Chapter 4
Viren struggled to open his eyes as he felt the sunlight streaming through his bedroom window. He looked around his bedroom and then closed both his eyes, rubbing the eyelid of his right eye. He had slept very little during the night, it was a completely different environment and he was trying his best in adjusting to the life in Shimla. He wasn't use to people making a fuss over him. He had been independent all his life. Chanchal his mother was excited to have him back, more than anyone. She never liked the fact that her only son, lived miles away from her. She hated Dadda sahib at the time for the decision he had made, as it was his idea to send Viren away in the first place on the suggestion of Keshav Sharma. No matter how hard she tried she just couldn't bring herself to like the Sharma family, especially Keshav. It was something that she made obvious at times.
Viren sighed as he thought about his first evening at home. It was spent at the best restaurant in Shimla. Well according to Siddharth it was the best restaurant; a two storey building which had shades of brown, beige and gold inside. The tables were all cramped together, and the food wasn't very appetising. The waiters didn't seem like they were rushed off their feet but the service wasn't up to the mark and not only that, but they almost forgot about them towards the end. It was definitely a memorable experience Viren had thought to himself.
He had been planning a night out to celebrate his return to Shimla, only they were stuck in some restaurant which was aimed to attract more of the senior citizens. Dadda sahib and Yashodra daddi would have loved it here, Viren thought.
Siddharth was was very traditional and conservative. He had always been a very homely person, but Viren thought he was so dry and dull when it came down to having fun. 'Okay Siddharth! This is so boring.' Viren sighed as he looked around the restaurant. Almost everyone was dressed formal including Siddharth. Viren was probably the only person who was dressed so casual.
He was wearing a plain white t-shirt with a black jacket with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and blue jeans with black military style boots. He had this thing for footwear, and seemed to have every latest style of shoes, boots and trainers. He always seemed to colour co-ordinate his footwear with whatever he was wearing. 'C'mon, you're getting married in a few days, he glared. I thought we could have a blast and have a wild night out, but instead we're sat in a restaurant that is so lifeless'.
If Siddharth had, had his own way he would have preferred to spend the night with Daada sahib playing chess or sit at home watching a DVD, rather than be out. 'Viren it's not that bad, at least this way we can chat.' Siddharth tried to convince him. 'Clubbing is not my kind of thing, plus I need to be more responsible now. What would Divya say if she found out?'
'Oh my god' Viren took a deep breath and rolled his eyes. He thought Siddharth was talking like a middle aged man. 'How the hell would she ever know?' He questioned him. Viren had been on the go trying to plan a boy's night out, since he had arrived in the morning. But Siddharth had refused when Viren told him about his plans. Instead Siddharth had reserved a table at a restaurant and somehow persuaded Viren, who had no choice but to agree.
Viren had felt bad about ignoring Nivi that morning. He had just walked off without any explanation. He must have come across as being really rude? He had thought. In actual fact it was Siddhart phoning him in response to the several messages he had sent him regarding the night out he was planning. Trying to be secretive about the whole planning, Viren walked off as quickly as he could. By the time he had returned, Nivi had already left.
'Okay, how about when you get married we'll have the best stag night, what say?' Siddharth said as he sipped on his drink.
'Well you will have to wait for a good few years for that to happen.' Viren raised his eyebrow.
Throughout the evening Viren tried his best to convince Siddharth to leave the restaurant and go to a night club instead, but it was of no use. Siddharth wasn't going to budge and wanted to be home early, so he could hit the bed and all ready for work in the morning. He was a complete workaholic. The wedding preparations were in full swing at the Sood and Sharma house, but Siddharth wasn't going to let that become a distraction.
They finally decided to head home as Siddharth could no longer torture Viren. Viren couldn't help but think that they would have been having so much fun had they been in a night club. He was falling asleep to the music that was playing in the background, it sounded so slow and repetitive that he would have rather preferred to sit in a pooja with his Daddi all evening.
Siddhardh parked the car on the driveway and they both got out. 'Thanks, it was real fun,' Viren said in a sarcastic tone of voice. 'I know it was fun.' Siddhart laughed making his way into the house.
Viren decided he wanted a breath of fresh air and was going to stop outside for a little while before heading back inside. He made his way into the garden which was huge. It was mostly lawn with a few flowerbeds cut into it. He stood in the moonlight by the round dining table set with a parasol, and then pulled out a silver instrument from the breast pocket of his jacket. He removed his jacket and placed it on the table. He took a deep breath as he felt the lovely breeze. He stood there for a few seconds before he closed his eyes and began to play the flute. He had developed a passion for the flute after moving to Delhi, it was something that gave him a sense of calmness. He continued to play the notes until he felt a gust of wind. It flattened his t-shirt against his chest and he opened his eyes.
He stood there for a few moments and looked around his surroundings, it was beautiful and it felt so peaceful. His gaze strayed across towards the Sharma house and he frowned as he noticed someone walking through the garden. His frown disappeared and the corners of his lips slid upward into a smile when he realised it was Nivi.
Edited by aamina1010 - 14 years ago
Real Estate
