Virat came back to India after four years. He reached Delhi and went to Commander Charan’s home. He saluted him and said, “Mission accomplished, Captain.” The commander patted his back and replied, “You did a great job. Time to take some rest.” The commander went into a room and came back with Virat’s wallet, mobile phone, and a railway ticket. “Here is your ticket. Go to your home. The train is tomorrow at 16:20. You can stay here tonight.” Virat thanked him and gave another salute.
Virat opened his wallet and saw his family photo — he, his wife Anvi, and their two-year-old daughter Arya. He kissed the photo and said softly, “I’m coming, dear.”
Family
In the busy streets of Borivali, in a multi-storey flat, there lived a small family. Anvi, a 30-year-old junior professor in a reputed college, stayed there with her five-year-old daughter Arya. For the past four years, Anvi had tried to call her husband Virat, an Indian soldier, but all in vain. Arya had grown up completely under her mother’s care. In their bedroom there was a photo frame — the same family photo that Virat carried in his wallet. Every night Arya kissed her dad’s photo and asked, “Where are you?” She looked at the photo and fell asleep peacefully, hoping that her dad would come back tomorrow.
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A Train Journey
The next day Virat boarded the train and sat in his seat. At night he noticed a girl, around five or six years old, pulling her father’s hand.
“Come with me. I want to pee,” she said.
Her father replied, “Go to the washroom, dear. I’m watching you from here.” The girl frowned. “No, come please. Stay outside the door. I’m scared.”
Her father smiled. “Okay, madam. Let’s go.”
She grabbed her father’s hand and walked toward the washroom. Watching this, Virat took a long breath and murmured, “How will my daughter look now? What will be her first words to me? I don’t know.” He continued staring into the darkness outside the train window.
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Upside Down
The next morning was a normal day for the citizens of Mumbai. Anvi was preparing tiffin for them. Arya was murmuring the names of wild animals because she had her last exam of the semester that day before the holidays. While cooking, Anvi said, “Arya, after two days Mumma won’t be here. I’m going on a college trip. Can you call Reshma aunty?”
Arya asked, “Okay. What’s her number?”
Anvi replied, “Just say ‘Caretaker Reshma.’”
Arya opened Anvi’s phone, activated the voice assistant, and said, “Call Caretaker Reshma.” The phone rang, and Arya handed it to Anvi.
“Hi, this is Anvi. We already talked yesterday,” Anvi said.
Reshma replied, “Yes, I remember. But there is a problem.”
Anvi sounded confused. “What happened?”
“I’m sorry. My dad had a cardiac arrest and he has been admitted to the hospital. I have to go to my hometown for a few days.”
Anvi was shocked. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Can you arrange someone you know?”
“Yes, I will try to arrange someone. I’ll let you know.”
Anvi ended the call.
Arya asked, “What happened, Mumma?”
“Aunty is going to her hometown. She won’t come,” Anvi replied.
Arya said confidently, “Don’t worry. I will take care of myself and Butterfree.” (the name of her pet goldfish)
Anvi pinched her cheeks and said, “I know you will, but who will make food for you?”
Arya laughed and replied, “I’ll eat biscuits and chips every day!”
Anvi tightened her grip on her cheeks for a moment and then released it. “No, baby. Let me arrange something.”
She paused for a second and then said, “Come on, get ready.”
To be continued…
Chapter 3: Moving Away – Part 233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYRppEZ0if
and then Add to home screen.