Nature's Comeback

18- Lullaby

Ayaan left the side of the plant to go and hug Avan. Ayaan never saw his brother so sad.

"My power is useless," Avan cried. "I cannot save my friend."

"But you can comfort him," Neer spoke up in a kind, gentle voice.

Avan wiped his eyes and looked up at Neer with hopeful eyes. Neer probably had some nice ideas.

"How can I help him, Bhaiya?" Avan asked in a small scratchy voice because of crying.

"You have the power to communicate and be there with your friend in his last moments. Talk to the plant, comfort him, keep encouraging him." Neer listed out the ideas.

"I agree with Neer. Maybe your encouragement would give the plant a  motivation to survive. Who knows, maybe the plant would be able to save itself," Gyaan added.

"Even if it doesn't happen, at least the last moments of the plant would be peaceful," Sarika said.

Avan nodded in understanding, before turning towards his mother.

"Can we sing the night song to the plant? I sleep peacefully after hearing it," Avan suggested.

"Let's do that." Payal agreed with a smile and went to sit near the plant with Avan and Ayaan.

Three of them sang the lullaby, while praying for the plant to get some amount of relaxation.

Gyaan slightly touched the plant, caressing the leaves and stems.

"I can understand the kids, but why is that grown up idiot acting like he is making a baby sleep," Ahana whispered to Neer in bewilderment.

Neer shrugged, not having any answer, and just gestured to Ahana to let them be.

By now the other researchers had also returned, along with the materials required for tents.

"Wha...," Sarika trailed off, baffled by what was happening.

"There are no hotels around here. The locals wanted to help but the houses were small and barely enough for them. However, they provided these materials for free," Kriti responded, while putting down everything and freeing her hands.

"Night is nearing. So it's best that we adjust here for today. Let's search for a better place tomorrow," Reyansh said, looking hopefully at others.

"It is so cool. Tent and all, we could have a picnic," Rewa cheered, trying to support her father.

"I agree. We should make the best of the situation," Gyaan said, joining everyone else.

Suddenly a surprised shout was heard from Avan and Ayaan. The researchers moved closer towards them. Even Ahana and Neer were curious about what happened.

A bright glow had surrounded the plant. The glow disappeared after two seconds, leaving the healthy plant behind.

Everyone present was amazed while seeing the plant standing proudly with shiny and healthy leaves.

"Avan!! The song worked," Ayaan exclaimed while tackling down his brother in excitement.

Both the brothers stood up and started dancing around, leaving a smile on their mother's face.

"How is this possible?" Sarah asked the question, which was roaming in everyone's mind.

"All thanks to Neer's idea. Looks like the plant just needed encouragement to try and get better," Gyaan remarked, letting Neer and Avan take all the praise.

Saying this, Gyaan turned towards Avan, "Let's leave the plant alone. It must require plenty of rest. We shouldn't disturb him."

Gyaan didn't really care about the plant's rest. He just didn't want any conversation to happen between the plant and Avan. After all, the plant knew the truth.

"Good night, sleep tight," Avan whispered to the plant, before dragging everyone away, so no one could disturb his friend.

By now, the mechanic had also turned up. He looked at Gyaan who stealthily showed him one finger.

"The bike is in really bad shape. It will at least need one day," the mechanic informed Neer, after taking the hint from Gyaan.

"One day!!" Ahana shouted with shock. "Shall we just forget about the bike and leave on foot?" She asked her brother. "Anyways, it breaks down more than it works."

Reyansh, Tej and Gyaan shared a worried look. If the twins decided to leave the bike, then researchers wouldn't get any time to convince them.

Gyaan hurriedly gestured to the mechanic to do something.

"I don't know who repaired it before, but I can guarantee that once I work on the bike, it will move as smoothly as butter."

Not seeing much effect, the mechanic started pleading, "Please sir, this is the first work we have got in this month. You are our last hope to survive in this cruel world."

"There's no limit to over dramatic people around here," Ahana spoke in irritation.

"Just take the bike," Neer waved his hand, gesturing to the mechanic to hurry.

It wouldn't take long for Ahana to lose it. Neer had to send the man away, before someone got the burnt of her fire.

"What are we going to do? There's no place to stay," Ahana whisper-yelled.

"We have extra tents. We can give you one," Tej called out.

If it was their plan to cease the twins from going, then obviously it was the researcher's duty to provide them with accommodation.

Neer was about to say yes, when Ahana fiercely refused. "No thanks. We don't want any help from you."

"Your wish. But if you do change your mind, then I am keeping the materials here," saying this, Reyansh, kept the materials of one tent near the tree, where twins had claimed their spot before.

Everyone started making their tents. The teenagers helped their parents to make tents while Ayaan, Avan and Dhruv ran around the area, playing around.