Chapter 3

*Vikranth Pov*

“Aunty!” I called her while reaching her side and she smiled gesturing the chair beside her while turning to glance at Shrishti’s sleeping form.

“Did you skip your classes?” she asked in a low tone.

“College is over and I came directly from the college seeing Dad’s message.” I explained to which she nodded before sighing.

“It’s already been five years and she is still having these attacks. I got scared earlier when I got the call from the school and immediately went to get her checkup and then brought her here. I wish she gets better somehow so that she can have a normal childhood.” She whispered closing her eyes.

“She will be fine and the intervals between these panic attacks too increased a lot. She was fine for nearly a year.” I stated remembering the notes I set aside to note down when she is getting attacked and the reasons.

“What happened this time?” I asked changing the topic.

“There was a robbery when she walked out of the gates and the woman shouted thief out loud and she got attacked.” I nodded hearing the reply before glancing at Shrishti.

After some time, Aunty calmly asked whether I had dinner and I shook my head in negative. She asked me to follow her as there is food after Shrishti had her dinner.

When she started serving me, I looked around before asking, “Where is Prathap? He had dinner and slept?”

She paused hearing that question and stared at me wide-eyed. She suddenly rushed out of the dining area to and I followed her to see her searching for the phone and started calling someone.

“Hello! This is Mrs. Leela Pramod, is Prathap there? He is my son!” She calmly asked and I froze hearing that question from her mouth.

“I will be right there.” She cut the call and looked around to find something.

“How could I forget to bring him from school?” she mumbled while hitting her forehead.

“Aunty! I will go and bring him.” I calmed her down before leaving the house to catch an Auto to reach the school.

When I reached the gates, I found him sitting with the watchman while looking outside with a blank face.

“Prathap!” I called him and he stared at me before slowly walking towards me after talking to the watchman.

“Why didn’t you call Aunty or Uncle?” I asked when he reached my side.

“I did by using my teacher’s phone! Mom didn’t pick her phone and Dad’s phone is switched off. I didn’t remember your number.” Saying that he held my hand and gestured for an Auto by gesturing his free hand.

“Your Dad, Mohan Uncle, and my Dad went on a business trip this morning and that’s why his phone was switched off.” I explained.

“I didn’t know! How is Shrishti?” he asked when we sat inside the Auto.

“She is fine now and sleeping.” I replied not knowing how to console him as he doesn’t seem fine.

“I am fine!” he mumbled feeling my stare before adding, “These things are not the first time and Mom needs to care for Shrishti too.”

“But I am hungry!” he added and I felt lost hearing those words while remembering the food Aunty served on my plate which was the last of it.

I asked the auto driver to stop finding a restaurant after a few minutes and we both got out of the vehicle while he continued to mumble, “I can wait until we reach home.”

“Even I am hungry.” He finally nodded and we both walked into the restaurant before asking him to go and order while I called Aunty.

“I am with him, Aunty. We both stopped at the restaurant to have dinner. We will come after having food and you can take rest.” I assured her but she was adamant about waiting until we return.

We finished our food in silence and I asked him whether he wishes to eat anything else and he nodded before asking for ice cream.

I nodded ordering it for him before leaning back to stare at him. He definitely looks upset but he also understands the situation.

Like he said this was not the first time as I remember Aunty worrying about the fact that Prathap has to stay alone at home when they go to the hospital with Shrishti. Even though Mohan uncle is the one who takes care of Shrishti but most of the time Shrishti likes to be with Leela Aunty.

She also takes time to care about me regarding food and other matters until I was in school and after that, I tried to not disturb her but she can’t help it. However, in all this Prathap is getting a short end from her along with always getting scoldings from his Dad regarding his studies.

“Don’t tell Mom that I had ice cream.” He mumbled finishing it and burped before smiling.

“Do you have money?” he suddenly asked when the waiter brought the bill.

“If I don’t have?” I asked back checking the bill and paid the amount and he finally gave a relieved expression.

After leaving the restaurant, I didn’t try to reach an auto but continued to walk towards the shop on the other side of the road while he complained about my earlier comment and how he got scared.

“Is this fine?” I suddenly asked pointing at a mobile phone on the display.

“You want to buy one? But this looks cheaper than your present one.” He mumbled frowning.

“No! It’s for you!” I explained and he stared at me in shock but didn’t say anything and so I bought it nodding at the salesperson.

“I will be adding all the numbers and my number will be on speed dial at 1. You can call me if something like today happens or for any reason when you need me.” I continued while purchasing a sim at the same place.

“But you need to switch it off when you enter the school and don’t get into trouble. If you can’t promise this then I will just take this back.” I added and finally looked at him while he continued to stare at me with a shocked look.

“I promise! I will not call anyone else except you.” He said and grinned while taking the phone into his hands.

“Do you have money?” he again asked with his smile slipping.

“Yes! I have my pocket money and this is not costly.” I explained and he then glanced at the counter before holding my hand.

“Then can you buy one for Shrishti too. She will also call you when there is a need and will add the number at 1.” He asked and I slowly nodded before buying the same model.

When we left the shop, he held both the phones while saying, “I will add my number at 2 in her phone and will add her number at 2 in my phone. But you will be at 1 on both our phones.”

I paused hearing those words and didn’t regret spending my pocket money at the beginning of the month like this.

“Happy?” I asked stopping an Auto and he nodded still holding the phones tightly.

“Don’t get upset with Aunty. She was worried about Shrishti…” he cut me off saying, “I know! I also know there must be not much food for both of us at home and that’s why we had from the restaurant. Don’t worry about it next time as I already started learning to cook a few things. So that Mom will not be worried about me along with Shrishti and just concentrate on her.”

“You can ask me if you want anything else.” I mumbled leaning back feeling tired from college work to all this but didn’t show it on my face.

“I know! If I need anything, I just need to look for you.” He said smiling and we both stayed silent until we reached his place.

Aunty kept on apologizing to Prathap while he continued to assure her it is fine and finally I suggested that we need to sleep as it is late.

Aunty stayed with Shrishti in their room while I stayed with Prathap in his. He layed down beside me saying, “Every time, you stay here, it is difficult to sleep, right? Don’t worry! Dad promised Mom that he will build a huge house for us when Ashok Uncle’s business get to expand. Then we will have guest rooms for you to sleep properly.”

“Is it good for the business to expand? Your Dad will not have much time to spend with you.” I pointed out and he laughed.

“Isn’t that a good thing? Less time means fewer scoldings.” He pointed back and I shook my head.

“But it is good for that to happen as everyone will not worry about money anymore and Dad will not worry about losing his job like in the past anymore and it is good for everyone.” He explained and I nodded.

“Yes! Expanding the business is good and also make sure to not let anyone cause any threat to harm the people belonging in it.” I mumbled remembering my goal.

“Hmm?” he made a confused sound.

“Sleep! You need to go to school tomorrow and I need to go to college.” Saying that I closed my eyes and he slowly drifted off into sleep but before I can do the same I heard a sound and glanced at the door to find Shrishti standing at the entrance.

“I am hungry!” she mumbled with a sad expression while I nodded before getting up to follow her and make sure Prathap didn’t get disturbed.

“What do you want to eat?” I asked with her following me.

“Ice cream?” she asked and I shook my head before checking the fridge to find some curries leftover.

Heating them a bit, I served the rice available and she calmly had it while asking, “Why did you come here?”

“Because Aunty is alone here.” I replied sitting down.

“Good! Aunty shouldn’t be alone.” She whispered looking down and I felt guilty along with sadness hearing that.

“She will not be as we all are here.” She nodded and calmly finished the food.

I didn’t make her get up and she finally mumbled, “I got scared in the evening when I heard those shouts. I shouldn’t have troubled Aunty.”

“You didn’t do it because you wish to. Don’t think about it! Just take a rest and go to school tomorrow.” She shook her head.

“I don’t want to feel scared every time like this and go to the hospital. I hate hospitals!” she whispered and I sighed not knowing what to say.

“Do you feel scared if any of us are with you?” I asked and she shrugged.

“Sometimes it happens when anyone of you is with me and sometimes not.” She replied sighing.

“It will reduce slowly but just trust that we all are here for you and nothing will happen to you.” She nodded but then shook her head.

“What if… what if something like that happens again and Dad will not pick his phone?” she asked glancing at me.

“You can call me!” I offered but she sighed.

“I remember your number but you are always busy in college.” I shook my head and walked away to reach Prathap’s room and returned with her phone.

I repeated the words I said to Prathap and added saying, “No matter when you call, I will answer it and be there for you.”

“Really?” she asked with wide eyes and I promised once again after which she left to sleep while I sighed leaning back feeling sleepy and so returned back to Prathap’s room to sleep for at least a few hours.

****

“How is Shrishti?” Dad asked taking a sip of his coffee while I took a bite from the breakfast.

It’s been two days since that incident and everyone already returned back today morning. I explained how she is fine now and he nodded hearing that.

“I am giving Mohan a week’s leave so that he can stay with her. You need to follow up when you leave college every day until she feels fine.” He stated and I nodded already planning to do that.

“Also, plan to search for a good college to study MBA after your degree. You need to start an internship along with MBA. We will be expanding hotels to other cities soon and it is better to learn everything soon.” He added and I cleared my throat hearing that.

“I will be joining next year itself.” I stated and he paused before nodding as I decided to join two years prior to the period he asked me to.

“Will the GH just deal with hotels and home appliances?” I asked when he stood up to leave.

“Why?” he asked back and I glanced up to stare at him.

“Nothing!” I replied to which he nodded before leaving for the company while I finished my breakfast to leave for the college.

I need to get a grip of everything and plan so that I can start the internship soon and have a depth about GH in the process.

*After a few years*

“Prathap made the dessert today.” Leela Aunty introduced proudly while getting the dessert served to all of us as we just celebrated their anniversary at their house.

“Wow, Prathap! This is my favorite and you prepared it.” Shrishti asked taking a bite and smiled before glancing at me.

I gave her a smile and her smile widened before she started clearing the bowl while I just took a bit but the atmosphere changed with Pramod Uncle’s words.

“Are you proud of making some dessert? You are already at the age when Vikrant already started his internship and here you are making some dessert.” Uncle grumbled and everyone paused hearing those words while Prathap just ignored him to finish his dish.

“I am talking to you. When will you start your internship? You will be graduating soon and you need to…” Prathap cut him off saying, “I am planning to go abroad for a few courses, and then I will inform you.”

“Even Vikranth studied in the city itself and now he is a regular employee in the company. What kind of courses will you do abroad? You don’t even study properly.” This time Dad cut him off before Prathap could reply to Uncle.

“Let him go! He is a kid and needs to see the world. Maybe he will add something new to our company.” Dad commented and Mohan Uncle nodded.

“True! Shrishti too wants to do a few courses and if she wants to go abroad we can send both of them.” I glanced at Shrishti hearing those words and she froze.

“After graduation only.” She mumbled before glancing at me with a smile while I stayed silent.

“Fine! Let them finish their graduation first and then we will decide.” With those words from Pramod Uncle, the topic changed and everyone talked about different topics while I sat in silence

They will go away? How can I take care of them? I need to be here too for company, right? I thought frowning and continued the thinking even when I am sitting in the living room with Prathap and Shrishti.

“What are you thinking? It’s weekend and so please don’t say it’s about the company.” Prathap pleaded while I shook my head.

“Why didn’t two of you never mentioned these courses before?” I asked looking at them and they both looked at each other.

“I am still not sure where I want to do these courses. Can you suggest me?” Shrishti asked smiling at me.

“Send me the names and everything and I will tell you. What about you?” I asked glancing at Prathap.

He leaned closer before whispering, “I am going there to take culinary courses and get more developed at cooking.”

“I already understood.” I whispered back and he grinned pushing me away before adding, “I will not join the company no matter what. I want to be a chef.”

“There is still time. Think about it later.” I mumbled knowing well he will not get any support from the elders and this time even my Dad will be against it.

He wants both Prathap and Shrishti to be the future of GH and be a huge part of it. How can he let them go like this?

“You?” I asked glancing at Shrishti.

“I am confused about everything. When I see you working this hard, I want to stay away from all this but then everyone wants me to be a part and so…” she trailed off.

“You should do what your heart wants.” I stated and she leaned forward while placing her hand under her chin.

“You looked so cool while saying those words.” I cleared my throat and looked away hearing those words.

“Even I can say it! You should do what your heart wants but you need to have talent too.” Prathap stated and she laughed at his words making him glare at me which I completely ignored.

“Anyone wants a cool drink?” Leela Aunty’s voice reached us and they both left to get a glass while I didn’t move still thinking how to be there for them when they stay away out of India.

*Leela Pov*

“What I said makes more sense than Vikranth, right? Why did you laugh?” Prathap whined reaching the table along with Shrishti.

“When Vikranth says that it feels cool while you made it into comedy.” Shrishti explained and I found Prathap showing a hurt expression while Shrishti is completely oblivious.

I sighed looking at my son who is going to get heartbroken for sure as Shrishti always treats Vikranth as someone special and it is not going to change.

“For whom?” I asked looking at Prathap as he took two glasses.

“Vikranth! He likes this drink too.” Saying that he walked away with Shrishti following him and I felt proud to be his mother again.

When Pramod continued to compare Prathap with Vikranth and adding to that is Shrishti’s crush on Vikranth while Prathap likes Shrishti right now, I was worried there will be differences between Vikranth and Prathap but my son never blamed Vikranth.

Taking the tray of coffee into my hands, I walked into the small backyard to find Pramod and Mohan discussing with a serious expression while Ashok just sitting there in silence.

“I can’t send Prathap abroad and also construct a house on that large scale. It is better to postpone the construction. We can wait for a few more years.” Pramod sighed and I calmly passed the cup before sitting beside him.

“Then I will also postpone my house construction as Shrishti may need some assistance.” Mohan nodded following Pramod’s decision.

“Yeah! If not for Vikranth mentioning last month that we could take a loan through the company and start constructing the house then I wouldn’t have even started thinking. So, it’s fine for me.” I nodded at Pramod’s words.

“He is going to take GH to new levels for sure. The staff is so happy with the policy he suggested and I think he is going to get promoted soon.” Mohan praised and I felt proud too even though I didn’t look after him much.

“Now, we need to worry how our kids will survive so far away from home.” He added and Ashok finally opened his mouth.

“Continue to construct your houses. I will handle the expenses for their studies.” Hearing that we three stared at him in shock.

“How can we do that? You already took care of us for all these years treating us more than your employees and now even as your friends. Vikranth never stops helping our kids and you too always be there for us. Taking this help would be just taking advantage of your kindness.” Pramod stated without giving any gap for discussion.

“I am not doing for you but for GH itself. They will be the future who will handle the company and their further education will help me in return, right?” Ashok pointed out and none of us have an answer to that.

“I don’t think Shrishti will leave to stay away from Vikranth. She will decide to stay back I think.” I commented and everyone glanced at me.

“Only I felt that?” I added and I know they all realized the kid’s feelings along with me.

“My son will already have a heartbroken story at this young age.” Pramod sighed but then glanced at Mohan.

“You will be getting a lottery to get such perfect son-in-law if Vikranth and Shrishti end up together. But even Shrishti is a sweet girl and so even Ashok will be lucky.” He joked but Mohan shrugged.

“I just hope there will be no bad blood between the three of them because of all these feelings. I am happy with either Prathap or Vikranth as I know they will care for her more than me. But this is their decision and there is a long time for all these.” Mohan commented and I nodded because even I was worried but for now everything seems to be normal.

“Yeah! We don’t know what Vikranth actually feels, right?” I asked smiling and they both nodded.

I glanced at Ashok only to find him lost in his thoughts. He must be worried like Mohan too as he cares about all three equally.

He doesn’t show but must be doing highly on Vikranth as he must have lost his wife way early even though none of us knew about it or even asked as the topic about his wife is not known by anyone. So, it must be before he started his company.

In the end, which father doesn’t want his son to get his share of happiness and I somehow feel Vikranth too liked Shrishti but I am not sure as he cares for both Prathap and her. Only Vikranth knows about this.

Anyway, all this is just some teenagers crush matters and there is no need for the parents to involve this soon. With that thought, I pushed away everything else from my mind.