CHAPTER 8
Ananya freshened up and got out of the bathroom to find her friend peacefully asleep on her bed.Arpita had changed before her.
She smiled at the site and went towards her fathers room.Her fathers reaction on seeing Avdesh intrigued her.She wanted to ask him if everything was alright or not.
Anu found her Dad's room open and empty.She went towards the study.
Her Dad was sitting on the couch with some old albums placed around him.He was looking at one with his brows creased.
"Dad"Anu called out to him.
"Huh'.Anu tum soyi nahi"Her dad said jerking up.
"Aap iss aadi raat mein yeh puraane albums ke saath kya kar rahen hon"Anu went and sat beside him looking at the album in his hand.It was her Dad's old family album.He was fond of photography from chilhood.He had taken many photos with the camera he was gifted by one of his uncles.
She looked closely at a man standing beside a tree.
"Dad that guy'"Anu began
"Looks a lot like Avdesh your friend"Prashant finished.
"But this is your brother right you once told me'."Anu thought out loud.
"He is my elder brother Ravi,Avdesh's father"Prashant said looking at his brothers photo.
"What?We are related to Avi'.but how can you be sure.You said you left Lallanpur long before you even got married"Anu asked
"Yes I did Anu'.but I have always kept visiting Lallanpur without telling you people'.I know you would make tantrums to come with me'..I never contacted my family openly'..I went mostly to visit Maa'..I never contacted Ravi but knew that he married and had two sons.The last time I had gone there was just few years back'.to buy a land''soch raha that ek din waha wapis jaaonga'.that time I had seen Avdesh at home'.he was eighteen then I guess" Prashant explained with a far away look in is eyes.
Anu glanced at her uncles photo.Avi was almost the spitting image of his Dad.The same broad chest and same smile.
"Dad you left Lallanpur because you didn't like your families indulgence in crime'.if that's so then how come Avi is studying here" Anu was still doubtful.
"Maybe things have changed in Lallanpur beta'.Avdesh studying here is a surprise for sure'but there is no doubting the fact that he is Avdesh Singh Thakur,my brothers son'.you must have noticed the resemblance"Prashant explained.
"Hmmm'.should I be cautious with him Dad?What if he is just like the rest of your family"Anu asked.
"That I leave to you Anu'you are intelligent enough to understand a person'.he is your elder brother Anu maybe he can take Anand's place for you" Prashant gave his daughter a small smile.
"Bhaiyya's place is reserved for him Dad'no one can ever replace it"Anu said looking away.Once again tonight her old wounds had been reopened.
"Beta I am sorry if I hurt you"Prashant placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder.
"No Dad'..I am fine'.just thinking that we are a family with lots of skeletons in our cupboard"Anu laid her head on her Dad's shoulder.
"Time for bed young lady" Prashant said keeping away the album "I'll get you a glass of milk.One for that young lady too"
"Dad ab mein 5 saal ki nahi rahin.aur Arpi tho kab ke so gayi"Anu groaned.
"Tumhari Mumma hoti tho asana se pila leti tumhe" Prashaant said with a sad smile.
"Mumma ki kami aap bakhubi dhoor kar rahe hon Dad'mujhe khilana pilana tho aap ka hobby ban gaya hain" Anu said hugging her Dad.
Prashant ruffled her head and gave her a kiss on the forehead.
Anu headed back to her room.She found Arpita smiling in sleep.
"Wha bhai wha'.ab tho madam ke dreams mein bhi Mr.Thakur hi hain I guess" Anu said shaking her head.
Avdesh was all smiles watching his angel dancing in the rain carefree.She was the most beautiful angel to him.She had already caught his heartbeats with her innocent charm.She twirled around splashing some raindrops on his face.
Avdesh felt water cascading on his head. He woke up with a shout.
"Abe oye RV yeh kya kar raha tu"
"Chilao math'.holiday khatam ho gaya hain Thakur saab'aaj college jana hain aur hum already late hain'.jaldi uto warna niche se daant padegi" RV said to his friend throwing a towel at Avi's face.
"Acha khasa sapna thod diya na tune" Avi groaned getting out of the bed.
"You can see her in real today'if you wanna miss that go back to sleep beta" RV said pulling on his T-shirt.
Avi smiled at his friends back and went to get ready.
They got down for breakfast.
"Wow Mumma you are superb'.aisa khana tho humara cook nahi bana pata" Avdesh said through his mouthful of paratha.
"Agar roz aisa khana chahiye tho yaha kyun nahin rahthe tum"Mrs.Singh complained.
"Mumma acha khana kabhi khabaar khaane mein zyaada mazaa hain" Avdesh said.He had always denied RV's parents request to stay with them.He needed to able to go and come to and from Lallanpur as and when he liked.He wanted to avoid the awkwardness of explaining.
They bid goodbye to the Singh's and headed to college.
Avdesh was eager to see Arpita after a week.He had missed her very much the last one week.
They found the girls in the auditorium busy in some jobs.
"Hey Arpita" Avdesh said going towards them.
"Lo aa gaya tumhara Prince Charming'..tassali mili ab"Anu whispered to Arpi who blushed visibly.
"Arts day ki tayyariya shuru ho gayi aur who bhi humaare bina"RV sitting on the table besides Anu.
"Tum logo ka intezaar karte hi itna late hua hain'we have only started today"Anu explained.
"That's good'.we intend to put up a fantastic show this time'its our last one na"Avi said.
"Well the auditions are going on in various classrooms'.the drama club head jst asked us to cross check the old and new props list"Arpi said.
"Arpita why don't you audition for singing or drama" Avi enquired her.
"Arpita you didn't say that you could sing and how come Avi knows it"Anu said in a surprised tone.
Arpita glared at Avdesh who was smirking.
"Chaliye madam aap ko audition hall mein le jaate hain'dekhthe hain ki Mr.Thakur ne aisa kyon kaha."RV said
Anu almost dragged Arpita towards the auditions.
"Anu please'I have a huge stage fright problem'.mein stage par bad radioing" Arpita said trying to hold back.
"No excuses dear'.tum audition karogi"Anu said with finality.
They took her for singing audition first.
Before she got on stage Avdesh said to her
"Arpita think about someone or something thinking about which always calms you down'you can do it Arpita"
Arpita gave him a nervous smile.She was called on stage.She nearly stumbled down in her nervousness.Then she closed her eyes and thought of her mom.She immediately felt relieved.Then she sang her moms favousite song Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein and received a huge applause.
Arpita finally got selected for singing and drama which was a musical.Avdesh was the hero of the drama as he was the best actor continuously for two previous years.
"Brilliant acting Miss Rai"a voice came from behind them
Arpita froze on hearing the voice.
This part is dedicated to our sweety Jo aka Neha...love your ff's hun...continue the marvellous job
Edited by Nidhsara - 12 years ago
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