I Am Coming

A handsome man stood by the glass wall, watching the rain lash against it, the city drowning in its relentless downpour. His silhouette was sharp against the dim light of the room, his broad shoulders stiff, and his hands tucked deep into his pockets. The tension in his posture suggested he was lost in thought.

Minutes passed before his phone rang, the sharp sound slicing through the stillness. He turned his head toward it, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips. He already knew who it was. Slowly, he walked over to the phone, the heavy sound of his boots echoing on the hardwood floor.

"Hello," he said, his voice cold, with a gravelly edge that sent a chill down most people’s spines.

"Hello, Bhai*! What's up? Where were you? How many times did I call? Why didn’t you pick up?"

A sharp exhale escaped his lips as he sat down, his movements deliberate and unhurried. "Relax, Vir. Take a breath. So many questions at once? Do I need to remind you how to breathe?"

"Okay, okay, bro. Sorry!" Vir inhaled audibly, a nervous habit his elder brother found amusing. A faint chuckle escaped the man’s lips, a rare sound that softened his otherwise formidable demeanor.

"How are you, Bhai? How’s everything over there?" Vir asked, his voice eager.

"I’m fine," the man replied. His tone was curt, but there was a subtle warmth in his words. "All thanks to your constant micromanagement from miles away. How’s my not-so-little brother? And..." His voice faltered slightly, softening as he asked, "How’s Mom?"

"Mom is fine, Bhai." A heavy silence settled between them for a moment. Vir cleared his throat, attempting to dispel the weight. "Uhmm... and don’t call me little brother! I’m already 24. If you tease me again, I’ll really get mad."

A low chuckle rumbled from the man. "Okay, okay. No teasing."

Vir smiled on the other end. "Oh, yeah! I called to tell you something important."

"Important?" His tone sharpened, his focus shifting completely.

"Uh... Bhai... I’m getting married!" Vir’s excitement was palpable, his voice bursting with energy.

The man froze. His sharp features betrayed no emotion, but inside, a storm brewed—surprise, pride, and an unshakable sense of protectiveness. "What?" he finally said, his voice low and measured.

"I said I’m getting married!" Vir repeated, laughing nervously.

The man leaned back in his chair, his piercing eyes staring into the shadows of the room. "You’re serious?"

"Of course! Why would I joke about this?"

The man exhaled, his fingers drumming against the armrest. His mind wandered to the past. Vir had always been the child who clung to him, shadowing his every move, relying on him for guidance. Now, his baby brother was ready to take this monumental step on his own.

"Hello? Bhai, are you there?" Vir’s voice snapped him back. "Are you even listening?"

"I’m listening," the man replied. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. "Why the rush? You’ve only known her for a year. You’re still young. Are you sure about this? Is Mom okay with it? And what about her parents?"

"No congratulations? Nothing?" Vir retorted, feigning offense. "Of course, Mom is okay with it, and so are her parents. And I don’t want to wait any longer!"

"Fine. Congratulations," the man said, though his tone lacked its usual sharpness. "So, when’s the wedding?"

"Thanks, Bhai." Vir noticed the subdued response but chose not to press further. "We haven’t decided yet."

"Why not?"

"Because I want you here," Vir said firmly. "I want you to meet her and her family. You’re the eldest son of the Singhaniya family. You have to be there."

The man stiffened, his jaw tightening. "Vir, you don’t need me there. You and Mom can handle everything." His voice carried a note of finality, but underneath it was a flicker of hesitation.

"There is a need," Vir pressed. "It’s been five years, Bhai. Five years since you left. I know you’re busy, but is work more important than us?"

The man closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. The weight of guilt began to creep in, tightening around him like a vice.

"And you know," Vir added, his voice quieter now, "Mom’s still upset with you for leaving. She hasn’t talked to you once all these years."

That struck a nerve. The man clenched his fists, the guilt now undeniable. He leaned forward, his voice dropping. "Fine. I’ll come."

"Really? You’re serious?" Vir’s voice lit up.

"Yes, I’m serious," the man said firmly, though his expression softened as he imagined Vir’s beaming face on the other end.

"You won’t go back on your word?"

"I won’t," the man replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite himself.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you, Bhai! Mom’s going to be so happy!" Vir’s enthusiasm was infectious, and for the first time in years, the man felt a glimmer of warmth pierce through his cold exterior.

"Hmm," he murmured.

"Okay, I’ll talk to you later. Love you, Bhai. Bye!"

"Yeah... love you too. Bye." The man sat there for a moment, staring at the now-silent phone. His cold expression softened, the faintest hint of a smile lingering on his face.

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