Tender Storm

Chapter 6

Aman zipped his bag a little tightly and kept it on the corner of the room.

Debu was adamant that he come as early as possible even though Aman was reluctant to leave his mother and come back to his life of solitude.

"There's a pre exhibit before the actual thing!" Debu had exclaimed "I don't want you to miss it at any cost! People are drooling over your latest one already, all thanks to Mrs Shah".

Aman had to snort at that; Debu had a way with words but he also was an opportunist who would waste no time when it came to good publicity. Sometimes Aman would wonder at his bloodthirsty nature but that's how his friend and publicist was supposed to be.

"I'm on my way" he replied without any preamble.

Devaki was mad at her son as he had expected "what's the hurry? Couldn't you have waited until Amit got back?"

Aman looked up from his luggage "I wish I could but there's an emergency which I can't miss".

"It's only one and half hour drive from here...why can't you come back after work?"she demanded.

"He hasn't exchanged two words with me since I came" he said, referring to his father "and he doesn't even talk to you guys because of me. I don't want things to change on my expense...let them be as they were".

"Your father didn't say anything..he wouldn't mind..."

That's what bothered him even though he pretended to be indifferent about it. His father had been distant than ever. It was as if his other son never existed even though he was around sharing the same house.

"I'll come back after sometime" he smiled, clasping her hand "I promise". She didn't bother to ask when it would be as she knew why he was hesitant to stay in the first place.

He took his car keys and pocketed it and his phone rang. Thinking it was Amit as he had never called after he had left, he went on to receive immediately. It was Akhil.

All he could hear was hushed breathing and a ragged voice "where are you?" Akhil asked. "Home..what's wrong?" Aman could sense the uneasiness in his voice.

"I got a call from our head office in Surat....it's about Amit" again Aman could hear sobs on the other end.

"What the hell's going on Akhil?"he snapped "be clear...where's Amit? Did he reach? I tried to call him but it's switched off".

"I...don't know exactly..there has been an accident on the highway..." Akhil's voice trailed away and Aman felt a sharp stab on his heart.

"And?"he could hardly breathe..please God! Let him be okay...nothing happens to him.

"I don't know man!" Akhil burst out crying and Aman found himself screaming "will you please tell me dammit?" Devaki stared at his fear stricken face "what happened?"she whispered. He nodded and silenced her.

"There was an accident...there was a lot of fog and the driver couldn't see properly...he rammed into a tree..." Akhil sniffed back tears "since Amit was sitting on the front seat and the car was at full speed, they were hit bad..."

"How's he?" Aman yelled, his hands shaking "how's my brother?"

There was an eerie silence except for his mother who looked panic stricken at his yelling. And then Akhil said in a low voice which confirmed his worst fear "he couldn't make it....they both..."

Aman collapsed on the floor, the phone crashing from his hands.

"What happened Aman?" Devaki was shaking him "what happened to Amit?"