Chapter 10
The family gathering at the temple was a very formal affair. Yash and Arpita got introduced to each other., but did not have any time to themselves. Yash managed a few glances at Arpita. She was petite and pretty. She was shy, cordial to his parents and Vidhi bhabhi. He found out from conversations between the parents that she was 24 years old, a year younger than he was, she finished bachelors and Masters from IIT, and now is wanting to pursue a PhD in Chemistry...and eventually take up teaching and research work. probably a bit too much for him to handle he thought...a total studious person...boring maybe too? he thought...
On their way back, everyone was talking about how pretty Arpita was and how great her accomplishments were. Yash saw that Gayathri was very excited. Arpita came from a very good family, very educated, and she seemed traditional and shy too. After reaching home, they got a call from Dr.Shankar informing them that they are in agreement with the alliance and would like to know where they stand...Suraj Pratap looked at Yash and told him that they just got home, will discuss and call him back right away.
"What do you think Yash?" ...
Aarti was holding an envelope and staring at it. This was the third one, the other two letters stated that she was rejected. She let out a deep breath.."aandava, murugaa, please.." (oh god, please)...tore the envelope open and tried to focus on what it said...
Dear Aarti Thakur
Congratulations on your acceptance to the Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, Florida
-----
...
Aarti couldnt believe her eyes...Ringling has a number of accomplishments to brag about. It was famed to be number one Digital Arts college in the world and the alumni of this school worked on some of the top 25 highest-grossing motion pictures released recently...
She read it over and over again...she squealed in joy...ran to the hostel lounge and called Mansi's mobile from the guest phone..."MANSI!!!!! I got it, Mansi, I got into Ringling"..."Aartiii!! Oh my god, congrats...wait, Aakash and I will be right there...You can call Aman from my phone, dont do a Intl call, ok? Okay, see you in about 30mins..be ready, we'll go out and celebrate.."
"Sure, come on over..." Aarti's happiness was boundless today. For the first time in many many years, she was truly happy. She went to her cupboard, took out a small album, opened to a photo of her with her parents. "Mumma, Puppa...I did it...I am following my dream...I got into this school"...her voice was breaking...she flipped through some more pictures till she saw her grandfather's picture.."Naana..look your Aarti did it, she made you proud...now I can continue your work...take it to the next level..."..and she sat down, put the album to her chest and cried...she really wished her family was with her today.
In 30mins, Aarti got a call from the hostel lounge that she had visitors. She quickly freshened up to meet Mansi and Aakash.
"Aarti, Yay!!! come here..." Mansi ran to her as Aarti walked towards the lounge, gave her friend a tight hug. "Come on, come on, lets go..I want a treat from you right now."
"Congrats, Aarti! very proud and happy for you" said Aakash hugging her. "Thanks guys, lets go.."
Aakash, Mansi and Aarti went to a restaurant, enjoyed some good food, laughed and had a great time.
"..ok, Aarti, tell me something...how come Art/Design/...for you..? why not engineering or medicine?" asked Aakash...Mansi looked at Aarti.."Aakash..actually.." .."Its ok Mansi, I'll explain to him" said Aarti.
"I guess I never told you about any family history of mine...Aman knows a little bit as we used to talk about it sometimes when you were both busy romancing..." she said with a grin..."My grandfather used to write these stories for children, and he used to read them to me. I saved all his writings. My dream is to take those stories to the next level...make them into comic books, animations and share with children all over...bring happiness to them and a smile to their faces..."
"Wow, Aarti, I didnt know..that's so amazing..you will succeed for sure." wished Aakash..with a renewed respect for his dear friend.
As the cashier came with a check, Aakash took his wallet to pay..."its ok Aakash, I got this one...dont worry, my grandfather left me enough money that I am able to manage thus far..."
Aakash let her pay, he understood what it meant to her. Mansi and she spent more time chatting and then after they left, Aarti decided to go the temple to take blessings.
"Congrats Yash" Pankaj hugged his brother.."Vidhi, get something sweet from the kitchen..this is such good news.."..
"Yash beta, you made us all very happy. Arpita is a nice girl, very well educated and Dr. Shankar's family is a well respected family in Bhopal." said Suraj Pratap..
Yash took his parents blessings...as they called Dr.Shankar..."yeah, hello Dr. Shankar...congratulations...Yash said yes...yeah.."
Prateek started teasing Yash..."ok bhaiyya, from now on, you will only see Arpita bhabhi everywhere then..when you are awake, when you are sleeping...huh huh?.."
Yash gave a dirty look to his brother and slowly stepped out into the balcony..closed his eyes...only to see...long hair, innocent eyes..., cute smile..., and then something in a language he didnt understand...he sighed deeply..."Aarti" he whispered to himself sadly.
