I Found You

1.

Chuckling at him, I tugged at my father's wrist and guided him towards the bed. I made him sit on the bedside before taking a seat myself. "Now it's time for the gifts."

Passing him the big wrapped box, I eagerly urged him to open it. "Open it, Paa" My eyes were fixed on his face.

As he untied the ribbon and tore off the wrapping paper, I couldn't help but notice the mix of emotions flickering on his face.

A smile danced upon his lips, yet a hint of melancholy shimmered in his eyes as he held the collage photo frame of mine and mine brothers childhood memories with our father.

I knew what he must be thinking, and I hated the fact that I couldn't do anything about it. He didn't deserve this. What was his fault?

"Look at her always clinging to you like a monkey, which she definitely is."

I gaped at my brother's words, and faked a offended, but deep down I knew he was just trying to divert our father's attention and make him feel better.

Placing the frame with care on the bedside table, he proceeded to unwrap the second gift."You are such a jealous person, Mr. Advait Vats. Stop teasing my daughter."

"Betiyan toh babul ki raaniyan hoti hain."

{Daughters are the queens of their fathers}

With a chuckle, my brother took out the watch from the box and made papa wear the wristwatch he had purchased using his own hard-earned money.

He insisted on paying for it himself because he didn't want to take any money from me. In his eyes, I will always be his little sister.

"Han or ye Rani paraya dhan hai papa. Why will I be jealous of her? Yeh toh ek din chali jayegi, par main toh aapke sath hi rahunga."

He looked at me, sticking his tongue out just the way I did before.

{Yes, and this queen is someone else's wealth. She'll leave you one day, but I will always be with you.}

"Bhaiya, it's all your misconception. I'm not going to leave you guys ever."

My father placed his hand on my long hair, stroking them softly. "Beta, he is right. You are already 22 now, and you'll be done with your graduation in a couple of months. Or ek na ek din toh jaana hi hai na, hmm."

{And someday you will have to get married, right?}

Just the thought of leaving my family, my papa and bhaiya, sends the shiver down my spine.

I embraced my father tighter, resting my head on his shoulder blade, closing my eyes tightly, battling to hold back the tears.

"Okay, you guys are making me emotional now, and I should be happy that she'll be gone soon, and then all the affection and love will be for me only, right papa?"

"Bhaiyaaaaa"

"Papa, get him married first. He is elder to me" I said, breaking the hug and looked at my brother's face, smirking at him.

"I quite don't have any plans of marriage for the next two or three years. I want to settle down first and get a house of our own."

I knew his answer would be no different.

Owning a house of his own was our father's dream. To have a place to call his own. But however, when everything started falling apart, he was troubled and burdened.

Ever since then, his sole focus has been on my brother and me, showering us with his undivided attention and love.

"And I want to lend you a hand" I said, gazing at my brother who responded with a heartfelt smile.