AJHS - 2

Part 2

Arnav POV

Loud whispers reverberated around me. My head spun feeling the familiar dizziness. The same voice practically screamed in my ears.

Nai understand. Aap samjhayi humein...

(No I don't understand you. You explain it to me...)

I tried to get rid of the suffocation I felt. Though nothing seemed to work. I covered my ears using my palms. But the whispers turned into shouts.

Nai Amma unhe meetha mana hai...

(No Amma he is a diabetic...)

I sat up and tore my eyes wide open. My heart thundered ready to jump out of my ribcage. Clutching my throat I tried to breathe normally. The sun filtered in through the drapes making me aware of my surroundings. 

There was no darkness around me. No fog. No tentacles curving around my feet. I was in my bed. I tried deep breathing just like my doctor suggested. Fighting with these nightmares is not easy. It has been a month now. And my memories are stuck at a moot point. The accident.

A knock on my door stopped my musings. A spectacled head popped inside. I sighed knowingly. He was here to talk. It is pointless to avoid this discussion. I need to come to terms with the reality.

You can come inside Akaash.

He walked inside cautiously making me roll my eyes. My family loves to treat me like a fragile doll. I don't wish to be treated in this manner. But these people are hopeless.

Goodmorning Bhai! I just wanted to...

...to make sure that I am fine right?

He pushed back his spectacles on his nose and sat on one side of my bed.

Right. Bhai I know aapko ye sab acha nai lagta. But we are your family. Aur family aisi hi hoti hai. 

(Bro I know you don't like our hovering. However, that is a family's nature).

Nodding and speculating his words I chose to stare at the wall behind Akaash. Family. I wish I had a clue about these people who cared so much for me. But their hovering only makes me all the more restless. This man calls me his brother. Then why don't I feel the same for him? Why? My chain of thoughts paused at his question.

Bhai if you don't mind me asking this question...

What?

Why don't you join AR again? I mean if not as the CEO then just as a...

As a layperson who wants to make a fool out of himself. 

Bhai...

He needs to know that I am at a crossroads.  I need to make some major decisions before actually stepping into the shoes of a businessman. Only after analyzing Arnav, I can embrace the ASR. So I tried to verbalize the idea.

My brain is already muddled Akaash. Before jumping into any kind of professional work I wish to sort out my personal life.

Whatever you are comfortable with Bhai. But I will suggest something. Please try to spend some time with every one of us. 

Akaash...

Bhai maybe this will help you regain what you have lost. Or we could make some new memories.

New memories?

He nodded with a sincere smile. First my sister, then Dhruv, and now Akaash. Even if I don't know these guys still they are my family. They are trying. Instead of feeling weak and hopeless, I should take strength from them. There is no harm in spending a few hours with the Raizada clan. It's time to take the plunge. Now whether I will fly or fall....that depends on my destiny.

I will join you all for breakfast.

As I uttered the words Akaash's eyes twinkled with excitement. He stood up and attacked me. The sudden embrace surprised me. For a second I sat still unable to decide what to do. But when he tightened his grip I patted his shoulders lightly. My touch triggered a response from him.

Thanks, Bhai. You are the best. I promise you won't regret it.

Dhruv POV

Pacing back and forth I held the phone close to my ear and explained everything in detail to my Pops. He responded with a hmm and a yes frequently. Once I completed my tale I sat on the beanbag chair placed in the corner of the terrace.

So you see Pops Nannav Chachu needs to heal his mind and heart. And not just his body.

You are right kid. Nannav needs to heal. Aur ye dil ka chaawla hai. 

(This is a matter of the heart).

Yes, Pops you are right. According to HP Uncle's observation, Lavanya Auntie and Chachu were not very close. But...

I halted for a moment. Will it be helpful to mention her name? HP Uncle said she was only a trainer. A temporary staff. But he also mentioned how she became friends with everyone including Laxmi the goat.

But what Champ? Is there more?

Popsi HP Uncle mentioned a girl, a temporary employee meant to train Lavanya Auntie. 

An employee? Anything else about her? Perhaps HP dropped a name?

Oops sorry, Pops I forgot to ask for a name. But if it is important then I can dig more about her.

Nannav Chachu needs to open up. Or else he will become all gloomy and depressed. I cannot take that forlorn look on his face anymore. Could it be that the mysterious girl is the answer to Chachu's problems? I mused.

That's my boy. Alright, listen to me carefully Champ. For everyone else, you are only a 10-year-old kid visiting India for the summer. But in reality, you are on a mission. I know only you can bring back my brother to his old self. I trust you. Keep me posted. Over and out.

My chest puffed out like a peacock. There was a hint of pride in his voice. I knew we were having a man-to-man talk. I am good at reading what's between the lines. It runs in my blood. This is the first time that I doing an international assignment. I will prove to Pops that his trust lies in the right place.

I will Sir. Over and out.

Hmmm. I need to gather more evidence. Nannav Chachu's life is like a history book with missing pages. Pages that are hidden somewhere in this very house. Lifting my chin I stood up determined to further investigate the mystery girl. 

Anjali POV

I promise you Chotte you won't regret this decision of yours.

Yes, Bhai.

Finally, after a long time, we sat at the table to have a meal together... as a family. I smiled watching my brother who pretended to be all calm and cool. But I knew he was feeling very edgy. Surrounded by Nani, Mama, Mami, Akaash, Dhruv, and me.

Don't worry Anji Bua I and Nannav Chachu will go out together. I will keep him entertained. Meeth hai Chachu?

(Alright Chachu?)

Nannav rolled his eyes in response while I shook my head hearing Dhruvs cute Hindi. He seriously needs to join a language school to brush up on his Hindi skills. Suddenly an idea popped inside my head. What if Dhruv takes admission to a language school? What if I give this responsibility to Chotte? This will become the perfect reason to distract my brother. He needs to divert his attention and focus on other things. Wow. I feel like patting my shoulder. Time for some fishing Anjali Shekhawat. Clearing my throat I drew everyone's attention to me.

Dhruv why don't you enroll in some Hindi classes. I m sure your diction will improve. What do you think Chotte?

My question startled him. He looked up from his plate and cocked his head in my direction. Come on brother take the bait. Take it. Don't overthink much. I mused. He looked at Dhruv who bobbed his head in enthusiasm. Smiling at him he quickly agreed with my suggestion.

Hmmm. Aap theek keh rhi hain. I believe getting into a language school will be beneficial for you D.

(You are right).

Perfect. The fish is now slowly losing control over his instincts. The timing is right. I need to take action now. This time Chotte you will have no option but to agree.

Toh phir done. We will take care of the admission procedure. No worries.

(Yes it is a deal).

Akaash stated happily making the others smile in approval. Time to strike. I thought in triumph.

Chotte earlier Dhruv said he wants to hang out with you so why don't you take up this responsibility. Get him enrolled...please?

My brother's eyes widened in disbelief. He had not stepped out once in this one month. Since the night of the accident, he has either been in the hospital or here in the four walls of Shantivan.

No. No. I am not going anywhere.

Chotte you don't need to drive. Mohanji will take you and Dhruv to the language school. 

Yeah, Nannav Chachu it will be great. You can also treat me to ice cream. Please.

My brother and Dhruv had a weird staring contest for a long while. Dhruv used his puppy face and enchanted Arnav with his twinkling eyes. A moment later Chotte nodded and returned to his plate of breakfast.

I shared a conspiratory smile with my witty nephew. He had done the unthinkable. The ten-year-old boy blackmailed my brother so easily. His smile was full of promises, assuring me that in the next couple of days things will change for the better.

Khushi POV

I laughed out loud with Mr. Sharma who was here in Happyjis garage for the past one hour. His car was being repaired by Happyji while I entertained him with my tales. The man was an elderly fellow and was here for some business. Rather than returning after a few hours to collect his car the man chose to chat with the two of us.

Beta tumhara swabhaav bahut acha hai. Apni itni lambi zindagi mein itna saaf dil ka shaks maine pehli baar dekha h. 

(Beta you have a kind nature. I have not met such a simple and enthusiastic soul like you, in my entire life).

Shukria Uncleji. Aap bhi bahut ache insaan hain.

(Thanks Uncleji. You are also a great human being).

The man was in his fifties but still had a zest for life that resembled that of a young one with fresh blood ready to face any kind of challenge. His experience and ideas spoke volumes. His personality reminded me of my father. 

Beta tumhari Hindi kafi achi hai.

(Beta I noticed that you have a good command of the Hindi language).

Haan Uncleji. Shudh Hindi likhna pdhna aur bolna humein bahut ache se aata hai. Humari maatr bhaasha hai kaisi nai aayegi humein.

(Yes Uncleji. I can write, read and speak Hindi very well. After all, it is our mother tongue).

A strange smile crossed his features. As if he was waiting for this very moment. Looking towards the floor he shook his head as if his mind reached a sudden realization. A little worried  I tried to enquire about his behavior when out of the blue he broke the silence.

Beta main pichle kuch din se ek acha Hindi teacher dhundh rha hoon. Kya aap mere language school mein Hindi padhaengi?

(Beta I have been looking for a Hindi teacher for a while now. Will, you join my language school as a Hindi teacher?)

Kya?! Hum aur Hindi padhayen?

(What?! Me as a Hindi teacher?)

Haan koi dikkat hai beta?

(Yes will that be a problem?)

Sharma Uncles request baffled me. I never expected that in this life someone would offer me a job as a teacher? Yes, I loved tutoring the little kids in my neighborhood once in a while. But working in a language school amongst several students and fellow teachers felt like a dream come true. How am I supposed to answer this question?

Some forty-five minutes later Happyji repaired his car and the man took his leave. He sat behind the wheel and rolled down his window and the gesture made me rush towards him.

Think about my offer beta. My number is on the bottom of the card that you are holding. God bless you.

And just like that, his vehicle disappeared from my line of sight. Slowly the winds changed their course. The dark clouds cleared and made way for the sunny afternoon. I stared towards the sky as the sun brightened up my little world. Today is a day filled with surprises. I rubbed my thumb over the card in disbelief. Smiling to myself I returned to the garage with a spring in my steps.

Later at night, I discussed this job opportunity with  Buaji and Jeeji. The former wholeheartedly agreed, gave me her blessing, and retired to her room. While the latter chose to sit with me on the cot outside our house. 

Jeeji tum kuch bol kyun nai rhi ho is naukri ke baare mein?

(Jeeji why are you not reacting to this job offer?)

Khushi main to chahti hoon ki ye job tum jald se jald shuru krdo. 

(Khushi I wish from the bottom of my heart that you join this position asap).

Are waah. Phir to kal subah hi hum Uncleji ko phone krlenge.

(Sounds good. In that case, I will call Sharma Uncle first thing in the morning).

Hugging me to herself she patted my shoulder diligently. I could understand that she had something more to say but was taking her own time. I tried to be patient for her sake.

Khushi iss baar tum apni marzi se naukri krna. Kisi Arnav Singh Raizada ke dabaav mein aake nai.

(Khushi this time around do a job that you like. Don't allow any Arnav Singh Raizada to pressurize you for anything).

His name was enough to bring back the old memories. He manipulated me to work for him. Twice. I tried so hard both times, and the man never gave any value to my efforts. But this time I won't allow any ASR to create hurdles in my path towards success. He will just become a name for me. Promise Devi Maiyya.

Haan Jeeji iss baar sab theek hoga.

(Yes Jeeji this time around all will be well).

Arnav POV

I showered and wore my formal attire a little hesitantly. I must have done this a thousand times earlier. But post amnesiac Arnav was wearing a three-piece suit for the first time. And it felt awkward.

Three days ago because of my sister's request and Dhruv Singh Raizadas pleading looks I was blackmailed into leaving Shantivan. Although to others it seemed that I gave in to the blackmail but only I knew the reason for going out of my comfort zone.

I wanted to test the waters. I wanted to take up this challenge. I am not ready to join my own office yet. But at least spending some much-needed quality time outside my house was something that I could do for now.

I was taking my driver Mohan to the language school because I don't think I will be able to drive right now or even soon. The idea of sitting behind the wheel keeps giving me goosebumps. I feel like the smoke, the fog and the unbearable darkness will swallow me somehow. My therapist has strictly ordered me to use public transport even in an emergency.

Giving myself a final look in the mirror I turned to leave my room when my elbow accidentally swung in an odd direction opening the door of the adjoined small cabinet. And the contents inside the cabinet left me astonished for a few seconds.

Two pearls? A piece of a ruined stole? A half-broken bangle?

I moved ahead and touched the bangle with my trembling fingers. But suddenly a hazy picture replaced my vision. Two dark and blurry figures stood facing each other. Anger and tension were rolling off them. They seemed unhappy.

With a gasp, I stepped away from the cabinet as if it had burned me. What the hell? Sweat poured from my hairline. I wiped my forehead appalled by the image. What was that? Who were those people? Why do I keep these weird things in my cabinet? Seems like a collection. 

I inhaled deeply to clear my head but the smell of jasmine took over my senses. I inhaled once more and realized where the tantalizing scent was coming from. Picking up the shiny piece of cloth I took a deep breath. Pure jasmine. So alluring.

A knock on my door alerted me of another presence. Quickly pocketing the piece of cloth I shut the cabinet and muttered a quick come in. Dhruv Raizada entered my room and skipped towards me.

Chachu I am ready. Shall we leave? It's time for some Hindi classes.

Alright, kid. Let's go.

As our car left the mansion my heart began to skyrocket. After my accident, this is the first time that I am leaving the confines of my home. Sitting in the car reminded me of my nightmares. I tried to take deep breaths but my anxiety did not curb. I was about to ask Mohan the driver to stop when my eyes fell on my coat pocket.

I snaked my hand inside the pocket and clutched the piece of cloth in my fist. Slowly and gradually my unbearable restlessness started to disappear. My heartbeat returned to its normal pace. The moment passed but it left me bewildered for a long time. Till we reached the language school.

Yun to hum apne aap mein

gum the,

Sach to ye hai ki wahan,

bhi tum the.

(Though I am lost,

The truth is that you,

Appear wherever I go).

Nannav Chachu where are you lost? Ussi ke baare mein soch rhe ho kya?

(You are thinking about her aren't you?)

Dhruv Singh Raizada teased me wiggling his eyebrows in my direction. What the? God, he is a menace. How can a kid be so overly observant? Damn it. Huffing out loud I replied in a sarcastic tone.

Wow D, you are hilarious!

Getting out of the car we sauntered towards the entrance but my nephew seemed to be enthralled by his surroundings. Giving a sweeping glance to the entire institute D skipped towards the main door of the building.

But I simply stopped as his previous words echoed in my mind.

Ussi ke baare mein soch rhe ho kya?

What did he mean by 'Ussi'? We discussed girls in our last phone call. And my panic attack came to a halt with this piece of cloth, resting in my pocket. I was only thinking about this cloth and its fragrance. Am I thinking too much? Or is the owner of the stuff in my cabinet the same woman whose voice I hear in my nightmares? 

Chachu? Hello? Come on we need to hurry up.

Coming D.

I shook my head trying to get out of my messed up mind. I need to stop overthinking. With quick steps, I quickly rushed to the building. Dhruv Raizada passed me a smile and following a few signboards, we finally found ourselves in the administration department. The room was crowded. A lot of kids were sitting with their guardians. Both of us shared a glance and shrugged our shoulders. We sat in one corner which had a few empty chairs thankfully. 

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Precap:

Arnav and Khushi are in the same language school. Will the two finally meet each other?

Lavanya desires to meet her friend Chamkeeli.