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Finally made it here after that long journey. Ugh, sitting on a plane can be exhausting! My legs are stiff, my neck hurts, and honestly, I feel like my brain is slowly turning to mush.
I was thinking of watching movies, but then my dad started going on and on about science streams and how important they are for my career… yeah, the classic “you need to crack NEET” talk.
It’s stressing me out, me being in 11th grade and my family already planning my premedical exam schedule, syllabus and which reference books I should carry. I swear, I can’t even enjoy being back in Delhi before they have planned my next three years for me.
But amidst all this chaos and headache, you know what’s making me happy? Just thinking about meeting my first best friend ever, my brother. My heart literally does a little happy flip at the thought of seeing him after five years.
It’s not like he never comes, he usually has holidays to come here, but he definitely avoids it. He rarely comes, and now it’s just for 2-3 days. I haven’t even had a proper chance to meet him. So yeah…this time it feels almost like a real reunion after five years, especially since he is going to live with us now.
•••••
Oh, finally arrived….Yeah, there’s a bit of pollution here, but i’ll manage. Just Delhite things.
Note the sarcasm.
We reached our society, and honestly, this place feels like an oasis. Compared to the chaos of Mumbai, it’s calm. Trees lining the streets, soft wind brushing against my face, a faint smell of flowers mixed with city dust.
This house has been ours since I was born and uncle has been taking care of it all this time. He’s a gem. Always smiling, always giving me chocolates whenever I visit. Honestly, he’s probably the only person who knows the chocolate bribe works perfectly for me.
I hopped out of the car and instantly felt the nostalgia hit me, the smell of the garden, the old swing, the faded paint on the window sill. This backyard was my playground, my little secret hideout.
While lost in my childhood memories, I hear someone calling my name. “Ruhiiii,” my dad shouts, and I turn to see my mom and dad chatting with a couple. The man looks about my father’s age, and the woman appears to be my mother’s age as they exchange hugs and greetings. I rushed over to my dad.
“Ruhhii, meet my best friend, Yuvraj Raichand, and his wife, Adhya Raichand,” he introduces. “Hello, uncle, Hello Aunty,” I smile, greeting him and seeking his blessings. The same goes for Adhya aunty.
“Since you came today so just take rest and yess dinner at my home , next weekend….And yess one thing again I am not inviting you….I am ordering you….bhabhiji don’t need to worry about settlement you just take rest,” Yuvraj uncle said.
“Ah yes, of course, I’ll definitely come. It’s been ages since I have the food cooked by you,” Dad replied, lightly punching him in the arm.
I looked at them. I didn’t really remember them but I am sure Bhai knows them, he had told me a little about Dad’s friends and their families. But i actually never got a chance to meet them.
Honestly, they all seemed so grown-up and busy with their talks. I felt a little out of place. So as soon as everyone got involved in the conversation, I quietly slipped away to rest.
I moved back to my room. Everything was exactly the same posters, furniture, even the faint smell of paint. The place was already clean, so I didn’t need to tidy up. I flopped onto my mattress, hugging my pillow like it was a small piece of my childhood I could carry with me.
I was out on the balcony, taking in the fresh air in Delhi – note the sarcasm. But it’s still my favorite place.
Suddenly, I was hit with booming music. I like music, but only when it’s soft and relaxing. This was… a lot. My ears twitched a little at the bass, and I had to cover them briefly with my hands.
I leaned on the balcony railing, trying to see where it was coming from. “Hmm… isn’t that Yuvraaj’s uncle’s house?” I thought.
Through the glass, I could see people move, laugh and someone toss a bag of chips around. I frowned slightly, tilting my head. “They must be having a small gathering,” I muttered under my breath.
Not that I’m complaining…just a little loud for my quiet corner.
I let out a small sigh, swinging my legs gently.
Okay, Ruhii, calm… it’s not a big deal. Just background noise for now.
My curiosity won over and I kept glancing across, trying to see who was making all the noise without getting too obvious.
Before I could analyze further, a hand covered my eyes. Instantly, I recognized the scent, it was him.
Yeah, it was my brother, Kunal… Kunal Oberoi… my first best friend in the whole world. “Bhai,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes as I saw him after 5 years. It was a real heartwarming moment.
He completed his MBBS two year ago and now he is working at our parents hospital as a second-year PG resident. I feel so proud of him.
“Yes, sweetheart,” he said softly, taking his hands off me.
I looked at him and gave him a tight hug, holding onto him like he might disappear in the next moment. I started crying softly and sniffled as he ran his fingers through my hair.
He held my hand walking beside me, leading us inside the room.
“Congratulations baccha for scoring such good marks,” I smiled at him, and then he pulled out a box of chocolates from his bag. I hugged him tight – he’s the best, always there for me.
“How are you doing?” he asked, plopping down beside me.
“I am good, Bhai,” I whispered, voice catching.
“Ayeeish, don’t cry so much now, come on, cheer up,” he said, wiping my tears.
“When did you arrive?” I asked.
“Just now,” he said, ruffling my hair again.
“I want to chat with you, bacchaa…. Let me freshen up, and after dinner, let’s catch up at our secret spot,” he said with a chuckle.
I smiled back at him.
“Kunaal… Ruhanika… dinner is ready.”
We both replied simultaneously, “Yeah, coming…”
After dinner, I sneaked into the backyard garden, my favorite place. I sat on the swing, waiting for Bhai. God, he’s always late! Even his professors call him punctual, but clearly not at home.
“Ahh, sorry, sorry, Dad held me back for some lecture,” he said finally, laughing.
“Finally. You decided to show your silly face. Now tell me, Bhaiya, what did you want to say?” I teased.
“Am I silly?” he frowned dramatically
“Did you only listen this?” I chuckled because my brother thinks of him as the most handsome man in this world and in a cringe way I can say he thinks of him a ‘Chaand ka tukda’.
He frowned but soon composed himself and slightly brushed his fingers in his hair.
“I heard you chose the science stream?” he asked.
“Yeah,” I replied swaying my legs and shrugging my shoulders in a casual way.
Later, bhai came and sat beside me.
“Are you sure… you know, I’m here, baccha. If you want to choose a different career path, just let me know. Don’t force yourself into something you might regret later. And as for mom and dad, I’ll handle them. Don’t make your decision under pressure. Follow your heart. Life only comes once, and if we don’t make the best of it, everything falls apart in the end. Get that thing, whatever you choose, and I’ll support your decision,” he said.
I felt my chest tighten and my eyes sting. Tears welled up before I could stop them. It wasn’t just the words, it was the care behind them. I realized how much I had missed having someone on my side, someone who really gets me.
Bhai wiped my tears and shook his head. “Don’t cry, Ruhi,” he said softly. His voice was calm, steady, like a safe place I could always come back to.
“Thanks, Bhai. I know you will support me. And… don’t worry, I truly want to study medicine,” I whispered, hugging him tightly.
This week, Bhai moved in with us. It took three whole days for all his stuff to arrive, and I couldn’t help but notice how many clothes he had compared to me.
Seriously, how does one person even need this much? I teased myself silently for being impressed, but I also felt happy seeing him around, being part of our little home again, it felt right.
Tomorrow will be my first day at a new school. My stomach twisted just thinking about it.
Would people like me?
Would I fit in?
What if I looked awkward walking into class alone?
My brain raced, imagining every possible scenario, most of them cringe and embarrassing.
We had plans to attend Yuvraaj uncle and Adhya aunty’s house for dinner this weekend.
I had already imagined myself perched quietly in a corner, pretending to listen while secretly wishing I could disappear.
I am not a very big fan of gatherings, my introvert self can never fully enjoy them. I had already imagined myself sitting quietly in a corner, nodding along politely while my mind wandered elsewhere.
But then came the news, Adhya mam’s mother had fallen sick. I silently prayed for her recovery, and thankfully, she got better.
The dinner, however, had to be cancelled. I felt a quiet sense of relief. Now I didn’t have to spend hours trying to stay engaged in a gathering, for now.
During this week, I took slow walks and explored the neighbourhood garden.
It felt calm and familiar, yet strange at the same time like revisiting a place I knew but seeing it through new eyes.
I didn’t meet any neighbours.
I kept to myself, just quietly observing, listening to the wind rustle through the trees, noticing the little things, a small park area in a society.
I caught myself thinking about the future, about school, about friends I didn’t have yet, about everything that was about to change. A tiny knot of anxiety sat in my stomach, but underneath it was a flutter of excitement. Maybe this time, things could be different.
I whispered to myself, “Just hoping for the best.”
And I meant it. I really did.
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Finally Chapter 2!!!
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Bye Cutiepies…🍁
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