THE STORY OF LIFE | A 21ST CENTURY RAMAYANA

*VEER

Veer cast a glance at Malini, and then back at Lakshman. He waited in silence as If, Ram would award him with the response he was waiting for, but it seemed like he was to speak for himself.

"Sir, truth being spoken, she is really tired. And, she has been so all her life. I know what my brother has inflicted upon her and... I don't know if.."

"He's hesitating, " came in Malini. "He's hesitating enough to say that I unfortunately do not have any family left there. My parents passed away long ago, and of my brother, I know nothing. He.. he probably doesn't even remember me now. So, I dont wish to go back. "

"Ma'am, but, if you dont mind.. Im sorry for your loss but you must know our family is ready with open arms to welcome her. She can stay with us comfortably," Ram added.

" She is an inspiration to all of us," Siya chided stepping ahead. "And, we would love you ma'am. Please, there is nothing left here. You won't be able to make it through here.."

"I have a lot left here," Malini said smiling a little. "I have the rest of them, two elders to look after, the families of those left.. I have memories." She fell silent making her absence of words make the loudest of noises.

All of them took a deep breath as they knew they hadn't much of an appropriate response to the same. She had memories, no matter how gruesome they were, but they were indeed.

"Ma'am," Lakshman spoke, "What if you divide your time between India and here? Please come stay with us, along with your mother and father in law, and you can come whenever you wish."

"No dear," she replied. "I can't. They're too old to travel back and forth, and I wouldn't take the risk. And coming to Baba, he has clearly said he won't be stepping in India again. He says he has no face or name left there, and that he'd rather spend the last of his time here. I can't leave him then, can I?"

Ram knew, she was a woman of grit and conviction, and there was nothing he could do change her mind now that she made it.

"Veer," he asked turning to him. "Will you too?"

Veer looked down, almost stealing glazes from everyone.

"I..It would be very selfish of me to leave everyone like this wouldn't it?"

"Why," Malini spoke softly. "If you wish to go, please dont hesitate. You have a life left in front of you.."

"No," was his reply instantly, looking at her for a fraction a second and then back at them.

"I won't go back. Ill stay here and look after the few that are left. Ill ensure this island is built well from scratch and Ill have schools built for the children. I will make this a safe haven for all those who wish to come. Believe it or not, Raghavan had actually once put away some funds for rebuilding this place and guess, the time has come now. Only this time, I will do it."

Ram stepped ahead and hugged Veer tightly.

"My Man, you have been a man of a heart I wish to have. I owe you my life and respect. If there is anything at all you need, please, please let me know."

"I will, surely."

They broke the hug as Ram looked at him with mutual bonding.

Malini stood up as she hugged Siya and Urmila, warm and lovingly.

"Stay well, dear. Make sure to make up for your lost time. I apologise on behalf of everyone, and I wish you all the best. "

"I...I.." Siya was at a loss of words, and all she could do was to linger on in the woman presence for longer as they sank in the silent oceans tunes.

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"We need all these boxes to be loaded in the first base of the cargo. We need to set sail by the 25th. And reach India by the 10 of this new year, so.."

"Sir, can I talk to you for a minute?"

Ram turned from his instructive conversation with Sujit as the latter went to work and walked to the side with Veer, giving him the privacy he understood was needed at the time.

"Yes, Veer?"

"Sir, actually I... I just wanted to say that if you need any help from us, please let us know. The few who are left have understood how theyve been on the wrong side for the longest time and they want to do something to rectify it. So please..."

"Veer, please don't be so formal with me. I know, you've still done a lot for me and I can't thank you enough with my words. Hope I can do so with my actions. I would have donated some amount to your fund, but I know I dont have enough with me now so.."

At this instant Veer took hold of Rams hand, and clasped it like a brothers.

"Please, dont make me feel like a selfish soul. Your support and strength is all that I need now."

Ram took a step forward and two clung on like brothers, or perhaps in the warmest sense. They had seen enough, lost those close to them. And the world punishingly had forced them to continue smiling for the sake the few they had left. It was almost as if, the two cried silent tears and forgot all their pains, as soon they broke away.

"But," Ram said after a little pause," I must say you're very bad at hiding..what you really feel. And dont get me wrong."

"Wh..what do you mean?"

Ram smiled as in a flash he was reminded of a person, Siya as it was evident from his eyes, yet the next moment tinkling with mischief in a way of thinking about another.

"Malini ji, isn't it Veer?"

Veers eyes widened as he shook his lips to speak, but stopped, knowing any explanation would not be satisfactory.

He sighed as he put his eyes to the sea outward and sighed.

"I did, in one age. She is only a year or two elder to me, you know. The difference between her and Raghavan.. was a lot. But, thats a long gone story. Ever since she's come into the house.. Ive never looked at her again that way. Ive tried to stay away from her as much as possible, and all the years, of the few we've lived under the same roof, she has been a .. good friend. Nothing else."

Ram smiled as he patted Veer.

"I understand, and respect you for the same."

They stood silent as Ram spoke out,

"Now then, I must go back to helping the others. See you in some time, at the shores."

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