Part-10: Father's decision

Part-10: Father's decision

Krish wanted to dive off the nearest mountaintop when Roohi looked at him blankly and asked, "Did you call him father-in-law?"

Yep, he will bid bye to this mortal plane.

He repeatedly opened and closed his mouth, as his voice failed him. Despite resembling a gasping goldfish, he didn't mind as much as the copious sweating he was experiencing. Krish worried that he might flood Nainital with his sweat.

"He was making an unsuccessful joke about my law profession, Dear. No need to embarrass him further. Not every joke had to work."

Yash said, feeling pity for the kid. Roohi nodded.

Krish carefully blinked his eyes, not wanting to miss any indications of Yash's angelic essence, such as the fluttering of wings or the faint glow of a halo. Truly, Yash was a remarkable individual who deserved all manner of commendations, perhaps even rising to the level of the next pope or receiving the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

"You both know each other.." Roohi inquired.

"Oh yeah. We had coffee yesterday. How do you know each other?" Yash smiled.

"He is Abhir's best friend," Roohi simply informed.

Krish's ear strained to detect some extra feelings behind Roohi's statement. But he did not find anything.

"We both were about to have breakfast...Wanna join us?" Yash said as he held Krish in a side hug.

"Or you can rest and have brunch later with your mom."

Yash almost missed the brief moment of tension in her body when he mentioned her mother, but she quickly regained her composure and smiled.

"No, Papa... I am famished. I'll join you guys. "

During breakfast, Yash turned into a messenger pigeon between the two teens. They did not talk much. One was too embarrassed, and another was too engrossed in her phone to notice the former's blush-filled face. Yash had to bear the entire responsibility of carrying the conversation between the three. He was used to doing this when he dined with Arohi and Roohi. So, Yash was not discouraged in the slightest. Instead, he expertly managed to eat a lively breakfast.

"Krish, did you know? Roohi likes the Japanese cartoon." Yash started with a masterstroke.

"Anime!" The teens defended almost at the same time. They both looked surprised at each other.

"AOT?" Krish asked. His nervousness disappeared slightly.

"Actually, One Piece and re-watching Naruto for the umpteenth time. And I am mostly a Manga person." Roohi answered with a smile.

Many butterflies erupted in Krish's stomach swirling around. A girl who likes Manga? She just instantly looked lovelier. Yash tried to hide his smile while chewing his toast. Young boys in love were such comic relief. Of course, Yash knew that the boy, who wore the 'Naruto' t-shirt yesterday, was a huge nerd. And now, seeing this dork's expressions will be his major entertainment for the rest of the breakfast.

They both talked about their favorite Mangas and discussed their favorite things. Roohi's short answers slowly turned into passionate narratives. The uneasiness in the boy's mind disappeared as he delved into the philosophy of some character. Yash quipped in the middle sometimes but was not needed much. Yash was kind of proud of his skill in matchmaking. If not a lawyer, he could have been a great marriage broker.

"Did you ever read Boku dake ga inai machi?" Krish asked expectantly.

"Oh yes, But I did not like the ending. Kayo should have waited for him."

"Oh! You are one of those people." Yash felt the energy falling rapidly.

The butterflies in his stomach?

Yeah.

Krish just killed them with an AK-47.

"That was not the point of the story. It was about second chances." Krish started. His tone was way too defensive.

"Yeah. But, Listen. The writer wanted Kayo and Sataru to end up together. They dangled the carrot in front of us, and then, poof. In the end, they just trolled us."

"The story was about Yashiro and Sataru. Not about his love life." Krish sighed as though he had this argument many times before. Both of them continued their squabble, ignoring Yash.

Yash smiled in amusement as if he could see the 'metaphorical' butterflies breathing their last breath. Japan took his potential future son-in-law away from him. He joked in his mind. Well, maybe there was a reason, after all, that he was not a marriage broker.

His phone buzzed. He opened it to check the message from Sanju.

"Those sly foxes. They didn't reach the government documents. It's not even medical negligence anymore. It was a deliberate forgery. Be prepared for a criminal case. Hetvi is getting concrete proof. It will take at least two days. Heck, Maybe we'll get something by the end of the day. We are talking about Hetvi here. I'll dig deeper to find the government rat who helped them."

Yash sighed. He got his bargaining chip. Now what to do with it? Declare war or force them to surrender and drop their sword. He looked at Roohi, who was busy debating with Krish. Seeing this energetic Roohi, he couldn't help but remember the night. The night he realized his failure as a parent.

Memories of an eight-year-old crying and murmuring in her sleep came back.

"I am Roohi? Right?"

"Can be Roohi when I am with you?"

"I can not tell you. I should not tell anyone. Otherwise, it will not work."

"I am scared, Yash Uncle. I want to be Roohi."

"I should not be Roohi. Roohi causes pain. I should be..."

Yash wanted to punish them for what Roohi went through. But he should be punished first for taking the easy way out. He did not want to deal with the constant fights. He was tired, and when he saw a way out, he rushed toward it despite his mother's advice. He did not think like a parent when he escaped. That was his mistake.

He looked at Roohi, who was finally happy. Yes, He will not make that mistake again. He is Roohi's father first. He will force them to surrender.

Just then, His mobile buzzed again.

"Red alert! Aunty found out what we are up to. She is already on her way to Udaipur."

"Sh*t." the curse involuntarily slipped out of Yash's mouth. As if on cue, a voice came from his behind.

"Rooh?"

Yash turned around and muttered. "And it starts."

Abhimanyu and Akshara were standing behind them. Akshara was holding a sleeping Naira while Abhimanyu carried the bags. Their faces clearly showed their surprise when they saw Yash. Yash nodded at them to greet them. They nodded back.

"Maasi? Poppy?"

****

Abhinav glanced over at his son Nikkiji, who was putting on a tough front. Abhinav wasn't fooled - he knew Nikkiji was going through a lot. While drinking and smoking were concerns, Abhinav was more worried about the intense loneliness he saw in his son's eyes the night before. What had happened over the years? Abhinav remembered Nikkiji's fight with Shivu, which didn't seem like a typical teenage brawl. It seemed like Nikkiji had some training in martial arts. Abhinav wondered if it was just a hobby or if Nikkiji had learned it for survival.

Last night while Abhinav was helping Abhir dry his hair, he couldn't help but notice some old scar-like marks on Abhir's neck. Abhir seemed to try and hide them behind his long hair, but Abhinav's intuition led him to discover them. This discovery left Abhinav feeling concerned about Nikkiji as he sensed that something was not quite right.

Abhinav remembered his days in the orphanage. Bullies. They were everywhere. They were in cities, villages, homes, religious sanctums, offices, and schools. So, it was just natural that his orphanage also had them. He survived by being a fly on the wall. But then again, his friend Shubham was not that lucky. Till today, he never understood how he escaped, and Shubham, who was also weak like him, attracted their interest. Those bullies often used to pick on and mock him and sometimes become violent with him. Shubham never fought back. He was always holding it in. He let them do whatever they wanted. Silently, quietly enduring everything. That became dangerous because the last time 15-year-old Abhinav saw him was when he was getting dragged into a police jeep after stabbing one of the bullies with a rusted ice axe. Shubham's eyes that time reminded him of a dead body. Expressionless, hopeless, and silent.

He looked into Nikkiji's eyes. There was still some hope. Nikkiji is still living. But if he was left to suffer alone anymore, it won't be too far away for his eyes to resemble that of Shubham's. Last night, When Nikkiji pulled his collar, Abhinav saw those eyes. Those eyes gave an eerie feeling. Abhir was halfway giving upon himself, his happiness, and his life. Abhinav decided that he would not let that happen. Nikkiji may not love him anymore, but he will not give up on his Nikkiji.

After the declaration, Nikkiji just sat silently. Abhinav understood Nikkiji's hesitancy. There was no way Nikkiji would feel confident to share his problems with a man who abandoned him after promising to protect him. But He was determined to help Nikkiji.

Meethiji stirred and woke up after some time. She looked surprised to see Abhir.

"What happened?" Abhir asked her.

She rubbed her eyes and then asked. "Abhir Bhaiyya?"

Same as Naira. Abhir noted.

"Yes, Meethiji.. are you surprised?" Abhinav asked as the girl got up groggily and moved towards her father. She then slumped onto her father's lap and continued to sleep.

"Meethiji, get up. We need to go home." Abhinav prodded the little girl to wake up. She just shook her head and went back to sleep.

"Come on, Meethiji. Wake up."

"No"

"If you don't wake up, I'll call Mamma."

Now slightly irritated, The little girl peeked through her hair. "I want to sleep."

"Look, Meethiji, Abhir Bhaiyya, and Shivu Bhaiyya were waiting for you to wake up. They need to go back to their hotel. Right? Be a good girl. Wake up."

Anchal's eyes teared up because of this disturbance. She felt cranky. She wanted to sleep more. She sat up, her eyes watery. She hugged her father, whining a little.

"There there, Meethiji." He patted her as she sniffled into his shirt.

"Now, let's go to the bathroom and get fresh. Shall we?"

"Nikkiji, you also get fresh and eat some breakfast. I'll drop you both at the hotel."

Abhir nodded. He saw Papa pick Anchal and go to the bathroom. He washed his face and then gargled with mouthwash. Abhir could hear Papa cajoling a sleepy Anchal from inside the bathroom. Same as he used to with Abhir 10 years ago.

Abhir took a sandwich and started eating it silently. What will happen now? What will he hear? He was absorbed in his thoughts that he did not notice the father and daughter sitting beside him.

"Meethiji, did you know? I met a baby yesterday. That baby was only about six months old, but was already a genius." Abhinav said somewhat loudly.

"What?"

"Yes, he was truly a genius. I asked him a math question and got the correct answer."

"Really?"

"I asked him what is two minus two. He said nothing"

Abhir snorted. What just happened? Maybe because the atmosphere was just too tense. There was no way he would have laughed at that stupid joke. Anchal, on the other hand, unaffected by the atmosphere, just groaned at her Papa's silliness.

"Papa!"

"Ok." Abhinav glanced at Nikkiji. There was a smile on his face. Shivu raised his eyebrow at the joke. Abhir once told him that his Papa used to crack PJs. But this was the first time he heard it.

Abhir controlled his smile. He sipped his apple juice.

"Meethiji..." Abhinav started again. "Do you know what the Indian Ocean said to the Pacific Ocean?"

Anchal thought while chewing her sandwich. Abhir glanced sideways at his father. Their eyes met, and Abhinav winked cheerfully.

"Hi?" Anchal answered honestly after downing her sandwich.

"No, Meethiji. Think again. It is such a simple answer. Nikkiji? Do you want to give it a try?"

Anchal turned her head expectantly at her elder brother. Abhir shook his head.

"Even Abhir Bhaiyya doesn't know." Anchal's shoulders drooped.

"Shivu? What about you?"

Shivu thought for a few seconds and said, "Sea You?"

Abhir looked at Shivu with a sort of amusement. Did Nainital change him? Shivu just shrugged.

"Ah! Nice try. But that was not the answer. The answer is..."

Abhinav paused for a dramatic effect. Anchal leaned forward in anticipation. Abhir pretended as if he did not care. Shivu looked mildly interested.

"Nothing, They just waved," Abhinav said with a small laugh.

"Papa!!" Abhir and Anchal complained in sync.

"Shivu's answer was better." Abhir protested.

"Yes." Anchal supported him.

"Oh! come on!"

"No, Papa. It was the worst joke. Isn't right Shivu Bhaiyya, Abhir Bhaiyya?"

Abhir nodded, but then he chuckled. That was such a ridiculous joke to laugh at. There was no need to fight over it. But it felt normal to do this. Why was he laughing? It was as if the anxiousness present a few moments ago was fading. He looked at his father. Yes, it was his plan. To make Abhir relax.

"Better get out soon. I can't handle more of these." Shivu said as he stood. Abhir also stood. His mood was slightly better than it was a few moments ago.

"Hey, do you know if I brought my sunglasses?" Shivu asked as he looked through his belongings. He saw the ambulance report form and noticed the name "Abhir Sharma" on it. He simply pocketed it.

"No, I don't think you brought it to the exhibition," Abhir said as he walked towards the door.

"Talking about sunglasses...Did anyone see my 'dad' glasses?" Abhinav quipped.

"Enough!!" All three kids said at a time. But they were all smiling.

"Papa. Stop saying these jokes." Anchal said as she reached the door shaking her head at her father's silliness.

"You don't know, Anchal. Our Papa is a horrible joke machine. Once it starts, no one can stop it." Abhir said as he held her hand subconsciously.

"Right? Now he will crack jokes all the while he drives." Anchal said. She did not shake off her brother's hand.

"If you are unlucky, some of the jokes will give headache," Abhir said as he walked, his sister's hand in his.

Shivu looked at the scene unfolding in front of his eyes. He looked at Abhinav. That man had a pleased smile. "Good work." He muttered as he passed the man.

"Do you know why the cows wear bells?" Abhinav asked as he started the car.

"Because their horns don't work." saying this, he pushed his horn.

Abhir eventually succumbed to laughter, and amidst all the jokes and giggles, they arrived at the hotel. However, Abhir's heart sank slightly as he realized that he had to return to where he belonged - he was no longer a part of their world. He was now a Birla.

He came out of the car. Abhinav took all the bags from the car trunk. Shivu and Abhir had already forgotten about Roohi's shopping bags. Thankfully, Abhinav remembered. He handed them to the boys.

"Nikkiji, This is my card," Abhinav said. There was a small red and yellow business card in his hand. It said, "Humrahi Travels."

"The second one, that is my number." Pointing at a number. "You can call me whenever you are ready. Be it morning, night, or afternoon. Anytime. I'll always pick up your call."

Abhir took the card hesitantly. He looked at the card. It was a typical business card.

"What if..." Abhir wanted to ask but then stopped himself.

Abhinav didn't ask anything but stood there silently. Nikkiji should find the strength in him to ask tough questions.

"What if..." Abhir gulped.

"What if I am not who I used to be?"

"What if you hear things about me... that... you will not like?"

"What if I don't have what it takes to forgive you?"

Abhinav hugged Abhir. Abhir couldn't hug him back because of the shopping bags.

"Nikkiji... I started loving you when you could not even think, let alone talk. You were just a blue baby struggling to survive. The moment I held you. I loved you. You made me hold only you for days together, making me forget everything else. My love will never decrease. You were the one who made me a father for the first time. You were the one who made me who I am now. Nikkiji, I know. Things changed, You have changed, I have changed. But we cannot give up without trying, right?"

"What if I don't deserve your love anymore?"

"Nikkiji, No matter what you have become, everyone deserves love. Maybe, I'll oppose you, argue with you in the future. But that doesn't mean that I don't love you. It is because I love you and care about you, that I will fight you. If I see you going through the wrong path, I will vehemently oppose it."

"And Nikkiji, It is ok. Forgiveness should come naturally. You can never force yourself to forgive me. But please allow me to wait for your forgiveness."

"What if it never comes."

"Then I'll happily accept that as my punishment. Regardless, you should be happy. That is my only wish."

They broke the hug. Abhir felt a little relieved. Anchal also came out of the car and hugged him. Abhir wanted to wave them goodbye but couldn't because of the shopping bags. He stood there watching the car go far away. These past twelve hours were nothing less of an emotional rollercoaster. He was disappointed, angry, violent, scared, relieved, consoled, calm, determined, and happy. Despite this, why was he feeling a lot clam than before?

He walked inside the hotel, determined to talk to Papa after he got ready. The boys went to their room and tossed the shopping bags on their bed. Shivu and Abhir decided to have a deep relaxing bath first. Shivu used their bathroom, and Abhir guessed Krish must be having breakfast, so he went directly to Krish's room.

Abhir filled the bathtub with warm water and tossed a few bath bombs into the tub. He put on his earphones and played his Papa's favorite song.

"Kisi ki muskurahaton pe ho nisar

Kisi ka dard mil sake to le udhaar

Kisi ke waaste ho tere dil mein pyaar...

Jeena isi ka naam hai"

As he entered the warm, fragrant water, he let out a sigh of relief. Abhir closed his eyes and soaked in the peaceful atmosphere, listening to the calming music. He didn't allow himself to think of anything for a while, simply letting the soapy water rinse away his fatigue.

"Didn't your parents tell you?"

Abhir opened his eyes. Those were the words Papa said that day. What did it mean? Did Mom and Dad know something?

Abhir stood from the tub. There was more to it. Abhir heard the main door open.

***

Krish stayed silent as he let the incidents that transpired sink in. A few moments before, when Roohi saw Abhir's mom and dad, she immediately asked,

"How? And Why?"

"Did you call them?" She asked her father.

"No." Yash shook his head.

"He didn't. Chanchal did." Abhir's mom said.

When Roohi looked confused, Abhir's dad said, "Chanchal is Abhinav's wife."

Yash conveyed his utter disbelief through his facial expression, his eyes wide open and his brows furrowed. On the other hand, Roohi initially chose to remain silent, her lips tightly sealed, before eventually bursting out in sarcastic laughter that echoed in the room.

"I can't believe it. You knew."

"Rooh... We were..."

"Sure, you must have a reason. You always do," Roohi exclaimed loudly, disregarding the curious looks from the other customers.

"Rooh"

"Why do you enjoy betraying the trust of both me and Abhir? You broke my trust ten years ago and now you've done the same to Abhir.""

"Wasn't seeing my pain enough? Why make Abhir go through the same thing?"

"Roohi," Akshara started.

"Maasi, please. This is not about you."

Akshara stopped herself from saying anything else. Naira squirmed in discomfort. Akshara patted her.

"No, Forget it. You will never understand. Poppy."

She started to walk out of the restaurant.

"Rooh, What happened to your leg?" Abhimanyu said in a worried tone.

"Please, Poppy. Not now."

And then she left.

Krish took a moment to process the information. Abhir's parents were aware of his father's identity and even knew details about his family, including his wife's name.

Krish suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. When Abhir found out about this, it was bound to cause chaos. He needed to stop it. He needed to control this situation.

"Too late," Krish said as he saw Abhir standing near the door, his eyes livid.

********

To be continued