If They Parted Ways

.9.

That was a Sunday. It was 8 '0 clock in the morning. Munna Pandit were back after visiting their homes. They both knew of his friend; he stayed disturbed. Hence, even after insistence, they both stayed at their own places for just a night. Their parents gave in, as they knew that their children were not only Sameer's friends anymore; they were now working with him and they had responsibilities. Four years ago, when Munna Pandit asked their parents if they could start working with their best friend. Both of their parents were bewildered hearing this, they considered that their children were doing this for the sake of their friendship, they thought that Sameer was from a rich family; he would not understand the responsibilities of a business. They thought that he was a pampered like a prince since childhood but they were common people; even if he could not do anything, it would not cost him very much. However, their children would fail in life. Sameer even tried to convert into a hermit. They considered that such an unsteady boy could not succeed in life's challenges. Moreover, that was true too, at least for the first 1.5 years. Being a spoiled brat, he was not habitual of joining hands, pleading and doing those many more things that a common person did to earn. Though he struggled a lot, he did not wanted his Mamaji's help. His friends were there for him, through thick and thin. By god's grace, they were now earning, and were able to support their families. Eventually, even Sameer's family accepted Munna and Pandit too and stopped taunting and making them feel inferior.

A mouthwatering breakfast was laid on the dining table. Everyone gathered in the hall, seated. "Oh ho ho, Poonam beta, you made me very happy, matlab maja aa jayega, hai ni?" Mamaji was delighted seeing Pyaz ki Kachories, Garlic chutney and dhoklas. "Wow Bhabhi! It will be a treat for us to have your handmade Kachoris." Pandit piped in, excited. Everyone seated at the table and Poonam started serving.

After relishing three to four bites, Mamaji spoke, "Sonu Beta, what are your plans for today?" Before anyone could say anything, he warned them, "Listen to me carefully-Today, among the three of you, none will work. Take the car and go where ever you wish to!" "Really Dadaji!, May I also go with Chachu?", a 5 year old Ilaka gleed with joy. Devang glared him, "Sure! You go with Sameer and I will go to your school." His son chuckled, "But Papa, today is a Sunday. "Even if it is a Sunday, you will still not go anywhere. Stay at home and finish your homework." Sameer tried to convince his brother to let his son go with his 'Chachas', "Bhaiya, today he do not even have school, let him come. In between all the work, he got a minimum amount of time to spend with his family and his beloved nephew. He wanted to do everything possible for his family and friends, as he believed that they were the only people that cared for him and his feelings. "Bhaiya, you don't know him, he will bother you. Anyways, you are home after a long time. Hence, you enjoy." Poonam explained.

Unlike the lazy plans of the Maheshwari(s), the Agrawals had a busy yet festive schedule for the day. Everyone settled at the dining table, munching on the delicious Aloo Parathas. Anand was eating quietly, thinking something, Bela was looking at the mehndi designs in a magazine and the duo of sisters were giggling as Preeti was joking about her to be in-laws. She said, "Naina, do you know everyone in the family is like the characters of a daily soap. There, the oldest of all was a poor, old, helpless type Dadiji who was laying at the couch all the time, ringing the bell in her hands at intervals to say 'yes' or 'no'. Then there was my to be mother in law. What do I even say about her, she seemed to be the typical vamp of the serial. A young girl also lives with them, she is Shubham Ji's sister; she was the only one I found sensible. Before she could continue to praise her to be husband, Bela interrupted her, "Preeti, you should not make fun of them; after all, you are going in their family, as a daughter in-law. If you continue to do so, they will say that her mother did not taught her anything." After finally suppressing her laughter inside her, Naina spoke dramatically, "Chachiji, you say anything but you did unfair to me. You married me off in Ahmedabad and Preeti is being sent to Mumbai. She whined like a child. "Dear, you are talking about getting your desired city when you did not get a DESIRED HUSBAND", Anand, who was quiet all this while said. Naina was not prepared for a heavy, emotional dialogue among all the jokes. Her expressions tensed, she tried to say something, "Chachaji you....." Anand spoke in between, "Naina let me speak today. I held myself in for a long time. You are right, we have been unfair to you. I promised your mother, Rama Bhabhi to bring you up like my own daughter." Her eyes became moist when he mentioned about her mother. "I even tried to treat you and my daughters equally. However, the day you were on your way to your in-laws' house, I knew I failed. I FAILED NAINA, I failed miserably", he stated when two drops of tears were visible on the corners of his eyes." That was when Naina knew that the issue was serious as seeing her superhero cry was not a frequent sight. The mother-daughter duo went quiet as they understood a fact a long time ago that Chacha and his Bathiji shared a special bond and they need not come in between.

I know this was a short part but as I've not posted any part, short or long in this month. Hence, I am posting this. I am very sorry to be irregular but I cannot help, my exams are going on. If you liked this part then do not forget to vote and comment

Thanks for reading.