18th September 2024
Rohit had one older sister and one younger brother. The age gap between them was just a year, creating a bond of siblings as well as friendship. On a crisp September day, the calendar marked Varsha, Rohit's sister's birthday. The passage of time seemed to carry with it a sense of normalcy, and life moved forward in its predictable patterns.
It was on this particular day that Rohit, realizing the significance of his sister's birthday, decided to reach out to her. He called her with the intention of making her day special.
" Hello! Are you alive?" Rohit asked playfully.
" Very much! Thanks to someone's curses." She replied sarcastically.
" I never cursed you."
" Yeah yeah.."
" Would you be coming home for your birthday?" Rohit inquired.
" I dunno, maybe if someone brought me a present. I will consider it." Varsha replied playfully.
"What would you like as a birthday gift?" he inquired.
In a comical tone, perhaps influenced by the whimsy of the moment, Varsha replied, "The world!" It was a playful response, meant more for laughs than as a genuine request. However, those words triggered something profound within Rohit.
A spark of inspiration ignited within him, and the mundane nature of his recent days suddenly felt inadequate. The notion of embarking on a grand, meaningful endeavor became tantalizing, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins.
As Rohit hung up the phone, the weight of his sister's words lingered in the air. The challenge she unwittingly presented fueled his imagination. Could he, in some way, take on the world? The possibility both excited and daunted him. His breaths quickened, hairs stood on end, and an unexpected thrill rushed through his mind.
****
19th September 2024
As the day of the celebration arrived, the villa was adorned with an air of excitement. The family gathered and reunited once again after a long time. Their smiles echoed the joy that had become a constant in their lives. Rohit orchestrated the day with meticulous attention to detail.
Rohit felt that even though he was grappling with his mental health issues and the pursuit of world conquest, he shouldn't neglect his family. He recognized these challenges as his own to confront and didn't want his family to sacrifice their enjoyment because of him.
Considering his family's lives and their needs more important than his own, Rohit acknowledged his struggles as a "suicidal maniac." He didn't harbor personal dreams, never felt a desperate need to achieve something, and was uncertain when his suicidal tendencies might resurface and pose a threat to his well-being. Contrasting himself with his brother and sister who had dreams to fulfill, and his father and mother who still had the will to live, he believed that their lives held greater significance than his own.
Hence Rohit planned a surprise celebration for Varsha that went beyond the usual birthday festivities. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous grin, he approached his sister with a mysterious air.
"Varsha, prepare for an adventure," he declared, handing her an intricately wrapped package. The curiosity in her eyes intensified as she unwrapped the gift, revealing a map.
"A treasure hunt?" Varsha exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with delight. Rohit nodded, explaining that the world she jokingly asked for on her birthday was now within her reach.
The map led Varsha through various locations, each holding a special memory or significance to their family. As she followed the trail of clues, the family watched with anticipation, relishing in the joy of the unexpected adventure.
The journey took them to the places where they played as children, to the park where they celebrated picnics, and to the treehouse they built together. Each spot carried the warmth of nostalgia and the bonds that held their family together.
The culmination of the treasure hunt led Varsha to a secluded spot overlooking the city, where a beautifully decorated terrace awaited her. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a magical glow over the scene. Varsha, surrounded by her family, felt a profound sense of love and connection.
Rohit, standing beside her, couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity of the moment. He knew that the world, indeed, resided in the shared laughter, the familial bonds, and the cherished memories they had created together.
As the evening unfolded, the family celebrated not just Varsha's birthday but also the strength of their relationships. Rohit knew that sometimes, the grandest adventures are the ones that bring us closer to our roots, the ones that remind us of the treasures hidden in the ordinary.
The joy reflected in Varsha's eyes made Rohit smile. In that moment, surrounded by the love of family and the warmth of shared stories, he understood that creating meaningful moments didn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it was the simplicity of togetherness that painted life in its most vibrant colors.
As the night descended, the villa echoed with laughter and the melodies of celebration. The challenges of the world, momentarily forgotten, were replaced by the warmth of familial love, and Rohit, basking in the glow of the evening, silently vowed to continue weaving such moments of magic into the fabric of their lives.
The culmination of his plan unfolded as he presented his sister with a beautifully wrapped gift. Her eyes widened with curiosity and delight as she unwrapped it, revealing a globe. Confusion flickered in her eyes, quickly replaced by astonishment when Rohit announced, "You wanted the world, right? Well, here it is – your very own world."
Rohit presented her with a small globe replicating Earth. The comical nature of the gift elicited laughter, and his sister, understanding the sentiment behind it, accepted it with a grin. Little did she know that Rohit harbored a silent vow in his mind—to one day give her the real world.
The celebration continued in Rohit's villa for the rest of the day. Friends and family gathered laughter echoed through the halls, and the aroma of homemade delicacies wafted in the air. Despite the recent upheavals in Rohit's life, the joy of his sister's birthday became a beacon of light, illuminating the ordinary moments that comprised their shared memories.
The guests departed, and a serene calm settled over Rohit's villa. In the quietude of the night, he reflected on the twists and turns that life had thrown his way.
As the day drew to a close, Rohit found solace in the warmth of familial bonds and the joy that emanated from the simple pleasures of life.
****
Varsha and Rohit sat in the cozy living room of their family villa, the soft glow of dimmed lights creating a warm ambiance. The air was filled with the lingering aroma of the birthday cake that had been a centerpiece of the day's celebration. Varsha, the birthday girl, held the small globe that Rohit had gifted her in her hands, turning it with curiosity.
"You know, Rohit, this little Earth is quite cute. A miniature world in my hands." Varsha said smiling.
"Well, you did ask for the world, didn't you? I thought I'd start small." With a wide grin, Rohit replied.
Varsha chuckled, appreciating the cleverness of the gift. The siblings shared a comfortable silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts.
"So, when are you going to give me the real world, brother?" Varsha asked playfully.
"You never know, Varsha. I've been thinking a lot lately. There's more to life than the routine we've been caught up in. Maybe, just maybe, I'll figure out a way to make it happen." Rohit replied thoughtfully.
" Well, enough with the jokes. What's been going on, Rohit? You seem different." Intrigued, Varsha asked.
After a short pause, Rohit replied-
"Life has thrown some surprises my way, Varsha. But it's also made me realize that maybe we should aim for more. There's a whole world out there waiting to be explored."
Varsha nodded, understanding the depth of her brother's words.
From Varsha's perspective, witnessing her brother's journey, she saw the dedication and resilience Rohit invested in creating the company. His hard work and tenacity in the face of numerous challenges left a lasting impression on her. As someone employed in a corporate setting, Varsha understood firsthand the trials and tribulations that entrepreneurs faced in managing their businesses. The complexities of the corporate world have given her insight into the immense efforts required to build and sustain a successful venture.
While Rohit navigated the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship, Varsha admired his ability to confront challenges head-on. She recognized the sacrifices he made and the hurdles he overcame to turn the company into a flourishing enterprise. Varsha's own experiences in the corporate sector allowed her to empathize with the difficulties her brother encountered.
Varsha observed her brother's struggles, victories, and the evolution of his company with a deep sense of pride, appreciating the significance of his achievements amid the myriad challenges of the business world. However, the real story was quite different.
The room fell silent but not for long as Varsh said-
" Aww... my brother looks cute when he is serious."
Rohit immediately got up and left the room.
" Hee... brother really can't take any compliment. How cute." Varsha said playfully.