Ishan locked eyes with his elder brother Raj after six long years, a whirlwind of emotions swept through him. Shock, disbelief, and a glimmer of hope intertwined within him as he struggled to process the sudden encounter. For years, Ishan had yearned for reconciliation with his family, especially with Raj, who had been his pillar of support before their father disowned him. Now, standing face to face with his brother, Ishan felt a surge of nostalgia mixed with apprehension.

Raj's expression mirrored Ishan's mix of emotions. Surprise flickered in his eyes before being replaced by concern as he took in Ishan's appearance. The years had etched lines of worry on Raj's face, a stark contrast to the carefree brother Ishan remembered. Yet, beneath the surface, Ishan could still see the familiar warmth and love that had once defined their relationship

"Ishan," Raj's voice wavered slightly as he spoke, his words laden with unspoken questions and years of longing. "I... I didn't expect to see you here."

Ishan managed a faint smile, though his heart raced with anticipation. "It's been a while,bhaia," he replied, his voice tinged with emotion. "How... how have you been?"

Raj hesitated, his gaze drifting away for a moment before returning to Ishan. "I've been managing," he said evasively, a hint of sadness coloring his tone. "But... but it's Dad. He's... he's not doing well. He's in the hospital."

A pang of guilt washed over Ishan as he heard the news of his father's illness. Despite their strained relationship, the thought of his father suffering stirred a mixture of conflicting emotions within him. "I... I didn't know," Ishan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry,bhaia. Let's... let's go to the hospital if I am allowed? "

As Ishan and Raj exchanged hesitant glances, a silent understanding passed between them. Despite the years of estrangement and pain, the bond of family remained unbroken, tethering them together in a fragile web of memories and unspoken emotions.

Together, they made their way to the hospital, their footsteps echoing in the empty corridors as they navigated the labyrinthine halls. Each step brought them closer to their destination, yet the weight of anticipation hung heavy in the air.

As they reached their father's room, Ishan's heart hammered in his chest, his pulse racing with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Pushing open the door, he hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, his breath catching in his throat at the sight before him.

His father lay motionless on the hospital bed, his face pale and drawn with pain. Tubes and wires snaked from his body, connecting him to an array of beeping machines that monitored his vital signs. Ishan's stomach churned at the sight, his guilt gnawing at him as he realized the extent of his father's suffering.

Beside the bed, Ishan's mother sat with tear-streaked cheeks, her eyes red-rimmed from countless sleepless nights. As she looked up and saw Ishan and Raj standing in the doorway, a gasp escaped her lips, her hands flying to cover her mouth in shock.

"Ishan?" she whispered, her voice barely audible above the hum of the machines.

Tears welled in Ishan's eyes as he crossed the room, his footsteps hesitant as he approached his mother. "Ma," he choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm... I'm so sorry.I should have keep in touch regardless."

His mother's eyes brimmed with tears as she reached out to pull Ishan into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him with a strength born of years of longing and separation. "Oh, my son," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "I thought I'd lost you forever.But you kept sending money every month,gift on every special occasion.You even send your friend every month to see by Himself how we are doing."

As Ishan's mother enveloped him in a tearful embrace, Ishan's mind reeled with confusion. How could his mother believe he had been sending money and gifts regularly when, in reality, he had been struggling to make ends meet himself?

"I'm sorry, Ma," Ishan murmured, his voice choked with emotion. "But I didn't send any money. I barely had enough to survive."

His mother pulled away slightly, her brows furrowing in confusion. "But... but someone came every month, saying you had sent him," she insisted, her voice trembling with disbelief. "He said you wanted to make sure we were taken care of."

Ishan's heart skipped a beat as he exchanged a bewildered glance with Raj. Who could possibly have been sending money and gifts on his behalf? And why?

Ma, are you sure?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Could it have been a mistake?"

But his mother shook her head adamantly, her eyes brimming with tears. "No,Ishan." she said firmly. "I remember him clearly. He came every month without fail, just like clockwork."

Raj's eyes widened in realization as he turned to Ishan. "I thought it was you," he admitted, his voice filled with disbelief. "I never doubted it for a moment."

Raj's words sank in, Ishan's mind raced with a flood of memories and emotions. The description of the friend who had been visiting his family every month tall, with dimples, and a cricketer sent a jolt of recognition through him. It could only be one person: Shubman Gill.

Ishan's heart clenched with a mixture of gratitude and anger. Gratitude that Shubman had been looking out for his family, ensuring they were cared for in his absence. But anger simmered beneath the surface, knowing that Shubman had played a role in Ishan's disownment by revealing their relationship to his parents.

"I can't believe it," Ishan murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Shubman..."

Ishan grappled with the revelation about Shubman's involvement, he found himself torn between conflicting emotions. Gratitude swelled within him for Shubman's kindness towards his family, yet bitterness simmered beneath the surface at the thought of Shubman's betrayal.

Despite his inner turmoil, Ishan remained by his father's side, providing whatever comfort and support he could during his father's illness. Each day brought a new wave of emotions as Ishan navigated the complexities of his family dynamics and the lingering presence of Shubman in his thoughts.

One evening, as Ishan sat by his father's bedside, Raj joined him, his expression grave with concern. "Ishan," he began hesitantly, "I've been meaning to ask... how have you been managing all these years? After everything that happened with You and... everything else.I have tried to find you.But couldn’t.Shubman always ignored the topic.We used to think you are sending him and you don’t want us to contact with you.Father missed you too,Ishan."

Ishan sighed, his gaze dropping to his hands as he struggled to find the words to convey the magnitude of his journey. "It hasn't been easy," he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. "After everything, I felt like my world had crumbled. But somehow, I found the strength to pick up the pieces and move forward."

Raj listened intently as Ishan recounted the challenges he had faced, from the depths of despair to the glimmers of hope that had sustained him through the darkest moments. With each word, Ishan's resolve hardened, his determination to overcome his past growing stronger with each passing moment.

"And then there was Shubman," Ishan continued, his voice softening with unexpected warmth. "Despite everything, he stood by me when I needed him most. He showed me kindness and compassion, even when I didn't know how much I need it."

Raj's brows furrowed in confusion as he processed Ishan's words. "Shubman? But... I thought..."

Ishan nodded, his gaze distant as memories of his time with Shubman flooded his mind. "I know," he said quietly. "It's complicated."

Then Ishan shared everything with his Bhaia.

Ishan poured out his heart to Raj, a heavy weight of guilt and confusion burdened his soul. "Bhaia," he began, his voice trembling with emotion, "no matter how much I try, I can't forget him. What should I do? He's the one who told Father about me and Abhishek. But I love him so much that I feel ashamed."

Raj listened attentively, his expression softening with understanding. "Ishan," he said gently, placing a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, "regardless of what Shubman did, it's not entirely his fault. Yes, he may have told Father about you and Abhishek, but it was Father's homophobia that ultimately led to your disownment. Shubman's actions may have contributed, but they weren't the sole cause."

Ishan's eyes widened with realization as he absorbed Raj's words. "So... you're saying that Shubman is guilty, but not entirely responsible?"

Raj nodded solemnly. "Exactly," he affirmed. "Shubman made a mistake, and he must take responsibility for it. But ultimately, it was Father's intolerance that drove him to act the way he did. And as painful as it may be, we must learn to forgive, not only Shubman but also Father, for their shortcomings."

As Ishan grappled with conflicting emotions, Raj continued, his voice filled with empathy. "Ishan, think about it. Abhishek wasn't entirely loyal either. When he got an offer for a secured life, he flew without even giving you a proper reason. But Shubman, despite his mistake, didn't give up on you. He came to our home every month, ensuring our well-being. Everyone deserves a second chance, Ishan. Look at how much Shubman has changed."

Ishan couldn’t answer anything for a long time.

"Forgiveness isn't just for others; it's also for our own peace of mind. Give yourself the chance to heal and move forward."-Raj told him.

"I will give him another chance bhaia,not for him,for my own heart's sake.But it Won't be that easy."

Ishan took out his phone and composed a message to Shubman, his fingers trembled with uncertainty. "You wanted forgiveness, right?" he typed, his heart heavy with the weight of his decision. "I will give you that chance, but you have one task. Change my father's homophobic mind."

Shubman's response was swift, "Get ready for a new chapter, Ishan."

Ishan couldn't help but smile at Shubman's unwavering confidence. Maybe forgiveness isn't just a distant dream after all.