Character Sketch:
The Walias
Jai Walia: Age twenty-seven, a well valued and principle young man who lives a decent, middle-class life. Losing both parents at the age of sixteen, he became a parent to his two younger siblings, fulfilling each and every one of their needs, never letting them realize the loss of their mother and father in their lives. They were immediately given custody to his aunt, Billo Singhania, who willfully took them in. She created a small little world for them full of love and warmth. However that did not last for long. Three years later their aunt died from lung cancer leaving Jai and his siblings orphaned all over again. Acknowledged as a legal adult under the law, Jai Walia became the caretaker of his own brother and sister and diligently worked to support them. He works a simple job as a manager for a smooth running hotel in the town they live, Mount Abu; living a struggling life by trying to raise his siblings on his salary and taking up his responsibilities toward them.
Saahil Walia: Age nineteen, going on twenty, a mischievous young boy who's always looking for fun. He finds it his duty to be the clown he is so he can bring some kind of happiness into his family's life. Not that they are not happy, but there is always that feeling of strain on their lives that never seems to leave them'
Anu Walia: Age sixteen, a cute young girl that is easily loved by everyone. She's the apple of her Jai bhaiya's eyes and is cherished greatly by him. Having a good heart, she is always kind and polite.
The Dixits
Nishikant Dixit: Age fifty, a middle aged widower who lives a classy, rich life. He owns plenty of businesses and lives in Mumbai, raising his daughter. He can be a snob at times and gravely arrogant towards those below him, but he does have a good side to him that only his daughter seems to see.
Bani Dixit: Age twenty-two, a charming beautiful young woman who has completely taken after her mother, looks and personality. She has a heart of gold and is just towards everyone. Despite being a rich man's daughter and being pampered her whole life she is not the normal rich brat a person believes a rich kid to be. In fact, she is far from that. She does not allow herself to be spoiled silly like how her father always tries to do and wishes for an average life a person would live. High society parties, designer wears, jewels, and money is not what she fantasizes about. Instead she wants a simple, peaceful, and love thrived life in which she will be content with. Even though she has everything, she also has nothing. Losing her mother at a very young age, she has been very lonesome and although her father tries to the greatest extents to make her happy, she does not feel complete. It is as if something is missing from her life'. Something big.
Other Characters
Kiran Sharma: Bani's mausi, eight years junior to her niece's late mother and her older sister, age forty-one. A widow, she is a beautiful and kind woman whom everyone dots on. She is a typical mother figure and loves children to her heart's greatest extent as she has none of her own. She moved from the city life three years after her sister's death once she lost her own husband in a plane crash. Within those three years in which her husband had spent much time overseas for business, Kiran temporarily moved into her late sister's husband's home in which she took care of her niece like her own daughter. She now lives in Mount Abu and has been living there for many years. She occasionally visits her favorite and only niece and sometimes receives short, brief visits from Bani and Nishikant, her aloof brother-in-law.
Rano Obreoi: Age twenty-two, best friend of Bani. She is the typical best friend a girl needs. She was born and raised in the town of Mount Abu and as she grew older she went to the city for further studies where she met and became lifelong friends with Bani. She stayed in the city for four years until she moved back to her home town, but loyally continued to remain in touch with her friend.
Chapter 1:
He sighs in complete boredom despite the energetic festivity surrounding him; the colorful lights, lavish decoration, active game booths, plenty entertaining rides, and the laughter and screams of delight filling the air around that creates a joyful atmosphere. Regardless of his obvious reluctant behavior in participating in the town's fair, he smiles as he watches his baby sister excitedly look around, eager to see what she wishes to do next. Her eyes twinkle brightly and the sweet smile on her lips never goes away, seeming as if it is permanently etched there.
I guess it was worth coming to the fair after all, he muses to himself. Letting his eyes wander elsewhere, he catches his other sibling, his younger brother, fooling along with friends in teasing the girls around. Just as he opens his mouth to call out to him, about to demand that he put a stop to his inappropriate behavior, he hears his little sister speak enthusiastically to him.
"Jai Bhaiya! Hum kya khare? There is so much to choose from, what should we do first," she asks for his opinion. Jai turns back to give his sister his complete attention and affectionately places his hand on her head.
Jai: Whatever you want princess, we're here for you.
His sister smiles delightfully, pleased by his answer. She tugs on his hand and immediately points up ahead.
"Mujhe wahan jhaana," she exclaims. Jai looks up, following the direction of her hand, and freezes on seeing what she directs at. He hurriedly denies her.
Jai: Anu, you know you are not allowed then why do you ask? Anu: Bhaiya, please! I am not a child anymore, I am almost seventeen. Jai: You hardly anywhere near that age yet Anu' Besides, you are still young. I won't allow it. You will get hurt. Anu: Don't be silly bhaiya, it's not that high. It's perfectly safe as well. See how many people they have around working it? Jai: I still do not feel comfortable having you go. Anu: But I'm ready! (insisting) Jai: But I'm not. (shooting her down) Anu: It's just a Ferris wheel, it's not like it's the Grand Canyon. (softly comments, upset) Jai: (tired in fighting with her) I said no, so it means no. Seeing her become downcast by this quickly makes him feel terrible about himself, but he knew he still wasn't going to give in. He just wasn't alright with her dealing with heights....not ever since she..... Bringing his arm soothingly around her, he steers her attention somewhere else. Jai: Look over there, they're selling cotton candy. I know how much you love those. Let's get you one and then we'll find another ride. How's that sound? Anu smiles feebly at his attempt in cheering her up again and she willingly goes along with him to the cotton candy booth. As they proceed on over there, Jai smacks his younger brother on his head, bringing his attention over to him. Jai: Behave. (warns him) His younger brother simmers down by this, knowing his brother means business, and immediately stops his friends from harassing the girls any longer. They arrive at the small shop and Anu wonders loudly of what flavor to get. Jai in the meanwhile withdraws his wallet from his pocket, ready to take out his money to pay. Hearing giggling and shushing momentarily diverts his attention elsewhere and he follows the soft noise of the tinkling of bangles nearby. Looking up, he is temporarily struck by what he sees across from him.... A young beautiful girl with olive smooth skin, silky long black hair, and big expressive eyes captures his gaze. He looks closer, noting her physical appearance.... She has gorgeous, captivating hazel eyes that he could just lose himself in'overlapped with long black eyelashes... a cute small button like nose, that looks slightly red---perhaps from the cold weather.... rosy red cheeks that gives her face a lovely glow ....and soft petal like lips that are pretty pink. She wears a complimenting white fitting salwaar kameez, which displays most of her feminine curves, making her seem like a radiant angel..... Jai can feel his heart swell by her appearance and his heart rate go berserk. His chest thudding hard, he holds in his breath as she giggles at something her friend said and casually looks ahead of her, right at him. Their eyes meet in a full lock gaze, her warm honey ones with his steel gray. Her giggles subsiding, she slowly becomes quiet and stares back at him with possibly the same mixed feelings he was experiencing. Her cheeks burning red, she snaps herself out of it and shyly removes her eyes away. She nudges her friend and softly murmurs something to her. Her friend, someone who he is familiar with as well, whines about what she says, but she takes her by the hand and grabs her along with her, going away with her pink cotton candy held tight in her hand. "Bhaiya .... Hello... Earth to Bhaiya," he hears as he sees a pair of fingers snapping before his eyes. Bringing himself back to reality, Jai switches his focus onto his sister instead, but the thoughts of the girl still linger in the back of his mind. Jai: Kya hua? Anu: Bhai, I have been trying to get your attention for the last minute. What happened? Where were you lost? Jai: (embarrassed) Nothing happened. I guess I just dazed off. Sorry. Now what is it? Have you picked a flavor? Anu: Yup. Jai: (raising a brow) I'm assuming it's blue. I don't understand why you take forever if you're always just going to pick the same flavor. Anu: (giggles) Bhaiya, you know me too well. But actually this time I didn't pick blue. I thought I needed a change so I chose pink instead. See'. She pushes her cotton candy into his view and startles him with her choice. His mind automatically begins to reel back to the girl once again...... Even she had pink. Feeling a rough shake on his arm knocks him out of his thoughts. Jai: What happened? Anu: You're asking me? I should be asking you' Why do you keep blanking out on me? Jai: (shaking his head, clearing his mind) ' Maybe I've just had a long day. Anu: (softly smiles) Pay the guy, we'll go on a couple of rides, and we'll be at home in no time.
Cricket
Anupamaa
