PHOENIX - The Rebirth Of Hope

Chapter 5 : A Plan

"Oh God, OK now shut it," Samarth said agitatedly, for what seemed the eighth time.

"God, Samarth listen to me," Arnav said as they walked home.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I have been listening to you, I am listening to you but now I will not listen to you anymore."

Arnav sighed tiredly.

"Samarth, listen to me. You can't let them torture you any further."

"Oh, and what, should I just tell Madhav? That I don't like him torturing me?", Samarth laughed as if the whole situation was crazy and probably it was. Arnav was his best friend and his only friend. Samarth didn't like the idea of laughing at his best friend while Arnav was trying or thought he was trying to help although Samarth was becoming frustrated and angry beyond hold.

"Yes, that's what you should do. See that's a great idea. Tell it to his face if you want to but mostly what I want you to do is face him like a man and not a scaredy-cat. Show him that he doesn't scare you or neither does his gang for one. You know what, he tries pushing your buttons, saying things that would hurt you. Everyone has a weakness. Yours is family as is most people's and Madhav knows that so he uses it as his weapon and observes how you react to it. You can't do anything now that he knows your weakness. Everyone has their faults and the same for weaknesses. Find it and you have leverage over that person. That's not a good thing, teasing a person like that but that was the only way I could think of. The most important part is to keep calm and not fear him. He should fear you."

"Finished?", Samarth asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm though instead what he felt was a little different. The corner of his mouth quirked up and he felt a tiny morsel of a crazy plan forming in his brain.

Arnav sighed "Yeah". Then he said, flinging his hands dramatically in the air. "No one cares for the incredible wisdom my ever so incredible personality gives out."

Samarth grinned, "Well, see you later then." He turned left and walked down his lane leaving behind a gaping Arnav.

After a few steps, Samarth suddenly stopped as that tiny morsel blossomed further, and without looking back, he called over his shoulder.

"Thanks a lot."

In a broken glass mirror in front of him, Samarth saw Arnav smiling.

Arnav knew what Samarth was thanking him for but he still asked," For what?"

Samarth smiled mysteriously. He knew Arnav couldn't see his face.

"For giving me a wonderful new idea."

The last thing Samarth saw of Arnav was his confused and at the same time relieved smile as he started once again off to his house.

*

Samarth walked quickly in anticipation of sharing his disastrous plan with his Nana Ji. Yeah, he knew he had said it was a wonderful plan but now that he thought about it, he was afraid that he would end up biting more than he could chew. That was the only reason Samarth wanted to share his plan with his Nana Ji before putting it into action.

Samarth approached Nana Ji from behind.

Nana Ji was cutting away the overgrown thimble of weeds near the porch with a khurpi. As Samarth knocked on Nana Ji's back to announce his arrival, the old man jumped in surprise. He straightened up and turned to look at Samarth.

"There, there, Samarth.", Nana Ji said, putting his hands on his hips. "Sneaking on an old man like that. Do you wish to lend me with a heart attack, my boy?"

"No, sorry, Nana Ji." He would have turned it into a joke anytime but the thought of his Nana Ji dying from a heart attack terrified him.

"Well then, Samarth. What can be the reason behind this surprise?" Nana Ji wiggled his eyebrows at him playfully. Despite himself, Samarth smiled.

Now that Samarth realized what he was going to say, he immediately felt shy as well as afraid that Nana Ji wouldn't like it.

"Well..... it's a plan I came up with", He started tentatively.

Nana Ji raised his eyebrows. "Go on." He said encouragingly.

Samarth took a seat as they returned to the porch. Nana Ji did the same.

Then Samarth told everything he had decided to Nana Ji and hastily added his reason too. After Samarth had finished it, Nana Ji did not speak for several minutes. Time passed away and with each minute that went by, Samarth's heartbeat grew faster and he started resenting his plan. He was having second thoughts. what if Nana Ji thought it was a really senseless and lousy plan? What if—?

Nana Ji lifted his head. He didn't look angry, disappointed, or anything like that. He looked....fain. 

"Samarth I think this a plan worthy of a try. I agree with all reasons. This would be unexpected and distort his character bringing to light to every student what he really is if he still acts that way. Remember though that he will still try to get to you for he will be suspicious. It's not that you can ever change your nature in one day. This is a very well-made plan, Samarth. Good."

Samarth's heart bristled with joy and relief. Nana Ji's approval of the plan gave him confidence.

Samarth stood up. "Thank you, Nana Ji. I was terrified that you wouldn't like it." He was relieved, so he could finally now tell the truth.

"Of course, my boy. I mean it. I would never agree to an idiotic plan. But this one, as I said before, is worth a try." Then with a twinkle in his eyes, Nana Ji said, "You are growing up."

"It's not just me. Arnav inspired it. He gave me an incentive. Something I didn't know I was looking for."

Nana Ji knew about Arnav as Samarth shared everything with him. So it was natural that he knew of the bullies too.

Nana Ji laughed. "Then, of course, the credit goes to the dear boy too."

Samarth started to depart then.

"Wait", Nana Ji said.

"Yes?" Samarth looked back.

Remember to use this plan only when they do something. Don't go to them as a standing target. If they intend to cause trouble then only use it."

Samarth frowned, then nodded. "Yes, Nana Ji."

With these words, hefinally departed.