The Birlas' - IKSHANA

Chapter - 2: Honesty Is The Best Policy

The trio picked up Neil and Neil drove them to the newly opened five star restaurant located right in the heart of the city. The elevation screamed luxury and the name board attracted the children's attention. It read 'The Moon' by Aradhana Bansal with the bottom right corner mentioning Birla Constructions. Roohi gasped when she realised that this was her Chachu's project and boy, was she proud of it. She hugged Neil and Abhir high fived his Chachu. All they did through out the meal was praise the magnanimity of the restaurant, the design, the interior and the man behind it, Mr.Neil Birla. 

The band acknowledged Neil's presence and they dedicated his favourite song to him and his family. All of them felt like royalty and Abhimanyu had a proud smile on his face. It wasn't very new for them because Neil was quite the charmer and most eligible bachelor in the town. He always pulled in favours from one or the other for whatever reason. He was their Santa Claus of sort which unsettles Abhimanyu a lot. He trusts Neil a lot but he was more of a child to him than a brother. Ever since Neil was adopted, Abhimanyu always felt very protective of him. No matter how grown up Neil is, he will always be a child to Abhimanyu and he constantly worries about Neil going over board even unintentionally because of the kind of favours he pulls. At least here, he was at peace because he knew it was all hard earned.

Before the dessert arrived, "Yaar Neil! Kisiko surprise ki padi hi nahi hain. Sab bas teri tareefon ke pul bandhne mein busy hain. So sad na. Surprise cancel kardete hain" said Abhimanyu with a sly smile.Just like that he had all the attention. 

"Kya bhai? Kyun jal rahe ho? Aur aap meri princess ka mood kharab mat karo. itna badiya achievement hai, she deserves this gift," said Neil, gently chiding Abhimanyu. Roohi pouted.

"So mean Poppy! nahin chahiye mujhe surprise. Aap aur aapke Junior donon hi mood spoilers ho" she whined. 

"Are are Poppy ki jaan! Mazaak tha just to grab your attention. Sorry!" he said apologetically. Roohi gave a smile.

 "Ab toh jaanna hai na?" and Roohi nodded enthusiastically. Abhi signed Neil to do the honours. Neil clapped and a server gave her a scroll. She couldn't believe her eyes when she read what was in there. A tear slipped from eyes and Abhimanyu embraced her. He soothed her until she was calm. Roohi recovered from the overwhelming feeling and was searching for words but nothing left her mouth. 

Abhir was the only one in the dark now and he was hurling questions at them. Neil took the opportunity, "Roohi Birla will do a small concert here every Friday and she will interact with the diners and take requests. This will help her be a better popstar with some much needed exposure. Thank you. I pulled a favour because they loved my work but you won't get paid," he said looking at Roohi.

"She can be the rockstar that she wants and all she will have to do is coordinate with the band." Abhimanyu gently cut in "Only if she wants to. No pressure at all." Neil nodded and Roohi just hugged Abhimanyu and she was crying. The boys got worried and Abhimanyu tried to tell her that it is fine if she refuses. They were just trying to get her to stop crying.

"I love you Poppy" exclaimed Roohi and all of them visibly relaxed. They called for the cheque and immediately left from there. They didn't want anyone to see Roohi in that vulnerable state and Birla boys can be quite protective. By the time they reached home, Roohi was sleeping in Abhimanyu's embrace.

It was a big day for her and her emotions were all over the place. When she held her Poppy, she felt safe and she fell asleep in minutes. Neil rang the bell and the servant opened it. They enquired about Harsh and Manjiri but they were yet to come home from their date. Abhir and Neil retired to their rooms while Abhimanyu carried Roohi to her room and laid her on the bed gently.

She looked so peaceful and Abhimanyu couldn't help a sigh. He was a bit taken aback by her reaction. He understood overwhelming but he could sense something more to it. He wouldn't be able to sleep peacefully with all those thoughts anyway. So he decided to rest on the plush sofa, in case Roohi wakes up, she would find him there. He somehow felt she would need him that night and he went with his gut.