The Birlas' - IKSHANA

Chapter - 3: Essence Of Gratitude

Abhimanyu came back with the flowers and coconut water. The vendors looked a bit worried on not finding their favourite customer who is as punctual as the very clock. They loved the few minutes Abhimanyu spent with them, always polite and he enquired about their lives once in a while which overwhelmed them. Over the period of time, it became a habit for Abhimanyu to keep them updated about his schedule so that they don't wait or worry for him. 

He has stopped travelling much from the past couple of years and even if he did, he would just go for a day and come back home the very day no matter how late. He loved spending his morning with his family and their smiles actually gave him the much needed energy to get through his hectic day. 

Being a doctor comes with it's own sets of challenges. Life needs to be prioritized over everything, even family, because that life also has a family which was now his to save. He tried his best not to miss out any special occasions, all of Roohi's firsts, Abhir's sporting events, Neil's venture openings, Manjari's informal concerts so and so forth. Tried being the key word here because he missed quite a few. He did make up for them eventually but those were the moments stolen from him by fate.

But Abhimanyu never complained. All he felt was gratitude, for having a beautiful family who would look out for each other come what may. One or the other covered up for him when kids complained of his absence and would give him a detailed account of everything he missed. He is extremely grateful for everything life dished out - good, bad, ugly. As someone who sees life and death so closely on a daily basis, he values life the most and he is thankful that he has a beautiful one with a beautiful family. 

Abhimanyu rushed to Abhir who looked almost awake. He wondered if Abhir's body clock is making itself known. He went to hug his child and he immediately snuggled to his father. Abhimanyu pecked his forehead and Abhir opened his eyes as if this was the only thing stopping him from waking up. Abhimanyu chuckled. 

"Dad! Di...." started Abhir only to be cut by Abhimanyu, "Aapki Di ekdum theek hai. Khush hai. Maine baat karliya hai aur aapko worry hone ki koi zarurat nahi hain. Now give me your pyaari si smile." Abhir gave his charming smile, hugged his father and ran to wake Neil up.

He had to thank his Chachu for making that gift possible for his Di. Everything went downhill so suddenly the day before that he didn't even appreciate his Chachu's effort. He didn't want to waste anymore time. That's something Abhimanyu stressed on always. We should never leave an opportunity to appreciate your family. 

Please, Sorry and Thank You should be a part of your day to day vocabulary especially with family. While many considered these words too formal to be used at home, Abhimanyu believes that they are formal only when used as a formality. If it comes straight from the heart, it's just expressing your feelings and offering due respect.

 He encouraged his kids to express freely and taught them very early on, that family deserves utmost respect and that respect needs to be heart felt. Abhir as usual wrestled Neil out of his bed and this time, hugged him tight. Neil smiled at his baby and tightened the hug. 

"Thank you Chachu! Dad ne kaha Di bahut khush hai. All because of you. Aap kuch bhi kar sakte ho. You are our genie," Abhir exclaimed. Neil choked. He was used to such compliments from the kids but everytime they praised him, he couldn't help getting emotional. He can do anything for the kids, for the family, but their acknowledgement meant so much to him.

 "The pleasure is mine bacha. Teri Di meri bhi toh bachi hai. You don't have to thank me for that yaar," said Neil."Aapko acha feel nahi hua?" asked Abhir curiously.

"Bahut acha laga bacha. Kise acha nahi lagta itne pyaar se bologe toh?" Neil said while ruffling Abhir's hair.

"Chachu!" whined Abhir. He hates it just like Abhimanyu and Neil loves irritating him. It's his way of getting back, for waking him up like that.