Aniru TS: Life lessons : part 3 updated on pg 3 - Page 2

Sorry, sorry. I know I am super late and I apologize for it. I was caught up in some project work. But I know you all are very sweet 😆 and would forgive me. Right? 😃 And for compensation I have written this part longer than the previous one.😆 BTW thanks for the amazing response you all gave. I am flattered. 😆😳

Ps: alot of efforts have been put into this, so kindly drop in your precious words after reading this. I am not asking you to write huge paragraphs but one or two sentences would be enough

So enough of my bak bak.😆 Here goes part 2:

"That's the problem! I am not a baby. I am a 25 years old man. So treat me like one! "he said, his voice loud and clear. His body was shaking with fury. Anika looked on, shocked by the sudden change in his demeanor. A moment ago he was sitting and crying bitterly and now he was standing in front of her, shouting on her. Anika knew that no matter what, he could shout on anybody but her. She looked in to his eyes, they were red- partly due to continuously crying and partly due to his anger. Something, somewhere was terribly wrong. "It's all because of you...all because of you and the whole family. Had you not loved and pampered me so much, I would have been somewhere else. Because of you all I cannot stand on my feet."he said in a voice so loud, that it seemed dangerous. Had it not been Anika, who had faced such situations and heard one or the other Oberoi shouting so loud, she would have immediately eluded from the spot. But she was Anika. Many times she had faced such situations in the PAST, a past that she had forgotten. But she had seen her kanji aankhon wala baagad billa converse in such lethal voice with his employees and business associates. She was used to it. So, she waited for Rudra to vent out his agony. She knew that if emotions are kept inside for long, they make a person bitter not better. She had seen Shivaay do it and she herself was like that at some point in her life when she had none to talk to and had to act strong for Sahil. But today the situation was different. While Shivaay had Anika to share his emotions and seek comfort in her embrace, Anika had Shivaay.

So she stood quietly in front of the man who had taken his name way too seriously. She was trying to find out the reason for his agony through his words.

"Had you all not pampered me so much, I would have been independent. Since childhood I have been the most adored child. Even before I asked for something, I had it in front of me. All this made me a spoilt brat. I had started to think that I neither have to put efforts into anything nor think before taking a decision or action. Because I'll be provided with all the comforts by the family for being the most loved child , and by the world because I was an Oberoi. And even if I take a wrong decision, Shivaay bhaiya and Om are always there to handle the situation. The only thing I was ever insecure about was when my bhabhis will come, then I'll not be my brothers' favourite. But then chulbul bhabhi and you came and you both vanished away all my insecurities. And instead I became the favourite and most pampered devar for both of you. Now I not only had Shivaay bhaiya and Om to look after me but you two too. Chulbul bhabhi and you would pamper me wholly by making my favorite dishes, siding me when we brothers fought or convincing your husbands to do as I say. It all made me up to no good. But I still tried once... only once to accomplish something on my own and I couldn't achieve that too.. . Sometimes I wish I did not have such a family " His tone changing continuously. He started in story telling tone which was almost equal to complaining but by the end,it had changed to a completely dejected one.

" Rudra!! "Anika raised her voice on hearing Rudra wish such a thing. A shiver ran down Rudra after hearing his bhabhi talk to him in such an intense voice. He looked towards her. Her face clearly indicating her displeasure on hearing his words." Bha.. " he tried apologizing but stopped abruptly when Anika raised her hand to quieten him up. She was in no mood to hear apologies. She was downhearted listening to Rudra's thoughts. She opened her mouth to scold him for wishing such a thing but stopped short.

"What are you doing Anika? You only urged him to open up and share his emotions with you and now you only are going to berate him for doing so! Get hold of yourself and ask him about what went wrong." Anika thought to herself. "Tried? What did you try your hand at Rudra?" Anika asked, for once being careful while choosing her words in front of Rudra so that he doesn't feel that he is being talked to like a baby. Silence. Complete silence was the response she got from him. His eyes closed, his hands fisted and his lips pressed against each other.

"Trying to control your anger,guilt,tears or words?" Anika finally asked him on getting no answer. " Calm down Rudy. And tell me what happened? Why are you behaving this way? And just listen to what you said. Do you even know that you were just complaining about you being the most pampered child and all your wishes being fulfilled as quickly as you think of them? Om rightly calls you dumbbell Oberoi. You really are berserk. There are people out there which included me too at some point of time ,who wish to have such a family and you over here are bewailing that you have the best and perfect family which includes a youthful, evergreen and the cutest dadi in the world, two brothers who love you so much and would not think once before taking a life or giving their lives for you, a sister who loves you unconditionally, while others crave and cry for one good parent, you have two sets of great parents, you have the most beautiful, loving,caring and supportive bhabhi whom you call chulbul bhabhi and the prettiest, cutest, most gorgeous, cherishing ,smart and supportive woman in the world-famous Saumya as your girlfriend cum bestfriend cum to be fiancee and you still fuss like a baby... "

Rudra realized his folly. He thought how stupid he was to want to get rid of his lovely family. Anika bhabhi was right. He indeed was a blockhead. He pondered over her words, how beautifully Anika bhabhi described their family." But she did not mention her role! At least here she could take a little brownie points. Anika bhabhi will always be like this.. But I am proud of this magnanimous personality ." He was about to tell her how important she was to him and the whole family but he choked due to all the tears he was trying to keep at bay. Even before he could say something, Anika understood. She gave him a tender smile and caressed his back slightly. " Sit down and cry out your heart. " ,saying so she sat down before Rudra could.

Crossing her legs, she patted her thigh urging him to keep his head on her thigh. And he like an obedient child followed her command. The duo sat under the gulmohar tree for a few minutes with no movement. Anika continuously gently caressing his hair while Rudra trying his best to not cry and fall weak. " It is good to be strong but when you are shattered from within, you should break down and let it all go. You know you can share your pain with me. After all a worry shared is a worry halved. And you know what, you look good when your 32 white teeth shine brightly and you laugh, showing them off. You don't look good like this when your eyes are moist, puffy and red, your nose red like a tomato and your cheeks all wet. And I have never told you this but I am a little jealous of your gracious smile. So,let it all go!!!" Anika said it at last as she could no longer bear the silence. She felt her suit's plazzo get wet. But that didn't matter. What was more important was that her baby had finally let his shields down. She let him cry. Not once did she hush him. She knew this was the best thing for him.

" I am sor... sorry bhabhi. I did not intend to hu.. hurt you. Trust me. It was just that I was feeling down and could not handle the failure. So.. I... I.. I just blamed you and the family for it. I really, really would never want, even in my worst nightmares, to part with such a great family, especially you. I could not handle my emotions. I am... am sorry. I am so.. sorry bhabhi. I am sorry. I am sorry. Sorry.. " He spoke hicupping in between his wails. Anika thanked the lord. Finally her sweetheart was getting back to his original self. But Rudra was continuously apologizing.

" Shh..shh. It is okay jaan!! Yaa, yaa I get it that you are guilty and I am not hurt anymore. I trust and understand you. We all face failures - some are small and therefore inconsiderable while others are colossal ones and they completely shatter us. But we have to get up again. Right? We have to get up again for ourselves, our family and friends and everybody else to start from first step all over again but this time to reach the end. What do you say??" Anika spoke very carefully because she still did not know about which failure Rudra was talking . Rudra simply nodded to Anika's question, trying to grasp and understand her words. Anika continued softly, " Moreover, about controlling emotions and defeats, we all sometimes fail to handle them. Then we don't see for what reason or because of whom we are experiencing that emotion and rather vent out the agony, anger or any other emotion on our loved ones or the one standing in front of us. Like, when we are too happy because of something, we spend our entire day showing off our smiles and talk nicely to our enemies even. Or when we are exasperated, we vent out our irritation and distemper due to someone on someone else. It happens with everybody. It happens with me too. The difference is just that you vented out your overflow of emotions on me while I have your Shivaay bhaiya as my target!!!" At this the duo broke into pearls of laughter..

Rudra raised his head from her thigh and looked at the serene beauty, his personal angel in front of him. Anika stopped laughing and saw Rudra smiling at her. She reciprocated the smile and wiped his tears. Then, she kissed his forehead and his eyes, while praying to god to never let him cry again. But as curious as Anika was, she could control no more and asked him ," Now tell me what had happened in DETAIL! " She mentioned the last part with a lot more emphasis .

Rudra laughed at her curious and exuberant tone. But his laughter fell short when he remembered about his failure again. Anika slightly pressed and patted his hands, giving him support and asking him to continue. Rudra sighed heavily and started narrating the events in order." Last month, Chubby and I were playing in the basketball court when Saumya came to us, running. She had some books in her hand. She stopped in front of us and gave one book to each of us. We asked her what the books were for, to which she replied that these would help us in scoring well in the exams approaching Next Week. We laughed at her innocence and returned her books back. We commented on how she could be so naive as to think we'll , especially Rudra Singh Oberoi is going to study for exams. She gave us a confused look. I explained to her that I did not need to study or score well in exams because for everything that people work hard for, I already have it. And if by chance I don't have it, Shivaay bhaiya would get it for me. Saumya gave me you are impossible look and just before leaving said, " Till how long are you going to remain a kid, dependent on others? Grow up Mr Rudra Singh Oberoi. Grow up. Be a man who can stand tall and stand on his feet. I love you just the way you are. I love your child like innocence and naughtiness but it's time that you prove yourself and become independent. Tomorrow or some other day in future, when I will introduce you to Mamma, what will I tell her about your profession? That you do nothing but still live lavishly because of your family name?? Don't take me wrong Rudra, I love your family beyond your imagination. But I want you to be something and you to make everyone else proud. Just imagine the size of the smiles bade bhaiya, bade baalon wale bhaiya, gauri bhabhi and most importantly Anika bhabhi will have seeing you successful. Bade bhaiya and Anika bhabhi already have too many responsibilities. They have always been there for us, doing something or the other for us. It's our time now to relieve them of their atleast one responsiblity .Now, listen Mr Oberoi, I promise you I will never marry anyone except you but I will talk to you only when you become independent. "

loved how she made rudra see his follies

loved it

my ani ru are special

please do continue

bye sumi

And saumya too...Be still my heart.

Will wait from your side. It's getting interesting

Inayat

Hey!! I'm back... I know I am super late In posting this but for me, it's a colossal achievement. I had thought to write in October and then post it, but here I am posting this in September itself.. Yay!! (self patting). I hope I have done justice to your expectations as it was very difficult for me to think of how to end the last part.

Ps: alot of efforts have been put into this, so kindly drop in your precious words after reading this. I am not asking you to write huge paragraphs but one or two sentences would be enough. so shower me with your love.

Pss : this is the longest update I have written till now( though I have written only 2 parts before this)

Enough of my bakbak, Now enjoy the read.

Here goes the third and last part.

"Bade bhaiya and Anika bhabhi already have too many responsibilities. They have always been there for us, doing something or the other for us. It's our time now to relieve them of their atleast one responsiblity .Now, listen Mr Oberoi, I promise you I will never marry anyone except you but I will talk to you only when you become independent. " After saying so she left the ground. She had bruised my male ego. I had made it a point that I'll show it to her that I am not a waste and prove her wrong. I know I was wrong about thinking so about my ladylove but you know how I am..." Anika nodded in affirmation at this. Seeing her respond he continued, " I am extremely apologetic about it bhabhi ,trust me. I shouldn't have thought that way. Moreover I shouldn't have hid the fact about Saumya's decision about our relationship from our family. I am sorry bhabhi.. But then I became hard-as-nails to prove Saumya's words wrong. I had to prove that I wasn't worthless,that rather than a liability, I was an asset. So, from that day itself I started studying honestly. I read reference books, online notes and even borrowed notes from classmates too. I soon realized that Saumya was right. The look that my classmates shot at me on my request for borrowing their notes, opened my eyes. I became even more persistent about achieving my goal. "

" I studied day and night, made notes myself and pestered the seniors and teachers with questions. The questions were way too many as I hadn't paid attention to even an atom of what was taught in the three years. I had sincerely worked hard for the exams. But my thoughts wandered to Saumya and it distracted me. I missed her. I missed her voice. I couldn't even imagine my life without her. It had been 15 days since I had last seen her. I went to her house but she wasn't there. I tried calling her but she didn't pick up. I had become extremely stressed about her well-being. Do you remember throughout the last month I had become almost taciturn and depressed and it had escalated in the last 15 days???" Rudra asked. Anika recalled his strange behavior last month but everyone had ignored it thinking it to be the effect of not going to parties due to exams ... She felt remorseful and guilty after knowing the truth. She thought that anyone may fail to understand Rudra's emotions but she couldn't ever. But she was wrong.

She was brought out from the flashback as he continued. " She did not come to give exams also. I asked Priya, her friend and next -door neighbour about her. She replied that she had left with her mother to Pune about a month ago as her grandmother was not well. She further added that she would give her exams later as decided by her and the principal. I was extremely perturbed about her and thus couldn't concentrate well in exams. But I wrote whatever I could comprehend and whatever I knew. "

" And I... I still couldn't achieve my goal. I am such a big failure. I am good for nothing.. Saumya was right. But alas, I would never be able to see her again . ", he started wailing again. A tear escaped Anika's eyes after seeing her baby broken. " What happened? How much did you score?? " Rudra looked up. His bhabhi's eyes moist. Her tone that of a concerned mother.

Rudra, at once understood her inner turmoil. He knew that she wasn't able to take any action. Neither could she shush him nor cry her own heart out. " Seventy.. Seventy-eight percent. ", he said apprehensive about her reaction. But her reaction shocked him. She inhaled a sharp breath. A flabbergasted look on her face. A little smack on his head and Anika started giggling.

" Buddhu, why are you crying then ?? That's the highest you have scored till now.. And that too with your own efforts, no cheating !", Anika said commenting over his silliness.

"Because none will give me job with this percentage when there are others with 99%,98%and 97%!!!! Tell me, who will give me a job?? I am good for nothing. I know you will suggest me to take a job or some senior post in Oberoi industries,and that'll be too easy also but I want to be independent on my own merit. But now,,I can never be successful. It's true that I am a baby, just too weak. Saumya is right I commit way too many mistakes and always cry over them. I am a cry baby " ,his tone loud enough to scare anyone. Anika remained quiet for some time, thinking about what to say and suggest. And then she ,in a very sedate voice said, " First of all take this thing out of your head that big companies offer jobs to only those who are high achievers in academics. There are many more factors too on which they observe and test you. For example, oratory skills-how you can strike a conversation with your clients, fitness-how long you can work, looks and attitude -it will tell alot about how you carry yourself and most importantly positivity so that you don't leave the job even when the company is going down the hill and rather work hard to improve its condition. And you have all these qualities, sweetheart. You can easily get a job. There are millions of people who are excellent in studies but fail to get well paid jobs. While there are so many people who fail in exams but are very successful. About your question, the answer is that any company which values talent will definitely hire you "

" That's not true. We do. Oh! That's rhyming!! " , the duo chuckled at this. Rudra noticed how easily his bhabhi could turn even a serious conversation into a fun-filled discussion.

" And coming back to the employment topic, desk jobs and white collar jobs aren't the only types of jobs in the world. There is an ocean full of other types of jobs. I'll give examples of those which will suit you. Be a PRM(public relations manager) for a MNC. They would pay you well and you have ample amount of talent for this. You are blessed with speaking skills. Or better be a model. By god's grace, you have such great looks and body, you will get selected even if you just send your picture. Or you can be a gym trainer because of the kind of physique that you have it perfectly suits you. There are in these days as everyone wants to lose weight and be fit. Moreover I can come to your gym and get some discount.. !!" , she ended on a humorous note.

" Thank you so much bhabhi... I love you. You are no less than a goddess for me. And I had wanted to say this from a long time. You are selfless and that is why you did not take any brownie points while describing our family. But let me tell you how important you are to me and the whole family. Be it any festival, you stay awake all night before it so that you can prepare favorite dishes for all the family members. No matter how exhausted and enervated you are when you return from work, but you always have a smile on your face. You never fail to spend time with us even if all you want to do at that moment is sleep. It is on very rare occasions that you go shopping, but when you do, you buy nothing for yourself ,but buy bags full of gifts for each family member, especially me, and the gifts are exactly what we wanted. I still remember, it was your honeymoon,( finally after a year of marriage) and I had got cold and you flew back to India on the second day itself. While bhaiya protested, your decision of not going to honeymoon for the next 2 months prevailed. It may be birthday of anyone of us, but you will leave no stone unturned to make the birthday party as well the surprises a success. I was overwhelmed with love when for the entire week you didn't go to your office, and instead stayed at home to learn cooking from YouTube tutorials, just because bhaiya had gone for a business tour and thus, none could fulfil my dish demands.. And this list is so long that we'll grow old but it will never end. ", he said with utmost honesty and love for her. Anika was overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions would be an understatement.

" Awww. My baby... Thank you so much. I am at loss of words right now. But I think this should summarize my emotions - I love you to the moon and beyond and beyond and then back. You are as important to me as Shivaay and my own breath. You will always be my most loved baby. I neither knew nor expected you to remember so many instances. I love you. " , saying so she kissed him on his forehead.

"And one more thing, when you go for the interview, apply as Rudra only, not Rudra Singh Oberoi. That will be your true victory. And I know very soon Saumya will be back with you. About her grandmother's health, I'll call her after the picnic lunch party. ", at this Rudy nodded on approval.

" By the way, this place is gorgeous. ", she said mesmerized by the scenic view.

" You liked it?? This was our secret hide out. Whenever one of us would be sad we would come here. Even elders, except dadi also don't have any idea about this. We only take care of this area. Some or the other day, one of us would come here to water the plants and tree, and clean the pond. You know we planted this gulmohar tree ourselves. It took alot of time to come out from the darkness of the earth to the world of light. The day we saw the first leaf on it, we partied like maniacs. We have alot of memories associated with it. We would dance, play, sing, cry , laugh and what not underneath it. We had spent the best days of our childhood here. This is the same place about which Shivaay bhaiya was talking to you the other day. ",he said with childlike exuberance.

"I had somewhat guessed so.. Now if you would wish, shall we leave? I'm hungry as hell. And on top of that your Shivaay bhaiya would be as always complaining how we would have started to talk unnecessarily and that is why we are late.. ",she said. As soon as she completed, the bhabhi-devar duo literally raced towards the terrace. Just before entering, Anika reminded Rudra not to mention about what happened in the garden to anyone and further added that she would handle the situation.

The moment they entered, they heard Shivaay complaining, " I told you to not send Anika to get Rudra. I know the duo would be indulged in one of their stupid and useless talks.. And look here we are waiting for the Queen Anika and her dearest devar, Prince Rudra Singh Oberoi urf dumbbell Oberoi. " At this everybody sitting on the table except gauri laughed. Om and Shivaay laughed the hardest. Gauri shot a glare at Om and Shivaay for insulting her bhaujai and Rudy bhaiya.

" Then you better stand up, Mr. Oberoi as the royals are entering. ", Anika remarked sarcastically. Shivaay started coughing at this. The duo walked towards the table, and settled down. Anika started patting and rubbing Shivaay's back until he became normal and then silently whispered something in his ears and forced a smile on her face.

Anika and Rudra apologized for the delay and asked everyone to pay attention as Anika wanted to announce something. Anika proudly announced Rudra's score and the hard work he had put in to achieve it. For the first few seconds, there was complete silence on the table and then everybody rose their glasses congratulating Rudra for his success. All elders blessed him. Everybody hooted and patted his back. Rudra noticed how proud everyone had become by just a small victory. He could not control his excitement by just imagining their reactions when he would get his first pay. Suddenly Shivaay and Om got up from their chairs and hugged him. They peppered him with kisses and wishes for even brighter future. Om was about to say a shayari for him too, but Rudra shut him up saying that he wanted to enjoy his Sunday and not waste it due to him. At this he received a smack on his head by both his brothers.

The family rejoiced his success. But Anika clapped her hands once and gained everybody's attention. She then announced Rudra's decision of getting a job on his own merit and the options he was considering. Anika was apprehensive about only bade papa's response. She thought he would dislike the idea of his son doing something like this. But she was shocked when he stood up, walked up to him, hugged him and said that he was proud of him and would always support him on every step of his life. There was another round of applause and appreciation for his decision to be independent. Everybody seemed genuinely happy. But, out of the blue, gauri ran down to first floor. Everyone thought that she must have gone to thank her shankar ji for blessing Rudra with brains at the right time, but little did they know the truth. Gauri reappeared after 15 minutes with a bowl in her hand. Very nice aroma of something extremely delicious was coming from the bowl. " I thought as Rudy bhaiya is going to step in a new phase of life, we should begin and celebrate with something sweet and so I quickly made this suji ka halwa... ", gauri said justifying her actions.

Rudra was touched by her actions and couldn't refrain from hugging her. The family spent the whole day talking about Rudra's future and what he should do and what he shouldn't.

But on the table, three people had the widest smiles. A man who was stepping into a completely new phase of life and was excited about getting his ladylove back, a husband who knew the person behind his brother's decision , and a woman who couldn't control her excitement seeing her family bubbling with joy..

But the woman knew that her job wasn't over yet. She would have to support him and push him forward later too. After all a woman's work is never over.

Sometime you just need one person to share everything with and who can give you LIFE LESSONS.!!!

How was it?? Please drop in your precious words. Appreciation and criticism are wholly welcome. Silent members also, kindly drop in a word or two.. Jute, chappal and Tamatar are also welcome.

Regards

Inayat