The Other Half

Chapter 16

(1999: Recognition Part 1)

"Are you done running?" NK asked as he caught up to his cousin. "What was that?"

"That was Chandani."

"Dev, are you alright?" NK was softer this time.

"I just... I need to get away from here."

"Okay." NK nodded. "How about the ferris wheel?"

"We can't take Pooja up there!"

"Do you see my sister around? It's the perfect time to go there."

Advay was looking around now.

"Oh, stop looking for her. She will turn up!" NK pulled his cousin towards the larger of the ferris wheels.

"Let's go on the smaller one." Advay said.

"Nope. Longer lines and such basic view. I have a new camera, bro. I need a good view!"

"You and your fortnightly hobbies." Advay shook his head.

"It's our time to be versatile. You never know what you like, if you never try it." NK said.

"Mmhmm..."

"Stop growing up, bro. I am the elder one."

Advay grinned. "Who started the burp challenge this morning?"

NK narrowed his eyes. "You'd make a good politician. Very diabolical. See, now that's something you can explore."

Advay shook his head.

Once seated, the cousins took a couple of pictures of each other. In a few minutes, they were halfway up the ferris wheel as others started boarding.

"We got in at a good time." NK said. "I'm getting all levels of view."

"I am glad Maasi bought a digital camera for you. If this had reels, you'd definitely be short of them." Advay teased him.

NK didn't care about the comment. It was the truth. He zoomed in on the views, capturing the pretty lights, the hawkers, the families, everything.

"Looks like we're loaded up. Shut it now." Advay said.

NK closed the camera by pushing just one button and then put it in the bag he was carrying. "This is gonna be fun."

"Not when Pooja hears about it." Advay grinned.

NK was glad that Advay seemed better now. That Chandani had done a number on him. First thing post this trip, he was talking to his mother. He did not want to hear her name around Advay, ever.

Ten minutes later, NK whipped out his camera again.

"NK, digital cameras do have a limited memory, you know." Advay said.

"Yeah yeah. I still got 60 snaps left." NK clicked a picture of the waiting people. Such excitement they have. And finally they are gonna feel exhilarated like me. It seemed his camera was malfunctioning, though.

NK looked at Advay and again zoomed in on the waiting zone. How's that possible?

(Present: Ferris Wheels)

"Do we have to?" Payal asked as the group of 9 made their way to the larger of the ferris wheels.

"Sweet sister of mine. We're older now!" Khushi smiled sickeningly.

Pooja sighed. "I wish your sister joined us." She pointedly talked to Chandani. "We would all be paired up for seats. Where is she anyway?" It was taking a lot from Pooja to not be outright rude. She had settled for being short with the Vashishths for this little expedition.