Keeping the Promises

by Gajjar, Dhruv

The next day was no different. He kept weeping inside his dark room; his mother too kept weeping for his son, his father and brother kept getting angrier and were disappointed, and his sister-in-law kept getting worried.

  Dhruv’s brother, Dr. Brijesh was driving his car home with his wife, Dr. Hetanshi, who was sitting beside him.

  “You talked to him? Got to know what the matter is?” Dr. Brijesh asked. He had been angry earlier, but at that moment, he started getting worried for his little brother.

  “No, he doesn’t speak to anyone, not even mom!” Dr. Hetanshi replied with concern in her voice.

  “At first, after his accident, I thought this was another one of his dramas but then he eloped for twelve days and came back like this. I think something terrible has happened to him, could it be his girlfriend?”

  “He doesn’t discuss his love life with me or anyone, but he mentioned to me once that he broke up with her seven months ago. I don’t think this can be about her, unless that girl is married to some other guy now.”

  “Hmm, and he cannot take that defeat, that I know for sure. But I don’t think he’d go to this extent only because of jealousy.”

  “May be we should take him out tomorrow and try to talk to him about this!”

  “Good idea, but before that, I’ll have to screw him for ruining my Valentine’s Day!” He chuckled, taking a glance at his wife who replied with a brief smile, but concern for Dhruv was still clouded on her face.

  I’m surely going to screw him now!

  That Valentine’s Day, Dr. Brijesh and Dr. Hetanshi had no desire to spend it with Dhruv, but they did. They wanted to show him how happy the world is; they wanted him to be happy like everyone else; they wanted to show him that break-ups happen, we get hurt by the people we love, but even with all those wretchedness and hardships, we must continue to pursue our destiny, our dreams. They were right, Dhruv thought; however, he also knew that they were oblivious of certain things. Destiny…he had found his destiny when he found M two years back and the only dream he was able to achieve was M. He’d lost his destiny and dream, he had lost his love. But that outing helped him a lot, probably more than he imagined.

  He was sitting on the backseat – as his brother decided to keep him away from the wheels for some time due to that accident – his eyes glittered on seeing some college folks who were wearing same colour T-shirts. That reminded him of the fantastic four. How he, Ansh, Angie and M used to make everyone around them anxious of their friendship and of course Harsh, Shilpan and Aakash, without whom this entire journey was distant.

  In the afternoon, they watched a romantic movie. Dhruv caught several couples kissing in the theatre; that too reminded her of M. No, not because she liked being kissed in the theatre; in fact, she hated it. Once when Dhruv tried to take advantage of her in the theatre, she slapped her own boyfriend – leaving him embarrassed and agitated for a week. She later explained that why she thought kissing in theatre was cowardly. She liked being kissed at various places, but never in a theatre. Dhruv touched his cheek where he had gotten that slap and smiled like it had happened a minute ago.

  After finishing the movie, while walking out, he saw many lovers walking holding their hands. That’s something she loved the most; holding Dhruv’s hand was something she could do for an entire day, especially on days like Valentine’s Day – where girls go out in sexier clothes and quoting “men will be men”. She and Angie had faced a lot of trouble to keep their boys under their nails.

  Then he saw many boys giving their girls flowers and chocolates; that reminded him of those ten days of chocolate fight. That was the cutest fight he remembered out of all others. Her favourite orchids that reminded him of the way she used to smell them every morning on her deathbed. He from the very beginning knew that it was about her faith; her faith of being able to smell Dhruv’s aroma in those odourless beauty corps. She knew how cute he found her doing it and she knew how long the kiss she was going to get afterwards.

  It was all-perfect then.

  After having an entire day without a single conversation with Dhruv, his brother and sister-in-law finally gathered the courage to ask what they wanted to over dinner.

  “Dhruv!” Dr. Hetanshi gently spoke, keeping her voice low but clear.

  “Yes, Bhabhi?”

  “How’s your girlfriend?”

  He thought about it. How would she be right now? Where could she possibly be? And he realised there were few questions on earth, which were still unanswered. But he knew why she had asked that and he knew it by the way she and his brother were looking at him, trying to breach his eyes, searching for the right answer.

  But they were too inexperienced in knowing how it feels to lose someone you love.

  “She must be fine, wherever she is.” That’s all he could say keeping a smile on his face.

  That’s all they spoke that day. They were ensured now that it was a break up and his brother was now angrier at him for jeopardising his entire life due to an immature practice called break up.

  But Dhruv didn’t blame them. He had been in their shoes – of blaming someone he loved for seven months without knowing the truth. He knew how much they cared for him and how much he meant to them.

  Although something went different after that question; something irked inside of him. Did he see her today? Yes, he did. In those college buddies, he saw her; in those fighting couples, he saw her; in those girls who were taking flowers and chocolates, he saw her; in every girl who was holding her lover’s hands, he saw her; even in those couples who were kissing each other in the theatre, he felt that slap. He saw M everywhere today; because there was one thing common between all of them and him – Love!

  In every single event where affection was felt, he saw her. He was not alone; there were countless Ms and Dhruvs he saw that day. He realised that as long as he succeeds in doing justice to their story, which he had promised, he could keep her alive. She was not dead, not yet, it was now up to him, he could make her live in people’s mind forever or he could kill her by breaking his promise – which he didn’t even consider.

  The challenge was hard – being a below average medical student – it was nearly impossible for him to go in the territory of the people who were far more talented and experienced than him. He decided to work hard and read several books, first to see what he was missing and how their work and writing was different and better than his.

  But before that, he had an engagement to spoil. Yes, Angie’s engagement which was scheduled within a few days. He knew how he could stop her and was determined to do the same.

  A few days passed and Dhruv’s family was pleased by the way he had improved. He was no longer a crybaby – at least not when they were watching him. He had started working out, reading his study books and a few novels as well. He had been a voracious reader and they were happy – like never before – to see him as he was.

  He wore his tux, put on a black satin tie and made the final adjustments. He had to look handsome and aristocratic; after all, he had an engagement to ruin.

  He looked at himself in the mirror and said,

  ‘See M, your Mithu is going to keep his promise. I’m sure you’re somewhere around watching this.’

  He checked his phone and there was a message from Nilu.

  “Try to go easy there!” Dhruv smiled – knowing the concern behind this message.

  He almost forgot her and didn’t even know that he had the charm in him to even interact with girls anymore. A couple of failed attempts gave a life to his dilemma; but then he had a friend request from a familiar name. At first he could not believe himself, but when he clicked on the picture, to his surprise, it was her – Nirali Shah, his first crush, first female friend, first love, almost first everything. Had it been any other girl, he’d have ended up with a tagline of either bore or too formal – but as he knew it well – things with her had always been different. She was just the same as he had left her in school – same warmth, care and fondness in her eyes a
nd words. The best part was that she was still single.

  Why?

  When she first heard about his relationship with M and her demise, she was in tears, but she wasn’t surprised – as she already knew that something wrong was happening with Dhruv. He was obliged to accept that, she too – by holding his hand just like the old days – played a big part in his recuperation.

  He stepped down and saw his family members waiting for him to join them for breakfast. His father flaunted a proud smile when he saw Dhruv in tux as – he believed – it was an indication of him becoming a man from a boy. His brother, however, was not completely convinced with him, but he too appreciated the efforts he was putting in. His sister-in-law was happy – if not exhilarated – with the change she was seeing in him; his mother, for her having him around was everything and she was now leaving no stone unturned to fill in her lapses – as she thought she had failed as a mother.

  “So, everything set?” His father asked. It was his set up. He didn’t admit to Dhruv that he had influenced many people to get Mr. Shah a reputed job, but Dhruv knew he did.

  “Thanks dad! If I succeed in what I aim to, it will all be because of you,” Dhruv coyly answered.

  “I talked with his company; they said they were really impressed by his presentation. Besides, I don’t want your gratitude. I want your commitment. Promise me that you will focus on your studies from now on.”

  Promises and more promises!

  “I will dad! But before that I’ve got to finish things; what you have spent on me will not be wasted dad. That’s all I can promise right now. I’ll clear the MBBS. Now if you all excuse me, I have an engagement to spoil.” He chortled and stood up, took his car keys and started walking towards the door.

  “Dhruv!” His brother called,

  “Yes, Bhai?” Dhruv turned around.

  “Welcome back.” He said, and Dhruv nodded with a smile and walked out.

  As per the plan, Shilpan, Aakash and Harsh were ready and were waiting for him outside his house. He was seeing them after eight months. Dhruv had fought with them and he knew he owed an apology to each of them. As soon as he went near, he realised that they had failed to bring Ansh. He was still in no-talking mode with him and especially with Angie.

  “Hello seniors, wanna take my intro first?” He smirked, knowing that they all had passed the final year exams while he was detained for one year.

  “Shut up Gajju! By the way Ansh…” Shilpan said, and Dhruv interrupted,

  “Didn’t come, I know, this male ego, I tell you.”

  “And look who’s talking!” Aakash quipped, fluttering his sarcastic brows at Dhruv. Dhruv embraced the allegations with a short bow.

  “He even sent his greetings for Angie instead, can you believe that?” Harsh sighed in consternation.

  “Yes, he can!” This time it was from Shilpan, you can’t be best friends without constantly insulting each other.

  “I guess he is overreacting…” Aakash offered.

  “He’s not; it’s just another one of his dramas. He loves Angie more than anything else, but he also knows that he has us to do his job,” Dhruv replied.

  “Exactly, so let’s move and get this girl for that bastard!” Harsh suggested with a wide grin.

  “Yup, but before that, you guys deserve an apology from me. For all those shitty things I’d done over the past few months to you and to everyone else,” Dhruv meekly said. None of them seemed moved. Instead, they laughed.

  “You’re not the good guy Gajju, you’ve always been a fucker and will remain the same, no matter how hard you try, so don’t bother yourself.” Aakash sneered.

  “How many times will I have to apologise for your one night stand with those ropes?” Dhruv retorted with a wink, leaving Aakash grunting in fury.

  “Oops, hard memories!” Shilpan binged in.

  In a moment Aakash, Shilpan and Harsh stepped into Shilpan’s car and Dhruv in his own. Dhruv couldn’t help himself but smile at what was coming; he knew – as he had planned – that this was going to be fun.

  He drove to Angie’s home where Mr. and Mrs. Shah – Angie’s parents had already packed their bags and were waiting for the boys to come.

  Mr. Shah’s elder brother, Angie’s Badepapa had already asked him to leave their house and the company first, if he wanted her to marry Ansh. He knew this was not going to be easy – almost impossible – unless Dhruv’s father didn’t dial a few numbers and made the process quick. Being an IITian, he always had the job opportunities, but he gave his twenty-five years to his family business and everyone in the office knew that it was him, who brought their company up with his marketing skills and intellectual decisions. Everyone except his brother knew it, and knew that he could go to any extent to save his daughter’s life; his only daughter, his priceless and immense source of happiness was sacrificing her own life for him and he couldn’t allow it.

  After stepping out, the first thing Dhruv did was to congratulate Mr. Shah for his new home where he was about to take them – but not before kidnapping Angie from her engagement. Yes, that was the plan. He was probably the first father in the world to kidnap his own daughter from her engagement and that too, for her boyfriend.

  After loading their bags into Dhruv and Shilpan’s car boots, they all were ready for a big hijack – of which Angie was completely oblivious. Mr. and Mrs. Shah sat in Dhruv’s car and they started heading towards the banquet hall.

  Dhruv’s hands were calmly moving on the steering wheel and he was providing a smooth, quiet and blissful ride.

  “Dhruv, how are you now?” Mr. Shah broke the ice. Dhruv knew what he was talking about and he knew that this would be coming – perhaps not that soon!

  He remained silent, waiting for them to be more specific.

  “This must be hard for you, son! Coming here and…” Mrs. Shah added.

  “It was a job I had to do auntie. I could do anything to get Angie out of there and Mr. Shah, I mean it, anything!” He snapped. Mr. Shah understood what he meant. Rishi, Angie’s only cousin could be troublesome and Dhruv was determined to be a trouble-shooter, regardless of any consequences.

  “You’ve my word son, I won’t intervene.” This was the reply Dhruv was hoping for. He smiled at him and after a brief moment of silence, Mrs. Shah tried to bring that up again; this time, being specific.

  “She was a great girl son, I’m sure she would be happy to see you like this again.” They waited for Dhruv’s reaction before they exhaled and were relieved to see him smile, not in tears.

  “She undoubtedly was, auntie! Apart from Ansh and Angie, I’m doing this for her too!”

  They reached the banquet and saw a welcoming banner, which read,

  Betrothal ceremony of

  Angel Shah

  &

  Vishal Shah

  Dhruv gazed at it and asked, “Why Mr. Shah? Why Vishal?”

  “It was more like a business deal, Dhruv. His father is politically the most powerful person of our community and my brother knows how to earn brownie points from this.

  “We’ll have to make sure that they don’t hurt you after this.” Dhruv was concerned; he tilted his head to one side to check if his friends were behind him or not.

  Shilpan, Aakash and Harsh entered after Dhruv and Angie’s parents. They rushed in like a force. Rishi – Angie’s cousin – saw them and raced towards them.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” He arched his fumed brows at Dhruv, but Mr. Shah interrupted.

  “He’s with us.”

  “He’s not invited here.”

  “Son, I think it’s my daughter’s engagement, so let me decide whom to invite.”

  Rishi reiterated; Dhruv smirked at him and headed towards the stage.

  Angie looked down in shame as he saw them, having no courage to look into any of their eyes.

  “Hey Vishal, I want you to meet Dhruv!” Mr. Shah introduced.

  “How can I forget him? Because of him and his brother, I had to
spend six months in jail,” he scoffed, putting a sarcastic smile on Dhruv’s face.

  “I hope you learned how to drive after that,” Dhruv leered at him.

  “Eat your food and go to hell,” Vishal grumbled.

  “He’s leaving now, actually. We all are leaving. We are here to take our daughter, that’s all. After that, you can enjoy your food,” Mr. Shah said and grabbed Angie’s hand. Before she could understand anything, they started walking.

  “Hey, hey, hey, what the hell is going on?” Rishi who was observing everything from a yard away, tried to take charge on his own uncle. But before he could reach Mr. Shah, Dhruv obstructed him underway and charged a punch to his face, leaving his nose bleeding.

  “Now you know what I can do with my tiny muscles, consider yourself lucky that I’m not in my best shape. Let’s go Mr. Shah!” He groaned.

  “Just a minute, Dhruv!” Mr. Shah said and walked towards his father.

  “You had just one son who cared about you, dad. Today you lost him. And Motabhai, I’ll not allow you or anyone else to ruin my daughter’s life. You asked me to leave the house, I already did and now don’t even dare to look at my daughter!” He admonished, grabbed Angie’s hand again and turned to Rishi before walking out.

  “Rishi, your mother never wanted you to be as ruthless and heartless like your father; but your lust for power eventually brought you down to his level. Your mother didn’t commit suicide because of the guilt of cheating your father; it’s a lie that you were told all your life. You are an embarrassment she hated in her husband.”

  Dhruv was driving, Mr. Shah was sitting beside him and Angie was crying on her mother’s shoulder on the backseat, oblivious of where they were heading.

  When they reached Mr. Shah’s new house, which was allotted by his company, Angie was completely dumbstruck by what was going around. They stepped out and Mr. Shah shook his hand with the manager – along with a few other families – who were sent to hand him the keys of the house and the company car.

  “Mr. Prasoon, I along with all our staff welcome you in our neighbourhood. Here are your house and car keys,” the Manager said while handing him the keys.