𝐓𝐮𝐦 𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐤

6

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Malang's heart pounded in his chest as he stepped into the photography workshop. The room was buzzing with energy, filled with people of all ages, all united by a shared passion. A wave of nervousness washed over him. He was surrounded by strangers, all of whom seemed to know what they were doing.

Just as he was about to retreat into a corner, a friendly face approached him. A young man, around Malang's age, extended a hand. "Hi, I'm Rohan," he introduced himself. "First time here?"

Malang nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "Yeah, me too," he replied, shaking Rohan's hand.

They found an empty seat towards the back of the room, their shared nervousness melting away under the warmth of their newfound camaraderie.

As the workshop commenced, a renowned photographer took center stage. The room fell silent as they listened intently to the expert's insights on composition, lighting, and storytelling through images. Malang's excitement grew with each passing minute. This was it. The first step towards turning his passion into a reality.

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Malang burst through the door, his face radiating with excitement. Sushila aunty, Netra's mom, greeted him with a warm smile.

"How was the workshop, beta?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Malang couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "It was amazing, aunty! I can't even tell you how much fun I had. I met this guy named Rohan, we were both nervous at first, but it was great!"

Sanjay uncle, Netra's father, looked up from his newspaper, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "So, did you learn something new?" he asked.

Malang nodded vigorously. "So much, uncle! I can't wait to start practicing."

Sushila aunty smiled. "That's wonderful, beta. You should be proud of yourself."

"Netra will be back soon," she added. "She went to pick up some stuff from her friend's place."

"Tab tak jao tum haath muh dho lo, thak gye hoge," she said, her voice filled with motherly concern.

Malang nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. The workshop had been mentally exhausting, and a hot shower was exactly what he needed. He excused himself and headed to the bathroom.
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Meanwhile, back in the world of glitz and glamour, Neel was beginning to feel the aftereffects of the night's revelry. His head throbbed, and his mouth tasted like sandpaper.

As he stumbled into his apartment, he was greeted by the familiar sight of his opulent living room. The stark contrast between the vibrant energy of the club and the sterile luxury of his home was jarring.

He flopped down on the couch, reaching for his phone. A message from Ishaan popped up, inviting him to brunch.

Neel groaned inwardly. Brunch? After a night like that? He declined the invitation with a simple 'Not feeling it.'

As he closed his eyes, he couldn't shake the image of the boy from the street. There was something about his raw energy, his unfiltered reactions, that had captured his attention.

It was a stark contrast to the carefully constructed personas that surrounded him.

Neel's phone buzzed, startling him awake. Without bothering to check the caller ID, he answered, his voice thick with sleep.

"Hello?"

His father's authoritative voice boomed through the receiver. "Neel, how are you?"

Neel sat up abruptly, rubbing his eyes to clear the sleepiness. "Hello, Dad. I'm fine, just checking some business news on TV," he lied smoothly. There was no way he could admit to spending the night clubbing.

His father seemed satisfied. "Good. As your uncle suggested, you should focus on your college studies and not worry about the business until you finish your MBA. I think he's right."

Neel hummed in agreement, trying to sound enthusiastic. Two years away from the constant pressure of the family business? It sounded like a dream come true.

After a few more minutes of conversation, Neel's father hung up. Neel slumped back onto the bed, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Finally, a much-needed break from the corporate world.
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After a refreshing shower, Malang emerged from the bathroom, his spirits lifted. The aroma of home-cooked food wafted from the kitchen, making his stomach rumble.

As he entered the living room, he found Netra already seated at the dining table, her face aglow with excitement.

"How was it, how was it?" she bombarded him with questions, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Malang launched into a detailed account of the workshop, his hands gesticulating wildly as he described the experience. Netra listened intently, her own excitement growing with each word.

Their animated conversation was interrupted by Sushila aunty's stern voice. "Ho gya hoga, baki baatein khana khane ke baad karna"

Malang and Netra exchanged a playful glance before settling down to eat. Sanjay uncle watched the two of them with a fond smile.

He had never had boy of his own, but watching Malang and Netra interact filled him with a sense of warmth and contentment. It was as if Malang had naturally slotted into their family, becoming a cherished member.

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