Backstory of Tapasya Oberoi

2. Problems

"And once the storm is over, you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. That's what this storm's all about."
― Haruki Murakami

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The party was organized in the mansion which was situated at the heart of the Mumbai city. The mansion's name was named after Mrs. Oberoi, Geet's Residence.

The companies run by Mr. Oberoi were passed to him by his father Mr. Ramesh Oberoi, which he inherited from his father . The roots of his business are deep. Then Mr. Avinash Oberoi, along with his wife, Mrs. Geet Oberoi, expanded the business very well, with her degree in medicines. She was a beauty with brain.

The three floor off white mansion was designed to look like a palace in 19th century before the independence of the country. Now equipped with all modern facilities, providing it's residence with everything that they can think of. An entire floor was only dedicated to the library and there was another part of the mansion for entertainment like gaming room consist of all types of indoor games, a roof-top pool. Guests' rooms were located on the entirely different wing of the mansion. Line of luxury cars are always waiting on command.

But the irony was both Mr. Oberoi and Tapasya kind of lost their interest in all of these luxuries. They both know that these worldly possessions doesn't matter if you have no one to share it with. Mr. Oberoi's room was untouched from past 8 years. Every little thing was still there where it was kept as it was decorated by his wife, and no one was allowed in there except Tapasya. He even finds time to dust all the things by himself. Other than that only one more room was used by Tapasya. Everything else in the entire mansion was untouched, as a tribute to Geet who decorated it with her love. Other than those one room was used by Aabha, Avinash's sister and one by their Butler, Bheem, who was serving them from past fifteen years.

After breakfast Tapasya was checking the final arrangements for the party.

"Taaaaiiiii." Mr. Oberoi shouted all of the sudden. He rarely shouts. Everyone and it was like even time stopped for a second. The sudden voice surprised Aabha and she dropped the tea set which she was cleaning.

"Where the hell is that?" He was roaring from the staircase.

"Wh....What?" It looks like she lost her voice all of the sudden.

"Did you come to my room today or not?" he yelled again.

"No."

"Yes you did. Why else my family photo goes missing from the drawer?" There was no control on his anger

"I took that." Tapasya intervened to save Aabha from him.

"And why did you do that?" He was trying control his anger but the attempt was failing.

"Don't worry I will give you that after a while."

"I want it now and I mean NOW."

"I have messaged a copy of that picture to you. the original will be here soon. Till then keep looking at that dad, please. Now clam yourself we are not used to your anger." Tapasya said to him in calm voice. It was true, Avishan rarely looses his temper. He mumbled something and went to his room, shutting the door with a loud bang.

***

The party was to be held at vast garden at front of the mansion. Everything, the food, a little bar for some high status personals and sitting arrangements, was done outside the mansion. they prefer that way only.

This time family of Mr. Agarwal is also arriving in this party. This was a problem, a big unavoidable problem for Tapasya. They are the closest friend of Mr. Oberoi, that she know off. He was extra excited about this party because of this only. Beside being close family friends these both families were bonded by one more reason. Her.

***

At evening the garden was full with guests and Mr. Oberoi was receiving all the greetings and gifts. He was now happy because Tapasya have returned him his original family photo. Its enlarged size is now hanging on the hall's wall. The hall was grand with two staircases, making a big circle in middle, leading to first floor. The picture was placed in between the staircases.

It was the last picture they have taken as a family. With Mr. Oberoi standing by a royal chair and Mrs. Oberoi sitting on it. There children were happily sitting on the arm rest on the chair. It was a memory he never wants to loose.

The party was on its peek when the guest of honor arrived. The Agarwal's were here for two reasons, first Mr. Oberoi's birthday and second Mr. Agarwal have some meeting here, so along with Mr. Devansh, Mrs. Vina Agarwal and their daughter, Anusha tagged along. They also had a son who didn't come. They all live in Melbourne, Australia. But their son lives here in Mumbai, pursuing engineering is automobile. Tapasya has never met him, in all these years, though she is bound to someday soon.

"Happy birthday, Avinash." Both elders greeted him.

"Thanks". Avinash was exceptionally cheerful. "I am glad that you all made at last. Though I am definitely going to miss someone special." He added.

"It was not fair to you if we didn't come, and we also miss our Tapasya's eighteenth birthday party." Vina replied cheerfully, looking at Tapasya with loving eyes.

She only looked at them awkwardly. Anusha jumped towards her and hugged her from behind. She was the same age as Tapasya, a month younger.

"How're you Taps?" She asked cheerfully.

"I am fine, and you?" Replied Tapasya.

"Missing my brother?" She smirked.

Tapasya didn't know what she suppose to say? How can you miss someone whom you never met and just seen his ten year old photo?

"Do not bother my future daughter-in-law, young lady", Vina intervened.

Yes, she was engaged to their son, Rishi when she was five. At that time it seemed to be a great idea to the elders but now she was not sure. All she did was to stand there like an idiot and looked at Mr. Oberoi.

TO BE CONTINUED....