TILL INFINITIES END

60. AARUSHI

(AUTHOR'S NOTE- NODDY, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU.)

The clock struck four, and I stood in my kitchen, the comforting aroma of boiling water filling the air... as I prepared my evening tea. The ritual having tea at around four, whether I am working in clinic on weekdays or sitting at home and living the weekend, was a little escape between the pile of responsibilities—work, kids, and the constant demands of life. I boiled the tea when the doorbell rang, a sudden interruption to my silent moment.

"Who is it?" I wondered, wiping my hands on a kitchen towel as I lowered the flame on the stove and walked out in the hall. As I opened the door, I was completely shocked. SHOCKED.

Standing before me, wearing a crisp shirt and jeans, with a small bag on shoulder was none other than...one of my closest friends- Manav.

WHAT. THE. HECK.

Yes, he was here. Oh wait, you don't know, right? Okay so Manav shifted to USA around four years back due to job prospects and after he left, he just disappeared. He never returned, and today, I saw him in person after the first time!

"Oh my god, Manav?" I shouted, my heart racing in disbelief and joy. Without a second thought, I pulled him into a soft hug. It felt like a huge round of energy rushing within me.

"Surprise!" he laughed, hugging me back, his voice coated with genuine affection. 

"Oh my god, come in!" i invited him in.

"I didn't think I'd get this kind of welcome after moving to the USA and coming back after four years!" he said as he entered.

"Lucky you, Mr. Manav!" I laughed "I can't believe you're here! I thought you'd settled in the USA forever and had forgotten that we existed somewhere in a little city in India."

"Oh no no, god forbid." He says, "How can I, Aarushi?"

"You can, USA is quite distracting though." I teased, pulling back to get a good look at him. He hadn't changed much—still the same friendly smile that could light up a room, and make anyone smile.

He laughed, "USA has nothing more to offer than deadly work hours and money. It's made only for the so called workaholic people you see."

"And you're turning into one of them certainly. No calls, no messages, nothing! I just get to see you through the stories and pictures you put on the social media! You didn't even come to meet us even once in four years. You know how much is that?" I complain in a little lighter way.

"I know Aarushi, please stop scolding me. I've literally just entered your house." He says and I laugh, "I'm busy with work. Someone has to keep things running over there."

As we moved into the living room, he sat on the sofa with crossed legs, and a casual ease that spoke of our years of friendship. I settled across from him, my heart beating with excitement.

"How did you manage to surprise me like this all of a sudden? Getting married or what?" I ask.

He makes a face, "Aarushi it's high time you stop mentioning about me getting married, okay?"

"Yeah, anyway you're an uncle now. 43 and still unmarried." I laugh and tease him. He opens his mouth to say something but then he closes it, knowing that it's worthless to debate with me.

"My company needed me here for a few meetings. I'm back for three weeks," he said, "was passing by, so just thought to drop and meet you."

"Perfect timing! I was just about to make tea," I said, heading back to the kitchen.

"Great! But don't put sugar in mine," he called out, and I laughed, my voice carrying back to him.

"Manav Uncle has diabetes or what?" I joked, filtering his tea.