Death

TARUN'S POV"

We all are settling in a cozy cafe, and where my Chand is Boling with anger because of her own best friend, who is shyer than usual, she is smiling sheepishly. and then Rehan reveals something I never saw coming, something that shouldn't have been kept from me. a truth...bloody truth,,,,,,,

KAARAANNNN I will not leave you,.....

they are married since last 2 yearssss.....hellll..

"WHAT DIDI YOU SAY" anger and frustration clearly visible in my voice. He never told me.

A soft thing resting on my shoulder....my heart, wait... my heartbeat they are gone.... it's she, her hand is giving me assurance or calming my anger, her hand, steady and warm, a silent reassurance against my anger.  she put her hand on my shoulder. First time in forever I don't just like it; crave it. For the first time ever, I don't just tolerate a girl's touch. But not just any girl. my girl, my Chand......her voice breaks my daydream.

"don't get angry dude! there is a reason behind"

"reason" I Whisper, not because of the shock of this brand-new news but, because of 'her hand' is still on my shoulder. I hear some Whispers from Rehana, she is saying something to her boyfriend. "Look, every time whenever she talks to boy, she always addressed by 'bro' but here specially 'dude', daal me kuch kala hai", (something is rotten in the state of Denmark)

and he whispers back "muje to puri daal hi kalli lag rahi hai".                           (i don't know the translation of this idiom, heheh)

I can't help but smile at their conversation, yes, I am special........Yes, I matter to her...even if she doesn't say it aloud.

"yess there is a reason, Tarun" Rehan said,

"no one knows that Sanjana and Karan's marriage, " with a brief pause, then lower his voice, he adds "not even their parents" And Sanjana's expression shifts, her face pale, her eyes flickering with something unspoken.  Of course, she would react this way, her parents are gone, never knowing their daughter taken this step.  A silent pain settles over her, heavy and unforgiving. 

no no Tarun no, Rember what Karan said "she don't need sympathy" so no pity, no sorrow. Only the quiet strength she has always carried.

"But why don't you all tell them"

"Because no one accept this marriage, it's not about cast or some society issue, it's about Sanjana was just 18 and Karan got his posting notice, so they just Get married and after all no one knows about their love, 'that they love each other'." This time Trisha explains everything.

"Okay......" Kanika's voice is echo throughout the silence, carrying a rare sincerity. "So, cut the crap guys, Sanjana di, you know they must be happy, now. indeed, it's your fault but believe me if they were here, they would be nothing but proud. Their daughter married for love. No matter what happen next, they just need that their children must be happy in their life. Parents don't need anything else."

Sometimes I thought that this is my little sister, who just live in her own delulu world, but look here she is talking like an elder. I chuckle at her behavior, ahh she is grown up.... And there is relief on Sanjana's face, but she is still struggling with her inner demon, and Karan he is not doing anything for her, can't he see her despair. Ok he is grump but, at least not for his love.

ring... its Trisha's phone displaying a name: "Yug😘"

My fist clenches instinctively. Why the hell she put that emoji next to his name.

"Hey...where the hell are you..." she yells into the phone. He mutters something to her, and after brief pause, she simply says, "OK" and hangs up. 

"Guys, he is back.... Yug is backkk" she exclaims, practically bouncing in excitement. Why so hyped about this?

"Good, then call him here" Rehan suggests casually.

"No..Yaar jet lag"

"So, Sanjana hamari pyari sii dost ne jo samjhya samj aaya." she asked. And for my surprise she just hmm. 

I can't help but raise an eyebrow. "Wait...the same girl who was blushing shyly just a minute ago is now answering with just 'hmm'" I lean back to my chair with a sign. She giggles at my words. And just like that food is gone. Soon after we all head home.

Karan's Pov:

I am fuming with anger, just because my father, what he thinks I am a pawn or what, so he can use it however he wants. My mood is so happy after date night, but in morning during the breakfast, he said that he has found a girl for me? bullshit.... and know he is forcing to go on a date with her.....what the fuckkk!!!never ever in dreams I thought about any other girl except Sanjana, she is my Jaan, my lady, my girl. and he is talking about another girl when my lady needs me the most... an idea pops up in my mind but before that, Rehana, yes where is she...

"Rehana..." I shouted...

"vo gahr par nahi hai, aaj sunday hai sab ne bhar milne ka plan banaya hai" my mom said form downstairs... (She is not at home, today is Sunday, everyone has made plans to meet)

hell...now no plan only truth...naked truth. I know everyone must be surprised or shock, after that but I need to tell everyone.... about me about us... that...that I AM MARRIED.

but I need to talk to her, need her approval.

ring.... ahhh not now I am not in mood... phone is displaying a name, Tarun

I don't like emoji in phone or any chats. the words escape my mouth after seeing his call is 'chutiya, galt time par call karta hai'                                      (You idiot, you call at the wrong time.)                                                                      {author Note: English me vo feel nahi aa raha...🤭}

"kya hai, kyun call kiya" 

"kuttee, kamine, harmai, saale chutiya aur kya-kya bol ne ki Iccha hai meri, par ye readers par galt impression jyega issiliye chup hun,.... itni badi baat ho gai aur tune muje baya nahi" he shouted, no not just shouted he screams that I had to turn the receiver away from my ears. 

This won't let anyone know that Papa has found a girl.

"konsi baat" I ask cautiously. 

"That you are married, bastard"

"oh"

"What ohh"

"Yeah I hm..... yes, I am married to Sanjana, but how you get to know"

"She told us"

"us"

"yeah... its me Kanika and all of them. okay now what, officially kar le shaadi"

"han, vo mai soch to raha hun..." I said is low voice. 

"What the fuck 'soch raha hun,' vo ladki tere liye itni diwani hai, inazaar kar rahi hai, saalon se aur tu keh raha hai, me soch raha hun"

"Oh Tarun, it's my problem, not yours, leave me." I roared. 

"Go to hell, I am just fulfilling a friend's responsibility."

"bye" and with last cold tone I cut the call. Okay, now I just need some peace to think about this, first is papa, what's in his mind, and second "the interview" at "ANAND TCH." yes, I want to do job at Tarun's company, Because I want to collaborate with Papa's company and his company. Papa is really expert in Exports and Anand tec. need a good exporter for their products.

{Flashback at Breakfast time}

And now I am, standing front of papa's room, bracing myself

knock..knock....

A familiar, cold voice responds with commanding, "Come in" No doubt I have inherited this Attitude. As I step inside, a familiar decor welcomed me, A King size bed at the center, in the left corner there is French window, with a huge balcony, there is a small study table, and a couch near bed where my mom is settling there with crochet in her hand, her fingers moving gracefully through the loops. Mummy look up at me, notices my hesitation, and give me small encouraging nod.

"Uh...... papa I need to tell you something," i start hesitantly clearing my throat.

"I don't want to hear anything" he cuts me off. God, his attitude! my own father testing my patience. "You just listen to me, Karan. Today you are having lunch with Kashika"

"Kashika?" I repeat, more shocked than confused. Of course, I know who Kasika is, come on, I am Karan Grover. How could I not know my own family's circle.

"She is my friend's daughter." he states, as if that explains everything. 

"Oh, so why should I go on a LUNCH, especially with HER" I intestinally emphasize the word like it's unbearable task.

"It's a date"

A date? hell no... I am not going on a date with anyone except 'My Girl'.

"No, I am not going" I said matching with his tone of attitude.

"I AM NOT ASKING KARAN, I AM TELLING YOU "He declares.  But father, I am also Your son.

" And I am not asking either, father." I reply, my voice steady, meeting his gaze with equal intensity.

"If you refuses have lunch with Kashika, then the consequences, will not be in you Favour" he states. 

"Neeraj, jab vo mana kar raha rhai to jabardasti kyun kar rahr ho" mummy pleads, her voice laced with worry, she looks between the two of us, hoping to erase the tension.

"Mai vo kar raha hun jo, aek baap ko karna cahiye" he says, his tone final. His eyes flickers to mummy, silently telling her not to interfere. 

"What consequences, father...! I am ready." I said with all my confidence. But my all-strength collapse, at once, my entire world shift. 

"What did you say" my voice is just above whisper.

"SANAJAN will be the one who suffer" his voice cut through me like a blade. A beat of silence stretches between us before he continues. "so,.... you are going" he's not asking. he's ordering. and when my father says something, it always carries weight. 

"what are you trying to do?" I whisper. "Why can't Sanjana be my wife?"

 His expression hardens "Because of our family's reputation." with brief pause "and she is an orphan."

 "ENOUGH" this time voice sharp, loud almost shaking. How dare he?

 "Karan he is your dad" Mumma reminds me, her voice firm. Of course she is on his side, she's his wife, after all.  

"Why mom? Why isn't this a reason? and him? he's the one saying this?" And I can't believe, he...he is saying this, my voice shakes with disbelief.  "The same man who runs an orphanage?" I let out a bitter laugh. "I can't believe this. Papa. Tell. Me. Truth"

Mumma turns to him. "Tell him the truth, Neeraj. You'll have to, sooner or later" her voice carries a weight I don't understand yet, but I know something is wrong.

Papa exhales a long sigh "it's a long story Karan" I cut his words.

"Then do short," I snap, "Just tell me" My voice is laced with distress.

 "Years ago, Kashika's grandfather made promise to your grandfather that you and Kasika would marry each other, and she was taught from childhood that she will marry you. That is why I am telling you to marry her". 

"What the fuckk"

 "KARAN" my mom shouted. 

"What" I whirl toward Mumma, disbelief crashing over me. "Mom this isn't a reason! and who the hell was he to decide my Shadi with anyone, he's not even alive to see it through! khud to mar gaye mujhe latak agaye." My voice is low 

"Karan he is elder of this house" papa said.

 "But I love Sanjana" I said with confidence.

 "ohkk, but I can't say no to them, it would be better if the refusal came from their side." papa mutters, his voice oddly clam.                                                                                                                                       

 I turn toward the door, done with this conversation. "Fine. Let's see what I can do."  Just as I'm about to step out, his voice calls me back-- not angry, not cold. Just neutral.

"What about your death certificate"

 "Oh that? I am handling it. Heading to the registrar's office in few days." 

"What certificate......" Mumma stiffens. I look at her, then at father. he closed his eyes, for brief second and then gesture me to go, He will handel her. 

I am sathnding out side their door, and can hear their muffed voices. "Sita, suno... heyy. Shuh... he is here, the government just misinterpreat."

"Mera beta... tumhe pata tha... aur ye.. kese.. itni badi galti kar sakte hai." she is crying so much that I can'r handel and ran inside again. 

"Mumma" I said softly and take her hand in mine and narrate the whole story. About my DEATH. 

Hug her with much delicacy, that she holds me when I was kid. How I forget that a mother cannot tolerate a scratch over her child than this is freaking Death. 

                                                                              YUG'S POV"

'YOU ARE USELESS, PARASITE FOR JAISWAL FAMILY. " Mr. Jaiswal's voice roar in the living room. "Bas aiyashiya karvalo, paise udaane ke alva aaj tak kiya kya hai tum ne, are han kiya hai na apne naaam ka use, THE YUG JAISWAL the only heir of Jaiswal Group" my stepfather taunt me. "I just gave you one work to go and just cancel the deal, but NO." enough now

"But their company is not Profit-making company, I myself check the Financial statement." 

"You did what? check? huh!" he evilly chuckle. Yes, this how my stepfather treats me, I never wanted father, but mom think that I need a father figure. I never say fahter to him, because that word only belonged to "my father" "PREM JAISWAL", and I can do anything for my mother, she married to another man just because of me, so that I can get father's love. But he is a devil, he never loves me, never.  The worst thing is that his surname is same as my father's, and now he is CEO of Jaiswal Group, my father's company.

"Dheeraj, relax, he is kid, he doesn't know anything about, business" a sweet voice came, it's my mom. Sarita Jaiswal, sorry, "Sarita Prem Jaiswal" Dheeraj is nothing to me nor to my mom at least for me', he just smiles, indeed fake smile. 

"I am going to my room" I declare "yes beta, you must have jetlag na, go." my mom said to me. and I just nodded.

As I entered my room a soft familiar smell filled in my nostrils, The light-yellow light in the corridor of the room was protecting the whole room from darkness. Just like my friends and mother are in my life, this light had become the support of this room.
Further I lighten up whole room by opening the curtains of the French windows. There is a huge family photo in the center of my bed wall, whole family me, papa, mummy, and... An.. d.. My Sister... A tera roll down from my eyes, I miss you papa, I miss you Pari... The only word I can form now because of uncontrollable sobs...

After then I went to bathroom to freshen up for myself. As I was coming out of the bathroom when my eyes went to the study table, the things are not on their respective place, yes, I observe everything, I can clearly see that someone has come into my room and searched through it. But Who... Who can be none other than PARTH...

"Shyam" I called out servant. He didn't take any long time to come.
"Ji... Chote sahab"

"Mere jane ke baad, koi mere kamre me aya tha? "

"Ji... Vo... Nahi." He stammers then I went towards the side drawer and pull-out A crisp Currency note of 500. I fly it over his face and ask again.

" Mere jane ke baad, koi mere kamre me talaashi lene aaya tha"

"Yes sir, it's Parth. Parth sir who entered on you room and after then he asked me to clean your room as earlier, sir he came here to search something, but he didn't get it then he push that table, and.... " one by one he reveal all the truth. He didn't complete his words...

"And..? "

"The photograph of yours and Bade malik broken"

"NO" I shouted, I immediately ram towards the table, but for my relief that was completely fine. I look at him, with questioning gaze, he immediately answered me.

"Mene judwaa di thi" he said in low voice. 

"Thank you, Shyam," and he left the room. Then all of sudden I realize that I forget most important thing, to inform my friends, I start dialing Trisha's number, which is written as "TRISHA💀" Yes, yes with danger emoji, she is "Chalta firta REALITY CHECK" to everyone, she is a sassy girl in our group. 

"Hey...where the hell are you..." she shouted on phone.

"I am back, T, and feeling very low, because of tiredness and jetlag" my voice is heavy like I am just woke up or end up by crying. "So, we will meet tomorrow at collage?" I asked her and she said OK to my words. And with that photo frame I went towards the windows where my father's swing chair is present, I use to sit on it, whenever I feel lonely, or happy or sad or any other emotion, I use to sit.

 "Papa aap ne kaha tha na, mera naam aap ne 'Yug' isliliye rakaha hai kyuki aek din me is company ke Yug ko badlunga, naye innovations, naya managemrnt, but look papa I failed, I miserably filed, and I just a parasite to this family. but papa agar aap hote to muje sikhate na..hena bolo na papa aap kyun chale gaye, kyu papa......"

And I realize that I started crying again, I feel a soft hand on my right shoulder I held that tightly and start crying again, it's my mom, she sat at the near chair and now I am on ground, my head is on lap she is consoling me, taping my head caressing me. When I ask her the same Question I use to ask "ma aapne shadi kyun kari" and I know the answer still I asks.

 "So that you get a father's love and scold" no mom he doesn't love me, and I never accept him as a father.

" Chalo... Toda sa kha lo" she said and wipe my tears. 

"No mom I am not hungry"

"I am not asking, okay come and eat" This time she said strictly. 

"Kya bnaya hai" I asked her while yawning and rubbing my eyes.

"Daal chawal"

"Not something continental" I asked her in my nonchalant tone. 

"Batun abhi.. Yaha aa Aur jo banya hai na vo kha le, nahi to ye bhi nahi mile ga"

I just laugh at her angry face... At least I have she who genuinely care and love me.
"Aww my cutie Mumma" A came near to her and pinching her cheeks.
And we eat together sometimes she made me eat or sometimes I made her eat. At the ending session of our lunch, she asked me.
"So, Yug how was the Hawaii Chics" There is mischief in her eyes. 

"Momm" I chided at her tease. 

"Common son" She asked again. 

"I don't have that much time" 

"Oh god that's not possible the Heart Rober, Playboy Yug Jaiswal don't have girlfriends at Hawaii" Yeah you all read correct Girlfriend with 's'. 

"Jaha tak muje yaad hai, you have one girlfriend at London, 2 at new Jersey, and I think 3. yeah 3 at Bali" she said excitedly.

"Mummaaa only one at Bali, kya yaar. Aur muje yaha time nahi millaa" 

"Vese sun beta muhje meri bahu la de, sacha pyaar kar jise tu, aur vo tujhe se kare" There is hope in her eyes.

"Mom, I don't believe in "Sacha pyaar "and all, there is no soulmate concept" I said to her, I paste exact line which Trisha used to say.

"Hota hai jab pyaar hoga tab samjh aa jayega" she said and leave the room. 

With a long sigh. I lied on bed. 

"Aesa koi nahi hoga jo mujhe se pyaar karega maa" I whisper to myself more than to her. I don't even know when I fell asleep. 
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Aap bhi soo jao... Good night💤💤

And don't forget to MISS ME! 😁