He exhaled deeply; just thinking about how much work was pending , before he could close for the day . The client meeting which was supposed to be over by 6 somehow extended till 7 30 which meant he had to spend a couple of hours extra to complete reviewing the days transactions.
It was already half past nine and he knew he had to be home in the next half an hour or she would eat his head off. He wanted to be at home as well given there was nothing that mattered in the whole wide world to him than her smile and her well being. He could hardly concentrate; decided to make a rush for home before things got out of control.
27 year old Kairav Goenka dashed out of his cabin and almost was almost running to the elevator when he stopped at the last cabin and was surprised to see it was still well lit.
"Vansh bhaiya ; how come you are still here, you were about to leave home right much earlier " he quipped walking into the cabin
"Bro the research reports of our new project came and I lost track of time " Vansh yawned and suddenly looked at Kairav alarmed
" why are you still here Kairav ; you know she ll need you right " he chided him, yet his voice failing to hide the affection he had for his younger brother
"Come let's go home, we are already late". The brothers walked down the hall . It was just another hectic day at Goenka Group. While Manish Goenka had retired fully from work once Kairav and Vansh joined: Karthik Goenka now co managed the group along with Samarth Goenka and was proud of the kids involvement in the business
Karthik Goenka continued to remain in love with the only lady in his life his Naira . Years before he was pressurized by his family to marry for the sake of the kids. But he had already promised to her from the bottom of his soul. That he shall remain a mother and father for his kids. However those were the days when he slipped into deep depression forgetting sleep and food. It was finally the wailing and crying of his kids that slapped him back to reality and he realized that now he was the prime responsibility of a young child and an infant
The family soon gave up realizing his resolve and his unshakeable love for his dead wife. From then his world revolved around his children who reciprocated his love fully.
He was no more the short tempered man he pnce was. Karthik , the father was now mature toned down and learnt to deal problems with a calm and cool head. Yes, there were times when he had broken down thinking of Naira ,but mostly he had changed into a strong level headed person.
He thought twice before jumping to conclusions; more importantly he thought of Naira before taking any call.She became his guiding light and his angel.
................................................................................
She was frantic and refused to calm down. She needed him; he was one person who could give her courage; after her father of course. Akshu (Akshara Goenka) was the little princess of the family and had taken after her mother. The same sparkle in the eyes; the same wavy long hair and her love for dance.
However the eyes were replaced with fear. Fear of the final year exam of the MBBS exams which were to commence the next day. She was close to tears in fear. However she was one of the brightest of her batch. Yet she drove herself and the family crazy with her exam fear each semester
Karthik walked into daughter's room with a huge plate of Kachoris and a hot pot of tea. He hated to see his children in pain be it the smallest one.
"Break time beta" he announced as he sat on the couch.
"Papa " Akshu chided and sat next to him. She laid her head on his shoulder " am so scared" she whined.
"Beta you are not to be scared. Remember you are Shernis daughter . My chotu sherni. Here have some tea and Kachoris while we wait for him to come " Karthik said affectionately patting his daughter's forehead
Kairav dashed out of his car and made a run to his sisters room He stopped at the door momentarily admiring his father and sister.
"Rightly said I was picked from the railway tracks " he sulked as he walked into the room
"Bhaiyuuu" Akshu left everything else and went straight into the welcoming arms of her brother. Kairav caged her protectively in his arms. He loved his baby sister over and above his life. He vowed to keep up his last promise to his mother; to protect Akshu always till his last breath.
"And what is worrying my sister so much " he asked cupping her face lovingly
"Exams bhaiyu.. I am worried I'll not perform well. I am scared ill disappoint you and papa. I am scared I ll disappoint MUMMA" she said and bit her tongue ; as she saw Kairav s face droop.
"Akshu ill tell you one thing. Failing an exam is not going to make me or Papa or anyone love you less. We are absolutely proud of you for what you are and not because of what you achieve in academics. " he said wiping the tears forming in the corner of Akshus eyes eyes.
"You know right? Papa and I hate to see these eyes shed water. That too for the smallest things like these.. not good chotu" he told taking pinching her cheeks with a smile
"Kairav is right beta: you are our darling not for becoming a doctor but cos you are my daughter " Karthik added
He poured out 3 cups of tea and handed over one to each of his kids before taking one for himself. He stopped drinking his tea and then fed his kids kachoris from his hand lovingly. For the karthik who was nearly 55 years old : he saw the kids as still little children.
"Akshu , whatever you do your mother will be proud of you and you too Kairav. I am proud of you both" he said hugging them
"Akshu study for some more time if you want. Ill sit with you and continue working okay " Kairav said and plonked himself on the couch to work.
Kairav was working on all his pending work while Akshu continued to study. Kairav had made a transformation from the kid he was to a responsibility adult. He had taken over the anger nerve from his father; especially when it came to protecting his sister. He had resolved to himself to burn down anyone who even thought of causing the slightest harm to her.
A couple of hours later he saw that Akshu had fallen asleep on the bed. Smiling , he walked to her made her comfortable on the bed, covered her with a duvet , switched off the lights and walked to his own room.
Kairav's day had been made. His day began with his father and his sister and ended with them. Though they lived in a big joint family with grandparents, uncles and brothers whom he loved , it was his sister and father who were very close to his heart. They had a small world within themselves after the tragic day they lost Naira.
A lone tear slipped his eye as he thought of his mother who was now a star in the sky and watching over them. The stress of work took over the better of him as he slipped into a slumber.
On the other hand Karthik had just lied down on the bed. He turned to the empty side of the bed and to the photo on the side stand.
" I love you Jaan. Our akshu is going to become a doctor soon can you believe it ? Our little little girl is all grown up" he thought and closed his eyes.
One more day closer to coming to you Jaan" he smiled as he drifted to sleep to a night filled with her memories.
comment:
p_commentcount