Prem:
We had just finished breakfast when I noticed Nani's grandfather entering the house after his visit to the temple.
I watched as Nani rushed over to him, embracing him with pure joy. The happiness on his face was unmistakable, and I felt it too, as if his emotions were somehow my own. Sometimes, I wonder if I'm living through someone else's emotions—these vivid experiences that feel new and unfamiliar, yet somehow deeply personal. I can't help but question what triggers these feelings inside me.
I headed to my room and pulled out the diary, the one thing that connects me to Nani's memories. It's a keepsake, filled with every moment I've had with him, a way to hold onto the pieces of him that matter most. I've recorded everything about him—every feeling, every thought.
After a while, I stepped out onto the balcony, gazing at the world outside. It felt like the earth and sky were in harmony, nature's soft embrace touching everything in sight. As I stood there, mesmerized, my eyes wandered and landed on Nani. He was playing with a small girl, his face glowing with a smile that radiated contentment. Watching him, I couldn't help but feel that satisfaction too, as if I was part of the moment.
A sudden thought crossed my mind—I had to write about him. Without hesitation, I rushed back inside, grabbed the diary, and returned to the balcony. I stared at Nani, trying to soak up every emotion, as if I could capture it all just by looking at him. I picked up my pen, and with the feelings swirling in my heart, I began to write.
"I don't know how many secrets the galaxies hold, but when I see you, I feel the urge to uncover them all—every hidden smile, every moment of sulk, every bit of happiness. I want to know and experience all of your emotions because to me, they are pure nectar. You are my one and only galaxy."
I closed the diary and glanced down, but Nani was nowhere in sight. I searched for him, and suddenly, I felt someone standing beside me. Slowly turning, I realized it was Nani. Instinctively, I hid the diary behind my back.
"What are you hiding from me?" Nani asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
I didn't want to show him. The diary held my emotions—feelings about him that I wasn't ready for anyone to see, least of all him.
He quickly grabbed the diary from my hand, flipping to the first page. His eyes met mine, then without a word, he closed the book and handed it back to me.
"I'm not the kind of person who pries into someone else's personal life," he said, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.
"You always manage to turn situations to your advantage," I teased.
"When have I ever done that?" Nani asked, clearly deep in thought.
"Well..." I began, but before I could continue, Nani interrupted, his face growing worried. "Wait, did I misbehave with you that night I got drunk?"
"You don't remember anything from that night?" I asked, disappointment creeping into my voice.
"No, I only remember passing out. Did I do something?" he asked, concerned.
"No, you just threw up after drinking too much," I replied, covering the truth. What was the point of telling him now if he couldn't even remember?
"And then...?" he pressed.
"I just cleaned you up and put you to bed," I lied for the first time. I hated lying, especially to him. I had always wanted to be honest with him, but it seemed like things ended before they even began.
Just then, Nani's mom walked over to us.
"I'm relieved to see you both here. There's something serious I need to discuss," she said, her face serious, while Nani's expression remained its usual mix of curiosity and confusion.
"Prem, do you remember the favor I asked of you? Will you consider it for me?" Her eyes were pleading. I wanted to help her, I really did, but with everything as it was, it seemed best to let things go.
I saw Nani's confusion deepen as he tried to understand, his mind likely buzzing with questions.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I can't. I have people who depend on me, people I need to take care of. Thank you for everything, but I'm leaving." I couldn't bring myself to meet Nani's eyes. I knew that if I did, I wouldn't be able to leave, but I also knew that ending things here was the right choice. Love was never something I sought—it always seemed to leave scars when it was over.
I packed my things and prepared to go. As I made my way out, Nani stepped in front of me. "Why are you leaving so soon? I have so much I want to talk about. Can't you stay a little longer, at least until I leave?" His voice was soft, and his eyes—those puppy eyes—reflected his pure, honest soul. They were the reason I found it so hard to walk away.
"Nani, please understand. Chotu is waiting for me, and he hasn't been eating properly since I left. Leela is alone too, and I need to take care of her. I hope you can understand," I said gently, my voice barely above a whisper.
Without waiting for his reply, I walked away. I could feel his pain, his anger, lingering in the air as I left. But this was the right thing to do—for both of us.
Arav:
I hated how Prem turned his back on me, even after I asked him to stay a little longer. I wasn't demanding a lifetime with him, just a few more moments.
"Arav, how do you two know each other?" Mom asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I met him on the island. I used to eat at his restaurant," I replied, keeping my answer short. I didn't feel like saying more.
I asked Mom to pack up quickly so we could leave. There were important matters I needed to discuss with both her and Dad.
"I have something important to discuss with you too," she said, her businesswoman aura surfacing—the one she always had when something serious was at hand.
We soon left for Bangalore and arrived home safely. To my surprise, Dad was waiting for us at the house—he hadn't gone to work. I went over and hugged him, noticing how my mother's expression remained unchanged, but my father's face lit up when he saw her.
"Arav, come and sit. We need to talk," Mom said firmly.
I sat down on the sofa. "Why didn't you tell me you had an accident before coming to Nana's place?" she asked.
I stayed silent. I couldn't hide anything from her—when it came to me or our work, she was always on full alert. It's one of the things I hate most. It feels suffocating, like I never get a chance to handle things on my own.
"Amma, it's not like I almost died. I just fell, and I'm fine. I'm not a child, and I didn't even get hurt," I replied, trying to sound serious but also to reassure her.
Her worried expression softened only slightly.
"I need to discuss something with both of you," I said, trying to maintain the same serious tone she always used when addressing important matters. After all, I'm her son.
Both my parents looked at me intently.
"I want to start working tomorrow."
They exchanged glances, their faces a mix of shock and happiness.
"Are you sure? You always said you didn't want to follow in our footsteps," Mom asked.
"Yes, but things change with time. I'm seriously interested in taking over the company now. I want to carry on our legacy with pride. I won't let you down," I said, my voice full of confidence.
I saw their faces light up with joy.
"Alright, honey. You'll join us tomorrow. I'll introduce you to everyone, and together, we can run the company more effectively," Mom said.
"No, Amma. I want to handle this on my own. I want both of you to retire as soon as possible," I stated firmly. I glanced at Dad, who seemed to be deep in thought, wondering why I said that.
"This isn't a game you can just play however you like," Mom said, concerned.
"Amma, why did you both start the business in the first place?" I asked, my tone serious.
"We wanted to build a better future for you," she replied, her voice calm.
"Then let me take the reins. Like you said, let me 'play it like a game.' You've seen how I approach challenges—I've never come second in anything. Don't you trust me?" I asked, almost pleading.
"It's not that..." Mom began, but Dad stepped forward, placing his hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay. Let's give him a chance."
For the first time, I saw them make a decision together, one that directly affected me. It made me happy, happier than I'd been in a long time. If Prem were here, I would've told him how I felt. But that idiot left without even considering my feelings. I'm never going to talk to him again.
Mom and Dad were soon busy organizing everything for me. I suspected there'd be an official announcement, probably a press conference, to declare that I'd be taking over their legacy.
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The news was all over the internet, and Mom and Dad had been busy with it since yesterday. I stepped out of my room and noticed the house was unusually quiet. Just then, Mom called, asking me to leave for the office within the hour. She mentioned that she had laid out a suit for me to wear for the occasion, and Raju would be driving me to the office once I was ready.
Things were finally going according to plan. Even though I don't have much interest in the business, I'm doing this for my parents. As Krishna Uncle once pointed out, they've become so absorbed in work that they've forgotten to take care of themselves. Once everything settles down, I plan to send them on a world tour.
I got dressed quickly, slipping into the suit Mom had chosen—a dark grey and black combination, her favorite colors. Feeling a mix of emotions, I started the drive to the office.