ETERNAL COMPANIONS

Being Sensible

I couldn’t sleep…

The clock on the wall across from my bed showed 4 a.m.

I told Dadaji to go to sleep, but I know he must be thinking about the revelation he made about his past. He loved Dadiji so much. Her thoughts still linger in his mind every second since the moment she left this world.

I wish Dadiji could see that Dadaji still mourns her in remembrance.

“What are you doing, Swar? You can’t be so weak.

Oh my God—wait, did you just cry?” I questioned myself as I wiped away the flowing tear.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was never so emotional or intuitive before. I should get back to my usual smooth attitude. It’s not that I’ve forgotten Dadaji’s story or my commitment, but I’m just… chilled out. When you’ve heard so much about your family’s past, it’s natural to get sentimental. But I prefer to stay calm and relaxed—this attitude is inborn, and no one can take it from me.

It’s true that Dadaji has definitely lightened my mood after all those storms and hurricanes that were running in my mind about the marriage. At the same time, it was both pleasing and saddening to hear him. He made me realize that I had the wrong opinion about my father—and he was absolutely right.

I was wrong. I never meant to be rude to anyone in my family or outside. All the times I hurt my father… it happened involuntarily.

I just realized that I’m busy talking to myself again. Never mind. I have to decide what’s to be done. As Dadaji said, it will be a great journey. I’m eager now to visit Purakhpur. After all, it’s my village—the place where Dad and my grandfather grew up. I won’t wait for a reply from Bela’s family. I’ll just go.

“I’ll ask Dad for permission. It’ll be a good journey, I think. And yeah, I’ll also get to know how that Bela is.

So, am I excited to meet her? Yeah, I think I should be. I’m going to meet a girl, after all! And I, Swar Pratap Chauhan—as everyone knows—am crazily attracted to girls, whether it’s gaon ki gori or sheher ki chhori—a village belle or a city’s chic—it doesn’t matter.”

After a long time that day, I had a smile on my face. Thinking about girls makes me crazy.

“Wait, am I still talking to myself?”

I smacked myself two or three times on the head.

“Swar, stop it. You’re getting too deep. It’s better you sleep for the remaining one and a half hours. You have to get up for clicking photos. And yes—a reminder—don’t give Mom, Dadaji, or Dad a reason to scold you. They expect good manners from you, so be a good son, understood?” I explained to myself.

I pulled the blanket over my body—the same one neatly placed by my mom on my bed. It had to be her. I’m not the kind of guy who keeps his things in place. Never have been.

I went to sleep with no more thoughts lingering in my brain.

---

I rubbed my eyes.

“This morning is so fresh and soothing. I’m not used to sadness—it’ll be good if I experience it someday,” I said, stretching my arms as I woke up.

“C’mon, let’s go. No more delay, God.” I rushed into the bathroom.

“I’ll wear a white shirt today and blue ripped jeans. Yup, good idea. Let’s get ready,” I said as I came out after a refreshing bath.

“Now I’m handsome as usual. Look who’s this—the hottest of them all! I should spray perfume, and then I’m all set,” I admired myself in the mirror.

“Hmmm… mmmm… mmmm…” I hummed a tune while going downstairs.

“Hey! What’s up, people? You’re already awake?” I walked into the hall smiling, my hands tucked in my pockets.

“Namaste Mom, Namaste Dad, Namaste Dadaji,” I said, bending down to touch their feet.

They were all shocked. Understandable—I never touch anyone’s feet. This was the first time.

“What? Don’t give me that look. I’m just trying to be good and cultured toward you all,” I frowned slightly.

Dad was awestruck; he came forward and hugged me.

“It’s good to see you like this, son.” He seemed genuinely happy.

My dad’s praising me—for the first time. It’s a beautiful moment. I should say sorry to him, shouldn’t I?

“Emm… emm… Dad,” I stuttered. Dadaji came forward, whispering, “Say it, Gattu. Apologize to him.”

“What is it, son? Say it,” Dad said softly—he’s never spoken to me so politely.

Instead of apologizing for my behavior, I blurted something else.

“Dad, I want to go to Purakhpur. I won’t wait for their reply—I’ll go tomorrow.”

“We’ll talk about that later, okay?” He smiled.

I still get scared of Dad…

How can I change my thinking so soon? Transform into a new person overnight? I haven’t even said sorry to anyone yet. I’ll change—but slowly.

Snap… Snap…

“Where are you lost?” I heard Mom’s voice, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Nothing, nothing. Let’s have breakfast.” I pretended like nothing was on my mind.

My whole family stared at me. I think they were amazed to see the new Swar. Seeing them jaw-dropped, I decided to sit first for breakfast.

“Please sit, please,” I insisted.

I had no idea what I was doing, but let’s continue—everyone seemed impressed.

Mom started serving breakfast, and everyone took their seats. I was thrilled as soon as Dad sat next to me. I smiled at everyone. It was a fake smile—I don’t smile for unfunny things. It felt awkward even to me.

I started eating and noticed everyone still staring at me. This time I decided to speak.

“Look, everyone, please… eat. Please.” I said, putting on the fake smile again, pausing after every word.

Everyone snapped out of their zone after hearing me. My family knew I never waited for breakfast—it was unnatural for them to see me like this.

“You didn’t go for clicking pictures, bro? Or are you feeling lazy for that too?” Sunaina interrupted.

“No, Sunaina, I thought I’d spend some time with my family today. Usually, I don’t. That’s all,” I managed to say politely.

“Wow! Don’t you think, bro, that somebody has changed? Someone’s behaving weird and abnormal. Has someone possessed my brother?” she said, breaking into a chuckle.

I knew she was making fun of me, but I let it go. She’s my younger sister. Yeah, I felt like smacking and pinching her, but I had to be a good brother. Otherwise, all this effort to be responsible and polite would go to waste. She was just trying to tease me. Younger siblings are always annoying.

“Sunaina, my doll, I’m good today because I got good sleep yesterday. Don’t worry, your brother’s fine—nobody’s done anything to him. Okay? Eat. You’re so worried about me—thanks.” I said, keeping the smile fixed on my face.

“I’m done eating. Mom, Dad, Dadaji, Sunaina—bye. I’ll come back soon, okay? Before lunch.” I stood up from my chair and rushed toward the door.

As soon as I stepped outside, I took a deep breath and rolled my eyes.

“Oh, s**t! I didn’t bring my camera.” I smacked my head.

Should I go back and get it?...

No. Better not. I can’t pretend to smile anymore.

Forget it—I’ll just go jog today.