ARHI... Destinado A Amarte Ch 7 (48) - Page 17

Chapter 5

"Where are we going to live?"

Arnav blinked back his tears as his sister asked him innocently; her tear-shed face looked like a disaster. It was not the first time he saw her crying. She would do that all the time, whenever he pulled her pigtails or tease her by not letting her play with him. But it was not her usual tears, filled with cunning and stubborn. It was the tears out of pain – out of fear. He hugged her close to him, rubbing her back just the same way their mother used to do whenever they had a bad dream. He had nothing to say. He stared into the dark night, as they sat on the bottom step of their home – now, as outsiders. They had lost everything. Their mother left them few days ago and now, they lost their home, which they thought their own. Bile rose in him as he remembered the man, who was supposedly his father. The man had remarried his mother few years after his first wife's death. Not even a single day did he behave as their father. Moreover, he would take all of the money their mother would earn by working all day.

"Wherever it might be," Arnav said in a low tone, unable to hide his own pain from her, "we will be together, Ana. Always… forever… whichever is long."

She shook her head, rubbing her nose vigorously as she shivered in the cold night. "Where is Shyam Bhai?" she asked again, fearing for unknown, "he is elder and Mamma said he loves us, unlike Papa."

Arnav smiled at the thought. Their Shyam Bhai, their half-brother loved them and their mother, and always treated them as his family. He treated their mother as his own. But Bhai hated their father, as he never cared for any of them. He was six years elder to them. And he never lived with them in their home. He used to work all day in some or the other construction site as a daily labor and save money for them and handed them to their mother without their father's knowledge. He used to sleep on any nearby temple. "He will come to us if he knew Mamma left us," he whispered back, shivering in cold but providing as much warmth to his sister he could by hugging her, "that is why we are still here. He will not know if we left the home."

They stayed in that way all night, shivering in cold and fear as they had no one with them. It was until after next day's noon that Shyam reached the place, running, knowing the news. He hugged his siblings and took them to his place, where he was living – a temple. Working hard, he managed to pay back some of the amount and moved back to their home, promising he would return the sum in installments. Though Shyam Bhai hated his father, so much he changed his last name as his mother's, but he allowed the man to crash his place whenever he was drunk and no place to go, just because Ana would ask him to do.

Arnav woke in an instant as the same old dream tortured his sleep. Knowing well he would not go back to sleep, he took a cold shower, wrapped in a towel around his waist, and sat on the floor, near balcony, staring into the early morning first rays. A smile formed as he remembered his brother, who left everything in his life to provide proper food and shelter to them. He left them years ago, to go to Delhi, in search of a decent job and now, he made sure Ana had her B.A degree. Arnav completed his own degree but had a break as he was unable to continue it further. Their only dream was to provide Ana a good future. Now, as he thought back, Arnav was content in life, the only void being his brother away from them. Ana was waiting for her results and joined as a PA in a firm. Once the results were out, he was sure, Ana would be accepted in the University with photography as her major. He was having thoughts to re-join in himself, to do MBA in Media Management. He realized, focusing on becoming a writer with BA English Literature was difficult and helpless with their financial conditions keeping in mind. He had to concentrate on having a real life for his siblings, then on his writer career. Media was the best path, in any way, to have both his career and his family's need for money. He would easily get scholarship in any desired university; all he had to do was focus on his education. That was the only thing that would make his brother happy, and worthy for the sacrifices Shyam had made.

With these thoughts lingering on his mind, he dressed up in a t and track pants, got ready for the day and started preparing breakfast for his sister, who informed she would have a busy schedule for the day ahead, as her boss was having back to back conferences. By the time he set their breakfast, he saw her hugging him with a huge smile. It was early for a Saturday morning, to start their day at 7:30. But Ana would have to reach office by 8:30 that day, and he had planned to visit city library, to do some research for his upcoming MBA plan.

"I am planning to take up MBA this year," he explained plainly while they had their paratas,"media management… that will help me have a foundation when I am ready to publish my first book."

As expected, Ana was not so excited with his career choice, but happy that he, at least, decided to do something with life. "I would rather appreciate if you continue with your literature," she said calmly, knowing well the reasons for his plan, "you can pay us back, after your success." She stared in his eyes as she said, "please don't do this if it is about money."

Arnav smiled at his sister's concern. He pulled her in to a hug and kissed her forehead. "I am lucky to have such a family," he whispered, as they made their way out of the home, "I will never give up my goal, Ana. This change in plan, though it was sudden to voice it – I gave much thought in it for months now. This not only help us with finance once I get a decent job, would also help me to publish my first book, as I will have few contacts in media. However angle it is, it is going to benefit me, and of course, us."

"If it's the case," she smiled at last, satisfied with his explanation, as she climbed behind him on the bike, "inform the same to Bhai, Arnav. He will fly with happiness. And if you can, blackmail him to come back with this reason," she suggested with a grin as he met her eyes through mirror,"that we need him as we will be busy with our universities, to cook and to take care of us. What say?"

"That's not a bad idea," he agreed with her reasoning, "it might work as well. We will talk to him tonight. Be ready to have those senti tears of yours, Ana. Shyam would never say 'no' to those crocodile tears."

"As if you are able to say 'yes'…" she mocked at him and they both laughed, patting themselves for having a cunning plan to bring their brother back to them. "Pick me up at 6," Ana said him when they reached her office building. She saw her boss's car parked in its usual place. She took a few quick breaths before facing her brother, "I have some girly shopping to do. And some stuff that Aman wanted me to pick for his mother. And also few shirts for you…"

"Are you even sane?" Arnav asked her with annoyance, "why the hell do I need shirts now, Ana? Why are you so bossy?"

"Because you need them, Mr. Mechanic," she pointed out simply, as a matter of fact, glaring him to dare speak a word against her, "I don't want those geese stained shirts for you while you are all set to start your life fresh…"

"Why do I even make an attempt when I know I can never convince you?" Arnav muttered under his breath, audible to her, and made his way after kissing her forehead.

As Ana watched her brother driving away from her, her heart weighed with the thought she was going to spend her whole day with her boss, with only security guard in the office. Her boss had few unexpected development in the projects, and as his PA, it was only her to stay with him, and that she was frightened to be with him, after their oh-so-unfriendly interaction last night. Taking a deep breath, she prayed the almighty, apologizing silently to her brother as she didn't inform him that she was going to be alone with her boss. She didn't want Arnav to worry about her, and definitely not when he started thinking about his education for the first time, keeping himself up in the priority over his siblings, or rather over her.

Before she turned to make her way into the building, she heard footsteps. She guessed who it might be without seeing around for the person. She was used to hear those footsteps, and recognize the aroma in the air that would change, filled with his cologne whenever he was around, and not to mention his attitude that would radiate heat from him. He was an epitome of a successful and powerful businessman at a very young age. True, he had inherited the business from his father and forefathers, but business was in his blood, and he increased his father's further, and reached its height in a short span. But that was not what made her be self-conscious around him, but it was the way he didn't bother to hide his feelings for her.

"I think I hate this man," his words from her behind, almost his nose touching her ear, were sharp and straight to the point, "and I think I need extra control not to smash his face, Anahita. So, before I do any such thing, it's better you clear this. Who is he? And what exactly were you doing as a photographer last night?"

She didn't bother to turn around to face him, lest show how his words hurt her. She was angry as he spoke such words against her brother, but glad deep down in her heart, as her boss was not the kind of man who would do any such things on her back. "Before I clear what he is to me or what I was doing as a photographer," she hissed, still showing her back to him, with barely controlling anger in her voice, "I would rather appreciate if you clear why you hate this man, or for that matter, why do you want anything regarding my personal life, Sir."

He stepped ahead, his front pressing her back, as he hissed back, now his nose touching her earlobe,"I have no reasons to hide my feelings for you and I know you are not an innocent girl, not to understand it, Anahita. It is fair for us to know about each other. I realized I know nothing and I truly want to know about you. This is completely based on a friendly note."

She faced him at that point, keeping as much distance between them as possible. She noticed he was in casuals, a white t that showed off his muscles and black jeans that hung loosely around his hips. His eyes bored into hers, showing his sincerity on his words. "I want to clarify few things at this point," she said in barely audible tone, unable to bare his heated gaze, "I needed this job… more clearly, I needed money to survive, Mr. Modi. Two more months and I will leave the office for time being, according to our agreement. I need a life to focus and a family who sacrificed their whole life so that I will have my dream future. I want to become a photographer, which is my goal. Within two months, I will have my results and hopefully, will be accepted in the university. On the other hand, I don't want any kind of attention from a person like you, who can spend crores within a day, just by throwing a party. I hope you understand this and leave me alone to my fate. I will be grateful if you try not to interfere in my personal life in any way." She walked up to the elevator, not wanting to give him time to react or say any words which she didn't want to hear. Stopping just as she stepped in the elevator, she said the last part, not turning to face him, "and the man you hate and wanted to smash his face… is my brother, Mr. Modi. I don't think you will still have thoughts that my brother has romantic feelings for me. Please don't hate him."

She sighed in relief, as she let her breath which she didn't realize until now that she held it. She felt it good to speak to him in a clear way. Siddhant Modi was not a bad guy, she knew it. In fact, she liked his personality. And he was definitely not a man who would take advantage of his status or power. If he wanted anything, he would try to get it but not forcefully. Somewhere in her heart, she always had respect for him and that respect made her clear these things to him, so that he would understand and would not bother her ever again. If there was anything she would tell without blinking, Sid would never invade anyone's personal space, definitely not knowingly. With these thoughts, she slowly pushed their conversation aside by the time she reached her cubical and her mind had complete diversion when he reached his cabin and they both immersed themselves in the conference calls ahead, both letting the matter to be sidetracked for the time being…

"We will have few more issues in a couple of weeks," the city librarian informed him with a smile he was used all his life, "and Ana asked about that book last time she visited. I have a copy kept aside for her." The elder man continued while handing a huge book to him, "tell her to keep it with her for a while. There are sufficient copies of it for now."

This very library had been their first school. Ana and he got the monthly card as their 7^th birthday gift from Shyam Bhai, who insisted them to read every book possible and interested them. From that day, they used to visit this as many times as possible. Even now, they would come there, prepare themselves for study sessions, or just help the librarian in their spare time. "Thank you Kaka," Arnav thanked him with gratitude, "I will let her know about it. By the way, I think I will have at least two hours a day to prepare for this entrance exam which is hardly weeks ago. Do you mind seeing me here?"

Arnav winked at him while the elder man laughed well humoredly. "I survived 15 years by having you around, Arnav," he replied playfully, smashing his arm, "I think I will manage to live for few more years. But I want a book dedicated when you became a writer. No compromise in that, okay?"

"Sure Kaka," Arnav replied honestly, "not a single book, but every book will be dedicated to the most important people in my life, who helped me survive in this world… Bhai, Ana and you. So, don't worry. Just spare me to use little of your peace for now…"

Laughing as he found an empty desk at the corner of the seating area, he placed his bag and the book that Ana needed, went to the stacks and selected a book he needed and seated himself comfortable for the day. He had informed NK that he would not be working in garage for the day. He would do it tonight or tomorrow for few hours. He spent next hours by preparing and noting down useful points. The library, though crowded, was silent. When he thought to relax, just as he wanted to call Ana to ask whether she had her lunch, he noticed a figure, reaching for a book just near his desk. He watched her, surprised to see her in such a place. She was from a high society and if she wanted, she would have her own library within a day in her own home. Curiosity made him sit properly and watch her, as she searched for an empty slot. She was wearing a blue tank top with white capris. She was definitely new in the area, he concluded with a single glance. Shaking his head at his stupidity, he lowered his head into his book, focusing back into his work.

Khushi looked around, taking in the crowded library to find an empty slot. When she informed she needed to visit a city library, her Di and family passed a look, saying she would have her own library in her study room in a day's time but she shook her head, rejecting the offer. She liked to study in a peaceful area and she did visit it back in Las Vegas. It was a natural thing to do. She didn't see a point to buy all books and use for herself, when there was a place to do the same, along with hundreds of others. She filled a monthly scheme, and decided to have few hours spend here. She was bored in staying in home without any work to be done. And she wanted to follow her heart.

As she searched for a slot, her eyes fell on a corner desk… rather on the person over there. She smiled a little as she recognized him, the man she captured. She took a minute to study him before stepping towards him. With a simple grey t, he was immersed in his book, whatever he was reading, taking few points in between. His hair fell over his forehead in a messed way, his hand fisted with a paper in between as he held it to turn. His pen danced to and fro as he read the lines, deciding whether to take a point or not. Her mind went back to the warning Sid had last night, not to approach any stranger over here. But as she thought, her heart said she needed to apologize and she took it as a sigh as she ran into him, unexpectedly, thrice within a day's gap. Deciding it to be just a small sorry, she made her way towards him, placed her books on the desk. She watched him raise his head as he saw the books in front of him.

"Umm, hi," she said with a smile, "can I have a seat here, if you don't mind?" Arnav sat straight, emptied her side of the desk, and let her have the seat. She smiled at him as she said, "I need to thank and apologize you." When he stared at her, not understanding her words, she elaborated it,"thank you, for allowing me to have the space here," she pointed to the desk between them, "and sorry, for capturing your photo at the beach without your permission."

He nodded and focused back on his book when she continued, "actually I want to apologize you last night, when we ran in the party." He looked at her, now pushing his book to a side, "but Sid thought it was a bad idea to do such thing, though I wonder why. I searched for you later, but you were nowhere to see."

Arnav smiled at her at that point. "Sid…?" he asked calmly, "was he the one with you?" he leaned slightly when she nodded. "Is he your brother?"

"My Jeeju's cousin," Khushi offered, "but he treats me as his own sister. Of course, he is more than a brother. A role model of sort…"

"Then listen to him," Arnav said as a matter of fact and started collecting his stuff. "He is right in saying so," he continued as he stood, "I take it you are new to this place. You have to be careful and never approach a stranger with a friendly smile. He might be a sadist, or a kidnapper."

Khushi stared at him as he walked away from her, with hurtful eyes for the way he spoke to her. No one had ever spoke to her or ignore her in such a way, as this guy did. "I just wanted to apologize him," she muttered under her breath, opening her book with much force.

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