Redemption (Available on KDP and Pothi)

1. Him and Her

10:30 am.

Arth looked at the vivid, offending digital letters. He tossed the mobile aside and groggily leaned back on the headrest. His mind was fuzzy from the last remnants of the dream he had seen. For a change, it was a pleasant one. It was about sitting under a big, old, awning oak tree amidst a meadow full of colourful flowers. But the details were fading away from his brain as he became more awake.

Through the slightly parted blinds, a ray of sunlight was streaming into the room. Arth sat on the bed, tenderly watching the dust motes dance in the wall of light. He didn't have office commitments on a Sunday. A fleeting feeling of relief washed over him but it vanished as soon as it appeared. It was on holidays that Arth truly felt the pinch of the void in his life. Aside from work, he had no other interests. There wasn't much to do at the house either.

Taking a deep breath, he climbed out of the bed. It was pointless to try sleeping again.

After a leisurely shower, Arth put on an episode of the Simpsons while preparing lunch. He had almost finished cooking when the house bell rang. Hesitating for a second, he opened the door.

"Bhaiya!" Tara squealed and leapt into Arth's arms.

Arth held the door frame for some support. "Whoa!"

She laughed and stood up on her toes to kiss his forehead. Then she exclaimed, "Surprise!"

"Yes! Surprise!" Samay grabbed Arth by the side and tackled him into a hug.

"Okay, okay..." Arth's expression was decidedly irritated as he gently pushed Samay away. "I didn't know you guys were coming. How did you find out that I was home?"

"That's why it is called a surprise, you dummy!" Samay berated making Arth roll his eyes at his pesky cousin. "Plus, it is a Sunday. We know that you aren't venturing out of this hellhole today."

Tara nodded vigorously. "Yes and did you think I'd abandon you on Bhai Dooj?"

Arth stiffened. A part of him didn't want this. However, a large part of him wanted all of it. Being unable to handle that part was the bane of his life. He was exhausted and just wanted to get out of the conversation without having to repeatedly explain himself. "Tara, you are aware that I don't celebrate this day or any festival. What part of no do you not get?"

Sudden silence swept over the room. Tara looked at him wearily. She knew how this was going to play out yet, Arth's distance and words stung. But she loved him way too much to allow the hurt to get under her skin. So like all times, she put up a happy front for him.

"Who said I am here to do the rituals? I am here for lunch. Won't you feed us, Bhaiya?"

Arth rubbed his forehead in exasperation. "I am sorry, Tara. I know I am being too harsh."

"No, you are not! Now come on, let's eat. I am hungry."

Acknowledging her wish, Arth turned around and hastily made his way to the kitchen. Tara let out a breath she was involuntarily holding. Samay took her into an embrace and kissed her temple. "It's okay. He does love us all."

She sniffed. "Of course!"

"Bas toh phir. Come."

They walked into the small dining room to see Arth frenziedly set up the table. He told them, "I have made chicken curry and rice. I hope that is okay?"

"Arre tere haath ka toh patthar bhi kha lenge!" Samay raised a glass of water in mock toast making Tara laugh.

Giving her a tender look, Arth took the seat next to Tara and heaped three large spoonfuls of rice onto her plate. She shrieked, "Goodness Bhaiya, I don't eat this much!"