The discussion in the cafeteria was progressing quite well. Out of sheer curiosity, Arjun asked Siddharth
" So, who is the lucky lady now?"
Siddharth replied with an amused smile." Abhi's cousin, Riya. She is quite different from my other girlfriends. I think I will eventually marry her and settle down.."
Arjun sneered at him " Oh....... looks like you have found your true love...."
All of them snickered, except Abhishek. He knew only too well that, someday, this would happen. Siddharth would marry, and he would be left alone. He was expecting to hear this from Siddharth, but he never thought that the truth would stare at him in the face this soon. Deep down, he felt a pang in his heart. He was quite confused, as to why he felt so. He should have been happy for his best friend, but here he was, sulking over his decision. He was woken up from his thought by another of Arjun's questions
" What about you Abhishek? Do you have anyone?"
" Of course no. Being the fuddy duddy he is, who would chase him?" It was Siddharth who replied, grinning like an idiot.
Hearing this, suddenly Arjith rose to be the 'protective brother' " Yes. This fuddy duddy was too involved with you, to have checked out any girl"
Abhishek's whole face turned inexplicably red. Arjith continued " Hey Abhi, why are you blushing? Isn't it the truth? There was a time when even I thought that Siddharth would run around, getting hitched and ditched, with you comforting him, till he gets tired and would settle down with... YOU!"
Abhishek blushed furiously, while even the thick skinned Siddharth's ears turned red. The situation was turning awkward, when Neha stepped in " Arjith, I think you are really turning stupider by the minute....." She yanked a screaming Arjith by the ear and dragged him out.
Siddharth was trying to put up a smile, trying to comprehend why in the world was Abhishek blushing. He kept his hand on Abhishek's shoulder, only to get caught in his deep gaze. Those eyes always looked so mystically beautiful to Siddharth. There was an unknown warmth in his gaze.
Abhishek felt that he could gaze into Siddharth's dark, almond eyes for eternity... What am I even thinking? He brushed those 'stupid' thoughts aside.
"What is with those two?" Prateek's voice jerked them back to reality. He was obviously referring to Arjith and Neha.
Arjun motioned the three of them to come closer and whispered. " I think my sister wants to pursue Arjith...."
Except Siddharth, nobody was too shocked hearing that. Prateek and Abhishek had already seen this coming. Siddharth was lost in his own world to notice Neha and Arjith's constant bickering and comfort around each other.
"Why do I feel that you three knew about this before? " Siddharth asked, eyeing the other three suspiciously
" Unlike you, we have our eyes on the ground, and let me tell you, we can SEE things" The usually calm and stoic Prateek sneered. Abhishek and Arjun were trying to suppress the urge to giggle....
" Aren't you getting too happy about this, princess' future brother in law? If I were you, I would have kept an eye over the sulky princess" Siddharth snapped, with an annoyed look.
" I trust my sister and my friend. They will come to me when it is time. Besides, if the princess tries to do something improper, my fighter sister will chop up the princess and bury him in the four corners of his house." Replied Arjun in a wise manner. These words of wisdom were quite unexpected from a playful boy like Arjun.
" WHO IS THE PRINCESS YOU IDIOT?" An unknown force smacked Arjun on his head from behind. Arjun turned his head to see a flustered Arjith and smug Neha standing behind. Apparently, Arjith had only heard the word 'princess'.
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( I think playing this music while reading the next part would enhance the experience.....)
Aarav was just as surprised hearing the name. He returned to Siddharth's table. The older man's once expressionless eyes now shone brightly, brimming with hope. Full of curiosity, Aarav asked " How do you know my uncle, doc?"
That question brought back a whirlwind of memories to Dr. Siddharth's mind. How do I know him? Perhaps no one ever knew him as much as me. The bittersweet memories almost caused his eyes to well up.
" He is my.........he was my.......... umm,....friend...?" Siddharth stuttered, trying to fake a smile. He himself knew how much of a lie it was.
Siddharth continued " Oh, come and sit here, will you? How is he?
Aarav was quite amused. This man, who was busy a minute ago, has now apparently become so idle as to sit and gossip. Nevertheless, he sat in the chair that was offered and replied " Abhishek bhai* is fine.You might know, that after his marriage, everything was smooth sailing."
(Bhai - Elder brother here )
Siddharth's face fell. But then he thought, may be this is the best arrangement . At least Abhishek is happy, with his family and wife by his side. This is what he always wanted. Abhishek's happiness. The worry free, smiling face of the man who sacrificed everything 10 years ago, to keep another promise once made. He should have felt happy for Abhishek, but his heart ached to think of their star crossed love. Abhishek must have moved on.
He forced himself to smirk and asked " So, how many cousins has he given you?"
Aarav replied with a stoic expression " None "
Siddharth was stunned. To think that someone of Abhishek's 'capability' and 'stamina' has been childless for years......... well, maybe this is a game of fate. The thought about 'stamina' brought a genuine smile on Siddharth's face, as he reminisced about their days and nights......
Aarav was noticing this, and was quite surprised. Not withstanding, he continued
"He has become a joint director of our hospital in Mumbai. He has also succeeded in realizing his dream of opening an NGO for spreading awareness on mental health, and associating it with major hospitals in Maharashtra to provide subsidized treatment to eligible people."
A pained smile formed on Siddharth's face. The NGO was not Abhishek's dream alone. It was his and Siddharth's brainchild. He remembered one of Abhishek's promises to him, made 10 years ago
'Sid, after we convince our parents to accept us, we will fulfill our dream of ' Satva' , together. This is my promise to you'
' Abhi, my drama king, with you by my side, nothing is impossible'
" And what is the name of this NGO?" Siddharth asked, unable to contain his curiosity
"Satva.......!!" The name struck a chord in his heart and he jolted from his seat. A sad smile lingered on his face, and a solitary tear was shed. The realization that dawned on him comforted his broken heart
" So, he remembers......... Abhi has not forgotten me........"
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So, how was this chapter? Just for information, Abhishek is only 14 or something years older than Aarav. He is his eldest sister's son.
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The best arrangement: Between us...
Romance"In every lifetime, in every world, I would find you and choose you." The envelope sat on the desk, untouched. Its edges were frayed, reflecting the decade that had passed. The handwriting on the front was unmistakable - sharp, deliberate strokes th...
