Darshan reaches Ahmedabad around 5 in the evening. He is greeted by Anup(Darshan's brother) who came to receive him at the airport. They go to their home after beating the evening traffic of the city. They reach home and are welcomed by Rajendra uncle(Darshan's dad) and an excited Bhavya(Darshan's nephew). He runs up to Darshan who takes him into his loving arm. He tickles him and Bhavya giggles throwing his hands up in the air. He goes to his room and freshens up. He comes back out and they have dinner quietly. Anup and Darshan clean up while Rajendra uncle gets Bhavya ready for bed. The four sit in the living room around 8'o clock. Anup brings out a chocolate cake. Darshan cuts the cake and feeds everyone.

RU: How are you?

Darshan: Good.

RU: I'm serious!

Darshan: I am serious, Pappa!

Anup: Why did you not contact us for about two months? The only thing we heard was that you are in the hospital unconscious for over a week and a half.

Darshan: Bhai things just didn't fall in place! I was arrested on the twenty-ninth of August in Thailand.

RU: What happened?

Darshan: I was proved innocent in court after half a month or so.

Anup: The Thai government must be still after you!

Darshan: I'm dead for them!

Anup: But? We didn't hear anything in the news.

Darshan: The final statement will be released next month after the case is given a conclusion till then, I cannot tell you more than this.

The two nod their head.

Anup: Darshan, why don't leave this job?

RU: You have an amazing career ahead of you as an aeronautical engineer! Why are you inviting death for yourself?

Darshan: Pappa, I love this job!

Anup: Do you understand how worried we were when we found out you were in the hospital? A job is not worth your life!

Darshan: Bhai, I get happiness and satisfaction every day that I did something for our nation!

Anup: You get that by risking your life!

Darshan: You have to take risks in everything you do. You took a risk and put your reputation at stake by choosing the process of surrogacy to bring this bundle of joy in our life rather than taking the traditional route of marriage!

Anup: They are two different scenarios!

Darshan: I know, but you guys always want me to be happy right?

They nod their head.

Darshan: I get happiness from this. You don't understand how happy you are knowing that you saved someone's life or protected your nation.

RU: You are very much hard-headed.

Anup: Talking to you is like talking to the wall! You get nothing out of it.

Darshan: Then, let's change the topic. What is my birthday gift?

RU: What do you want?

Darshan: Holiday with you guys! I have a month off, so I want to enjoy it with you.

Anup: Let's go on a road trip!

RU: Next week, so we have some time to prepare for it.

They nod their head.

Darshan: I'm choosing the places!

Anup: Sure, baccha(child or kid)!

Darshan: I'm not a baccha!

Anup: You don't know, but you are!

Darshan: Pappa!

Anup: See you are complaining to Pappa like a little kid.

RU: Enough banter boxes! Go to sleep we have a long week ahead.

They call it a day and retire to their bedroom. Darshan tosses around on his bed to relax. He gets up and puts on his slippers. He grabs the spare house key from the small mandir(temple) in the house. He locks the door behind him walks to the Sabarmati River.

He glances at his phone to see it's past one. He sits on the concrete bench and rolls up his sweatpants. He dips his feet in the water. The water is cold, but it feels good. It helps him relax. He stares on the other side to see the riverfront illuminated with numerous lights. He shakes his head as memories of him and Inaya come running back. He looks away from the river for a moment before focusing his attention back on the water. He sees Shayna's face in the water. The sound of her laughter and her words ring in his ear.

Darshan: What is happening?

He sighs and thinks to himself.

Darshan: (In mind: Shayna, where are you? I hated you for all the things you said and did, but I didn't want you to go away like this. My family got worried because I was in the hospital, but I don't even know what happened to you! I don't even know if you are taken back to your family or not. I wanted to say bye to you at least before I leave Thailand and hear your stupid scolding about how I look and the stupid comments you make about me being nervous when you're around.)

He retires to his home after some time. The next week goes by with him planning the trip. On the 25th, the four load their luggage into the car and hit the road. They explore Gujarat and somewhat of Rajasthan for the next two weeks and a half.

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