#brainlessghost

[rosayounan]

Feel My Love

   It was already getting late in the evening and Bheem still had yet to see Ram touch the plate of food he had left for him. The food had been left untouched. Ram was sitting at desk, writing for what felt like hours. The sun had set a while ago and he had only gotten up from his seat to light a few candles. Bheem knew enough was enough. 

Ram needed to stop overworking now. 

“Bhaee?” He came over leaning on the desk that Ram was writing on, surrounded by his books, “It’s getting late.”

“Mmm-hmm,” Ram nodded continuing his writing.

“Anna,” Bheem touched his shoulder, “You’ve been at this for hours now. Come on.”

Ram dropped his pencil and sighed stretching, “I know but… I’m just missing something.”

Bheem nodded, “We’ll find out more tomorrow, after you get some sleep.” 

Ram shook his head, “Not tired now.”

“Sure,” Bheem crossed his arms, “Cause sitting for all these hours definitely is energizing.”

Ram smirked, “You sound like Seetha.”

“She’s right,” Bheem smiled, “Don’t tell her I said that.” 

Ram poked his brother’s side playfully and Bheem chuckled. 

“You do need to sleep though, anna.” He went straight back to his point.

Ram was quiet for some time and for a moment Bheem wondered if he was even listening to him. He just stared at his opened journal.

“Ram?” Bheem spoke.

“I can’t,” Ram shook his head in frustration, “I can’t…sleep.”

Bheem’s gaze softened as he understood the meaning behind his brother’s words. It wasn’t just now he was talking about. Sleeping, in general, posed a problem for Ram. Now that Bheem understood more of Ram’s childhood, he understood why sleeping would be difficult. The man probably just tried to evade sleep all together to minimize nightmare and dark thoughts from his past. 

“Anna,” He tipped Ram’s chin so he could meet his eyes, “Why didn’t you say something?” Ram sighed running a hand through his hair, “No point really. Nothing to be done about it, so why bother others?”

Bheem tisked him gently “I’m not others.”

He walked behind him holding his shoulders and began to gently knead the tight spots he found. Bheem remembered when the children in the village had a difficult time sleeping, the elders use to rub them down they slept. Bheem thought it would work well now. 

He started gently, just allowing Ram to get used to the touch and to see where the problem spots were. Ram tensed at first, but after a few minutes he loosened up and allowed Bheem do his work. His neck was tight, probably due to too much writing, but Bheem noticed his shoulders were much more tight. He used his thumb to gently knead through the tension, trying to be gentle but firm, with the intent to soothe. 

Ram had exhaled a few times and Bheem was pleased to hear the sound. 

“Good?” He asked hoping it was helping. 

“Yes,” Ram smirked surprised by this secret talent of Bheem. 

“See?” Bheem frowned as he found a tight spot in Ram’s shoulder, “You’re working too much, bhaee.”

Ram inhaled sharply at the soreness.

“Sorry,” His brother whispered, “Just let me get it.”

Ram leaned back as Bheem worked on his shoulders. He felt himself relax as the tension simply drained out of him. Bheem was not overly rough but firm enough that it was helping to loosen him. He could feel his eyes grow heavy as he leaned into the warmth of Bheem’s hands, which were lulling him to sleep. 

“Bhaee?” Bheem’s voice reached his ears.

“Hm?” Ram’s eyes snapped open.

“I said, are you okay?” Bheem’s face came into his vision as the man squatted down in front of the chair he sat in.

“Sorry,” Ram laughed, “I was sleeping.”

“Ah-ha,” Bheem titled his head, “So it’s helping, hm?”

Ram nodded.

“Come on,” Bheem pulled him out of the chair and led him to the bed. He pulled the blankets back, “Off with this.” He motioned to Ram’s white shirt.

Ram smirked but did as he was instructed, “Yes Mom.” 

The comment earned him a light spank. He sat down on the bed and watched as Bheem knelt down to remove his shoes.

“No Bheem…” He was about to protest.

“Shh,” Bheem gave him a stern look, which still of course looked gentle to Ram. He pulled off his shoes, “Lay down.”

Ram sighed knowing he wasn’t going to win this argument when Bheem was in care mode. He laid down on his stomach, breathing out as the cool blankets almost embraced him. He could hear Bheem bustling around before the side of the bed dipped as his brother sat next to him. Ram turned his head to see Bheem warming some oil in his hands.

“Close your eyes, bhaee.” Bheem spoke softly now. 

Ram did so, laying his head back on the pillow. He felt something tight release in him as Bheem’s large warm hands massaged his back. His hands were incredible gently and the oil smelled pleasant. It reminded him of Bheem’s scent, earthy and warm. Ram exhaled deeply as the kinks in his lower back lessened. 

Bheem tisked at him again, rubbing firmly as he sat next to him, “No wonder you can’t sleep, anna. You’ll hurt yourself like this. You work too much.”

Ram didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t used to anybody caring so deeply for his well-being before. He never received physical touch in a positive way for all his adult life. Bheem however, was always giving him hugs, tickles, laying an arm around his shoulders or placing a gentle hand on his thigh. It kept surprising Ram when he did that. 

No one had ever done that before. 

Not since his mother…

The thought of her filled his mind. Her voice, her laugh, her strength. Ram remembered how she used to rub his back like this when he couldn’t sleep or was sick. The memory made his throat tighten and his eyes water.

“Nuvva bagunnava, anna?” (Are you okay?) Bheem asked as he continued his kneaded and stroking. He wanted to make sure his anna was not in pain. 

Ram nodded not trusting his voice at the moment. Yet Bheem knew him better than anyone. He could read him like an open book. Feel Ram’s emotions as if they were a very part of himself. It was a connection they just both had. Feeling each other’s pain so very physically, that they knew what was said in silence between them. 

In the quiet room, lit with only candles, Bheem stopped his rubbing. He simply kept his hand on Ram’s back. A steady presence. A strong wave calming raging fire. 

“Yah kya hai, bhaee?” (What is it, brother?) Bheem spoke softly in his ear.

It broke Ram.

He sobbed out loud, covering his eyes with his hand as his shoulders shook with emotion. His breath was hitching as more hiccuping sobs escaped from him. 

“Ayyo,” Bheem pulled him close, wrapping him tightly in his arms, “It’s okay, anna. It’s okay.” He rubbed his back some more, rocking him gently, “I’m here.”

Ram couldn’t stop the tears and he felt ashamed of himself. “I’m sorry,” He gasped, voice high with emotion, “I’m sorry. I don’t know why…”

Bheem kissed his hair, “Shhh. Shh. It’s okay. Don’t be sorry. I’m here, I’ve got you, bhaee. Let it out. Let it all out.”

Ram buried his face in his brother’s strong chest, feeling the rhythmic thumping of his heart. It soothed him. He stayed there for some time. Gripping onto Bheem like a lifeline and Bheem keeping him wrapped close. 

Neither man could pull away and they lost track of time. They were both just focused on each other. 

“You’re exhausted, anna,” Bheem finally broke the silence with a whisper, “Your mind is tired. You need rest.”

Ram let go of his grip on Bheem’s shirt and Bheem released from the embrace. They kept a grip on their hands however. 

“My mother,” Ram admitted softly looking at Bheem, who was grasping his hand, “She use to…she use to rub my back like that.”

Bheem’s eyes held pain inside them as he listened to his brother’s words. He understood now the reason behind the tears. His brother had not received a embrace or had been touched at all since that time of his childhood. The thought broke Bheem’s heart and he felt his own eyes fill with tears with this thought. The thought of his anna, living a life of solitude while trying to fulfill his father’s mission. 

Alone with no comfort from anyone.

Ram must’ve seen the look on his face because he squeezed Bheem’s hand harder “It’s okay. I don’t even…”

Bheem held his face in hands and kissed him on the head tenderly, silencing whatever excuse Ram would make. He stroked his cheek, silencing him completely. His gaze intense but soft. Ram could understand the words unspoken in the quiet of the night.    

“Forgive me,” Bheem leaned his head against Ram’s, “I didn’t know, anna.”

“Bheem,” Ram smiled softly, brushing his fingers over his brother’s beard, “It’s okay, really.”

Bheem shook his head, “Rest now.”

Ram did rest, turning on his side facing Bheem still. He draped his arm over his brother’s lap and Bheem took his hand and squeezed it softly. He used his other hand to continue massaging his brother’s back. After some time, Ram finally fell asleep, snoring lightly. 

Bheem smiled as he watched his brother sleep. He ran a hand through his anna’s hair softly. Even though Ram was fast asleep, Bheem found himself continuing to massage his back. He’d be lying if he didn’t admit it was soothing for himself as well. 

Now that he was beginning to understand some of the reasons behind Ram’s introverted side, Bheem vowed to never let his anna go a day without feeling loved. He would care for brother, as Ram had cared for him all this time as well. 

“I’ll always be here, anna.” He whispered knowing Ram didn’t hear him, but feeling the need to tell him aloud either way. 

And Bheem made another promise to himself silently in the night, as he watched his brother sleep in his arms soundly. 

Ram was going to get massages from him as often as he could.

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Apologies for this piece being late but school and work take up too much time! This was in response to a canon I wrote some time ago. Let me know what you think please! 

I haves some new followers so comment if I forgot to tag you and you would liked to be tagged in my future RRR fanfic posts! I’ll gladly add you!

[kedreeva]

Your fic  “If We’ve Got Nothing (We’ve Got Us)” fucked me up so good like actual bruh moment I cried over this shit thank you for blessing me tonight this is some top tier writing on god

aw yay I like making people cry, especially in the good way!

[rosayounan]

You Will Be My Better Half- Part 3

It was mid-morning when Ram woke. Taking in his surroundings he smiled softly, feeling the heavy weight of Bheem on his lap. The man was snoring softly, arm curled around Ram’s leg securely. Ram guessed he must’ve stayed like the for the rest of the night. It didn’t bother him, as long as they were able to get some sleep. He didn’t remember waking again in the night, so Ram guessed that both he and Bheem has slept soundly after. 

Stretching out a bit, Ram leaned fully against the tree trunk, enjoying the quiet of the morning in the forest. The sun had come out and their fire had died back. Gone was the blazing fire from last night, only cooling embers took its place. The officer thought about getting up and rekindling it some to get food ready. It would do them both no good to go hungry. However, the thought of disturbing his brother from sleep was enough to keep him seated in place a while longer. 

After a few minutes, Bheem flinched slightly. Ram frowned in concern, hoping another nightmare wasn’t starting up. Bheem seemed to be having a particularly violently one last night and didn’t need another so soon. 

He ran a palm over the frown forming on Bheem’s face. It seemed to work as Bheem calmed instantly. Ram couldn’t help smiling. In so many ways, Bheem reminded him of his own brother, long gone now. The way he smiled, ate food with his left hand, his innocence. 

But Bheem was also strong. A fierce tiger sworn to protection. That protection Ram also found himself carrying. For his family, his fiancé , his tribe…

And for his brother.

Bheem chose that moment to sigh out and his eyes fluttered opened. He looked up at the sky, most probably taking in his surroundings too. His roaming eyes found Ram’s and a smile appeared on his face. 

“Good morning,” Ram grinned ruffling his hair. 

“Mmm,” Bheem stretched out sleepily, “I was dreaming.”

“Good things I hope.” Ram replied fearing that another nightmare had happened after all.

Bheem looked at him and faltered, “I-I don’t remember. Someone called my name and I was looking for them. I couldn’t find them.”

“Mali perhaps?” Ram was curious a well, “She had been waiting for you for some time.”

“I don’t think so,” Bheem pulled a hand behind his head, “She always calls me anna…” A look of realization came over his face. 

“Bheem?” Ram prompted when his brother remained silent. 

“You!” He squeezed Ram’s hand, “It was you. I was looking for you, calling for you. You answered me but I couldn’t find you. I kept looking and you kept calling. But I couldn’t see you. Only hear you.”

“Easy, easy,” Ram laid a hand on his chest trying to calm him, “It’s alright. I’m here.”

It seemed to have been the right thing to say. Bheem nodded and squeezed the hand on his chest. 

“I’m here.” Ram repeated softly using his other hand to stroke the curls back from Bheem’s face,“You found me.”

They were both quiet for a moment, holding each other’s hands. “

Bhaee?” Bheem spoke in a whisper, “Mujhe dar lag raha hai.”

 For some reason, the words made Ram’s throat feel tight. He knew Bheem was a fearless warrior, protector, wild but just to the very core. But this was not the warrior Bheem speaking to him. This was Bheem, his brother. 

His Tam’mudu. 

“Kyon?” Ram asked, “Kya hai?”

“The English,” Bheem explained, “People like those British. Men like Scott, women like his wife. They may have been destroyed. But how many will come after? Are we safe ever? You were an officer, bhaee. They will come looking for you.”

Ram thought about the truth behind Bheem’s words. It was true, men like Scott never ceased. They were always more coming. He had seen it as a child. He would see it now as well. 

“I’m afraid for you, anna,” Bheem squeezed his hand, “You will be in danger. They may send more men to try and arrest you. Or to hurt Seetha. You need someone with you. By yourself it’s dangerous.”

“I’ve never avoided danger, Bheem,” Ram replied, “Nor have you. It’s who we are and we can’t change that.”

“But alone bhaee, you might-“

“I’m not alone, Bheem.” Ram insisted, “I have Seetha, my people, the tribe, my uncle. And you.”

Bheem stared almost as if he was surprised that Ram had mentioned him at all. He sat up quickly, still gripping tightly onto their joined hands. 

“Bhaee?” He frowned as if not understanding. He spoke slowly. It reminded Ram of the days where Bheem tried to speak English for the first time. “You want me with you?” 

Ram felt his chest get heavy. He knew of course the damage he had done to them both. However, he had hoped that they were making progress. He blinked back some tears.

“Bhaee?” Bheem asked again, seeming upset at the sight of tears.

“I’m sorry, Bheem,” Ram kept his gaze fixed on his brother’s hoping his eyes could convey the sincerity behind his words.“

Anna, I forgive you,” Bheem squeezed his shoulder, “There is nothing more to forgive. It’s behind us now.”

“Then you must know,” Ram couldn’t stop a lone tear that escaped, “You must know. You are my friend, my brother. I lost that gift once because of my own foolishness, but I don’t want to lose it a second time. You are my family.” He shook their joined hands fervently.

Bheem had a warm smile that grew on his face. 

“You are my family,” Ram repeated so Bheem knew. He had to know, “You showed me what happiness was after I thought I’d lost it forever. I’m not losing you again, Bheem.”

Bheem was crying now as well, “Anna,” His voice shook, “I learned so much from you. You have given me so much. I have no family, but you…. you are my family also. Main tumase door nahin hona chaahata, anna.”  

Ram held his face in his hands. It tore him inside to see Bheem openly crying now. 

“Then stay, Bheem,” He whispered, “Come home with me.”

Bheem wiped his eyes and nodded, “Thank you, bhaee.”

Ram pulled him close to shush him. There was no gratitude in this. This was also Ram’s own selfish desire to keep his brother close. He had lost enough of his family. 

“Mujhe tumase pyaar hai, Bheem,” Ram couldn’t stop the shake in his voice.

“Bhaee, main aapako pyaar karata hoon.” Bheem embraced him back tightly.

Ram wasn’t sure where the fresh tears were coming from. Perhaps it was all the emotion from the last few days. Ram knew deep inside though, that he hadn’t dared to utter those words to anyone since his family. He even had a difficult time expressing his love to Seetha. She always knew what was in his heart though, but Ram hated that he couldn’t get the words out. How guilty he often felt for not telling her what she meant to him.

Bheem however broke those walls built up inside of him. While he normally kept to himself and worked, silently trying to fulfill his mission, he often felt empty inside. With Bheem, he wants to laugh, to joke, to talk, to dance. This simple man had filled something deep in his heart that Ram just couldn’t express. Until now. 

He was finally able to say those simple words that seemed to small, but meant so much. 

Bheem broke away first but he held Ram’s jaw, smiling brightly. Ram looked into his eyes and only saw love and understanding. It was like he was being read like an open book. So many words but there was no need to say anything. It was understood.

They could both feel it.

Bheem wiped Ram’s tears away with his thumb.“I’m here,” He repeated the same words Ram had soothed him with earlier, “I’m right here.”

“Alright, enough!” Ram laughed, “You’re making me into a blubbering idiot!” 

Bheem laughed wiping his own tears, “All this crying, I’m starting to get hungry!”

Ram shook his head smirking, “Only you can always be ready for food.”

Bheem laughed again and pushed himself up, “I’ll see what I can find for us.” 

He went to his bag and took out a hunting knife. Ram followed, getting the fire roaring again so they could use it to cook something.

“You have to warn Seetha, Ram.” Bheem spoke as he sharpened his knife on a rock.

“Warn her about what?” Ram asked as he stoked the fire.

Bheem grinned, “She has a new brother.”

Ram through a stick at him in jest and tried to hide the smile that it really gave him.

“Alright, I’m going!” Bheem laughed getting up and heading further from their camp.

“Bheem,” Ram called.

Bheem turned back to his brother just in time to catch the rifle that had come sailing in the air. He caught it with one fluid motion and gave Ram a questioning look.

Ram stared back, “Be careful.” He ordered. 

Bheem nodded in understanding and went off quickly and silently through the forest. 

Ram watched him until he disappeared. After all, he only had one brother.

Ram was ready to do anything to protect him. 

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Alright there’s part 3! Enjoy guys! Feel free to comment any ideas!  Let’s see...will I allow Bheem to have an easy trip hunting and return safely? When is anything that simple with our boys? Stay tuned for more!

Hindi translations below! Apologies if these are not accurate.

Mujhe dar lag raha hai = I am scared. 

Kyon? = Why?  

Kya ha? = What is it?  

Main tumase door nahin hona chaahata, anna. = I don’t want to be away from you, brother.

Mujhe tumase pyaar hai, Bheem = I love you, Bheem. 

Bhaee, main aapako pyaar karata hoon = I love you too, brother. 

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I tagged other fellow RRR fanfic authors whose work I’ve enjoyed and my followers. Please let me know if you would like me to tag you in the future or if you don’t want to be tagged as well. Thanks!  

[rosayounan]

You Will Be My Better Half- Part 4

Warning for some blood and gore. Don’t read if you’re sensitive to this stuff. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Bheem had been lucky this morning. With his spear and a sack, he had caught four fish already. He had been cautious of his surroundings though, checking the river for any signs of danger from man or beast before he even entered the water. He had busied himself in this manner for quite some time. Feeling satisfied with his work, he wrapped the caught fish in the sack and began making his way back to their campsite. 

He spotted the fire roaring back to the life, from Ram no doubt. Ram sat near the fire, stoking the flames with sticks. He smiled as he spotted Bheem. Bheem grinned back waving the sack proudly. 

“Found something?” Ram laughed.

“You could say that.” Bheem smiled. 

A wave of concern hit him as he saw Ram’s gaze move to the bushes behind him.

“Bhai?” He stopped, locking eyes with his brother.   

“Slow.” Ram ordered in one word. 

Bheem understood the command and slowed his pace, checking his surroundings. He spotted movement in the tall grass behind him.Ram stood up, aiming his rifle and Bheem gripped his spear. One look between them both said everything. 

“I’d lower your weapons if I were you.” A voice was heard. 

Both Ram and Bheem turned to see a familiar face clad in a British uniform pointing a pistol at them. 

Ram’s superior officer.

“No sudden movements gentlemen,” He ordered looking between them both, “I wasn’t foolish enough to think that I could bring you both in without losing my own head.”

Bheem looked around knowing even though things were quiet, there probably was an ambush hiding somewhere. He looked back at Ram and saw his brother had seen it too. 

“Tell me,” Ram lowered the rifle, “How much money were your promised by our arrest?”

“Absolutely nothing,” The chief glared, “All of Britain would love to see you dangling from a rope. However, trials must be given and I was ordered to bring you in alive, sergeant.”

Ram’s blood boiled at the hated name. He didn’t want the title or the faked dignity that came with it. He hated the men behind each uniform. The uniform that he made himself put on every single day. It was the only way to gain freedom for his family. It was a sacrifice Ram had been willing to give. For a chance to gain the weapons his father had shed his blood to get and the power that came with it. 

But now, the time for deception and hiding was over. 

“It’s a shame it had to turn out like this,” The commander spoke, “You had such high hopes in our rankings. You outworked every other officer I had ever met. The only foreign one to go that far.”

Ram took a step foreword, “And I will go farther. Until I see everyone who is a threat, destroyed.”

The chief glared at him, simmering rage coursing through him. Ram stared back unfazed and unafraid.

“So will I, officer,” He nodded looking around, “Now!”

Ram raised his rifle and took a shot in the tree above them. With a howl of pain, two officers fell from the limbs, dying before they even reached the ground. As both men expected, six more officers came running out of the thicket.

 Bheem swung his spear, knocking one man in the face, breaking his neck with the blunt force. Ram shot two more that were running quickly, killing them both. One officer dodged his bullet and attempted to swing his rifle at Ram’s head. Ram caught the rifle in his hand keeping his gripped locked and used his other hand to grabbed the man’s head, cracking it swiftly. The officer fell dead at his feet. 

“3 more!” Bheem yelled, running up to one and flipping him over onto his back, stabbing him.

Ram looked the chief, who he spotted standing close trying to get a shot at Bheem. He wasted no time in firing his rifle, shooting the man’s firing hand.The man cursed loudly grabbing his bleeding hand, looking shocked as his pistol had gone flying. 

“FIRE!” He shouted loudly but Ram wasn’t sure at whom. 

Looking around quickly to see who was left, Ram aimed his rifle waiting to shoot the first man he saw. 

Bheem had just killed his last officer with a quick and vicious stab to the gut. The man fell dead and Bheem pulled his spear out, panting from the fight. A glint of something in the bush, caught Ram’s eye. Before he had even shouted his brother’s name, an arrow came sailing through the air and hit Bheem in the sternum with a sickening sound. 

The yell that Ram wanted to rip out of his throat was caught in his chest as he watched Bheem fall to his knee, grimacing in pain. All he saw next was red as he fired a shot into the field. His aim was true as it had been since his childhood, and the victim fell out of covering with a bullet in his head. 

Ram ran across the way to Bheem and caught him before he fell.

“Bheem!” He held his brother’s weight as he went to his knees as well.

“It’s alright,” Bheem panted, “I’m alright.”

Ram felt like punching and hugging the fool at the same time. “Like hell,” He shot back helping Bheem sit back, “Let me see.”He moved back the tunic to reveal the sickening sight of the arrow sticking out of is brother’s flesh, slick with bright red blood.  Blood mixed with dark liquid. “

Bheem?” Ram couldn’t stop his hands from shaking.

Bheem pulled his shirt back to look at the wound too. He panted as sweat poured from his head. “Poison.” He confirmed what Ram had feared.

“Damn right,” The chief spoke still kneeling on the forest floor holding his bleeding hand, “It’ll take days before you find a cure and he won’t be around that long.”

Ram got up quickly striding over to the man. He grabbed him by the collar firmly.

“Where’s the medicine?” Ram could feel his heart pounding. 

“Oh now you’re asking Britain for a favor.” The chief mocked.

Ram pushed him back and took his rifle, swinging it madly at the man. He could hear the crack of bone over the man’s agonizing screams. He hit any part he could, just to make this man suffer. The screams urged him on harder and harder.

“WHERE IS IT?” He screamed back loudly.

“I don’t know!” The chief wailed holding his broken leg. 

Ram lowered his rifle and squatted down grabbing the man by his face, “Every minute you spend in silence, I will give you more pain. Until you beg me for death.”

“Anna,” Bheem spoke, “There’s a plant, I know it. It will stop the poison, it’s okay.”

Ram turned back to the chief, whose broken leg was in a mangled shape. Now that this monster wasn’t needed Ram could give him the punishment he deserved. He grabbed him by the collar again.

“I want you to know this. Death didn’t kill you, I did.” He grabbed his rifle and shot the bullet straight through the man’s head. 

That taken care of, Ram hurried back to Bheem’s side. 

“Which plant?” He asked already ready to run through the forest in search if it.

“Anna,” Bheem pulled his arm, “Calm down, I’m alright.” 

Ram didn’t seem convinced as he watched the man before him, shirt staining with blood. “You’re still bleeding.” Ram chastised ripping open the rest of Bheem’s shirt. 

He grabbed the pocket knife they had kept close by and cut a piece of cloth from his pants. Using it as a bandage, he rolled it and pressed it firmly over the wound. Bheem’s face twisted in pain and he grabbed Ram’s hand that was applying the pressure.

“Sorry,” Ram squeezed his shoulder.

Bheem patted his hand in response. He was panting by now, “The tip has to come out before anything else. Longer we wait the worse it will be.”

Ram nodded understanding what he had to do. “Sit back.” He helped move Bheem into a more comfortable position, resting against the tree completely. 

He then took another cloth he had shred and placed it in his brother’s mouth, “Bite down on that.”

Bheem nodded, breathing deeply in anticipation.

Ram squeezed his hand once more in a silent apology for pain he was about to inflict on his brother. Bheem squeezed back hard, his eyes full of understanding and trust. Ram placed the back of his forearm over Bheem’s upper chest, bracing him. With the other hand he grasped the end of arrow tightly. Just his grip alone, caused Bheem to breathe in pain. Ram faltered for a minute but Bheem nodded indicating for him to continue. 

Ram began pulling slowly. 

As much as he would have wanted to simply rip the horrible thing from Bheem’s chest and end the suffering, he knew a mistake like that could prove fatal. If the tip of the arrow broke in any way, they would be facing a worse problem. Ram had to keep his hands steady and slowly pull inch by inch. The tip made a sickening ripping sound as it tore flesh. Bheem’s body became tense and rigid as Ram pulled. He gripped Ram’s shoulder tightly, biting down on the cloth. His entire body was shaking from the pain and he finally let a out a low moan.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the rest of the arrow slipped out in one motion. 

Ram released a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. The tip had not broken thankfully, but Ram could see the dark color of the poison mingling with the slick blood. He tossed the hateful weapon away and turned his attention to his brother. 

Bheem was still shaking and panting from the trauma. 

Ram removed the cloth from is mouth, “It’s over.” He reassured wiping the sweat from Bheem’s face.

Bheem took a deep breath trying to control the shake left in his limbs. Ram held his hand and they both waited for some time for things to calm. 

Finally, Bheem spoke,“There’s a plant up ahead there,” He motioned with head, “It grows alongside the trees with vines. We can make a salve and it should stop the poison.”

“Should?” Ram frowned.

Bheem shook his head, “It’ll stop the poison from spreading. Whatever is here now,” He sighed leaving the rest unsaid. 

Ram rose steadily to his feet, running hurriedly to the trees with the vines that Bheem had mentioned. He pulled off the leaves viciously, not sure how many to get. He hated feeling unsure and out of control, but there was no time for thinking. Grabbing large handfuls, he ran back to their campsite and found Bheem still sitting upright. “

Is this enough?” Ram asked showing Bheem the large handfuls he had. 

Bheem nodded smiling in encouragement, “That’s more than enough. Now just take a rock and smash half of them into a paste and boil the rest of the leaves in water.”

Ram did a he was instructed, finding a bucket and boiling the water under the fire. As he mashed the leaves, he kept an eye on Bheem to see if he was alright. Bheem looked to be doing as well as expected. His face seemed a bit paler and he was sweating profusely now. Ram just prayed that this salve would stop the poison.

“That’s good.” Bheem spoke softly now and Ram brought him the leaves that now looked more like paste. 

Bheem dipped his fingers in the paste and brought it up to the wound on his chest. His fingers were shaking badly at this point.“

Here let me.” Ram followed Bheem’s actions and pushed the man’s hand aside to lay the salve over the wound. Bheem lowered his hands and let Ram work on applying the rest of the salve.“

There.” Ram sighed satisfied when the salve completely covered the wound. He used the other strips of cloth to create a makeshift bandage. “

“Bhai,” Bheem spoke as Ram tied the bandage around him from front to back.

“Hm?” Ram frowned deep in his work. 

“We should get back to the city soon,” Bheem sighed, “Find the doctor.”

“Is this salve not enough to stop the poison?” Ram asked worry growing in his gut.

“Not all of it,” Bheem explained, “That’s the best I know, but other than that-” He left the rest unsaid.

Ram nodded understanding the seriousness of the situation.“Come one.” He swung Bheem’s arm over his neck and pulled him upright. Slowly they made their way over to Ram’s horse. 

Ram helped Bheem get up first, holding his legs to keep him from falling. He then swung up behind him, pulling the man so he was resting against his chest. 

“Stay with me, tam’ mudu.” He whispered, urging his horse onward.

They needed to get home. 

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