Chapter 2

I got the bus on time and would be at home in another 3 hours. I had a peaceful day in office - no snubs, no additional works. Kind of strange..

My father was waiting for me at the bus stop, as usual. Though i have repeatedly asked him not to pick me up, i secretly wish him to be there. It reminds me of my childhood days when he used to pick us up from school. Those are the precious memories that i wish never to part with.

Preparations for my grandma's 75th birthday were going on full swing.

"Here , hang these balloons over there!" said my younger brother Vyom. What a way to welcome someone!

"Eat this pakoda first!" said my younger sister Sia. Atleast she cares for me "then put these lanterns on the courtyard". I think I jumped into conclusion too soon. Is my home becoming a second office? Do I look like a workaholic now?

Guests arrived in no time. It was hard to digest that grandma had turned 75.As far as i remember except her hair, she still looks the same. She still cuts her birthday cake along with grandpa. She frequently mentions that it was only after her marriage that she had cut her first ever birthday cake. Till then she had only read or heard about it. I envy my grandpa's love for her. Even at this age he is very particular about her happiness and ready to do anything for her sake.

As expected, the hot topic of discussion for this occasion was my marriage. Since when did these people start offering matrimonial services. How would I remember a Jayant, whom I met when i was 10? What should I do if Bhatia uncle's son , who is settled in US, is looking for a bride? And how would I know what it means if Kapoor aunty's nephew is 'religiously' following me on social media ? By the way what is there in my social media pages? I need to check it.

Except my marriage talks, the birthday celebration was a blast. Sia just lied down beside me after completing her record work. She is just onto her second year MBBS and become this lean. I wonder what will be her condition three years later.

"I really miss our childhood days di!" said Sia. Even i miss those days where we were always together.

"Unfortunately you will leave us soon!" she exclaimed.

"What do you mean?"

"Ma had invited Khanna family for lunch last week. She thinks their beloved son Akshay would be a good match for you. She really seemed to be impressed with him"

Akshay?! My college senior! I agree that he is cool, friendly, polite and currently in a good position. But I have always considered him as a good guide...

"But it won't work out" said Vyom who till this time was absorbed in his system.

"Why?" enquired Sia.

"He is already having a girlfriend and guess what ? He proposed to her yesterday."

"How did you know all these?" I asked surprisedly

"Detectives don't share their secrets" he replied.

He is just in 9th standard but if things go on like this he will become the best detective in this world.

"Guess i will be stuck here for a while."