E for Envy !!

"Hey Rajiv, this is awesome man, you wont believe what had just happened. I received a call from Mumbai", Karan's voice was bubbling with delight. "Any guesses who might have called", Karan wanted to keep the surprise going. 

"No idea bro, tell me who was it", Rajiv's question was short and to the point, as always. 

Karan had met Rajiv almost three years back at the birthday party of a common friend. A party which had booze as its main agenda was not to the liking of either of them. Isolated guests that they were, both of them killed time discussing random subjects. As the party went on, both of them realized they had a common interest towards business ideas. 

Over the next few months, they met almost daily, spending hours together discussing ideas. Ideas which ranged from earning a few dollars to ideas which they thought would change the world. Along with a whole lot of ideas, disposed tea cups and stubbed out cigarette butts were also a part of their discussions. 

"The team called from Mumbai. They liked our idea and wanted us to make the final presentation. We will be getting an email with all the details.", Karan continued in his upbeat mood. 

"Did they call you?", Rajiv's question was short and simple, yet again. But before Karan could answer, he continued, "Both our numbers were shared in the document right?". Rajiv's question was short again but it wasn't simple and Karan felt it immediately. 

"Big deal Rajiv, they wanted to let us know and must have picked my number". Karan replied. 

"Yeah, they must have picked your number and no wonder they will be mailing you the details", Rajiv stressed that extra bit on the word "You". 

"Rajiv, does that really matter. I thought you would be thrilled hearing this and here you are asking me such questions." Karan tried to dispel any negative thoughts in his mind. 

"It matters Karan", Rajiv spoke in a firm tone. "It does matter. Both of us were in this right from the beginning. We spent our time to give shape to the idea. We brought in few more friends to take it further. It was always about "We" doing it together. But when it came to the big things, I see the "We" breaking up into "You" and "I". When the idea was to be emailed to the Mumbai team, you did it by yourself. When the initial telephonic call happened, I was not a part of it. It was only you. Even now, when the team wanted to take it forward, you are the one who gets the call, while I have to hear it from you."

Karan was taken aback by Rajiv's outburst. He cleared his throat and tried to speak but was interrupted by Rajiv's voice. " You know Karan. I should have realised this a lot earlier. I have been ignoring the warning signs. "

"Hey Rajiv, what warning signs are you talking about. Tell me this is a joke. I have never heard you speak like this before." 

"Stop it Karan. This is no time for jokes. I should have realized a lot earlier that I was being misled."

"Rajiv, I am on my way to your place. We need to sit and talk this out. See you in 10 minutes."

Karan was already on the bike by the time he disconnected the call. This needed to be sorted out and had to be sorted out quickly. 

As he drove, that conversation kept playing in his mind. He tried to understand where this was coming from.

Was Rajiv Envious of him?

The only person who could answer this was Rajiv and Karan wanted the answers. 

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D for Delight !!

Karan was busy playing a game on his phone when he was interrupted by a call. Grudgingly he picked up the call. 

"Mr. Narayan", the voice on the other side sounded authoritative. 

"Yes, speaking", said Karan, the calmness in his voice was certain to make an impression on the caller. 

"We are calling you regarding the proposal which you mailed us some time back. Me and my team have gone through it in detail", there was a pause from the speaker before he continued, " and we would like to invite you for further discussion."

"You will be receiving an email shortly with all the details. We look forward to your final presentation. Make sure your core team is present for the meeting. All the best Mr. Narayan." and the call was disconnected. 

The call changed the mood of the day for Karan. This was something which he was looking forward to and it happened today, all of a sudden. 

Karan was absolutely delighted. Wanting to share the delight, he sat down to make the first of two calls. 

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C for Calm !!

"What happened Amma, you seem to be lost in thought", asked Karan, his gaze fixed on to the TV screen. It was Saturday evening and Karan was occupied with the football match on television. But that did not stop him from stealing glances at his mom because he felt something was wrong. 

"Nothing Karan", amma replied. "Is your team winning, what is the score?". Karan felt she was trying to sound normal and that bothered him. 

Karan's dad was away on a business trip and it was just him, Akshu and Amma at home for the weekend. 

Karan got up from his bean bag and walked into the room and sat next to his mother. " What is it mom, is everything fine. You sound different."

"It's about Akshara. It is almost 7 in the evening and your sister is not yet home. Her dance class would be done by 5."

"Relax amma. Akshu is not a kid anymore. She must have gone to her friends place. You know the girl who lives in the apartment on the main road, I always forget her name. She will be home anytime." said Karan and immediately rushed back to watch his football match.

"Amma gets worked up too much", he thought to himself. 

The match was almost done and his team were winning comfortably. Karan glanced at his phone and realized it was 8 PM. He walked into his mother's room expecting to see his mom and sister chatting. 

"Amma, look at your face. It is all pale. It is just 8 PM and I am sure Akshu will be here any moment. Anyways, I will go down to that apartment and check at her friends place. You don't call up appa, he will be tensed." 

"I just called him Karan and his phone is not reachable", replied amma. Karan glanced back her and nodded his head, in mock disapproval as he picked up his bike keys. 

"Can you call up her dance teacher", he could hear amma shouting from the room. 

Karan had already tried reaching the dance teacher, while watching the match, but there was no response from her. She did not even return his calls. Karan had various thoughts running in his mind, but he tried to conceal that from his mother. 

In the last one hour, Karan had been to the dance class, which was closed. He had gone to the apartment and spoke to Akshu's friend who had no clue about his sister's whereabouts. He drove on the streets around his colony to try his luck, but to no avail.

As he reached home, Karan was worried about facing his mom. He still had no clue about Akshara and it was getting late. He saw his uncle's car parked outside and wondered what brought him home at this time. 

As he stepped in, Karan saw his mom in tears. She had called up his uncle and now they were planning to go to the local police station to lodge a complaint. 

Karan was against the idea, as he did not want to complicate the matter, but at the same time he knew could not leave it for too long. 

"Did you call up dad", asked amma. Karan was sitting on the sofa, fidgeting with his phone. He was evaluating his options and calling his dad was not one of them. " Uncle can you stay at home while I go out and trace Akshara." There was a calmness in his voice which surprised his uncle and mom alike. "But Karan", his uncle interrupted him, "We should be talking to the police." Lets wait for an hour and if she is still not home, we will go to the station. If she is home when I am out do call me."  Karan walked out of the home and got onto the bike with Rishi, his friend next door. 

They checked out all the pani puri dabbas that he and his sister frequented. Next up, they drove to the dance class and back looking into every lane and by lane. As Rishi drove, Karan made a call to appa and updated him on the situation. 

As they drove though the main road, from the corner of his eye, Karan caught a glimpse of Akshara. He immediately patted Rishi who took a U turn and stopped right next to her. 

Akshara was surprised to see his brother there. She was coming out from the gift shop and was looking for an auto when her brother dropped in from no where. 

Karan got down from the bike and walked towards her. He asked Rishi to drive back home and tell amma. After Rishi left, both of them got into an auto to go home. 

"What are you doing here Karan", aksed Akshara, still surprised.

 "Me and Rishi were coming back from a friend's place. When I saw you here, i asked Rishi to go back so that we can go home together. What took you so long, I thought you would be home by this time", it was Karan's turn to question her. 

"I wanted to buy a gift for amma. It is her birthday tomorrow and i wanted to surprise her. I had the pocket money that we saved. I knew you would be watching the match, so I came all alone." Karan just nodded his head in approval.

"I am sorry, I did not expect it would take so long. After the class, I tried two stores before I came here and brought this gift for her."

"That's okay Akshu. So what did you buy for her?" Karan asked, mimicking her voice. 

"Now that is a surprise and you will get to see it only after mom", she replied back. 

As they reached home, she noticed the car outside and looked at him. Karan also gave her an amused look as if to say, "even i don't know why he is here."

Rishi was just coming out as Karan and Akshara walked in. Rishi winked at Karan as if to say the job was done. 

"Hey Akshu, I just came by to see you guys. Amma told me you weren't home yet. So was waiting for you. What took you so long?", asked her uncle. Karan barely managed to conceal his laughter at the effort his uncle and mom were making to look as if everything was normal. 

"I wanted to buy a gift for amma and got delayed getting it", Akshar answered, settling down in the sofa. 

"Akshara, go freshen up while I set up dinner, uncle is also joining us. Karan can you help me in the kitchen", her mom shouted as she made way to the kitchen.

"Thank God, Karan. I was very tensed and tried reaching dad again. But he wasn't answering my call. Did you know where Akshu was, how could you be so relaxed and why is your appa not answering the call?", Karan waited for the barrage of questions to stop and then gave his phone to amma.

"Here, appa wants to talk to you, he is on the line." Walking out, Karan silently thanked Rishi for a job well done. 

As Karan was setting up the table, he could hear his mom's volley of questions being directed at appa and smiled to himself. 

His uncle pulled him to a corner to talk to him. "Tell me, did you already know that Akshu would be delayed. How come you were so relaxed when I and amma were really worried about her."

" No uncle, I had no clue and even I was a tad worried about Akshu. But the secret was in staying calm and trying to think, rather than panic and complicate the entire matter", answered Karan.

"Now, that is something he learned from his appa - to stay calm when the situation gets tough. Looks like he mastered it well", said his mother as she set up the dining table. 

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B for Bliss !!

Karan was all excited. It was his birthday tomorrow and his parents were planning to host a party to all his school friends. 

As his parents went over the details of the party, he went into their room and asked his mother, "Amma, it is my birthday tomorrow. What present are you giving me ? Will I also get a cycle like the one Rishi has?"

Rishi was his friend next door. Rishi's parents had bought him a cycle for his birthday which he and his sister took turns to ride. Karan watched them share their bicycle ride and always wished he had one for himself too. 

"Let's see Karan", came back his mother's reply. "Me and appa are planning a party for your friends. Now make sure you go to bed early and wake up early tomorrow, it is your birthday."

Karan hip hopped his way out of the room. His parents glanced at each other and smiled. They had a surprise planned for Karan and they hoped he would accept it. 

"Happy Birthday Karan", amma wished him as soon as he woke up. He hugged and kissed her on the cheek. His appa wished him and handed over his new birthday dress. Karan quickly showered, put on his new dress and was ready for school. He was excited about the attention he would get at school, a new dress when everybody else was in uniform, the entire class singing the birthday song and  then he distributing chocolates to his friends.

As he reached the hall, he was surprised to see amma and appa also dressed and ready to go out. He was wondering if they would drop him at school today as it was his birthday. 

As if he was reading his thoughts, appa spoke, "Karan, you are not going to school now. I have spoken to your class teacher and asked her permission for half a day."

"But appa, what about the chocolates you bought, which i have to distribute in school", Karan mumbled as he struggled to hide his disappointment. 

"Dont worry Karan. You, me and appa are going out now and we will drop you at school from there", his amma shouted from kitchen.

As they sat in the car, Karan still had no idea where they were going. His parents had asked him to wait till they get there and he did not bother them with any more questions. 

His dad parked the car in the parking of what looked like an old building. He tiptoed behind his mother still unsure of what or where they were going. As he and his mother waited, his dad went into the building. After some time, he saw appa coming out with another man, both of them deep into a conversation. As they joined his dad, all three of them followed the other man into a room. 

Just as they were about to enter the hall, amma bent down towards him, sat on her knees, held him in her arms and said, "Karan, i and appa wanted this to be a surprise for you on your birthday. I hope you like what you are about to see. I love you." and kissed him. 

A confused Karan followed his mother into the hall, unsure of what was going on. One thing was very sure, this was definitely not the place where they sell bicycles. 

In the room, he saw the other man congratulating appa and walk out. As Karan slowly made his way to where his parents were standing, he caught a glimpse of a small chair. He squeezed himself into the sapce between amma and appa and looked down. 

From the small chair he saw a pair of beautiful eyes staring back at him. She looked beautiful and the smile made her look even better. Sitting on the chair was a little girl, laughing at all the three faces staring down at her. She seemed to be loving all the attention she was getting. Dressed in a pink gown, and matching bangles she looked adorable and cute. 

"Karan", amma's voice broke the silence in the room. "This is Akshara, your little sister. Today is not only your birthday but her birthday as well. From today, she is our family."

Karan looked very surprised. He was not sure what to say. When he finally opened his mouth, he looked at his parents and asked, "Can I call her Akshu". 

His parents watched him as he was playing with her and making her laugh. 

"I am happy he liked her. Look at his face, I am not sure if you can give names to such feelings". His mother spoke to his dad as they were walking back. 

"Bliss !!"  his father answered. "That was the word you used when you saw him for the first time after your delivery."

As appa drove them through the building gate, he glanced back and saw the board "Specialized Adoption agency" slowly disappear into the background.  

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A for Anger !!

"What happened to Appa. Why is he not looking at me amma. Why is he not smiling back at me like he always does when I smile." Karan was pestering his mother with endless questions. His mother, was busy on the phone, talking to somebody, giving out instructions. Seeing that his questions were not being answered, he moved back to the door and peeped thru the glass partition in the door. His hands cupped to the sides of his face, he saw the doctor giving his father an injection and immediately ran towards his mom,"Amma, come quickly, ask doctor uncle not to give appa the injection, it will hurt him and he might cry like me."

She could not hold back her emotions any longer. She pulled Karan closer to her and hugged him tightly. Hiding her tears and worries behind a bright smile, she kissed him on the cheek. "Appa will be alright Karan. Now listen to amma, uncle will be here to take you home. I want you to go home and have your dinner now. And no more ice cream for today." Karan did not want to go. Even though amma was not telling him, he knew what happened to appa. 

It was evening and he was playing on the terrace, occasionally glancing down the road to check if dad was coming. Suddenly, there were loud noises and he could see people running everywhere. At the top of the street, he saw a few people hurling stones and running around with sticks. In no time, a cloud of dust engulfed the road. As the dust settled, he saw people lying on the road with their shirts torn and blood on their faces. He was too terrified to cry and wanted to run downstairs to his mother. As he stood up to run, he heard the sound of his dad's scooter. Seeing his dad park his scooter he was about to run down when he heard his dad shout. As he looked down, he saw his dad being hit by a stick. He saw the bearded burly man hitting his dad on the head and kicking him down to the floor. He ran downstairs to his mother, skipping three steps at a time and shrieking at the top of his voice "amma amma, come quickly appa is hurt." Hearing his voice, she rushed out of the kitchen and followed him out of the house. Her knees trembled when she saw her husband lying in a pool of blood. She saw the chaos on the street and was petrified. Quickly regaining her senses, she dashed back inside grabbed the car keys and her phone and hurried out. 

She made calls as she drove to the hospital. One to their doctor and one to her brother. By the time they arrived at the emergency wing of the hospital the attenders were ready and helped her in getting him out of the car. She watched as they stretchered him away into the emergency ward and turned to look at Karan sitting in the car. He looked pale, the color drained off his face. She pulled him closer and comforted him, telling him that everything would be okay. 

It had been two hours since they were at the hospital. He saw the doctor uncle come out briefly and speak to his mother which made her relax a bit. He slowly tiptoed towards his mother and stood beside her clinging to her leg. As they spoke, she told him that his dad had fell down and hurt himself. She spoke in low hushed voices with her brother and the other relatives. He was not sure as to why his mother was hiding the fact from him, but did not tell her what he saw from the terrace. 

He waved to his mother as he walked back to the parking along with his uncle. On their way home, he sat silently in the front seat, fiddling with the his favorite chocolate. As his uncle drove, he stared at his uncle and said, "I know that appa did not fall down. I saw him being hit by the burly man. But amma keeps telling me that appa fell down and hurt himself. I dont know why amma is lying to me, but i know what happened. I saw it myself. "

As he said this, his uncle slowed down the car and looked at his thin frame. Parking the car to a side, he spoke to him, " Listen to what amma is telling you. What happened today evening is not very good. The less we talk about it the better. If anybody asks you, just say that appa fell down while he was parking his scooter." 

"But uncle, I saw that burly man hitting appa. There were a lot of people throwing stones at each other as well. They were hurting each other. Appa just came home and as i was about to run down, i saw the man hitting appa". '

"Karan, listen to me. The group which was fighting is a group of bad people. They wanted to create violence in the city. That is why they hurled stones and created a ruckus. They are very powerful people. We cannot fight them or complain against them."

"But uncle, we can go to the police and tell them. I have seen the burly man many times on my way back from school. I know he stays in the next street, near the temple." 

"Enough of it Karan, his uncle said in a raised pitch. Listen to what amma and I are telling you. Your dad fell down and hurt himself. He is fine now and will be back home tomorrow. Now lets buy an ice cream and go home."

Karan looked away from his uncle. He kept staring out of the window. 

He was angry. Angry with his mother for hiding the truth, with his uncle for telling him to forget the truth, with the burly man for what he did to his dad. 

More than anybody, he was angry with himself !! Angry for being helpless, angry for being led to be believed that he was helpless. !! 

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