"An Unconventional Commitment"

"Aarush's First Word"

◍⁠•𝑨𝑵𝑼𝑩𝑯𝑨𝑽'𝑺 𝑷𝑶𝑽•⁠◍

In the lively cafe atmosphere, my attention was drawn to a sudden disturbance - a lady's meal had met an untimely demise on the floor. Aarush, snug in my arms, had inadvertently caused the chaos by tugging at the lady's dupatta. In a firm tone, I apologized, "I'm sorry for Aarush's behavior."

Unexpectedly, she responded with a reassuring smile, "It's okay, bacche kabhi kabhi aesa karte hain."

Attempting to make amends, I offered to cover her meal with ours, but she gracefully declined, noting that Aarush might need the food, and she was running late. As she departed, I found myself gently scolding Aarush, who seemed absorbed in his own world.

Amidst my scolding, Aarush mumbled something I failed to catch. Concerned, I urged him, "Aarush, tumne jo bola, fir se bolo." In response, he turned his head away, clearly expressing his displeasure.

Swiftly securing our order, I found an available seat and began feeding Aarush a sandwich. While doing so, my mind dwelled on his mumbled words, and a pang of regret gripped me for scolding him, missing a pivotal moment - his first words since the tragedy.

"Hey bhagwan, ab ek aap hi hai jo hume is duvidha se nikaal sakte hai," I whispered, a plea to god to guide us through this delicate situation.

After our meal, I decided to take Aarush to an ice cream parlor. Knowing how a single scoop could turn his frown upside down, it seemed like the perfect remedy for his lingering anger. As we enjoyed our ice creams, the joy on Aarush's face returned, and the earlier tension seemed to melt away.

Post-ice cream indulgence, we headed to Aarush's doctor. I was eager to share the news that he had spoken again, a significant development since the tragedy. In the doctor's office, I explained the situation, "Doctor, aaj Aarush ne pehli baar kuch bola."

The doctor, after a thorough examination, shared his insights, "It seems something triggered Aarush in a positive way. Most likely, he spoke those words for the woman at the café, and there might be a connection developing with her."

Intrigued and desperate for more information, I pressed, "Lekin doctor, aarush aur us aurat ke beech kaisa connection ho sakta hai? Kyuki us lady se hum bhi aaj pehli baar hi mile hai, Aur agar uske saath rehte hue Aarush bol sakta hai toh main kuch bhi karne ko tayyar hoon."

The doctor offered a thoughtful response, "It's challenging to pinpoint, but sometimes, certain people or situations create a comforting environment for individuals like Aarush. If he feels connected to her, it could be a positive influence on his speech. However, it's a gradual process, and we can explore therapy options to encourage his progress."

Leaving the doctor's office, a determination took hold. "Aarush, hume wahi lady dhoondhni padegi. Agar uske saath rehkar tum bol sakte ho, toh hum sab kuch karenge jo bhi karna padega," I whispered to myself, realizing that the key to unlocking Aarush's voice might lie in the unexpected connection he had found.

Reflecting on this, an idea emerged. I decided to revisit the café tomorrow. If that lady returns, I'll apologize for Aarush's actions and observe if her presence has any effect on him.
If Aarush did indeed respond to her, maybe her presence or something about her coaxed those precious words from him. Perhaps, in her warmth or familiarity, lies the key to unlocking Aarush's voice once more.

Anubhav stepped into the comforting embrace of home, holding AARUSH snugly in his arms. His grandmother, SANGEETA, greeted them with a warm smile, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

As I stepped into the house, cradling a drowsy AARUSH, my grandma SANGEETA, met us with a tender smile and asked, "Kaisa din gaya aaj tera, Anubhav?"

I replied, my voice carrying a hint of fatigue but laced with a smile, "Thoda thak gaye, par kuch kha lenge. Aarush ko sulake phir dinner karenge. Cafe mein kuch galti ho gayi Aarush ki, usne ek aurat ki khana giradiya."

Sangeeta's concern reflected in her eyes, "Oh, acha... par koi baat nahi, bachche toh aise hi hote hain. Dinner karlo ab dono, thand lag rahi hai, Aarush ko bhi."

Anubhav nodded in agreement, "Haan, bilkul, bas thodi der mein kha lenge, fir so jayenge."

Sangeeta, with a reassuring smile, urged, "Theek hai, main khana garam karti hoon tab tak."

With gratitude, I replied, "Shukriya, dadi."

As she hurried to the kitchen, I felt a sense of warmth and comfort settling in our home, embracing us in its familiar cocoon of care and love.

After putting Aarush to sleep, I ventured into my brother's room, untouched since his untimely departure. The room held memories etched in time - his and his wife's photo, frozen in a moment of joy. As I gazed at their smiles, I couldn't help but talk to his photo.

"Bhaiya, aaj Aarush ne pure 5 mahine baad kuch bola hai, aur doctor ne kaha hai vo din dur nahi jab Aarush humari tarah baate karega. Aap khush toh hain na?" I spoke, my words carrying a mix of hope and longing.

Closing my eyes, I waited, and in that quiet moment, it felt as if I received a response. A comforting thought whispered back to me, as if from my brother's spirit, "Haan, Anubhav, main khush hoon dekh kar ki Aarush tumhare saath khush hai. Aur main jaanta hoon ki tum achhe se uska khayal rakhoge." The imagined reply brought solace, a sense that his spirit still watched over us, finding contentment in Aarush's newfound happiness under my care.

Leaving the room filled with memories, I made my way to my bedroom. Opening my laptop, I immersed myself in work, the tasks at hand providing a welcome distraction. The hours passed swiftly, and in the embrace of productivity, I lost track of time. As the night unfolded, I succumbed to weariness, falling into a deep slumber.

Amidst the quiet of the night, one certainty lingered - tomorrow morning would bring a new day, a fresh start, and the promise of hope.

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Love you all pretty people ♡.