𝕍𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕙

《 Six - Quiet Before The Storm 》

Birla House, Udaipur, India

Mahima, Anand, and Harsh were in their home office.

"Chalo, agle kuchh dino ke liye mera schedule toh clear hain. I am all set to enjoy Parth's concert and the Mumbai trip," Harsh said.

"Haan, maine bhi sab sort kar diya hai. There's no scheduled surgery or any appointments, but I'll still be available on call in an emergency," Mahima declared.

"That's great. Waise bhi Abhimanyu aur naye residents hai, they are responsible and capable enough to handle the hospital for a few days," Anand assured.

"Baat toh sahi hai aapki, Bhaisaab. We all needed this break anyway. Bohot mazze karenge hum Mumbai jaake," Harsh announced.

"Main na uss din Kairav ko batana bhool gayi, ki hum Mumbai jaa rahe hai!" Mahima said.

"Koi baat nahi! But we'll definitely meet him in Mumbai, waise bhi he did not meet me that day. In fact, why don't we give him tickets for the concert?" Anand suggested.

"Good idea, but—" Mahima was interrupted by a confused Harsh.

"Kairav? What are you talking about Bhaisaab-Bhabhi?"

"Kairav mujhse milne hospital aaya tha. Shaadi karne waala hai woh!" Mahima explained, a broad smile on her face.

"Aap kabse?" Harsh was bewildered.

Anand sighed, "Picchle paanch saalon mein bohot kuchh badal gaya hai, Harsh."

"Kairav has been in touch with us for the past five years. We know he lives in Mumbai. Bas kisiko kuchh kaha nahi kyunki hume pata nahi tha Manjiri, Abhimanyu, Aarohi, aur Goenkas kaise react karte," Mahima explained.

Harsh nodded in understanding, "Usne—usne Akshara ke baare kabhi kuchh kaha?"

"Nahi. Na usne kabhi kuchh kaha, na humne kabhi kuchh pooccha. Agar usse kuchh aur batana hota, toh woh bata deta. But yes, usne humse itna bataya hai ki woh jahaan hain safe hain aur theek hain," said Mahima.

Harsh's shoulders dropped. How much ever he had disliked Akshara, he had come to realize that she was a nice person. Hence, he felt regretful about the unfortunate situation that she had to face because of his ex-wife and son.

Anand kept a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, "There isn't much we can do about this now, Harsh. Hume der se akal aayi. Agar paanch saalon pehle humne Akshara ka saath diya hota toh shayad yeh din nahi dekhna padta. All we can do now is pray that she is happy, healthy, and safe."

Harsh nodded.

"If things have to change, they will someday. Filhal, let's live in the moment. Chalo packing kar lete hai, kal jaldi nikalna hai," Mahima said.

~❈~

The next morning, Birla House

"Oh no! Sab kahaan hain? Papa! Mumma! Nishi Boo! Daadu! Daadi! Chhote Daadu!" Shivansh called everyone out, standing on the center table in the living room of the Birla House.

"Shivu! Sab aa rahe hain," Nishtha said, walking towards her nephew and pulling a massive suitcase behind her.

Gradually, other Birlas gathered in the living room too.

"Sabne kitni der kardi! Hum plane mein mein baithne mein late ho jayenge!" Shivansh cried.

Anand picked his grandson off the table into his arms, "Koi late nahi ho raha! Aap bohot excited ho na isiliye jaldi ready ho gaye." Parth and Shefali laughed.

"Nishu, tu Mumbai humesha ke liye jaa rahi hain? Bataya nahi hume?" Parth teased.

"What do you mean, bhai?"