Chapter 21 We Are Family

After avoiding Utkarsh for f the past week, I had to now confront him. He was angry with me and it was time that I had a talk with him. He was also feeling isolated and that’s why he didn’t go to my house but went to Saanvi’s instead. I was trying to control my emotions but was also struggling to maintain my cool. I was anxious about what I could say to him. How was I gonna talk with him? What could I say to him after avoiding him so much? A hurricane of thoughts was spoiling my head. My stomach heaved unhelpfully when Utkarsh opened my car door. I was feeling guilty inside.

“Don’t worry brother, I am not angry. I Just wanted to talk with you.” Utkarsh said, in a comforting kind tone. I came out of the car and we went inside Saanvi’s house.

We sat down in the living room and Saanvi asked, assembled ourself in the living room area.

“So, how was the live session?” Saanvi asked “Wonderful.” I replied with a smile.

“That’s great.”

Utkarsh came a little closer to me and holding my hand said, “Bro, you don’t want to go along with us?”

I was quiet for a moment, and then I replied, “No, bro.” “Can I know the reason?” he asked.

“Bro, I have gathered my life together again after a lot of effort. All thanks to the Almighty and to all of you as well. I don’t want to go somewhere else and begin things all over again. I don’t have that much power and strength left now.

Moreover, I want to be here with Aparna, and Ishita is also here. She will be there with us.”

I expressed my feelings as clearly as possible.

“I understand. That’s why you didn’t want me to talk with you about this.” Utkarsh said.

He didn’t pursue any if ’s and don’ts. He didn’t ask me any further questions but just accepted my decision.

“Okay, no issues. We agree with you.” Utkarsh flaunted a broad smile, and Saanvi was happy too.

The hurricane of thoughts was now settling down. I was quite relieved. I wanted to be here. I wish I could convey all my feelings to Utkrash, that I didn’t t want them to leave us but I controlled my emotions. Utkarsh and Saanvi had a full life ahead of themselves and stopping them now would have made me seem selfish or, even, desperate. So, I decided to let them be and wished them all the very best for their future.

“Avi, if not this, then how can we help you?” Utkarsh asked.

“Utkarsh, do one thing, take my dad along with you. He will get better health facilities in Canada. I think you will take very good care of him. Can you do this for me?” I asked...

“Avi, you don’t need to request me like that. I will take uncle along.”,

He showed the confidence that I was expecting him to show and I couldn’t have been happier. I hugged both him and Saanvi and kissed them on their foreheads.

“All the best, man. I’ll miss you.” I started to cry.

“Avi, don’t worry. It’s just a matter of two to three years.” Utkarsh consoled me, “I’m gonna call you from there, and one more thing - any problems occur in your life, I am just one call away from you.”

He hugged me and pacified my feelings. In his voice, I could find all the affection and love. He prayed for my better future. I was feeling a little low but, at the same time, happy for both of them.

“When is your flight?” I asked

“Sunday night. Around 9 p.m., I guess.” Utkarsh and Saanvi’s voice synced in together and we laughed.

...

I was lying inside a dark house beyond the walls one would naturally assume to be the boundaries of the dwelling. There was a loud noise of a train screeching forward at speed and then running into a huge blast. I looked outside the window but there was nothing. The street was empty. I drank some water from the tap near me. After two or three seconds, I heard the noise again. This time I saw a guy being chased by two people persons who were firing shots at him. A bullet hit him on his leg and he fell down. One of his pursuer persons went running towards him and fired at his head. He was murdered. I freaked out.

They saw me inside and started to come inside the house. I panicked and looked for a place to hide. I tried unlocking the door but it was stuck. I saw their shadows, from underneath the door. They fired at the handle and opened it.

“It is open now.” a rich voice came through. I took a step backwards as they entered. Their faces weren’t visible. Like they did with the other guy, they hung the gun on my head. I screeched out loud for help.

“Bhai, are you okay?” a voice rebounded. “Bhai?” it rebounded again.

I opened my eyes and found myself in bed. It was a bad dream. My body was in a state of shock and I was sweating. Aparna, who had arrived early in the morning was leaning over me with a tense look on her face.

“Bhai, you are okay na?” she asked again.

I rubbed my eyes and flattened my hands on my face. “Yeah, I am good.” I replied

“Thank god. You scared the hell out of me.”

I sat up on the bed as Aparna got tea and breakfast ready for me. She told me to get up and take a bath because it was almost time for office. I was still feelings consumed by my nightmare and was unwilling to get out of the bed.

“Aparna, I want to take a day off today,” I told her. “Why so?”

“Feeling a little low due to a headache. Moreover, Dad’s going na. Want to spend some time with him.” I said.

“Sure. I’ll inform Ishita. You take care and have a Crocin. Everything will be alright.” I implored my lazy ass to get up and to get the day started. I was brushing my teeth when the same dream flashed in my mind again. I felt aloof. I was unable to comprehend what I was thinking or nudging around in my mind. I was restless and something didn’t quite feel right. It felt like the worst was yet to come. I was buzzing with demons on my mind. I didn’t want to take a bath, so after brushing my teeth, I came back to my bed and ate my breakfast. I was still freaking out but I tried to channelize my brain in some other direction. I went to dad’s room. He was packing his bags with a minimal smile running through his face.

“Wow Dad! You look excited,” I smirked. “Oh, Avi… come son. Yes, I am,” he replied.

“Dad, you will be good na? In Canada, I mean?” I wanted to confirm this before he left.

“Avi, I am thrilled. See, Aparna is married now. She has a new family to take care of. And Avi, you will also get settled one day. I am happy that Utkarsh is taking me along. I’ll be good. When you weren’t here, he was the one who took good care of me. So, it’s better to restart my life in Canada as a senior citizen, what say?” He had a remarkably clear thought process.

“That’s amazing, dad. I am delighted for you. Take care of yourself.” I was elated with his response.