Meera

Episode 06

Life is never constant, it can take you for a toss at any moment. Its a roller coaster ride where you find yourself either soaring heights or plunging deep down. Infatuations, crushes, love, breakup, birth, death, success, failure - a unique mixture of these ups and downs completes every human's lifetime.

September 2000

As Raghav had become a successful practicing CA, his parents decided to visit Badrinath,  a very famous shrine in the Himalayan subhills and one among the 108 divya desams (106 on Earth) which every Sri Vaishnavite wishes to visit atleast once in their lifetime. It was a trip to fulfill their lifetime wish and also fulfill the vow that they'd made to Swami Badrinarayan when Raghav was in the hospital bed having cut his hand with the intention to commit suicide. Raghav arranged for the onward journey and the darshan. They had planned to plan their return journey with various other temple visits en route. Chakrapani Iyengar and Janaki ammal set out on their pilgrimage.

When life decides to isolate you, it will always start with your most beloved ones. Death isn't the end of certain relationships in life. Its the beginning of the psychological togetherness that associates itself with the oscillating memories of the person(s) whose life is snatched away from you by the will of God.

That's how God had decided to snatch both his parents in an accident while on trip. He was left alone in his home which his dad had built when he was 1. Though he had his relatives around, he felt all alone as no one could ever fill the place that his parents had occupied in his life. His friend, Raghav Sundar was by his side giving his shoulders for Raghav to cry. He felt his friend's presence a much needed one. He believed his friend to be his fairy angel to lift him from his sorrows. His solitude at his home was painful for him with their memories haunting him. He feared that it could rekindle his past with Sahana and that he could go uncontrollable. He wanted his friend to be by his side. No one was able to control him. But his friend had successful brought him to control, infact into his control.

January 2001

As days passed by, Raghav wanted to move out of the locality with which his childhood was associated as his parents' memories kept haunting him as he was alone in his home. So, he moved out of Mylapore to Nungambakkam after buying a mansion with all the facilities he wanted to have for his leisure. Since he had a good business, this was easily possible with his savings.

As one grows richer, some socially accepted culturally ill habits find their place in life.

That's how Raghav, who was a teetotaler started attending parties occassionally but his drinking was mostly limited to just half a glass. He never entertained this into his mansion.

April 2001

RR & Co had become a multifaceted firm. Their business had seen a drastic improvement and a new assignment meant the firm had the opportunity to expand their business abroad. Raghav was excited, so was his friend. They had proposals to induce new partners from their managing team to enable uniform focus in all the areas. And Raghav wanted to celebrate this by hosting a party at his mansion. Since his team requested, he allowed himself a 'one day' relaxation from his decision of not drinking at home.

Just after his usual half a glass of drinks, Raghav felt he was losing his control. He couldn't understand what was happening to him. He went almost blank.

The next day, when he woke up, his head was heavy due to the effect of hangover. He wasn't sure what had happened. Before he could pick his cellular phone, his friend was there with a glass of lemonade and a plate of breakfast for him. He was almost dressed for the office.

"Dei! What happened last night da!? I remember having just sipped my glass and nothing after that is in my head. And now I feel as if my head would break into pieces! Sollu da! Enna aachu enakku?"
"Raghav! Chill maar! Its just that the drink didn't go well with you! You fainted and I brought you to your room. You're having a hangover. Indha! Lemonade! Finish this off, have your breakfast, and get prepared da. We need to get going. We have a meeting with our new client and we need to pack for the trip abroad. Adhukku vera documents ready pannanum. Lots of work on the go. Seekiram vaa! I'll wait down. And by the way I've used your guest room without your permission. I couldn't afford going back home when you're in this condition here!"
"Thanks da. Its ok. Anyway since you are my best friend da. You have a part in my success story. You're free to use my guest room at any time. Seri. I'll get ready soon. Can you please arrange for the paper work alone for me for the meeting?"
"Nee sollave vendam! I've completed that last night itself. Nee ready aagi vandha podhum! But my strong advise is don't drink from now on!"
"Dei! It was for all of us da. We have to celebrate. And in this posh living, this is usual, though this is an utter disgrace to our creed"
"Seri! Let's not keep wasting the time talking this again! Get down soon. I'll wait in the living room!"
"Ok da. Just give me 45 mins"

As Raghav went to have his shower, his friend exited the room with a villainous smile on his face. His mind voice read 'Poda dei! Unakku enna nadandhudho adhu ellathukkum kaaranam adiyen dhan! Adhu unakku puriyave illaye da! Nee periya appavi da. Unna vechu enna therinjikkanumo adha ellam therinjikka naan potta plan la naan nenachadhu kedaikkala. Aana enakku unna business la kavukka enna venumo adha neeye un vaayala olari kottittiye da! Paavam da nee! Unna vechu naan panna pora karyatha paaru! Ha ha ha (laughs)'

Thinking this in mind, Raghav Sundar went down the stairs and went into the drawing room to get the papers ready. With the papers for the meeting were a set of printed papers and blank papers which he wanted Raghav to sign so that he gets benefitted from them at a later point of time...

How could a person whom you trusted the most backstab you? Is that how world moves today!? Its getting proven that trusting your close friend could also land you in troubles!

And what was that revelation that could bring Raghav down in his business!? Will Raghav see a downfall!? And what was those documents and blank papers for? And did Raghav sign them all?

Wait and watch!