Part 13: The adult of the adults

Abhimanyu massaged his head. Things were just getting messy. After the whole fiasco at the restaurant, he was still sitting there. Abhimanyu sat beside Yash till Akshara took her time to calm down in the garden. Yash was looking at Shivu andthe way he managed the situation with Hukum Singh.

"I never thought Abhir to be this violent" Abhimanyu started as he sipped some water.

"And I am impressed by Shivu. I mean, I did hear about them. But seeing him living up to his nickname like this is remarkable."

"What nicknames?"

"Oh! Shivu is called the black wolf and Abhir is known as the red wolf." Yash simply stated.

Abhimanyu looked at Shivu who was busy talking with the hotel manager. He remembered how he always held the baby Shivu. His nephew has grown up so much that he looked so different. He did meet the kids during the functions, but obviously, he couldn't connect with them.Otherwise, he would not have been this surprised.

"Black and Red wolf,"Abhimanyu muttered. Those names just sound bad news.

"Tell me everything you know about them," Abhimanyu said. His voice hinted at anger.

"Why don't you ask them yourselves?"

"As if they would tell me."Abhimanyu scoffed.

"I only know what I heard from Sanju. Shivansh Birla is quite famous. Abhir Birla is quite infamous. One month after his birthday, Shivu bought two commercial properties. One in Kaula Lumpur and the other in Bangkok. That was when he came under Sanju's radar. She wanted to buy the same property in Bangkok you see. She hates losing, so she investigated them."

Abhimanyu heard this but couldn't believe it. Shivu was just 18. Yes, he did have 12.5 crores in his name, but buying properties at the international level sounds weird. Yash understood his confusion.

"He is not doing this on his own.I think that the black sheep of Khuranas took a liking to him. Shivu is his latest toy. Maybe it was a challenge where Shivu proved his worth. Anyways,they both do seem to have some deal or partnership going between them."

Abhimanyu took some time to take it in. Black sheep of Khuranas. Shivu was dealing with that crafty devil, GSK?Abhimanyu knew about Khuranas. Birla hospitals and Khuranas go a long way. The Khurana succession wars were always featured on the front page of all the business papers. GSK was known to be eccentric but also had an eye for talent.Everything, anything, or anyone that catches his attention can never escape his clutches. Ever.

"Shivu is in danger,"Abhimanyu said. His kids are in so much more trouble than he had ever imagined.Abhimanyu has to step up and protect his kids.

"Yes. And Abhir participates in illegal boxing matches. He is not well-liked because he wins way too much. But GSK sponsors him so no one can oppose him." Yash replied.

"You knew this and still you didn't tell me?" Abhimanyu asked angrily.

"I just found out about it like last week or so. GSK has 'Rane' working for him to wipe off his paw prints.Sanju and Hetvi had to bend over backward to get even this much information.Even then, I don't know what the kids agreed to give GSK in return. What is their deal? We don't even have a solid proof."

"Impressive." Shivu's voice came from behind. "Sanju outdid herself if she could get through Rane's work. GSK would be impressed."

"Shivu, this is not a laughing matter. You and Abhir cannot associate with GSK. He is a dangerous man."Abhimanyu stood up

"Actually, Abhir and I just call him 'The Satan'. And You can stop Abhir if you want," Shivu said walking closer to Abhimanyu. "But I am a legal adult and you cannot stop me.Chachaji."

"Shivu, you can hate me or our family, how much you want but you cannot risk your life for that. GSK is a dangerous man. He only knows how to use people people…" Abhimanyu started.

"Don't worry, I made sure that Abhir would escape him. We made a deal that he wouldn't touch Abhir or my other siblings. And about me, I am willing to jump onto this fire myself and you cannot stop me" Shivu looked angrily.

Yash looked at the scene unfolding. He looked calm on the outside sipping the water but inside he was calculating.These kids are digging their graves and as adults, they have to stop them.Abhimanyu's stupid preaching is just making it worse. He needed to pause this self-destruction. He needed some more time and resources.

"Gentlemen, I would love to hear your family squabble more, but I need to ask Shivu something."

Shivu and Abhimanyu stopped their argument.

Yash stood up. Damn, Shivu was taller than him. There goes the dramatic effect. But still,

"I have information on the fake Abhinav Sharma's dead body." Yash saw that Shivu was impressed. Abhimanyu looked confused.

"So, you knew that I had something," Yash started seeing the boy's expression.

"Abhir and I did have hopes for you. What do you have?"

"Enough for someone to get their license canceled and maybe visit jail for 5 years."

"Not enough"

"Hetvi is currently working on it. Government records. It can be a national-level disaster." Yash said unfazed by the rejection.

"How sure are you about that?" Shivu asked while Abhimanyu who finally figured it out sat down with shock. "Parth Bhai" he whispered.

"Let's say 80% but what do you have to offer me? Information is never cheap."

"More than you can imagine,"Shivu replied confidently

"Oh! Be prepared, I have a great imagination. But we will talk after Hetvi calls. Just to be sure, I won't deal with Khuranas. So young man, you need to make sure whatever you offer me is labeled 'GSK-FREE'."

Shivu nodded and left. Abhimanyu was muttering, "I can't believe that Parth Bhai did that."

"You can do this betrayed by my dead brother act later. I bought us some time. We need to save Abhir and Shivu.Now that both of them want to 'Destroy' Birlas. They will go to GSK. Before that, we need to intercept them. We need to convince GSK to leave them alone.  No idea yet, how to do that.

His eyes fell on the paper on the table beside him. "Oh great! I can't believe things are moving this fast already."

He pointed at the business paper on the table. The front page showed a picture of a woman confidently smiling. The headline read, "Amruta Khurana wins the bid on the Indo-Arabian Deal."

"This just accelerates things.Shivu and Abhir need to escape fast."

Abhimanyu nodded. Just then, Yash's mobile vibrated.

He saw the message and sighed.

"I guess, we need to take some rest first. My mom is coming in a few hours. And no one can rest after she reaches here. She sounds irritated."

****

Chanchal walked towards Abhinav. He was looking outside. She hugged him from behind.

"Chanchal" Abhinav exhaled.She always knew how to calm him. He didn't know what to do now. Abhir may look simple spoiled brat now. But he couldn't help but feel that his Nikkiji was in deep trouble.

"Chanchal, what if Nikkiji is in so deep trouble that I cannot help him." He broke the hug and turned to see her.

"What do you mean?" Chanchal asked in sign language.

"Chanchal, I can't explain it,but Nikkiji himself feels he is doing wrong. He keeps on thinking that I will not accept him. I first thought it was because I had a family. But seeing his fight with Shivu yesterday, I feel Nikkiji is guilty of something else.Yesterday, in the shower, He also told me that he always felt uncontrollable anger. I consoled him. But still, I am concerned. His fight was not normal."

Chanchal was worried. She signaled him to sit down on the bed. She then passed a glass full of water. Abhinav smiled sadly and drank it.

Chanchal then signed, her bangles jingling all the time.

"I don't properly understand. But he said he would meet you and talk. Talk to him. You just sitting here and worrying about won't do anything."

"Yes, I have to talk to him." He then pulled Chanchal, almost making her fall on top of him. He hugged her. "I don't know this Nikkiji. He is simultaneously a stranger and not a stranger. I know I am talking nonsense. But I am anxious that I would not be able to connect with him as I used to."

Chanchal shook her head. She couldn't use her hands in this position. So, she released herself from the hug and stood.

"I met Abhir. "

"What?"

"Yesterday in the mela, when I was serving lemonade. At first, I didn't know it was him. We saw his photo right? 3 years ago. So, I felt some sort of familiarity. He looked older than the photo."

"I kept staring at him. Then his sister got hurt. He looked so distressed. He seemed to go through a lot. I couldn't control myself and hugged him. He cried so much. If he could have some small connection with me, a stranger. You are his Papa. I am sure you will somehow find a way to connect."

The room became quiet after her bangles stopped jingling. Abhinav stayed silent and looked downwards.

The jingling of the bangles resumed and Abhinav instinctively looked up to hear his wife

"I am also worried about him.This is the age to enjoy, why is he suffering silently?"

Abhinav was surprised. Chanchal met Nikkiji? And in just minutes, she felt his pain. This is what attracted him to her. She may not be able to communicate like other people but she can read their feelings easily. And calm them. Chanchal faced a lot in her life, but still, she never stopped being considerate. Abhinav stood up and held her face gently.

"What would I do if not for you?"

"You were always with me,supporting me, nurturing me, scolding me, loving me. No matter what I made you go through, you just kept on loving me. You accepted my past without any reservation. Seeing you care about Nikkiji makes me…"

Chanchal put a finger on his lips to stop him from further talking. Abhinav just looked at her. Chanchal removed her hand and signed.

"When my parents became yours,your Nikkiji also became mine."

Abhinav sighed. "He may not accept you or me"

"That doesn't stop you from loving him, why should it stop me?"

"And what if he is in deep trouble."

"Then we have to work together to save him"

Abhinav pulled his wife into another hug. He just loved her so much. His hands went down her long black hair. Her hair always smelled like jasmine. He then kissed her on her forehead.

Just then, his phone rang causing the couple's moment to break. Abhinav looked at the number. It was an unknown number. Chanchal left the room in a hurry.

"Hello?" He asked as he picked up the call.

"Am I talking to Mr. Abhinav Sharma?"

It was a woman's voice. Probably a new customer. Abhinav quickly thought about the driver's availability. Vijay was free now.

"Yes, this is Abhinav Sharma. Are you calling for the 'Humarahi' taxi service?"

"No, I am... wait Taxi service?Well then, that is also good. I will be arriving at Pantnagar airport in 3-4hours. I need a taxi to pick me up from there."

"Yes ma'am," Abhinav said as he picked up the notebook and pen noting down the details.

"Note down my details. My flight is UL-567D. My name is Rajashri Bundela. Make sure your driver is on time. I hate waiting in the airport."

"Yes Ma'am, our driver Vijay will pick you up on time."

"Ok. Then. After he dropped me at my hotel. I want I want you to come there after two hours. Don't be too late. I hate tardiness."

"Excuse me?"

"After all, I am coming to talk to you all."

"Us all?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Rajashri Bundela, Roohi's grandmother."

*****

Krish never imagined that he would seethe sun setting down in a helicopter. But there he was seeing the red orb slowly hiding behind the icy mountains. It was getting cold. True to his words,Abhir took them to almost all places of Nainital. Whenever his helicopter couldn't reach a place, he would simply take a taxi after asking Gopichand to wait. Sometimes when the authorities came, Abhir just silently paid the fine.He said, "I just break all the rules and pay fine. That is more convenient."

They were now hovering over Naini Lake as they saw the setting sun. The sky was turning a little dark.

"Abhir, I think we need to get back. We won't be able to enjoy anything in the dark anyways."

"You are right."

He asked Gopichand to land somewhere nearby.

"You can go back to the hotel Gopichand. We are going somewhere else."

Gopichand looked so done with life when he nodded his head.

"Where are we going?" Naira said.

"We are going to meet the special uncle for whom you made the pink card," Abhir said smiling.

Naira cheered and jumped. Krish looked at him with a worried expression. Abhir looked up to meet his friend's eyes.

"What happened?" He asked.Krish took some time deliberating then he asked.

"Are you sure you want to do thisnow?"

"I just feel like talking today."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"Krish, you were with me all this time. I don't know what I would hear. Whether I would be able to accept him.Or…" Abhir gave a hollow laugh.

"If Abhir Birla would be rejected by Abhinav Sharma."

"Abhir" Krish held his friend's shoulder.

"I don't know... I would like itif you were with me. But I also know that you are tired of our family drama.You don't have to come. I know meddlesome things."

Krish looked over at the Naini Lake.The street vendors are now switching on the lights. From far away, the lights resembled stars. 8 years ago, Krish definitely did not think much when he extended his hand of friendship to a homesick bespeckled boy. It was just a normal thing for an eight-year-old boy. But now, after eight years, the friendship was anything but normal. Abhir changed, He changed. Their dorm rooms changed. The school principal changed. And their definition of friendship also changed. Sometimes seeing Abhir's actions was scary for Krish, while othertimes he only felt sympathy. There was also a time when Krish suspected that he would die of high blood pressure at the young age of 15 worrying over Abhir's fights with criminals. His friendship with Abhir sometimes is just so taxing.But then, sometimes (mostly when Krish or Abhir were about to give up), the friendship somehow proved to be worth fighting for.

Krish sighed. Abhir's family drama won't end in just one day. He would end up seeing many scenes similar to that of a Shakespearian play. He looked at Abhir. God Dammit, 8-year-old Krish sure did know how to pick up troublesome things.

"Well, I will think about it if you agree on one thing."

Abhir looked at him expectantly.

"We are going to Goa next time."

Yeah, 16-year-old Krish was no different when it came to troublesome things.

Abhir smiled.

"Forget Goa. We are flying to Brazil. There is this beach house on which Shivu has his eyes set. It would be ours in 3-4 months. We are going to rule that vacation."

"As long as we get to have a proper vacation. I don't care. Oh Yeah! I don't have a passport or visa."

"I am sure we can arrange it."

"OK then, Enough resting. To the drama!" Krish announced and raised his hand to point somewhere far away as though leading the army to the warzone.

"To the drama!" Naira mimicked Krish (along with his gesture) with full enthusiasm having no idea what it meant.

Abhir and Krish laughed at her action.Abhir picked her up and tickled her with his nose. Naira laughed hysterically.

"Already excited about drama? You are a Birla kid through and through."

The three got into a taxi. Abhir already got his Papa's address by asking around in the morning with other Taxi drivers. They reached a small house. Abhir noted that it was somewhat bigger than their Kasauli house. The was a plot behind it. It looked like a small farmland. There were two cars parked beside the farmland under a sturdy-looking but shabby garage. The cars had 'Humrahi' written on their sides. It was Papa's house.

"You ready?" Krish asked.

Abhir breathed in and out a few times.He would see Papa and his new family. Papa's new world.

The time has finally come.

Abhir nodded. And they walked towards the home. With a shivering finger, Abhir pressed the calling bell.

The old man from yesterday opened thedoor. Papa's Papaji. He looked surprised seeing Abhir.

Abhir started awkwardly, "Hello…I am"

"Abhir. I know. Abhinav Puttar told me." Lakhan said nodding with a smile on his face.

"I didn't recognize you yesterday. Sorry for that. Why are you standing outside? Come in."

Naira led the way into the house, with Abhir following closely behind. As he looked around, Abhir noticed that the house had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere to it. The centerpiece of the livingroom was a cream-colored sofa, surrounded by scattered newspapers. Clothes were piled up on one of the smaller sofas, some of them neatly folded and others looking like they had just been taken off the clothesline outside. The TV was on, showing the evening news at a low but audible volume. It seemed as though the owner had been in the middle of folding clothes while watching the news.Unlike Kasauli's house, there weren't many photo frames on display, but a few were hanging on the wall. Some of them looked quite old, while others seemed brand new.

"Who is it?" An old woman came from inside with a ladle in her hand. She wore a yellow flowery salwarsuit. On top of the dress, she wore the belt people wore for back pain. She stopped in her tracks as she saw the three kids. She looked confused.

"Abhir" Lakhan Singh gestured towards Abhir. The old lady looked confused at first and then she beamed with happiness after she realized. She walked towards him and lovingly touched his cheek.

"Oh! You look so cute. I am finally able to see you. I heard a lot about you."

Abhir felt weird with the amount of love. He didn't even know that this woman existed and this woman loved him already. Abhir picked up the smell of Shimla Mirch and masalas from the ladle.

"This is my wife, Chandini."Lakhan introduced.

"Singhji… You did not even ask the kids to sit down yet." Chandini fussed and looked around. "And what is this, the clothes are still here…" She picked up the clothes."I'll bring something for you all to drink." And she went inside while being careful about the hot ladle.

Lakhan switched the TV off and pointed at the sofa.

He understood Abhir's hesitance."Abhinav and Chanchal went out for some work. They will be back soon. Why don't you wait till then?" Abhir nodded. Both the boys sat on opposite sides of the big sofa. Naira followed them and climbed onto the sofa to sit in the middle. Everyone was silent. Naira looked around; it was such a nice house.But she expected much big celebration when meeting the special uncle instead of sitting quietly.

Lakhan Singh avoided saying that Abhinav went to meet his parents. The kid looked more bruised than he saw yesterday. He felt it was not the time to tell that. He saw the little girl in the rainbow poncho. She was looking around the place curiously. She looked like she was the same age as Meethi. Maybe she was Naira.

Chandini came with a tray with four mugs of hot milk mixed with Bournvita. She placed the tray on the center table after removing the newspapers while looking at Lakhan reproachfully for his untidiness.

"Take this milk. I will call Meethi. She is out playing with her friend." Saying this Chandini went out of the house.

Naira glanced at her brother, hoping for some guidance. She was unsure whether or not she should drink the hot milk.She wanted to drink, but she was told that she could eat at other people's places only after getting permission. Abhir Bhaiyya sat upright, scanning the surroundings, while Krish Bhaiyya watched him. Neither of them took a sip of the milk. Naira caught the eye of the elderly uncle, who gave her a playful wink. She smiled in response, wondering if he was the special uncle?

"WOW!! You are wearing a rainbow." Naira heard another girl's voice. The old aunty came back. She was holding the hand of a girl almost the same age as her. She looked so pretty. Her hair was tied in two long braids. The ends of the braids had pink butterflies.

"Ah!! Your butterflies are so sparkling!" Naira exclaimed as she saw the glistening wings. Naira got down from the sofa. Anchal came near her. For a moment, their eagerness got the better of them and they almost lost their footing. However, they quickly regained their balance, sharing a brief chuckle at their close call.

"I am Anchal." Anchal introduced herself between her giggles.

"I am Naira." Naira also did the same.

"Idiots," Abhir muttered.

"Hello Abhir Bhaiyya!"Anchal waved. Abhir smiled in response. She looked at Krish. She remembered seeing him that day in the hotel. When Abhir Bhaiyya pushed Papa. But shedidn't know his name.

Krish understood her questioning eyes."Hey Anchal, Last time we didn't talk, right? I am Krish."

Anchal smiled. She then sniffed."Bournvita?"

"Why are you all not drinking?"

She passed the mugs to her guests one by one, carefully trying not to spill. Abhir had forgotten the last time he had bournvita. It was sweet. The girls became instant friends. They laughed at eachother's milk mustaches and talked about their favorite ice cream flavors. And soon enough they both forgot others and started playing. Anchal brought all her toys from her room and the girls became too engrossed in the games.

Abhir remembered the first time he met Ruhi. It did not at all go this smoothly. They hated each other at first sight. Abhir smiled remembering Papa helping them stop fighting over a cupcake. He somehow ended up trying to remember the cupcake flavor. Was it butterscotch? It was a totally different time. As the girls became engrossed in their games,Abhir walked around the house. As he gazed upon Papa's photos, they appeared incredibly authentic and genuine. Papa's smile radiated from within, and each image captured the essence of a loving family. Suddenly, he froze in front of one photo, his eyes filled with surprise.

"What happened?" Krish asked as he noticed.

"This woman… I have met her. She served us lemonade yesterday."

It was Papa's wedding photo.

*****

"Dadi!!" Roohi hugged Rajashri as she saw her enter her room. She missed her even though it's only been 3 days since she last saw her.

"I know you missed me,"Rajashri said, hugging her granddaughter tightly. She felt Roohi's embrace linger a little longer than usual and realized she must be hurt. Rajashri gently caressed Roohi's cheek and said, "And I know you missed your clothes," chuckling softly.

Roohi smiled. Well, she did miss them though. The clothes she bought in Nainital felt scratchy and unpleasant forsome reason. Boys have it easy. Shivu, Abhir, and Krish just wear each other's shirts.

“What are you doing here?” Roohi asked as they both sat on the bed.

“To do the thing I hate the most.”

“Dieting?” Roohi joked.

“Naah..worse than that… I have to be the adult now.” Rajashri shuddered.  Roohi struggled to hold her laughter.

“Can you believe it? These idiots are making me act like an adult in this age. Here I am waiting for my retirement and enjoy life with your Dadu…But nope. I have to be an adult to bunch of adults.”

“You said the ’R’ word… Does thatmean?”

“Enough with the chit chat… Let’s eat something”

Roohi And Rajashri spent they idly eating and talking. Roohi told Rajashi about all that happened in Nainital,including her latest conversation with her mother.

“It’s ok if you can’t forgive her. Maybe this is a necessary crack in your both relationships. Maybe you will find a new relation between you both.” Rajashri said as she looked outside the window.

Roohi took some time to think over it.

Was it possible to have any new relation between them?

Just then, Shivu knocked the door.

“Hey, let’s go. Abhir needs us.”

“What?” Roohi asked.

“Yeah... coming?”

Roohi shook. Shivu never properly explained anything to her. She just with the flow.

She said bye to her Raji Dadi and left with Shivu.

Rajashri took some to rest. After like half an hour, she got call from Abhinav Sharma that he reached the hotel. She asked then to wait.

That was it. She smoothened her khadi silk saree. She stood up straight and looked at herself in the mirror. After inhaling and exhaling deep breaths, she was ready to sort of this mess.