The Newly Found Relative
Mohan’s boss had just thrown the former’s transfer order on to his face. Mohan had no other option, but to move to Delhi- a place which he hated because of the sweltering summers and ice-cold winters.
However, being a bachelor, it was not difficult for him to relocate himself and his belongings to Delhi within a week. He took a small one-bedroom flat on rent in the famous Janakpuri area and started his maiden attempt at adjusting himself to the place. He was enjoying the first day in his new home and was busy exploring the adjacent areas, until suddenly the sound of the door-bell pieced his ears.
An elderly gentleman was smiling at him at the doorstep. “Hi.. I am Mr. Singh. I stay in the opposite flat. I suppose you have newly come here?” he asked while extending his hand.
“Er.. yes. My name is Mohan.” He did not know what to ask in return. So, he blabbered “Do you know to sing?” The other man burst into laughter and went off on his way.
Mohan realised his mistake and cursed himself for asking such a stupid question on the very first day. He closed the door and resumed his work of preparing the home. He had hardly come out of the previous incident, when another invitation came, in the form of a knock on the door.
Reluctantly, he opened the door to see a giant of a person before him. He was taken aback for a second as he hoisted his cranium to view the visitor’s face. “Hello Mohan Bhai. I am Rajendra and am the President of this apartment’s union. So you are the person who has newly come to our Vishal Apartments Eh? How are you? And have you got adjusted yourself here? Okay, you must have by now. If you need any sort of help, please do not hesitate to call us. We are all you neighbours. And tomorrow, being a Sunday, we have a meeting on the ground floor. Please come. I will introduce you to all our apartment members.” By the time he finished with his speech, Mohan realised that, just as his body, his words would flow endlessly out of his mouth.
He gave an uncertain smile and replied “Okay Sir, I will surely come. It is my pleasure.” Rajendra gave a satisfactory glance and said “Okay then, let us meet tomorrow” and disappeared. Mohan closed the door with a relief and prepared mentally for his forthcoming meet with Rajendra and others.
Next day dawned. Mohan went down and looked around for the monster, but instead saw a beautiful looking girl whom he instantly liked and felt like falling in love. He slipped into a trance, when the mighty sound of Rajendra’s voice and few other occupants of the flat woke him up.
“Oh, Mohan Bhai, You are already here? Very good! Meet our co-occupants of the apartment. This is Mr. Shyam lal; this is Mr. John; this is Mr. Govind; this is Mr. Kishore; Mr Prasad and Mr. Yogesh.” Mohan mechanically shook hands with all of them. “And finally,” Rajendra announced, targeting his hand towards the beautiful girl, “Meet my girl, Aarti.” Mohan was surprised. “So, she is the monstor’s daughter! Oh my God!"
Aarti was greeting him “Hai, Mohan. It is nice to have you here”. Mohan felt like blushing, but controlled himself and returned the handshake gracefully, enjoying every moment of it.
The following evening, he went to Rajendra’s flat. Aarti opened the door and exclaimed “Hai Mohan, What a surprise? I and my mother are just thinking of coming to your flat”. Mohan felt flattered. He replied. “Oh is it? You are always welcome. The doors of my home are always open for you.” He felt like telling “The doors of my heart are always open for you”, but restricted himself on time as Mrs. Rajendra came out and exchanged pleasantries with Mohan.
From the next day, Mohan made sure that he met Aarti, at least in the evening when Rajendra would be out for his evening walk. Aarti too, took a liking to Mohan and it did not take long for their friendship to blossom into love.
One day, Mohan tried to give her a hint of his feelings “Aarti, How much do you like me?
“As much as the sky.”
“Oh! I am thrilled. So, like the sky, your liking to me is eternal, and I believe there is only one emotion in this world which is eternal.”
Aarti smiled with shyness.
Mohan started to think. “Now comes the hardest part. How do I approach the girl’s father with the proposal. He would even crush me under his gigantic feet if he gets angry.” However, he decided to give it an attempt. He mentally thought how to bring up the matter, rehearsed it before the mirror and the next day started for Rajendra’s flat on the first floor, with a thumping heart.
He gave a nervous knock on the door. Mr Rajendra opened the door and greeted Mohan “Oh Mohan Bhai, Come along” and called out to her wife “Geeta, get two cups of tea. Our Mohan has come to entertain us today”
Mohan gave a start. He said to himself “I am not at all in an entertaining mood. Sorry” and spoke aloud “Yes Sir, I came to your flat for some peace of mind”.
“Why, Mohan Bhai? What is the matter? Come on, sit down on the sofa and tell me. I will try to solve it. I always saw you as a jolly person. You should try to keep up your spirit in all situations. Now come on. I am all ears.” After his short speech was over, Mohan slowly started, “That girl.. Your daughter.. Aarti..” Rajendra interrupted. “Arre Mohan Bhai, Aarti is my girl, but not my daughter.” Hearing this, Mohan was relieved and felt a burden fall off his shoulders. However, he gave a confused look at Rajendra. Rajendra continued, “Let me explain. Both her parents, Madan and Rajyalaksahmi are dead. They used to stay at Bangalore. I, being a very close friend and partner of Madan, took the responsibility of looking after Aarti.”
Mohan was startled at this new piece of information. He quickly asked, “Where were Aarti’s parents staying at Bangalore?” “I think, in Gandhinagar, if I am not mistaken. Why? Do you know them, by any chance?”
“Know them? Mohan almost shouted, “Rajyalakshmi was my maternal aunt.” It was Rajendra’s turn to get startled. He was amazed at this strange coincidence.
Both took their time in getting the facts of the situation. Aarti returned from her friend’s home and was glad at seeing Mohan. Mohan was also equally happy at seeing his cousin and wondered if Aarti knew about the relationship.
Rajendra, as if reading Mohan’s mind, broke into the latter’s thoughts “Aarti does not know about your relationship. I will tell her soon and will arrange for your marriage as soon as possible.” Mohan was doubly surprised and all the more happy at this statement.
Rajendra gave a reassuring look at Mohan and told him “Mohan Bhai, You cannot hide anything from me.” Mohan smiled and looked furtively at his cousin who was standing close by, trying to conceal her smile.
Some days later, Mohan, with wife Aarti, were talking with a family friend who came to seek their advise on working in Delhi. “Delhi? please go, it is the best place on earth!” The friend gaped at him while Mohan and Aarti exchanged looks.
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