You could have saved him!

Chapter 4

4 days after DDay.

A lot happened in these 3 days. A lot of speculations. A lot of gossip about what happened that night. Vikash was under pressure from everyone to close the case as soon as possible. Tushar Hooda. Taran's brother was in town to take his body. Sanjeet tried to meet him but he was visibly upset and said he will come back to see him after the last rituals of Taran. Sanjeet was broken, would be a downplay of his emotions. He wasn't the only one. Pratichi has been unconsciously keeping an ear out whenever her uncle and father discuss something to hear any advancement of the case. Anaya and Kavya weren't their usual self as well. Neerav hasn't returned home because Miss Sambhavita didn't want him to return to his problematic home in such a fragile state. His mother came to take him, the whole total of once. On the third day when she realised the food in the house had run out. She didn't make a fuss when Miss Sambhavita said to her that Neerav is sick and she will be happy to send him home once he recovers. Nikhil still brings two plates of food from the mess and sets the plate of food on Taran's table in hopes that he will come back. The classes had begun after the memorial day. In the palace his body was now a bench with his picture, candles and flowers. As well as cards, gifts, memorabilia like some pictures of him with Sanjeet, Nikhil. A picture of him and pratichi winning a competition some years back, some of his sketches, his pictures with Sambhavita, Mr. Banarjee, Dean Singh, some of his medals and newspaper cuttings. The whole college seems to be determined not letting him be forgotten. Every day someone would take out old flowers and clean up the wax residue of candles and in hours there will be more flowers, more candles. Like everyone was silently asking for justice for him.

"Viku! University case ka kya hua?" Dr. Vedi asked on the dinner table. Pratichi's hand stopped and he gave a side eye to her uncle waiting for his answer.

"Bhaiya, I think ye suiside hi hai. Crime scene main kisi aur ke hone ka koi nisahan Mila nai hai. There is no scratch mark on the terrace from where he fell. Not any sign of force. Kal declares ho jayega." Vikash said.

"He can't kill himself." Pratichi blurted without thinking.

"Priyu you only said na he was emotionally broken that day you met him. He even said he was tired of being saved. He was bullied. He didn't have many friends. Family ki financial condition thik nai thi. It's possible beta." Vikash said calmly.

"He was also a very strong guy. He was brilliant. He was kind. He was building a future for himself. He was all set for any Ivy league college he wanted." Pratichi said giving a look to her father. "Ho skta hai kisine use darake chhat se jump karne ko majboor Kia ho."

"Kisne.. for God's sake Priyu wo 17 sal ka tha. Ek 17 sal ke bache ko Marne ka koi reason nai hai." Vikash said.

"Ek 17 sal ke bachhe ka chhat se kud Jane ka vi koi reason nai banta hai Chachu." She yelled standing up the looked around at the surprised face of her parents and uncle. "Sorry"

She mumbled before running to her room and sat on her bed. Her hand reached to her cheek. Every time she closes her eyes she saw his, golden. Shining. Smiling eyes of Taran. There was a knock on her door.

"Main ajau beta"

"Ofcourse Dad.. " after he came in and sat down "I'm sorry." Her father laughed and gave her a bowl of ice cream.

"You haven't done anything wrong. You lost a friend. Ye reaction normal hai."

"He was a friend. But yes he was in my life and now that he isn't. I'm not feeling good."

"That is a friend. You two studied together. Represented your college and school in so many competitions. You admired him. Tu to ye vi notice karti thi ki kis din wo class nai aya. Man ya na man beta he was a friend."