The biting cold of December had settled over the city, with frost-tipped mornings and evenings spent huddled by the warmth of a fire. The Batra household buzzed with a quiet energy as preparations for Rudra's first birthday with the family began to take shape. His birthday was just a week away, and Kiran was determined to make it a memorable one.
One chilly evening, after putting Kartik to bed, Kiran joined Karan in their bedroom. He was seated in his armchair, flipping through some reports for work, but the contemplative expression on his face didn't go unnoticed by her.
"Karan," she began, settling herself on the edge of the bed. "Rudra's birthday is coming up next week. It's his first birthday with us, and I think we should make it special—something he'll always remember."
Karan responded with a noncommittal "Hmm,".
Kiran raised an eyebrow. "Why do I feel like that 'hmm' comes with some reservations?"
Karan sighed heavily "It's nothing like that, it's just that… it's his first birthday without his parents. I can't stop thinking about how much he must miss them. No matter what we do, I'm afraid there'll be a part of him that feels… incomplete. And it's just… sad."
Kiran fell silent for a moment, her fingers absently smoothing the blanket on the bed. She understood Karan's sentiment. The loss of Rudra's parents was a shadow that lingered, even as they tried to envelop him in their love and care. Finally, she spoke, her tone firm yet gentle.
"You're right, Karan. No one can replace his parents. That space in his heart will always be theirs, and we shouldn't try to fill it. But what we can do is create a new world around him—a world full of love, joy, and memories that help him heal. If we make an effort, maybe he won't feel that void as deeply."
Karan nodded slowly. "I know you're right. But what kind of celebration are you thinking of? I don't want it to feel forced or overwhelming for him."
"I was thinking of something warm and inviting," Kiran said, her voice growing animated. "We should invite the Singh family, of course, since Aarav and Rudra have become such good friends. Maybe Aarav could suggest a few other classmates to invite as well. It worries me that Rudra hasn't made any new friends at school since he joined, even though it's been months. He seems to be isolating himself, and that's not healthy."
Karan leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "It's true. He's been quieter than I expected, but at least he has Aarav. They've become inseparable, haven't they? Kartik keeps complaining that they don't give him enough attention these days."
Kiran chuckled softly. "Poor Kartik. But it's natural—they're closer in age, and Aarav shares Rudra's interests. Kartik's still a little boy in their eyes."
Karan smiled faintly. "I suppose so. Alright, inviting Aarav and some of their classmates sounds like a good idea. And what about a gift? We should give him something meaningful, something he truly wants."
"Exactly," Kiran agreed. "I was planning to talk to him about it tomorrow. Maybe I'll get Aarav's input as well, to see if Rudra has mentioned anything he'd like."
Karan reached over to place a hand on hers. "You always think of everything, don't you? Let's make this a day he'll never forget."
Night fell and the Batra family gathered around the dining table for dinner, the room filled with the warm aroma of Kiran's cooking. Kartik was busy recounting his school day, and Aarav chimed in with playful comments, but Rudra was unusually quiet, lost in his thoughts.
Kiran, ever perceptive, noticed his silence and decided to bring up the upcoming occasion. "Rudra, beta," she began warmly, "your birthday is next week. It's your first birthday with us, and we want to make it special. Is there something you'd like as a gift?"
Rudra hesitated, caught off guard. He had been mulling over his plans for days but hadn't expected the question so soon. His mind raced—he couldn't ask for what he truly wanted outright. He needed to tread carefully.
He looked up, feigning modesty. "I don't really need anything, Aunty. Maybe just a book on… economics or technology?"
Kiran's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Economics? At your age? That's an unusual choice, Rudra."
Karan, who had been listening intently, interjected with a chuckle. "Unusual, but not surprising. Rudra's always been full of interesting ideas."
Rudra shrugged, trying to appear casual. "I just find it fascinating. You know, how businesses grow and how people invest in the future. It's like solving a puzzle with numbers."
Kiran exchanged a glance with Karan, her expression thoughtful. "That's quite mature, beta. Are you sure that's all you want? No toys or games?"
"Well…" Rudra hesitated, sensing an opportunity to steer the conversation. "Actually, there is one more thing I've been thinking about. But I'm not sure if it's okay to ask."
"Go on," Karan encouraged, leaning forward. "We're listening."
Rudra took a deep breath, carefully framing his request. "I've been reading about two companies—Tipro and Intosys. They seem like promising businesses, and I was wondering if I could… get few shares in portfolio so i could monitor and learn about market, just something to keep my self intrested in the economic aspect of the market it's trend and analysis. "
Kiran blinked, momentarily speechless. "Shares? Intresting! Rudra, you're full of surprises tonight."
Karan tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Why these companies, Rudra? What makes them special?"
"Well," Rudra explained, his voice steady, "Tipro is in manufacturing and has some innovative products coming out. Intosys is a technology company, and their software solutions seem very advanced. I thought it might be a good way to learn about how investments work."
Karan frowned slightly, a mix of concern and admiration. "But share comes with risks, beta. And nothing you should be consern yourself with at this age, you should not neglect you studies. It's the most important at this stage for you kids."
Rudra nodded earnestly. "I understand, Uncle. That's why I'm only asking for a small amount—just few shares of both Tipro and Intosys. It's more about understanding the process than making money."
Karan leaned back in his chair, processing the request.
"Alright, Rudra. I'll speak to someone who knows about stock investments and get a proper understanding and only then i will decide" .
Later, in their bedroom, Karan turned to Kiran with a thoughtful expression. "What do you think of Rudra's unusual request?" he asked, settling back against the headboard.
Kiran paused for a moment, considering her response. "It is indeed an unusual request," she admitted. "I thought he would ask for a toy, a sports kit, or maybe some comics—something more in line with what kids his age are usually interested in. But then again, he's a bright boy, and far more mature than most children. I suppose the loss of his parents has had a deeper impact on him than he lets on."
Karan nodded slowly, his brows furrowed. "You're right, Kiran. It could have shaped his personality—experiences like that often leave lasting trauma. Do you think we should consider taking him to a therapist?"
Kiran shook her head gently. "Hmm, I haven't noticed any clear signs of trauma. He's just a little quieter and more mature than other kids his age. But I'll keep an eye on him. Don't worry, Karan. Our love and care will eventually help him open up. He just needs time to heal in his own way."
Karan sighed, his expression softening. "You're right. And about his request—it's his first birthday with us, and he didn't ask for anything inappropriate. It's just… unusual, that's all. But, as he said, we can treat it as a learning tool rather than an investment. I've seen him engrossed in those economics books lately, completely absorbed."
Kiran smiled warmly. "Exactly. He's been so focused, Karan. And, let's not forget, his report card has been consistently excellent. An average of over 90% isn't something to overlook. He's clearly not neglecting his studies, and we're always here to guide him if he ever gets distracted."
Karan leaned back, exhaling deeply. "You're right again. I'll speak to an agent who understands stock investments and figure out the best way to approach this. I was thinking of starting small—maybe 200 rupees in each company he mentioned, a total of 400 rupees. It's not a lot, but it's still a decent amount. With my salary being 6,500 rupees a month, and considering that the government covers our housing and basic needs, we can't really afford to splurge."
Kiran placed a reassuring hand on his arm, her voice gentle yet firm. "This isn't splurging, Karan. It's an investment in his learning and his future. It's a thoughtful and meaningful request, and I think it's worth supporting."
Karan nodded, his tone cautious but resolute. "Alright, but this will be a one-time trial. If things don't go as planned, Rudra will need to accept the consequences and learn from the experience."
With that, the conversation reached its natural conclusion. Karan switched off the bedside lamp, and the room settled into a quiet calm as the two drifted off to sleep.