Arnav's Relucance to Help
Morning:
Everyone was having breakfast when Arvind made an announcement that shocked Arnav.
Arvind: “I want to inform you all that our government received a letter from Rampur village. In that letter, it is stated that there is no electricity, and they are requesting an electricity plant. Consequently, the government has decided that we must establish the plant there.”
Arnav, sipping his juice, responded:
Arnav: “Dad, that’s so unfortunate for those poor people. So, why the delay? Let’s get started on planting the electricity plant!”
Arvind: “I wanted to discuss this with you all. I have decided who will be in charge of this project...”
Arnav: “Tell us, Dad.”
As Arvind was about to speak, Arnav interrupted him:
Arnav: “I know it’s Akash Bhai who’s going.”
Arvind: “No.”
Arnav: “Oh, then it must be NK Bhai.”
Arvind: “No.”
Arvind was about to continue, but Arnav interrupted again:
Arnav: “I got it; you and Chachu are going, right?”
Arvind (angrily): “No!”
Arnav: “Then who is going?”
Arvind: “You.”
Arnav, who had juice in his mouth, spluttered and started coughing, while the rest of the family tried to suppress their laughter.
Arnav: “Dad, I can’t go there.”
Arvind: “Why not?”
Arnav: “Dad, I’m too delicate for this. I can’t handle such a project.”
Arvind: “You’re not delicate; you’re 22 years old.”
Arnav: “But Dad, I only completed my B.Tech a month ago. I want to enjoy my life first.”
Arvind: “At your age, I started helping your grandfather. Manohar, Akash, and NK also began contributing to the business early on. My decision is final: you will handle this project.”
Arvind stood up and left, but paused to address Akash:
Arvind: “Akash.”
Akash: “Yes, Bade Papa?”
Arvind: “Book tickets for Arnav; he is leaving tomorrow.”
Akash nodded, and Arvind left. After he was gone, Arnav turned to Ratan:
Arnav: “Mom, don’t you think this is unfair?”
Ratan: “No, your dad is right.”
Arnav began his dramatics:
Arnav (fake crying): “Now I know that no one loves me.”
NK: “Arnav, stop crying. If Bade Papa sees you like this, he’ll arrange your marriage soon, claiming you need a wife to handle you.”
Everyone laughed, and Arnav realized there was no way out; he had to go.
Arnav: “Alright,” he said, going to his room to pack.
The next morning, after breakfast, Arnav took blessings from everyone and was about to leave when Arvind called him:
Arvind: “Arnav.”
Arnav turned around, hoping Arvind was reconsidering: “Yes, Dad,” he said, smiling broadly.
Arvind: “You will be staying at the Sarpanch’s (village head’s) house. I’ve spoken to him, and he has no objections.”
Arnav nodded and left, while everyone else went about their business. Arvind, sitting in his cabin, thought to himself:
“Arnav, I know you’re not ready for this, but I want all my sons to be independent. I have full faith in your abilities, even though you don’t want to work. I don’t want Akash and NK to think they’re carrying the burden while you do nothing. That’s why I entrusted you with this project.”
Arvind’s thoughts were interrupted by Manohar, who came to call him for a meeting.
To be continued.
