"You inquire about his relationship, but he has always frightened away any women that approach him. There are moments when I worry that he won't marry in his lifetime".Abhi's laughter grew as he clutched his tummy.thoroughly enjoying himself at Ram's expense.
Ram glared, his fists clenched. "Watch out, I'm going to get a girl in no time at all."
"Really?" Abhi scoffed, still chuckling." let's check who the poor girl is that is eager to wed this elderly guy". Ram was mocked by Abhi.
Ram's face turned red with indignation. "I am NOT old!" he shouted.
They had all before claimed that he seemed a bit older, and he was very offended by that. Now, Abhi has brought up the same topic once again.
"Really, ho".Abhi teased, folding his arms as if preparing for a challenge. "Who ought to get hitched to you when you wrap up like this every day?" He gestured dramatically at Ram's outfit.
Ram usually dressed for comfort rather than fashion. His clothes, though clean and well-kept, often had an old-fashioned style that made him appear a decade older than he really was. He didn't mind his attire, picking whatever was easiest to throw on, but it clearly irked Abhi—and now Veer—who always teased him for it.
Ram, visibly frustrated, growled, "I don't need to dress up like some runway model to impress anyone."
Abhi laughed again, shaking his head. "You might not care about your looks, but trust me, the girl who'll fall for you will have to be a saint!"
Veer, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, finally stepped in. He knew these two well, having witnessed their playful back-and-forths for years. It was nothing new to him—just part of their brotherly bond.
"Alright, alright," Veer said with a grin, raising his hand to halt their banter. "Enough with the teasing, you two. Let's focus on something more important. Tell me, how are you both really doing?"
His voice, though lighthearted, carried a note of genuine concern. He cared deeply for these boys—almost as if they were his own sons—and he wanted to hear about their lives beyond the jokes and teasing.
Abhi and Ram exchanged a glance before settling down, the playful atmosphere shifting to something more serious. Ram, still slightly grumpy from the earlier taunts, crossed his arms but was the first to speak.
"We're good, Uncle. A lot's been going on, but you know us—we handle things."
Abhi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, life's been busy, but we're managing. And hey, now that Rajeev's about to get married, things are looking up!"
Veer smiled warmly, feeling a sense of pride in seeing how much they had grown. Even with all their teasing, it was clear that the bond between them was unshakable.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Veer said. "And remember, no matter what, I'm always here for you boys."
Abhi grinned, placing his hand on Veer's shoulder. "Fantastic, Veer. How about we continue this conversation over a cup of coffee?"
Even though Veer and Abhi were separated by a decade, they shared a close bond, often joking and spending time together as if they were the same age. Their relationship had always been easygoing, filled with mutual respect and a sense of camaraderie.
Veer chuckled, his eyes lighting up with the same warmth. "That sounds like a great idea."
With Veer's agreement, the group headed toward a nearby coffee shop tucked inside the mall. The atmosphere had lightened significantly since the earlier confrontation, and there was an air of relief among them. As they walked together, they laughed, teased, and bantered like family.
At the coffee shop, they gathered around a large table, sipping hot drinks while engaging in animated conversation. Gowthami and Sashi talked about their wedding plans, adding bits of humor and excitement, while Ram—now fully recovered from the teasing—joined in with his usual playful energy.
Veer, who was always the gentle listener, observed the group with satisfaction. He had known Rajeev since he was a boy and had watched him grow into a strong and honorable man. Now, seeing him with his friends, especially on the brink of starting a new chapter with Gowthami, filled Veer with pride.
The hours seemed to pass quickly as they shared stories and laughter. Veer took a moment to lean back in his chair, smiling softly at Rajeev. "You've come a long way, Rajeev. Your father would be proud to see you today."
Rajeev, touched by the words, gave a humble nod. "Thank you, Uncle. I've been lucky to have good people by my side."
After they finished their coffee, it was time for Veer to return to his duties. He stood, adjusting his uniform, and looked at the group with fondness. Before leaving, he placed a hand on Rajeev's shoulder. "I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world. You can count on me being there."
Rajeev smiled, gratitude clear in his eyes. "It wouldn't be the same without you, Uncle."
With that, Veer said his goodbyes, exchanging handshakes and hugs with the group before heading off. As he walked away, there was a sense of warmth left behind—a reminder of the unbreakable bonds of friendship and family.
Rajeev, Abhi, Ram, and the rest of the group watched Veer disappear into the distance, knowing that his presence would always be a steady force in their lives. They felt stronger, more united, and ready for whatever lay ahead, especially with Rajeev's wedding on the horizon.
As they made their way back to the vehicle, still talking and laughing from their time with Veer, a young girl in a cloak suddenly appeared, rushing toward them. Her steps were quick and determined, and before anyone could react, she stopped right in front of Ram.
Without saying much, the girl looked up at him, her small hands extending a folded piece of paper. "Please accept this piece of paper, uncle. An elderly auntie handed it to you," she said quickly, her voice soft but rushed.
Before Ram could even open his mouth to respond, the girl dashed off, disappearing into the crowd as if she had never been there. The entire exchange happened so fast that Ram stood there, stunned, holding the letter in his hand, unsure of what just transpired.
Abhi immediately seized the opportunity to tease him, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "How did an elderly aunt relate to this letter? Hey Ram, are you intending to marry an elderly woman as your wife? I stated that you were old, so please don't claim that it's true."
Ram shot an annoyed look at Abhi, his brows furrowed. "What nonsensical behavior".
Ignoring the banter, Ram quickly unfolded the letter. As his eyes scanned the words written on the paper, his expression changed instantly. His face shifted from irritation to disbelief, then to something resembling anger. His eyes widened in both contempt and confusion as the words on the paper sank in.
He exclaimed, "What the hell is this and who authored this?" right away.