we walked to my car where my driver was waiting. I hugged my brother, mindful of Aditya and he kissed my temple softly. 

“Take care and call me when you reach home.” He handed Aditya to me as I sat in the backseat and cuddled my son close to my chest. Bidding my brother bye, we left home.