October 2019

Udaipur

The roads can be seen filled with vehicles and horns; creating more ruckus and hustle bustle than the usual and well the reason is quite obvious it's due to the much talked festival in the previous chapters, Diwali. The marketplace was well lit with the lights and big hoardings of Diwali sale and bonanza could be seen almost on all the stores. The sweet shops were dwelling in happiness from the generous amount of customers and their orders, too.

While sitting in his car, Karan could be seen soaking in the sight of his town. He could exactly feel what one the emotion of returning back to the comfort of his people and place. The favourite star of many, was somewhere in between them and the best part, that they were oblivious of his presence. Why best you might ask! Well, because finally he is going back in the arms of the people who always have loved him for being him and not the Cricket and the youth sensation Karan Shergill.

Karan was the youngest in the family before the arrival of his niece, Saumya, uh better known as baby. So naturally, he was on the receiving end of all the more love, affection, guidance but he never let anything reach on his mind that will turn him snobbish, not even his success. He always felt that be grateful for what you have and it's more than enough. The bond that he shared with everyone was unfiltered, unadulterated and full of love.

His three storeys home in which he has lived since his early years of teens, after his father took retirement, it was visible from the window of the car and he just couldn't wait to go to his home and be engulfed in the warmth of love. They never really moved out of this place even after being able to move into a place much bigger than this, because the place was sufficient for the residents of the place.

Karan stepped out of his car and stood in front of the place with a nameplate of SHERILL'S. Just as he was about to ring the doorbell, the door opened from inside and instantly two little arms hugged him from his legs and a wide grin was etched on his face, taking in the sight of his little cutie.

"Chachuuuuuuuu." Baby excitedly squealed.

(Uncleee.)

"Babyyyyyyy. Kaisa hai mera partner?" Karan said in an equally excited voice, picking her up in his arms.

(Babyyy. How is my partner?)

"Bilkul theek. Kal aapne kitna accha khela, sab aapka naam le rahe they. Lekin mai toh aapko hug bhi nahi karpayi." Baby pouted sadly while speaking her last set of words.

(Absolutely fine. You played so well yesterday, everyone was chanting your name. But I couldn't even hug you.)

"Awle, mera baccha." Karan squeezed the little doll and continued, "I'm sorry, chachu kal zyada he busy ho gaye they na lekin koi baat nahi ab baby aur chachu bohot maze karenge, aur sabko tang karenge."

(Oh! My kiddo. I'm sorry, Uncle got very busy yesterday, but no issues now baby and her uncle will do a lot of fun and will trouble everyone.)

Just as Karan finished speaking, someone twisted his ears making him yelp in tiny bit of pain. He turned to look at the figure and without any surprise, it was his beloved Bhabhi.

"Ouch. Bhabhi sorry sorry." Karan said in an attempt to free his ear

"Sorry ke bacche. Pehle toh baby ko dekhte he uske saath busy gaye aur ab ussey yeh kya shaitaani ka naya tareeka sikha rahe ho?" Barkha said acting a little stern yet the playfulness cannot be missed from her voice and left his ear.

(What sorry haan? Firstly you just entered and got busy with baby, forgetting everything else and what are these new ways of mischief are you teaching her?)

Meanwhile just as Barkha finished and Karan was about to reply her but he was interrupted by a stern and rough voice of his father.

"Bilkul barkhurdar. Yeh kya baat hui?" Atul said coming closer to him.

(Exactly Mister. What even?)

"Haan papa, daanto issey." Barkha sided with her father in law.

(Yes dad, scold him.)

"Arrey mai abhi abhi aaya hoon aur aap log aisa kar rahe ho mere saath. Sirf baby he mujhse pyaar karti hai." Karan said still holding baby in his arms and giving her a little squeeze, while baby just smiled brightly at him.

(I've just come and you people are behaving like this with me. Only baby loves me.)

"Toh yeh tab sochta na jab tu sirf baby ko he naye shaitaani ke tarike sikha raha thha. Bhool gaya kya mujhe? Hum teen ek team hain." Atul narrowed his eyes at his son and clasped the wrist of his left hand in right, on his back.

(So you should've thought about this while you were only keen on teaching baby new mischief. Did you forget me? We three are one team.)

And Barkha was left with her mouth wide open at this statement of her father in law. And Karan was laughing at his bhabhi's expressions.

"Papa aap bhi? Khair lekin mujhe he samajh jaana chaiye thha, ki aap teeno ki team iss baat pe kitni pakki hai." Barkha sighed with a little huff and a small smile.

(Even you Dad? But I should have only understood that you three have a solid team when it comes to matters like this.)

Karan put baby down on the floor and bends down in front of his father to take his blessings and then greeting him with a tight hug. Karan was Atul's peace of heart. Even though they didn't spend as much time together as Atul did with all the other members of her family, firstly due to his duty towards the nation and later it was Karan's career. But they never let the distance affect their bond. They would communicate with each other whenever possible. Although Atul might come across as a stern and a strict man, which no doubt he is but only when it is absolutely necessary but he is a total kid when he is with his children.

"Kaisa hai mere sher? Kal kya zabardast khela tu, maza aagaya dekh ke. I'm so proud of you beta." Atul said it with the utmost feeling of proud in his voice.

(How are you my boy? What a great match you played yesterday, it was a treat to my eyes. I'm so proud of you my son.)

"Bas aap sabka pyaar aur prarthna ka asar hai. Mai bilkul theek hoon, aap kaise ho? Aur ek minute, mujhse saari baatein gate pe khada rakh kar he karoge? Arrey bhai, andar he aane de do koi." Karan went on like a bullet train.

(It is all because of you love and prayers. I'm absolutely fine, how are you? And one minute, you all want to talk to me while standing at the door only? Someone please let me enter inside at least.)

And with this he was dragged inside by baby, who made him sit on the sofa and she herself got settled on his lap and Barkha went inside the kitchen to get him some water and Atul settled on the adjacent single sofa.

"Baby, beta chachu ko haath muh toh dho lene do. Aate he shuru ho gayi tum." Barkha reprimanded to baby softly. "Karan tum paani peelo phir freshen up hoke aajao, tab tak mai nashta ready karti hoon. Jab tak tum aaoge, Param bhi aajayenge. Phir sabke saath aaram se baithna. Aur haa mujhe pata hai, Salad he banaungi. Jaao, aur fatafat aao."

(Baby, let your uncle freshen up at least, it's not even a moment that he is here and you already started with your shenanigans.) (Karan drink some water and then go freshen up, meanwhile I'll fix you some snacks. By the time you'll come, Param will be here too. Then you sit and spend time with everyone leisurely. And yes, I know, I'll prepare some salad only. Now go and come back quickly.)

Karan did as asked and came back to find his favourite salad prepared by his favourite person along with some lemonade, with baby watching some cartoon with her dadu. Just as he was having his salad, the doorbell rang and the attention of people in the living room went on the door. Karan stopped baby and Barkha too, who was coming out of her room and himself went to open the door know it must be his Bhaiya. And he was correct, the moment he took in the sight of his brother, he engulfed him in a hug, making the elder one smile fondly and ruffling the hairs of his younger sibling.

"Arrey chhotey andar to aa jaane de mujhe." Param said, patting the back of his younger sibling.

(At least, let me come in.)

Karan broke the hug with huge smile and took the bag from his brother's hands, letting him in.

"Oh yeah, sorry. Jaldi jaao aur change karke aao phir sab jane saath mein masti karenge." Karan kind of ushered Param in and when his brother went in then, Karan turned towards his father and said, "Also papa, maine Faizi ko bol diya hai yahan aane ka, jaisa aapne mujhe bolne ko kaha thha, woh sab ke saath aa jayega."

(Go and change fast and then we'll together have some fun. Also, Dad, I've told Faizi to come as you asked me to, he'll come with everyone.)

After that everyone spent some light- hearted quality moments with each other before calling it a night. Although Atul had something serious to address, but looking at all happy yet tired faces he let it go until the next morning.

And just like that the eventful day settled in the curtain of dark night which twinkled with the glory of stars and the timeless beauty of moon.

|~|~|~|~|

So this was how Karan was welcomed and spent his day.
This story might seemed a little slow paced, but it is necessary for the character build up.
I hope you like the chapter.

Please vote and comment.

Much love,
Nehal.