Please Hear Me, Brother! #ATOZCHALLENGE – P (2026)

 


“Why is it so tough for me to say anything without being judged?”

Karishma just said what Jay never wanted to hear.  It felt like a sudden drop from the 10-foot ceiling! A hard one.

He didn’t respond. The only thing she got was a cold stare.

The emotional overload began to rise for Karishma. She had had a long day, and from the moment Jay walked in, he kept noticing imperfections in things.

Why is the dim light on when it isn’t even fully dark?

Why are you having such chilled water?

Don’t you think the centre table is too much in the way? Let’s move it to the side.

Her mind wasn’t prepared to process chores at the end of her very busy day. But he wouldn’t relent.

She did tell him a few times. Listen, Jay. I am not in the right frame of mind. Let’s do this whole fixing-the-situations thing some other day.

“You have this whole, its-too-much-for-me phase when I try to tell you anything. When the hell are we supposed to resolve these things, Karee?”

“What is the problem, Jay? A light that may have been left on accidentally? Why not just switch it off? And do you realise we are touching 40 degrees? A sip of cold water is the need of the day. And this centre table was something you put where it is last week. Why this instinct to complain? Don’t we have nicer things to say?”

Jay went silent. For him, being politically correct was more important. He didn’t want to say anything that would be a guilt-trip he would have to live with forever. What if Karishma used it against him? Life had shown him enough betrayal. He knew better than to trust people blindly.

Sometimes his trust issues manifested wrongly. If Karishma cleaned the kitchen, he would clean it over her. He needed to be in control.

These micro aggressions began to look like the part of a bigger betrayal for Karishma.

She didn’t know what to do or whom to talk to about these issues. But she just needed that moment to feel understood.

She picked up her cellphone and called her twin brother Karan.

“H-Hello! Is this a good time to talk?”

“Of course, Karu. Every time is a good time to talk. Don’t ever hesitate.”

This was a beautiful quality in Karan. He never prejudged anyone, and could be trusted with the darkest truths. His reactions were very restrained and rational.

“I am just upset. Mentally, the overload is a lot for me to break, and my body too has gotten into a shutdown mode. I feel Jay doesn’t understand me. It becomes another battle for me to fight. If we cannot agree with each other, do you realise how much of a free reign it gives to others? So, getting respect becomes a scramble in every quarter that involves Jay.”

“Ah! So that is the unresolved issue you have. Yes, its tough if your husband pulls back. It’s tough for a woman to be the lone ranger where the equations are fraught with complication. And believe me, you are not wrong. You have the right to express your emotions. You have the right to be heard. Maybe Jay has his reasons for being quiet right now, but anyone else who tries to shut you up, hasn't learn to manage or even acknowledge their own problems. You do not deserve them and they certainly don’t deserve you.”

“I feel so validated, bhai.”

“You’re a nice girl. And from what I understand, there are a few your side who want to be like you, but it’s a tall order for them. But don’t worry about that. Be happy that you are doing it right. And if Jay doesn’t validate you, your bro Karan will. Arjun ka toh pata nahi, tera Karan zaroor ayega…(cannot say about Arjun, but your Karan will surely come)  whenever you need him.”

“I am so thankful for you. You know there are still tonnes of things to be done. And after having spoken, I feel composed again, ready to take on the loose ends.”

“That’s my brave sister. After all my twin.”

“That’s a tall order for me bro. I am sure you would have handled my situation way better. You are certainly the more sensible sibling.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself, Karu. You are a wonderful human being. You are trying your best. Hence the meltdown. The one’s who don’t try are the one’s who have to pretend to be overwhelmed. Trust me, no shortage of this species. Be strong and believe in yourself.”

“Thank you for hearing me. I am sure you are dealing with your own stresses. Would you ever give Raksha the silent treatment?”

“No. I tell her the exact same things I tell you. We seldom fight. She too needs to feel heard and validated. Once that is sorted, her mind is automatically free of conflict.”

“Honest question for my sage brother. Will this conflict ever end?”

“Why do you want it to end? It’s nature’s way of helping you identify gaps and fill them.”

“Totally.” Karishma’s day ended with a smile of contentment. But, the air still carried the weight of unresolved conflict between her and Jay.



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