*

"I know your liking towards my brother. Also, I am well aware of your obvious disliking towards Subh bhai. You always judged him based on your opinion without giving him a fair chance. Your stubbornness snatched many precious months from their lives. They were apart, hurting and grieving their losses but you did nothing to ease it. Yes, Shiv bhai told me the whole story." Samay took a deep breath to keep himself calm.

Realization dawned upon Subhra he knew the commotion occurred between the trio. Shivang told his brother the whole truth and this is the reason for his bitterness. 

"I didn't do it intentionally. Trust me I never thought that situation would turn up like this. I was unaware of the extent of their bond with each other. Later I was afraid to tell the whole story to Shiv. I just don't want to lose him because of my one stupidity." Subhra explained herself in a small voice. She was embarrassed about her past mistake as well as Samay's bluntness. 

"I know both of them. They will eventually forgive you or better they already did. But I am not able to trust you yet. Remember, people make mistakes, it's our nature, we aren't perfect. But one should always take responsibility for their mistakes. So next time if you make one man up and own your mistake. It will take time but it will be okay but staking precious relations or anything else to cover up for your mistake is both selfish and stupid. It will do you no good. Eventually, the truth will come out one day, and then you will be at a losing end for sure. Also, I love both of them very greatly. I won't allow you or anybody else to come between both of their happiness or cause them pain. They will be answerable to me. Consider me selfish, I won't mind at all." Samay finished explaining his thoughts with a determined face.

Subhra was taken aback by the fire in his gazes. But a sudden sense of determination to defend her actions took over her.

"Look, I understand your love and care for them. But you are not the only one who cares about them. I do too. Whatever happened in the past was due to my early judgment. I accept that but that doesn't mean I don't care about them. I may get it late but I do get it that one without another would never be whole. If I try to get Shivang by separating him from Sulabh, I lose them both. So rest assured I will never try to come between them and their happiness. Whenever the time arrives where Shivang has to choose between me and Sulabh I will let him go and that's a promise. Also, I don't consider you selfish. I know all four of you love each other a great deal. I respect your sentiments." Subhra finished with a smile of appreciation towards Samay which made him smile too. 

"Thank you for understanding. I apologize if I sounded rude. But still, I am requesting you don't talk to Shiv bhaiya now. He is not in his right self. Give him some space. I will ask him to talk to you as soon as things become normal." 

"Don't worry, I understand. I will take my leave now. Take care of yourself and everyone now. Also, keep me updated about their condition." Subhra bid Samay bye and left for her home.

She was a bit disappointed but she realized some love is much deeper than our understanding of them. Samay casts one more glance at Shivang and Anubhav who are now busy enjoying the comforting silence between them, occasionally making some small conversations.

Samay returned inside. Both their fathers are left for the discharge process while Sulabh's mother is sitting outside the ward in a resting manner. Samay smiled at her and entered Sulabh's ward. The sight inside the ward amused him greatly. Sulabh was sitting on his bed crisscrossed watching tv with utmost seriousness.

"Subh bhai, what are you…" Samay tries to know the reason for his deep attention when Sulabh abruptly stops him. 

"Shhh… Shaluke is about to tell the reason why this guy died and where the bullet disappeared?" The CID will finally get a clue about the killer. What would have happened to them without him? Come sit, let's find together who is the killer?" Sulabh finished hurriedly again, focusing his gaze on the TV screen. Half an hour later CID finally catches the killer and Sulabh takes a breath of relief. 

"I never expected his friend to kill him. I believed that the neighbor girl was the killer. She was weird in the beginning I swear." Sulabh complained and tried to justify the reason he thought who was the killer. Samay laughed at his childishness. At this moment who will say this guy almost died a few hours ago. 

"See you are laughing too. You also think I am stupid. By the way, where are our brothers?" He asked with a frown wondering why both Shivang and Anubhav didn't return yet. 

"Naah I don't think you are stupid. I just thought you were adorable. Both our brothers are fine and gossiping with each other outside. They will join us soon." 

"Hey, I am not a puppy. So don't call me adorable. I hope their anger died till now. I am afraid of Vairagi's anger. He is scary when he is angry. Also, let me share a secret: both of them love gossiping. Though they will never accept it." Sulabh commented with a horrified expression which made Samay laugh.

"I guessed a bit about their gossip-loving trait but look at you now. You are talking like bhai can ever get angry with you. He loves you a great deal and you do too. You know he is bad at expressing it. Both of you are best friends after all." Samay reasoned with him laughing.

"I know this but still I don't want him upset. I know he must be scared and blaming himself. We aren't just best friends, our bond is beyond that. We sometimes aren't even able to name our bond." Sulabh responded with a smile looking at Samay.

"Why? What is wrong with naming a bond? Every relation has a name." Samay asked, confused at Sulabh's reasoning. 

"It binds the way we love people and love shouldn't be bound. When we love someone and name that love as a bond we limit the way we love that person and love shouldn't be limited. Love is boundless but at the same time, relatíonship is important too. So if in a lifetime you get a person worth boundless love don't bind them, don't expect anything in return just love them. After all, everything ends but love outlives us all. Sulabh finished pleased at his reasoning. 

"Wow, that is deep. Now I know why Shiv bhai fascinates you so much. Your words don't match your reputation. You talked like a complete lover boy madly in love with my brother." Samay replied half awed frowning. 

"Of course I love your brother madly, no, not in a romantic way but truly. Friendship is the kind of relationship that sometimes even exceeds the realms of love because it is all about giving without even once bothering to sense what you shall get back. Of course, the definition of friendship is going to vary a great deal from one person to another. But, remember one thing, when you are friends with someone, be prepared to put your heart on the line for their happiness because friendship often manifests into love. In no way is it romantic love but it always is true! This type of love connects and bonds friends. Friends may move away or friendships may wane, but the love between the two people burns on forever." Sulabh replied sincerely looking at Samay. 

"Wow, what a beautiful way to define love and friendship. I never thought about it in such a way before."

"Love is a powerful emotion, for which there is no wrong definition, for it suits every person differently. Whether love is between family, friends, or lovers, it is an overwhelming emotion that can be experienced in many different ways. So don't think about it, all you have to do is to experience it."

Samay was stunned at the exceptionally beautiful explanation. He felt speechless to remark anything on this. Both sat there quietly trying to figure out what to say next. At the exact moment, both Shivang and Anubhav entered the ward only to find Sulabh smiling smugly and Samay looking at him with twinkling eyes. Jealousy crept into Anubhav's heart. He is always possessive about Samay and his friendship. 

"Hello, love birds. I hope we didn't interrupt any special moment." He commented, rolling his eyes at the scene. Sulabh and Shivang smiled amused by his spectacle while Samay just scoffed. 

"What? You were looking at him like he was some sort of angel with only a halo and wings missing. Have you seen your twinkling eyes? You never seemed so happy ever talking to me. I am your best friend, not him.". He complained looking at Samay with a frown.

" Hold on your horses, brother. Have some mercy on the poor boy. Lord he always has to handle your mood swings and tantrums." Sulabh tries to placate his brother, still amused at his jealousy. 

"Look who is talking about tantrums and mood swings. I am far better than you brother. I wonder how Shiv bhai handles you." Anubhav argued back. 

"Hello, little brother, watch your mouth. I am still your elder brother." 

"Then be a good big brother and leave my best friend alone. You have your own best friend. Why do you want mine?"

"I am sure Mumma dropped you hard in childhood, that's why you lost your brain. Why would I want your best friend? I have mine and I am very happy with him. Also, Samay is my little brother just like you so I have no intention to steal him." Sulabh finished rolling his eyes. Samay was looking back and forth between the bickering brothers while Shivang was looking at them in amusement leaning at the wall. 

"You… "Before Anubhav continued the argument further Samay interrupted him.

"Stop bhav did you forget your brother is ill. Also, what are you five whose favorite candy is stolen? Let Subh bhai rest and come with me." Both the brothers glared at each other and turned their faces to opposite sides.

Anubhav and Samay went to sit on the couch further in the room bickering about the behavior while Shivang occupied Samay's previous spot near Sulabh bed. 

"Sometimes you act like you are even younger than Anubhav. What was the need to argue with him?" Shivang started the conversation still amused?

"You always complain about my actions. Look at his behavior, he is no saint but you never complain about him. You are my best friend, you should support me, not him." He replied childishly. Shivang shook his head at his stubborn friend.

"Really? You are my friend, of course, I will correct you. Also, he is younger than us. His childishness is justified." 

"He is no child, only three years younger. But you never hold him accountable for anything. This is very wrong Vairagi I am telling you. You will regret it when I won't be around." Shivang flinched at his sudden mention of him not being around. Sulabh instantly regretted his same mistake again. 

"Oops sorry about me and my uncontrolled mouth. I didn't mean it in the wrong way. Vairagi on a serious note what is going on in this mind of yours? About what you are overthinking now? Care to tell? And don't you dare to say nothing. I know you better than you give me credit for." He asked, suddenly turning serious. Shivang took a deep breath preparing himself to share his concerns.