Manik.
I rolled down the window as I entered my hometown, my Shimla. The cool breeze calmed me despite it being ice cold. I could smell home in this breeze. The same smell that used to come whenever I used to wake up in the morning or sleep at night. It was the same. The same in which I could feel my parent's presence.
Nothing's same anymore. I am no more a child.
"You will always remain my little baby." My mother used to say to me on my birthday every year. I was, until she was alive but now I am no more a child. I am Manik Malhotra who has to run a business and take care of his brother. My dad no doubt was a best friend to both of us but they say that good people leave early.
So they left.
I did miss them but I had accepted their departure and that we didn't have someone to protect us anymore. Me moving to Mumbai caused me a lot of help in becoming more patient towards this loneliness. It didn't matter to be alone anymore.
But entering into this memorable place, my mind filled with happy moments and my face broke into a smile.
Soon I reached our home specially decorated by my mother herself as she loved Shimla. Everything brought back the happy times.
I got down to get greeted by my brother.
"I missed you bro." Sidharth said taking me in a warm hug. He was no less than a kid to me. Well he surely calls me a father whenever I lecture him.
"I missed you too bud." I said patting his shoulder and taking a look at him.
I was meeting him after almost 8 months. It was a lot as I had been very much worried about his extra activities.
"Come on in." He said and we both settled in the lounge on the couches as butlers took my suit cases to my room.
"It seems you are here for a longer time." He asked as he saw more than a hand carry being taken by the butlers.
"Yeah. I got the deal I was behind since a couple of months. I handed over the work to Cabir and thought to come over to you." I said as I rested my head back with the rest getting into the relaxed mood.
"Sure. To keep an eye on me." He was getting irritated.
"Should you be kept an eye on..?" I double crossed him and he was even more pissed.
"Whatever. Look at you. Don't you wear casuals anymore?" He asked as he saw me in a three piece. The look I once had only during office.
"It's my new costume." I replied closing my eyes for a minute as I felt immensely tired.
"How's college..?" I asked opening my eyes and looking at him keenly.
"It's good." He replied.
"When are your finals.?"
"Next to next month." He informed and was clearly not happy as to why I was talking about studies.
"How's everyone around.?" I asked.
"Everyone's good." He replied casually.
"How is Rajesh uncle and Shweta Aunty.?" I asked specifically.
"They are also fine. They do praise you a lot though." He told and I smiled remembering how nice they are and their....
"Why don't you take rest? You look tired." He suggested and I couldn't agree more.
I nodded and got up. I climbed the stairs.
Naturally a smile played on my lips which was very strange as I remembered one more important person around.
