Epiphany Aarav OS

Epiphany

I stood at the door, awkwardly glancing at the posh party taking place in front of me. Looking at the lavish decorations made me uneasy. It was clear I didn't fit here; didn't belong here.

Wiping the dirt off my shoes, I started retreating back out the door. I would've left, if it weren't for Agam who reached there at that precise moment.

Hey Aarav! He spoke excitedly as he hugged me.

Hey Agam! Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you too! So glad you came! Where's Nishi? And nani? And... maa?

I could see him looking around for them; I didn't want to ruin it for him, and so I lied.

They should be coming soon. I decided to come early for my twin brother!

His eyes twinkled, and I could just see how happy he was after hearing that. He flashed his smile at me and dragged me to this older looking boy.

Where are you taking me Agam?

Arrey, just come with me Aarav. You have to meet someone!

I ended up staring at a boy who was towering above the two of us. His eyes held a tone of anger, his demeanor held a hint of arrogance. But mostly, his face; it resembled someone. His eyes and his nose... Was this...

Meet Ranbir bhaiyya Aarav; he is our elder brother!

I was rooted on the spot, unable to comprehend anything else.

Bhaiyya, my voice came out in a mere whisper. I went in for a hug, only to have him place his hand on my chest and push me off.

I am only Agam's brother, not yours. So don't you even dare.

He walked away, leaving me confused, angry, but mostly hurt. I shook off the feelings; it was clear I didn't belong here, especially after all that.

I noticed everything and everyone around me. Even Agam and Ranbir bhaiyya. Both with Rolex on their wrists, wearing crisp and ironed suits with leather dress shoes. They looked like they belonged here. But me, I didn't... I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

I was wearing a loose tee with a vest I bought with the money nani gave me on New Years. My pants were wrinkled, and instead of sporting dress shoes, I was wearing running shoes. I felt ashamed of my appearance at that point; envying all that they had which I could have had too.

It was at times like this when I felt hatred towards my destiny; why couldn't I have also stayed with dad?, I thought now that I knew he was so rich. I didn't ever give it a thought before, but looking at the grandeur in front of me now, I would be lying if I said I didn't want this all to be mine as well.

I excused myself from Agam, wanting to be alone for a while. I was standing by the balcony, taking in my surroundings. It was hard to believe this was just for a birthday. All we did on my birthday at home was have dinner together and cut a cake with my friends at home. Not only did mom make the dinner at home, but she also baked the cake herself.

I loved my mom, no doubt. But that didn't change the truth that she never gave me what I really wanted. Like how I wanted a bike, not a laptop, yet I ended up with a laptop anyway. It was always her opinion that took precedence over ours.

Shaking me out of these thoughts, Agam side-hugged me with a small box in his hand.

What is this Agam?

Open it bro! It's for you! From one brother to another brother, he exclaimed with a wink.

I opened it, only to find a set of Honda keys. I'm assuming my confusion was mirrored on my face as he began dragging me outside to the courtyard.

Close your eyes Aarav!

I followed his instructions, and soon, we came to a halt. I slowly opened my eyes, only to see a metallic black Honda VFR right in front of me. My eyes went from the bike, to the keys, to Agam. This can't be! Is this bike actually for me? Will I finally have something to show off to my friends? Shilpa! I can finally take her out with me without her mother taunting me about not having a bike!

I walked towards the bike, a smile involuntarily creeping up on my face. I looked at Agam who was beaming. I took him in for a tight hug; and in the process of doing so, I caught a glimpse of him, Dr. Neil... My father...

Our eyes met for a fraction of a second, but it was all I needed for a moment of epiphany. I backed out of the hug, realization dawning upon me in that miniscule moment.

I handed Agam back the keys, making his smile vanish.

I can't take this Agam. I shook my head, stepping back.

But why? It's a gift from your own brother! Why can't you take it?

I can't hurt my mom Agam. I can't do anything that would bring harm to her self-respect.

I always complained about not having the latest phone, or watch, or laptop... But I knew how hard she worked to give us everything. I hated how I was never the one with the bike, but at the same time, I prided myself on knowing my mom was doing everything single-handedly. Yes I was materialistic at times, but she... She meant the world to me. I would never do anything to hurt her, ever. The man there, with whose money the bike was bought, hurt her really bad, really deep. He left her all those years ago, but the wounds never healed.

I knew my mom couldn't afford to give me this luxurious life, but she gave me what she could. I couldn't turn my back on her when it was my chance to tell her how every single sacrifice she has made hasn't gone to waste.

I remember when she wouldn't buy new saris just so she could buy me and Nishi new clothes for Diwali. I remember when she worked overtime for 3 months so we could take a small vacation in Goa.

All these moments rushed in my mind. And as much as I wanted this bike, I couldn't take it.

Because in the end, if there was anything that I loved the most in this world, than it was her. My mom. I would do anything for her. And at this moment, it was time to show him that my mom is doing a great job raising us. She doesn't need him, nor do we need him. She took care of us and raised us by herself; how could I accept this gift when it would take away the one thing she valued the most?

I walked away from that party, that house, that pretense.

Heading towards my home, I began smiling to myself. The small moment of epiphany changed everything.

I felt satisfaction seeping through my veins, something that didn't happen often. I never felt this content with what I had.

Opening the doors to our home, I saw her in the kitchen, baking the cake for me.

Arrey, Aarav, tum aa gaye?

Hearing her voice made me smile. There was definitely nothing else in this world that I would rather come home to, and that I knew for a fact.

--- The End

Soo, how was it?

I hope you guys enjoyed it! 😳

Let me know what you think!

Lots of love,

Hinal 🤗

Made me like Aarav to some extent

Some redemption for Aarav..

hope to see him do the apologizing big time tonight.. can't wait! :D

Keep writing, you rock!

Hey!

Thank you soo much 😃
Glad you enjoyed it!! 😳

😆 Glad I was able to do so!

I wish they showed him at least have a little more maturity; especially on how his mother worked so hard to do everything for them. I honestly felt so sad when I saw Ragini finding out Aarav was at Karan's house.

I haven't watched the later episodes so I don't know what happened, but that scene was so sad.

She might be strict, but she has done so much for Nishi and Aarav. I only wish they show the two kids really appreciating her hard work and sacrifice

Thank you so much :D

I wish that too! His character has a lot of potential; only if they could shed a light on all facets and not just his materialistic side.

😃 Thaanks

Hey!

Thanks soo much :D

😳

I haven't watched the episodes, but I do hope he apologizes too.

I expected much more out of him, but maybe I just have high expectations.

Anyway, thanks once again 😃