Chapter 5 A Ray of Hope
The misery of my mom’s sudden departure started haunting me every day; the pain of her not coming back was rambling in my mind. Staying awake, glancing at her room, looking at her stuff, with the hope to catching a glimpse of her. Many memories started flashing in front of me - but there was no longer ‘YOU’ in it mom.
She left us behind, all abandoned.
It was the most challenging time of my life; without my mom, I started living a half-life. I couldn’t resist her loss, filled with a all of the responsibilities. I recalled my mother’s affection towards me and the duties she delegated to me. At first, it was challenging for me to endure so much competence: the mismanaged college life, insufficient funds, Dad’s poor health, and Aparna’s further education. Yet, I started to keep things cool and slowly started to proceed ahead. I managed to get in, sufficient money for living, as my mother left some hefty amount in her bank account.
I somehow paid the fees with some funds that I earned from an online design business for my college studies. But, it required a lot more money for Aparna’s education, and for that Utkarsh’s father started allowing me to manage the affairs of one of his shops to keep things rolling. Uncle was my constant support in every moment, in every problem. I almost towered my life towards him. He was like my mentor and was guiding me in all possible ways. It took some time, but now things were all sorted out and everything started to be back on track. My schedule was hectic. I used to open the shop at seven a.m. every day, then on nine a.m., I handed it over to the co-worker as I made my way to college for studies. At four p.m., when I came back, I took a short nap and freshened up, then along with Aparna, I went to the shop again and would be there till ten p.m.
The schedule was tight, I hardly could spend any time with Chhavi and Utkarsh, but they never complained about it to me. I was jumbled in my career, life, and personal responsibility. There were days, where I used to get irritated unnecessarily and without any reason, without any chapter. I was contended to live my life, among these things. Still, I was satisfied that I was doing something for my family, which I could be proud of.
...
“How much for these print-outs?” A man in his khaki uniform with 3 stars on his shoulder and a batch saying Debjit Acharya asked me
“ Two Hundred Rupee,” I replied.
He gave me a 500 rupees note. I didn’t have change to give him back, so I, in turn, asked him whether he would have anything else.
“No man, sorry,” he replied
“Okay, Debjit Sir”, I reread his batch. “Do one thing, give me the two hundred rupee the next time you visit.” I assured him.
“Okay, but I wanted to make the transaction. As I just moved into this area, tomorrow morning when I will go through the market again. I will hand it over to you, then.”, The police officer said.
“Sure, sir” I replied.
While leaving the shop, he kept glancing at me until he entered his car. I quickly got busy with other customers, but his car didn’t leave the place. He was standing alone with it, closely peeping at my shop. After half an hour, when I was closing my shop. He returned back.
“Debjit Sir, any problem?” I questioned “No, man.”
“Then Sir, why were you peeping my shop, did I do something wrong?”
He chuckled and said, “Nothing is wrong, man. I was wondering whether your name was Avinash, and about your sister.” I was like, who the hell was this person, and how he did knew about Aparna.
I stood up and confronted him, “Is this a joke, Sir? How sis you know about me and my sister?”
“Relax, man, I am Debjit Acharya Rana, man. I was your father’s student for 10 years back; I used to take physics tuition from him. Remember me?”
“Debjit bhaiya... Oh my god look at you.” I jumped in excitement and hugged him, “Bhai, you are now a police inspector. Congratulations, bhaiya... I am so happy for you.”.
He was glad to meet me. Now, I got to know why he was looking at me so keenly. Debjit Bhai was one of the toppers in his school years. He used to study from my father till the 12th standard. We share an inseparable bond with him, but he went to Roorkee to complete his graduation after his schooling. We lost contact with him. Nevertheless, he was back in my life and I was really happy.
“Yes, Avinash, how is everyone at home?” he asked. I didn’t reply for a second, he asked again.
“Good bhai... all is good,” I replied after a long pause.
“It does seem good to me... Where do you live now? I am eager to meet Hitesh Sir and ma’am.”,
“Sure Bhai, why not, if you are free, you can over.” “I would love to,”
...
When we came home, Aparna was also thrilled to meet him. He couldn’t control her excitement. When asked upon about Dad, I went a quiet.
“Where is Hitesh Sir?”
I didn’t say something, just actioned him to follow me. I took him to Dad’s room. I showed him the position and explained about right-side paralysis. While explaining to him the situation of Dad, tears rolled through my eyes.
“Oh my god, Avinash bro, don’t cry, I’m sure he will be fine, don’t worry. I am here now; everything will be good.” He counseled me.
“And where is your mom?”
What could I say to him? What could I explain? My soul was burning like a fire, the fire, which was difficult to stop.
“Debjit Bhai, she left us two weeks back,” I lowered my head in despair.
“Damn, man, you are managing all this alone, buddy? He stammered to listen to my situation.
“Yes, that, and my friend’s Dad is supporting me, if he wasn’t there, it could not have been possible to overcome this phase, “I said as the the tears weren’t stopping. I felt helpless and weak.
“Don’t worry, Avinash, I am here now, everything will be sorted out. Now, leave it all to me, it’s my job now,” Debjit Bhai patiently listened to my feelings and entrusted me.
At that moment, life had once again started looking my way; I felt so relieved. From the negative mindset, Debjit motivated me so much, and I started getting all my strength back. I was grateful to God that he sent me a new ray of hope to believe in.
