3) Meri Behna? Aa gayi!
Baking Tip for the day: Stale cake shouldn't always be thrown away.
Mansi's POV
I always imagined for a long time, how it would be to finally give back to a person who has hurt you. I mean, we all do that in our heads, don't we?
There's that one person whom for some reason, we absolutely wanna show us off. Tell them in the most subtle manner that they can suck it because we're finally over them.
That's how I planned the meeting with the two people in my life, the two who gave me my first of many panic attacks, first of many sleepless nights, first of many heartaches.
I mean these three years weren't easy, but I've grown a lot. I've graduated, with good grades, got a good paying job and working as a baker which was my dream. So I've not just streaked my hair red, I've painted my life too. And I was so proud of what I've become.
Finall ready to tell them to suck it.
But when the time arrived for me to show myself off, to be the strongest no fucks given girl, I stood frozen. All the mental prep talks I gave myself, standing in the mirror and cheering myself and all ted talks I've given were totally a waste.
Because the moment Janvi knocked my door, and I saw that sister of mine, my strong headedness went for a toss. All I saw was my cousin sister, all grown, mature and...
Present. She was finally present. In front of me. That's my sister.
Janvi Chaudhary.
All the things I've prepared myself for were completely sidetracked because I was seeing my sister after three whole years and my heart started warning up while I saw her, all different.
Janvi had long hair, before and now, and she adored her long hair. Now her hair reached her waist, she had left them lose. She looked happy to see me, but she looked very tired. I could see how dark bags had very firmly taken place under her eyes. She looked mature, more than before, and she was wearing a tail cut kurti over her jeans.
Only she could pull off any look and still look very graceful in it.
The same pendant which I wore as a necklace was on her wrist, as her bracelet
I guess that's the only thing unchanged between us.
For a split second I felt so wonderful, I swear it was like a new kind of blood flowing through my entire body but then quick flashes of last time hit me. And instead of feeling angry or indifference, I felt restlessness and anxious.
Shit. Abort mission.
'Hey?'
Yea, she had a very sweet voice. I had a great voice too you know, but mine was more of a motivational speaker voice and hers was the musical type.
Like when a singer sings, and you get goosebumps.
I composed myself, I am not going to fall for her facade and neither do I want any explanation to anything. I don't want anything off her.
'Yes?'
She hung her head a bit, disappointed on my reaction because I was literally laying on my bed and did not even move an inch. I didn't meet her eyes after that, continued reading my book because it was just lying there and honestly, I didn't know what I was reading.
To think back on those days where I'd run to meet her.
'Mannu!'
'Jaan?'
'Bhag mat Mansi. You'll sprain... Mansi...'
'I missed you so much. So much.'
'Bas bas, let me breathe. We just met last week. How can you always be so ecstatic to meet me?'
'One whole week was like one whole year Jaan.'
'Drama queen, I'm imagining what would happen if in case I meet you after years for some reason.'
'You better run, cause I will jump on you.'
Why am I feeling so empty all of a sudden. It had been five years since I've seen Janvi and not a single muscle of my body inched towards her. Like there wasn't any strength to do so.
How weird to feel empty and full at the same time on seeing a lost best friend.
That's when it hit me.
If she was here, standing on my door. It meant only one thing...
My family was here!
The sudden rush of realisation didn't go unnoticed, 'Everyone is downstairs.'
And I leaped out of the bed, went past her and peeped downstairs to see my family smiling and waiting for me to come down.
I feel so fucking happy.
With excitement in my veins, I ran down the stairs, taking two steps at once and just hugged my badi beeji who was ready to hug me. Soon my nani, nanu, and my little brother Samar joined the hug.
'Kitna bada ho gaya mera baccha.' My badi beeji caressed my face, tears streaming down her face, 'I am not leaving you ever.'
My smile widened because I really missed them. All of them. Baring all the Janvi incident, I really missed them.
'Mansi, let them breathe. They've just arrived.' Bua daadi spoke, as she told the help to take their belongings to their rooms.
My Nani gave me big squeeze, 'Baal colour kar diye?' She said amidst her tears, I chuckled, wiping her tears, 'Soni lag rahi hai.'
Nanu hugged me, 'You left and all our colours faded too. Mera baccha.' He kissed my forehead.
On enquiring about my uncle, I was told that Dabbu mama was taking care of some urgent matters in the shop. I gave Samar another hug and he said he missed me. I told him I missed bullying him and he looked at Janvi up there with a pout.
For a split second, I forgot she came here too. She was still upstairs looking down at us. She gave him a smiling nod, and my brother Samar frowned at me.
Good old days.
My G Ma then told them to sit, and Janvi greeted her. I sat next to my BB while she touched my G Ma's feet, and was greeted by a long hug. It was like G Ma was savouring the moment. They didn't cry or anything, just she touched Janvi's face lovingly, thankful she was here.
Then something weird happened. G Ma looked behind Janvi, towards the door. Her eyes expectantly waiting for someone.
'Paa couldn't come. He has some work issues.'
That was Janvi's most repeated statement. Anytime anyone from the Vadhera's asked her about my Virat Pa, she said this exact statement and it was no excuse.
Virat Pa was actually in a very blood sucking job and it was difficult for him to take leaves. But whenever I dropped at Rishikesh, he would somehow manage to squeeze in time for me. Often Virat Pa and I had an upper hand in playing pranks at Janvi, Dabbu chachu and Samar. And then badi beeji would scold both of us.
But I saw Janvi's facial expression very keenly for some reason, it wasn't I'm sorry he couldn't come, but more contemplating and confused. I knew she had something in her mind as she studied my G Ma and her sad face.
While my Chaudhary family kept asking me about my life, I answered them but saw Janvi approach bua daadi to greet her. But before she could even touch her feet, Bua Daadi announced that she was happy to have the family here and they could all get refreshed and join for tea.
And then she left.
Without sparing a single look to the sister of mine. If Janvi was crushed, she did a good job hiding it, she smiled at G Ma and went upstairs to meet my dad.
I hope he has a better reaction.
What? I don't like seeing anyone heartbroken.
'Mansi, muje bhi karde colour.' My Nani said while Nanu laughed, see touched her hair, 'Paint Kiya?'
'Dye bolte hai beeji.' Samar corrected her.
'Haini apni beeji ko marne keh raha hai.' She mistook the language and slapped on his head, 'Aah.'
'Why are you hitting him, it's not your age Pinky.' My Nanu countered and BB just shook her head.
'Don't worry meri Nani, I'll definitely streak your hair.' I said sitting next to her, 'And you'll look more beautiful than me.' She smiled at me and did what older people do saying nazar na lage.
'Mera accha baccha.' Nani said, 'Bilkul meri Mannu.'
Everyone saddened on the mention of my dead aunt, Samar just respected the silence, I cheekily smiled, 'Don't worry meri Chachi.' I imitated my massi, 'Main aapki HELP kar dungi.'
They all laughed at me and I looked at my Badi beeji who nodded her head. She had told me all of this and so many of my massi's antics.
I missed them so much.
'Chalo, I've made some sweets for all of you. Get ready for tea.'
'Mere liye bhi?' Samar asked expectantly, my fifteen year old brother was exactly like his dad.
'Yes mere bhukad. Tere liye khaas.' I said hugging him again, 'Argh, pehle do teen baar nahale. Kya badbu hai...'
'Beeji!' he looked at Nani and she laughed, while badi beeji smiled affectionately.
They left to the two guest rooms readied for them and Janvi would be in another room which was only hers.
The room she resided in would be shut after she'd leave and only hers whenever she arrived. It was like a special room.
Anyway, before I could encounter my sister whom I didn't wanna communicate with, I headed to the kitchen to get the sweets ready.
_
'Are you upset with me?'
'Nahi toh.'
'Are you angry on me?'
'Na baccha'
'I am sorry Virat Pa.'
'Mansi, sweetie why are you apologising. I should ask for forgiveness. I really wanted to meet you, but my office isn't permitting a leave, you know.'
I tried to understand. But I felt stupid.
Before 'The Event', Janvi and I were super close (I know I've already said this), but I was also closer to my Virat Pa, who is my Mansi Massi's husband. Every time I resided at Rishikesh, he'd always be for me.
Janvi stays in a small rented house besides the Chaudhary house, and even though Chaudhary house was my rightful household, Virat Pa always made sure I'd stay with them.
Their house was way smaller than this but way more homey.
'I really thought you'd come. And I'm sorry for whatever happened.' I sighed, as Virat Pa sighed too, 'Anyway, can you atleast be more available when we come to Rishikesh?'
The call went quiet for a while. I thought the connection failed for a minute but realised Pa was silent, 'Okay. Fine. I will. Just be a good girl. I'll talk later.'
Virat Pa and I had another sort of tuning, and after last time, one thing I missed was his adornment towards me. So after BB informed him that we reached, he told me that he had work for which he couldn't join them.
Well, okay I guess. Atleast he spoke to me. Which meant he wasn't angry or upset with me. He would always drop a call every month to check on me since the past five years and those calls sometimes gladdened my days.
Currently the Chaudhary's were sipping tea, quietly. While the Vadhera's were seated, too. The latter had their focus elsewhere. The tension among these two families were so thick, I could play catch on it.
No one spoke at all for the entire time. Bua daadi formally enquired here and there and nani appreciated my sweets but otherwise nothing great happened.
My dad was seated with them too but he too was thoughtful. One could see uneasiness and discomfort on all their faces. Veer who had dropped in early from med school, was seated with Samar and was listening to Samar talk.
Janvi was seated quietly in one corner.
We weren't on the dining table, but in the lawn, where Bua daadi and badi beeji sat on the wooden plank swing and rest of us sat on the lawn chairs.
Normally Janvi and me, we'd just go crazy and always keep everyone engaged in the conversation, laughter and what not. But since we both weren't even looking at each other, everyone else was uncomfortable.
She was very quiet and studying the Vadhera's and then glancing at the Chaudhary's from time to time. All of them loved my sweet biscuits while Janvi didn't touch even one.
Because I knew she dislikes jam and guess who made those jam biscuits.
It's me bitches.
'I hope the travel was safe.' My father enquired looking at Janvi who nodded with a smile.
'We wanted to book a cab for all of you.' Bua daadi spoke, with an air of annoyance, 'But you'll cancelled and insisted to travel by train?'
Before badi beeji could answer Janvi pitched in, 'Sorry, we loved the offer.' She said, looking at both Bua daadi and G Ma, 'But Pa insisted that we shouldn't take favours we cannot return.'
It was weird how collectively their faces fell, right from the eldest Vadhera to my dad, on Janvi's answer. While it seemed normal to me, Janvi seemed observing all their reactions and I could imagine her already making notes in that busy mind of hers.
'College kaisi hai aapki Janvi?' G Ma asked her.
'Woh, daadi...'
'College se dropout kar diya didi ne.' Samar answered, not noticing how uncomfortable he made all the Chaudhary's especially Janvi.
That was weird.
Janvi wasn't one of the dropouts. In fact she even outranked Veer when it came to being a nerd.
I tried my best to not be curious about it and try being indifferent, because dropping out was a very big thing and I couldn't help but be a little worried.
Not just me, all of my family seemed worried and Bua daadi, disappointed.
'Really? College dropout?' The disappointment in her voice seemed uncanny, and subtle.
Janvi shifted uncomfortably, while Pinky nani gave Samar a soft blow on his head, 'Dropout nahi ji, woh kya kehte hai... ghar se padhai.'
'Distance education kehte hai beeji.' He corrected and got another blow.
He pouted and looked at Veer who rubbed his shoulder in comfort.
While that happened, my father looked at Janvi with a confused expression, 'Weren't you at LLB Jaan? Woh bhi chod diya?'
Ooh, my father sounded furiously disappointed.
Interesting
'Nahi bade Papa.' She shook her head, 'Distance LLB hi kar rahi hu.'
'Tum toh Dehradun se LLB kar rahi thi na?'
Dad was getting mad with every sentence he was saying, but he wasn't pissed at Janvi as much as he was on himself.
'Ji Bade Papa, Dehradun se hi distance kar Rahi hu.'
'Aur ab tak graduate kaise nahi hui? Course toh teen saal ka tha?'
Everyone went silent on this. I sensed so much of discomfort for this question.
'Ek saal... Drop... Fa... Fail ho gayi thi.' She mustered all her courage to tell my dad that because all the colour from her face had faded.
He didn't seem chirpy after that and neither the others. In fact he was very very disappointed by being led down by his favourite daughter.
All jealousy aside, curiosity peaked my system too because Janvi wasn't a dropout or failure type of a girl. She was studious, dedicated and excelled in everything she put her mind to.
The tea wrapped up quickly afterwards and everyone soon descended to their rooms, contemplating how tough these two months would be.
While Chaudhary's went to the guest rooms, Janvi headed to her room. Now I'm not sure who's room it was before her, but it was bigger than mine and kinda like my dad's.
But instead of trophies and books there were guitar posters, pictures of comedians and motivational quotes hung. We would keep asking who's room this actually was and we'd get an answer that it was a spare.
Since it was just adjacent to mine, I was more than happy to let Janvi have it. We didn't quite need it because normally we slept together but all her belongings would remain there.
Now I'm thankful for that room.
While I rummaged through my cupboard to find good dress to hop out for a drive with my friends, I couldn't help but think how Janvi was thoughtful and in some serious contemplation about something.
Some people are like open books. You could see them and their facial expression would give away all their thoughts and secrets. Body language adds on to evidence too.
Like me
If I was upto something, people around me would immediately be cautious about things and often be worried too. My thoughts and my face were a reflecting mirror.
One of the reasons I'm not a lawyer.
Imagine me knowing that my client is a culprit, and I would say something and the jury would easily jail the person.
That is right but that's not right.
You get it, you get it.
But Janvi was exactly opposite to me. She maybe more on the emphatic side, but she could keep a straight face for everything. Like earlier, she was heartbroken that Bua Daadi didn't address her, but she just showed that she was sad.
Like how she studied my G ma and how she's contemplating everything here.
She's upto something. I just don't know what or for sure.
She's too good to not be a lawyer because now I'm not sure whether it was just normal or me overthinking.
But I'm not going to let her do anything stupid this time.
Not this time.
_
It was two in the morning.
Which meant it was way past midnight and with Janvi here, my anxieties were at the top shelf.
It was already the second day of her arrival and she tried to talk to me more than twice but I just cannot ready myself to face her. She has broken my trust and heart and there could be no possible explanation for that.
Now that I was already anxious, I tip toed myself to the kitchen, told the sleepy head chef to not worry, and proceeded to bake something. I realised I had some cake left from last week, which were forgotten.
On smelling them, I realised they had gone stale but not very bad and hence I used them as my base for mini cakes and tried this as my best out of waste craft.
I was rummaging through the refrigerator to find some of the whipping cream only to dash into someone when I turned.
'Aaahhh'
We both screamed and then I put my hand on his mouth.
'Chup ho ja.'
Samar collected himself and nodded while I looked behind him to see whether his idotic screaming had woken anyone up.
'Kya hai?' I whisper screamed at him, 'Andha hai?'
'Sorry di, actually mein mud mud ke chal raha tha na. I thought someone was following me.' He turned back to check as he said that.
That creeped me out too.
For my safety, I checked too, 'Duffar. Sam tu marega merko leke.'
'Dii!'
He screamed again scaring me, 'Kya?'
'Cake ki smell aa rahi hai? Oven mein hai.'
I slapped his back and told him to keep it down while he pouted, but still tempted by the baked smell.
'Why are you wandering? Paani chahiye?'
He shook his head, 'I am hungry. I thought kuch kha lu.'
I glanced at the clock, 'Raat ke teen baje, bhoot hai kya.'
He hugged me, 'Kidhar?'
'Samar, yaar. Chup.'
After a lot of threats and a promised slice of cake, he sat quietly on the marble counter while I readied the cake. He was telling me all of Rishikesh and what I missed in the last five years.
I may feel sad for not meeting my family, but I'm the saddest watching Samar all grown up. He was 13 now, and although he does address me as his elder sister, he definitely didn't remember everything we did as kids.
But I'm happy atleast he's here now, and my brother may be the weirdest teenager, but he was the nicest and the purest at heart.
We both ate the mini cakes together that night, and then I made him clean the kitchen after all his screaming while I finished the cake.
He's my small brother and the eldest can make them work.
Elder sibling rights.
'Right nahi, slavery kehta hai isse.'
'Aacha, idhar aa.'
'Nahi aap maroge.'
'Smart. Chal, so jaatey hai.'
He gulped the last big bite and I switched the lights off after him. Before we could part, he hugged me, and told me the cake was good.
I hugged him and told him to never hug me again.
And then he said killjoy and ran before I could hit him.
Veer was my real brother and Samar was my mother's cousin's son.
Yet how weird relationships are.
_
A/N
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Next update in a week.
_R