The Ardent Embrace: Bhaiya, My Eternal Kinship

Mystery Box!

[Friday.]

[The time was 7:10 am.]

[Vijay was standing at the corner of his room. He was wearing a casual purple t-shirt covering a blue checked shirt opening up and sleeves were twisted till elbow and paired with navy blue cargo. The sunlight touched the floor through the sliding window. His eyes fixed on the photo frame of their parents. He was reminiscing the memories captured in the frame. In that frame there was his father Rajendran, Sudha and in the middle there was Vijay. His heart ached as he traced their smiling faces with his eyes, remembering the warmth of their presence. Today marked 8 years since the tragic accident that took them away.]

Vijay: (to himself) Hope you're happy wherever you are Maa, Papa.

[In the silence, he heard the soft patter of footsteps. Aarya, his little sister, entered the room hesitantly. Her big brown eyes were filled with a mix of sadness and guilt. She clutched a small stuffed bear to her chest.]

[Aarya hesitated, biting her lip, before approaching him. She glanced at the photo frame and then back at Vijay, as she realized that Vijay was not in his emotions, tears welling up in her eyes.]

[She took a baby step and kept her right hand on his back of the knees softly.]

[Feeling her touch, he turned back immediately.]

Aarya: (whispered) Bhaiya, I'm so sorry. It's my fault.

[Vijay kneeled down holding her both shoulders.]

Aarya: Bhaiya, they had gone because of me. If I hadn't been born, (cracking voice) they wouldn't have been out that day.

[Vijay's heart shattered at her words. He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her small frame. He knew that she is everything for him now.]

Vijay: Aarya, no, don't say that. (In a thick voice) It was an accident. None of it is your fault.

[Aarya buried her face in his chest, her voice became blurred.]

Aarya: But every year on my birthday, I see you sad, and I know it's because of what happened.

[Vijay took a deep breath, trying to steady his own tears. He lifted her chin so she could look into his eyes.]

Vijay: Aarya, I am sad because I've not only miss them, but hate you also for 7 years. But now I've realized my fault.

[Aarya still looked at him.]

Vijay: Mumma, you know what is the truth? (Very calmly) You're the best and priceless gift which Maa and Papa had given me.

[Aarya's eyes widened at Vijay's words, her guilt slowly melting into disbelief.]

Aarya: (whispering) Really, Bhaiya?

[Vijay nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and affection.]

Vijay: Yes, Aarya. They loved you so much, and they would want us to be happy. Every time I look at you, I see them. You're a part of them, and that makes you so precious to me.

[Aarya clung to him tighter, her small frame trembling with the force of her emotions.]

Aarya: But I always see you so sad. I thought... I thought you blamed me.

[Vijay shook his head, brushing a tear from her cheek.]

Vijay: Yes I blamed you as I was lost in my own grief and didn't realize how much you were hurting too. From now on, I promise to cherish every moment with you, just like Maa and Papa would have wanted.

[Aarya looked up at him, her eyes were shining with a mix of hope and lingering sadness.]

Aarya: Do you think they're watching us, Bhaiya?

Vijay: (smiling gently) I believe they are, Aarya. And I believe they're proud of you. (Slightly notched her nose) My Little Genius.

[She finally smiled, a small but genuine smile that warmed Vijay's heart. He hugged her tightly, his voice thick with emotion.]

[The time was 1:00 pm.]

[Vijay had decided to make this day special for his little doll, who had just turned 8. Despite his busy schedule in office, he had taken the day off to ensure her happiness. He asked Ramu Chacha to cook all of Aarya's most favourite dishes. Ramu Chacha, who was also waiting for this day since her birth, exited and couldn't imagine that Vijay had changed really. The delicious aroma of Kashmiri Pulao, Chicken Curry, and many more filled the air, making the mansion feel even more like home.]

[As Vijay walked through the hall, he couldn't help but smile, thinking of the surprise he had in store. He had ordered the chef a beautiful strawberry-flavored cake, adorned with Aarya's favorite character, Elsa from Frozen.]

Vijay: Ramu Chacha, is everything ready? (while entering the kitchen)

Ramu Chacha: Yes, Vijay beta. (Smile) The Cook is just putting the finishing fondant on the cake.

Vijay: And what about lunch Chacha?

Ramu Chacha: Everything is done Beta. You can take her.

[Vijay nodded with satisfaction. He then headed to her room with a twinkle in his eye, holding a large, elegantly wrapped box. Aarya, was watching cartoons and she had no idea about this celebration.]

Aarya: Bhaiya, (looked at him) what happ.... (After a pause) What is in the box!!!

[Vijay placed the box on the bed.]

Vijay: (pointing at the box) Open it Mumma.

[Aarya's excitement was palpable as she tore open the wrapping paper. Inside the box she found another box. In curiosity, she opened the cardboard box also. Then she looked inside and pulled it out of the box. Her eyes were not blinking anymore. She was continuously gazing at it and her eyes were twinkling in an unknown happiness.]

============================

What is on the box?

Do comment and make sure to vote.

Thank You for reading......