4~ The compliment
Dressed in my costly dress shirt and pants, I combed my hair looking at the mirror.
Today, I should look perfect, not because it's a party but because she will be present.
I don't want her to think negatively about me or my looks.
When I was satisfied with my hair, I tied my Rolex watch around my wrist and stuffed a neatly ironed handkerchief in my pocket, I am a gentleman you see.
"Bhai? Can you lent me your navy blue tie?" I heard Hrishit ask. I find him standing at my doorway dressed in a light blue shirt and dark blue pants. I shook my head and grumbled, "Why? Did you lost all of your ties?"
He whined, "Bhai please, I am your little brother". I snorted and replied back, "I won't give my whole property to my little brother, would I?"
"But bhai, I am just asking for your tie, I will return it I swear. I know it's your favourite one", he begged, joining his hands in front of me. Grumbling, I walked towards my wardrobe with my brother following me.
"Return it", I commanded as I took out my favourite tie from the cupboard. I don't like giving it to this clumsy ass. Last time I lent him my branded watch, he lost it. After that, he lost a thousand rupee pen and the list goes on. In short, I don't trust him with my beloved belongings.
He forwarded his hand to take the tie when I raised my arm up and raised my eyebrow at him. Sighing, he promised, "Yes bhai, I will return it to you. Thankyou bhai, you are the best brother in the world, no no, whole universe."
"And?"
"And...and..I will handle it carefully without losing it", he further said, making a fowl face. Even though I don't trust him but I finally gave him the tie which my mother gifted it to me. With glee, he tied it around his neck and checked his appearance on my mirror, such a pain in the ass!
"I look so handsome, don't I?" He boasted, admiring his foolish looks in the mirror. I snorted and commented, "As handsome as a monkey, Hrishit".
He narrowed his eyes and said, "You are jealous of my looks, aren't you bhai?"
I chortled at his self proclamation of being handsome.
He seriously thinks he is handsome and I would be jealous over his looks?
He literally is a monkey! He even shows no manners when he is eating, just leaps onto it as if he has never seen anything delicious in his entire life. Jealous of his looks? Never.
"Little brother, you aren't that handsome", I said coolly, patting his shoulder and shaking my head. He glared at me, just looking like a monkey and stomped his foot.
"If you were that good looking bhai, you would have been already married and a father in mom's language", he mocked with a smirk. My initial smile dropped as I heard him say this and I grunted, "You guys! Will you ever stop this?"
He chuckled, the one he does when he thinks he over-smarts me. Keyword thinks.
"Bhai, I already have found myself a girlfriend, please get married fast so that I can get married too. I am tired waiting for your marriage. Even I want to experience the joy of being an uncle", he said with a fake compassionate tone. I so hate him for this!
"Then get married and don't eat my brain", I rasped and pushed him out of the room.
Closing the door with a thud, I took deep breaths to calm my raging fury.
Why is everyone so hell bent on getting me married?
I thought since my parents are doctors, they will understand the pressure upon me.
But no! They have to make a whole issue out if this.
And my mother? Every time we attend a function, she is always asking about her colleagues' daughters!
And for what? For me! Am I such a liability on them?
Hrishit banged the door and yelled, "You can never win from me bhai! Thankyou for the tie!"
I fisted my fists, thinking of a comeback but unfortunately couldn't. Instead, I heard his loud laughters.
Urggg! Why am I stuck here? I should have accepted the job offer from Delhi and would have moved on from here away from these idiots who just think of my marriage.
Atleast, I would have a moment of peace and wouldn't have to worry about how to convince my family that I don't want to do an arranged marriage.
When I was sure I was calmed down, I grabbed my mobile phone and blazer to go out.
As soon as I stepped out of my room, all I saw was chaos around.
My mother was yelling at my father because he forgot to buy a present for Adrija and Yash whereas, Hrishika was running after mom to get her hair dressed.
About Hrishit, he was busy stuffing the kheer which mother had specially got for Adrija.
"Adhyay! What are doing?" My mother asked from the living room. I quickly descended the stairs and shrugged my shoulders saying, "Nothing".
Her lips turned into a relieved smile and she asked, "Then go and bring a gift for Adrija.
Take Hrishit with you". I snapped my neck at my brother, who smirked at me, that nasty fellow!
I wanted to deny, I seriously wanted to but as usual, one glare from mother sets my flying hopes down.
Agreeing to her wish, I grabbed the key of my car which Hrishit following me.
He was smirking and whistling a weird tune which irritated me to no extent. How can someone be so annoying?
"Bhai wait! I will also accompany you!" Hrishika yelled and ran towards us.
"He is going to buy a gift, not a bride that everyone will accompany him", mother taunted. I groaned at the taunt. Why? Just why? The twins and dad giggled like teenagers, making fun of me. I threw a glare at my mother and said, "Why did you have to say that mom?"
"I said what's true. Now go and buy a gift for her. Come to your aunt's house straightaway", she roughly told. I rolled my eyes and muttered a small okay. God, why can't you see how troubled your poor child is?
"Mom leave it, he wishes to die single. Now, not everyone has the destiny to live a happily married life like you and dad, right?" Hrishit added some spice to the already burning matter. My father immediately looked down and my mother glared at him. What is even going on at this point?
"Bhai, let's goo! Leave it", Hrishika whined, dragging me by me arm. Hrishit followed us, again whistling that irritating tune.
"Are you okay now?" I finally asked my sister as I unlock my car. She nodded but I saw a flicker of sadness and pain in her eyes. What happened to her? Is someone bullying her at work?
I held her arms, forcing her to look at me and assured, "I am your brother, you can tell me everything, I won't judge you. You used to share everything with me when we were young, what happened now?"
She shook her head, instantly masking her face with a smile and exclaimed, "Chillax bhai! Nothing has happened. Look at me! Do I look unwell?"
She twirled around and said, "I am perfectly fine, don't worry! All you need to worry about is finding a bride for yourself". I groaned again but a smile made its way to my face when I saw both of my siblings laughing. They can make fun of me but all I want is for them to be happy.
"Chalo Chalo, let's buy a gift for Adrija didi or else mom will chew the three of us alive", Hrishit reminded humourlessly.
I nodded with a chuckle and sat in the driver's seat.
Hrishika took the passenger seat and Hrishit sat in the backseat.
Turning on the ignition, I started driving towards a gift house.
The three of us hurdled inside the gift shop and started looking for all the potential items to gift someone on their anniversary.
After a few arguments, I finally decided to buy a wall painting for my best friend's house.
Even though, it cost me a lot but I neglected that thought and got it packed in a shiny silver wrapping paper.
Hrishit adjusted the gift in the backseat of my car and we drove to my uncle's house where everyone was invited when I remembered that she will be also there!
"Hrishika, how do I look?" I asked, glancing at my sister who was scrolling on her phone. She looked at me with a confusing expression. But, when she realised why I was asking this, she chanted, "Oho bhai, preparing to impress someone?"
Hrishit lunged forward from the backseat, supporting his hand on the head rest and excitedly asked, "Is there something I don't know about bhai? Hrishika?"
Hrishika giggled, raising her eyebrows to tease me and I, through my eyes begged her not to tell the idiot about my secret. I took sharp turns towards the house, hoping that my sister doesn't betrays me but she said, "Hrishit, bhai likes someone".
Hrishit's jaw fell open, as I saw from the mirror and he yelled, "What! What! What the fuck! Who is it? Who is it? Who is my sister in law?"
"SIT DOWN QUIETLY! LET ME DRIVE!" I roared loudly to control the excited monkey from blowing my ear drums out. He instantly fell back on the backseat dramatically murmuring, "I am going to become an uncle".
Hrishika giggled, teasing me again by making weird O sounds and I scolded, "Both of you, just shut up. There is nothing like that you are thinking. It's just a stupid crush. Okay?"
"Stupid crush? Ahaaa. Then why are you nervous?
Because she will be there?" Hrishika teased, giggling like a baby.
I glared at her, already angry that she told my secret to Hrishit.
I trusted her because she promised that she won't tell anyone.
I didn't even tell her I love Akriti. She just found out!
Only Adrija and Yash knew about my feelings for Akriti.
One fine day, after a long tiring day after work, I was chilling in my room when Adrija started sending my Akriti's pictures from her book signing event.
And like a goner I am for her, I started admiring how intelligent she is and I totally forgot to lock my room.
That's it! Miss Hrishika here quietly surprised me and in the heat of the moment my phone fell on the floor.
Before I could pick it up, she did and that's how she came to know about my love for Akriti.
"But who?" Hrishit chided, his face decorated with a confused expression. His eyebrows scrunched when Hrishika looked at me to ask if she could reveal the name of my "crush".
"You have told everything", I stated making my sister giggle more. She pressed her palm against her mouth and feebly said, "Akriti didi".
Hrishit looked at me and then at her. Throwing his arms in the air, he shouted, "Seriously?
Adrija didi's best friend?Bhaiiii! She was around you all along, why didn't you confess?
My my, mother will be so happy to hear that he son loves someone, to be precise, Akriti Tiwari.
You know, mother was on the verge of concluding that you are asexual".
I flared my nose, casting him an unbelievable look and said, "Isha, please award this intelligent monkey a tight slap". Hrishika giggled and smacked Hrishit's head. But instead of whining, he chattered, "Bhai? Should I start saving money for your marriage?"
I scrunched my nose and said, "Tham ja bhai, I haven't even confessed. Plus, I don't think she'll even agree".
(Wait a second brother)
He let out a cry and dramatically said, "She will agree! Bhai, I will help you. My brother is such a handsome man, and I'll give you some tips. Don't worry when your little brother is here".
Hrishika and I shared an annoyed look. "Shut up, I'll do it myself.
Now keep quiet", I said and took the last turn towards uncle's house.
Applying brakes, I hopped out of the car and gently took out the painting.
Hrishit too climbed out and said, "Bhai wait!
I'll hold this. It won't be a good impression if Akriti didi sees you like this".
"What! Hrishit! Did you hit your head?" I exclaimed, amused by his acting skills. He is nothing like younger brothers are.
He snatched the gift from my hand which was approximately of half of his size and said, "I still need to get married. If you won't get married then I won't. So go and impress her. Prove you are Hrishit's elder brother".
"Bass bass, Hrishit. Bhai can do it, he doesn't needs your motivation.
Bhai, come on. Don't listen to him, he just utters nonsense the whole day", Hrishika intervened and opened the main gate of the house like she owns it.
Hrishit followed her with a sunken face.
Shaking my head, I too followed them when I saw her admiring the two rabbits aunt has.
Isn't she supposed to be with Adrija? Or did my sister left her to collect the gifts she'll get today?
My heartbeats rose, when I saw her brushing a hair tendril from her face and looking at the sleeping rabbits with awe.
Taking steps towards her, I introduced her to the rabbits.
She looked surprised when she saw me, and maybe clueless.
Before I could introduce myself, she herself called my name.
My god! Dr. Adhyay had never sounded so comforting before.
I forwarded my hand which she didn't shook at once, but was contemplating whether to shake hands or not.
But when she did, I felt sparks interrupting on my fingertips.
She awkwardly let go of my hand and none of us said anything.
After a moment of uncomfortable silence, I myself asked her to go in. She clasped her hands together and smiled at me, awkwardly. That was definitely not how I had expected our first conversation to go but all that matters is that she still remembers me.
Soon the cake was cut and everyone gathered in the lawn for dinner.
My uncle's lawn is huge, much larger as compared to the one at our house.
Also, uncle and aunt have planted a huge variety of plants bearing beautiful flowers.
They also grow a few vegetables at home, since both of them love gardening unlike my parents. My parents just love doctoring haha.
The whole dinner went by chatters and jokes.
Both Adrija and Yash seemed too happy to celebrate their two years of marriage.
Why wouldn't they! They have loved each other since Adrija was born!
My best friend had a huge crush on my sister and he never let me know about it.
Well, I only warned him but they got married anyways.
"Let's play truth and dare", Hrishit stated as we completed eating our dinner.
Adrija clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Yes yes!
It's been years since I played it". She looked at her husband who looked at me.
We both hate truth and dare. I shook my head and he shook his but Adrija glared at him and we had to agree.
"You guys enjoy, I have to go back home", Akriti informed, rising up from her seat. Adrija furrowed her eyebrows and pleaded, "No! Just a while more. Please?"
"Dhree I would have loved to stay but I have to go. My mother must be waiting for me", Akriti calmly explained. I looked at Yash, raising my eyebrows. He scrunched his shoulders. I scrunched my shoulders too.
"Akriti didi please, just half an hour", Hrishika too joined Adrija, both of them making similar pouts.
Hrishit, the huge dramatic ass he is, fell on his knees with his hands joined and cried, "Please didi don't leave the three of us with these two oldies".
He pointed at Yash and me. Yash stood up and yelled, "I am not old! Your brother is".
"Hey! I am of your age", I argued when Akriti intervened and said, "Fine! Just half an hour more. Let me book a cab and then we can start".
Cab? She'll seriously book a cab when Adrija and Yash are here? She came with them right? Plus, their houses are too close to each other. Akriti unlocked her phone when Adrija said, "No need! When we are here then why would you book a cab?"
Akriti threw a puzzled look at her and asked, "But you both are staying here tonight right? Then?"
Yash bumped his shoulder with mine and whispered, "Look how my wife is trying to set your both together".
Before I could ask what he meant by "setting us both together", Adrija blabbered, "So what?
Adhyay is here right? Adhyay can drop you!
Yes! Adhyay can drop you home. And it's not even safe to go alone at night.
I assure you that my brother is a gentleman, he won't even look at your face without your permission".
What! What the fuck is she even muttering? Adrija forced a smile looking at me and motivated, "Right Adhyay?"
Yash pushed me, urging me to say a yes and I nervously looked at Akriti who gave me a nervous smile. What the hell! What the hell! Hrishit and Hrishika mouthed to say yes and so did I.
"Y-yes, I have to go the hospital so I'll drop you on my way", I said, running my fingers in my hair, an action which I do when I am nervous.
"Perfect! Now come on, let's start the game!
" Adrija clapped and sat back on the table.
I excused myself to look at the elders who were busy gossiping about something serious.
If mother comes to know about Adrija's setup plan, she'll go to Akriti's house with a marriage proposal.
What I need to do is to not let my parents know about this little incident.
The game started and the head of the bottle landed on Hrishit.
He obviously chose dare and he was asked to perform a monkey dance.
We all had a good share of laughter seeing him dance so weirdly.
After several rounds, the head landed on me and as usual I took truth.
I don't trust dares with these guys, they always do their best to get my nose rubbed on the ground.
"Truth? No yaar!" Adrija whined but I stood still on my ground. Giving up, Yash finally asked, "What was the last time you were drunk?"
Drunk? I think about the last time I got drunk. When was it?
"Maybe ten years ago", I answer, counting on my fingers when I last touched alcohol. Hrishit and Yash screamed together, "Are you kidding? How?"
I rolled my eyes and answered, "You know in my department, there was my senior who used to drink a lot. One day, he acquired cirrhosis and I stopped drinking because I certainly don't want to get sick with cirrhosis".
Their mouths fell opened at my little story when Akriti asked, "Cirr- cirhos? Leave the pronunciation, what's it?"
I was going to answered, when Adrija rotated the bottle saying, "Don't ask or else he will start reciting the whole Harrison like a poem. I know you love literature but I swear, this poem is not good".
I rolled my eyes at her snarky comment and stole a glance at Akriti. She was still wondering about cirrhosis I think. She can always google about it though. The bottle kept rotating and rotating until it came to stop before Akriti.
"So? Truth or dare?" Adrija prompted, rubbing her hands together. Akriti didn't seemed to have thought about it and she instantly muttered, "Truth".
"Arggg! Bhai and Akriti didi please for once take dare!" Hrishika whined.
"Okay, so, even if you had to actually marry someone who would it be?" Adrija asked, throwing a teasing look at me. I sighed, why is she acting like the Cupid? Can't things go at their own pace? By her actions, she will make it so obvious that Akriti won't even think about me.
"I don't know, maybe someone from my firm or college.
But, I am not marrying anyone not today, not tomorrow, not in future", Akriti replied.
Yash shook his shoulder and I saw the faces of the three of my siblings falling.
Wait! Did Akriti say that she won't marry anyone?
Really? Then I too would need to stay single for the entire of my life.
Great! Now, how am I supposed to tell her about my feelings and how I can't even think of anyone else other than her?
How should I tell her that the only woman I think for romantically is her?
"You are such a boring person Akriti. Anyways, let's continue", Adrija said, and this time rotated the bottle too fast. It almost came crashing on my leg but it stopped, and that too in front of me. I groaned looking at the faces of these people.
Sighing, I said, "Fine, dare". Hrishit stood up with a jump and gave me a smirk. Yash too shared that similar smirk which only meant that I had now created a death hole for myself.
"I dare you to sing a song which you'll sing to impress a woman", Yash dared. Even though the dare was easy, not as humiliating as they usually give but I shook my head. I haven't sung anything since ages. I don't think my vocal cords will support me now.
"Not now Yash, give me something else, anything but this", I pleaded. All of them shook their heads and Hrishika cutely said, "Bhai please?"
Hrishit too mirrored her actions and I henceforth agreed. What can I even do? Singing is better than doing something that demeans me.
"Okay, but I don't have my guitar", I said, a last attempt to run away from this stupid teenage game. Adrija smirked and looked at Hrishit.
That means they had already planned this! Shit! They played me.
"We already took care of that. I'll be back in a second", Hrishit said and ran towards the parking area. Our parents had already gone inside the house to discuss something important, maybe something related to my marriage, who knows?
In just five minutes, Hrishit returned with my guitar which I think I had dumped in the store room of our house.
How did they manage to find it? The strings were perfect, and it was shining.
I held the guitar in my hand, feeling it once again.
Running my fingers through its strings, I played a sharp note to check its bass.
I cleared my throat and started tuning the song which I would hypothetically sing when I will propose Akriti.
Chand Sifarish Jo Karta Humaari Deta Woh Tumko Bataa
Sharmo Haya Ke Parde Giraake Karni Hai Humko Khata
Zid Hai Ab To Hai Khudh Ko Mitaana Hona Hai Tujh Mein Fanaa
Chand Sifarish Jo Karta Humaari Deta Woh Tumko Bataa
Sharmo Haya Ke Parde Giraake Karni Hai Humko Khata
Zid Hai Ab To Hai Khudh Ko Mitaana Hona Hai Tujh Mein Fanaa
Bit by bit, I started regaining my confidence in singing and enjoying the melody of it. When I finished, all of them started clapping and whistling. I dropped the guitar on the floor, stood up and bowed , "Thankyou, thankyou".
"You really sing so well", Akriti said with a smile on her face and that's when I pledged to not leave singing. She complimented me! And now I'll really sing this song when I propose her, for sure!