Episode 3 India

Varanasi, India

It was around four-thirty in the morning, the sky was a soft glowing haze, beautiful ashy pink was endlessly soothing, birds were chirping in their melodious voice, and the rest of everything was serene, tranquil, and peaceful.

Hundreds of small temples that dot the banks of the river Ganges were decorated for the morning Aarti (Prayer). Painters and artists around the dawn create magic on the walls of the Ghats and the graffiti they create on the walls gives the Ghats a very flamboyant and cheerful vibe.

A number of Hindu devotees were worshipping, and flowing diyas in the water, Shiva sadhus (ascetics devoted to Lord Shiva) and pilgrims were deep in meditation.

The foreigners were riding on the boats clicking pictures of migratory birds like large cormorant, bar-headed geese, northern pintail, reddish shelduck, and golden pheasant as they glided over river Ganga and they were all set to capture the beautiful pictures of the world famous Ganga Arti which was about to begin.

The sound of a sacred chank followed by the first Azaan of the morning, and the ringing sound of the temple bells echoes all over the gullies to wake up the people before their alarms.

As soon as the sun rises over the river Ganga to brighten the day, its first rays fell on the holy river Ganga and a woman emerged out of the river with her waist down deep in water. She folded her hand before the rising sun, closed her eyes, and chanted some mantras.

Soon the ghat started flooding with pilgrimages who came to witness the Ganga Aarti and the ringing bell echoed, marking the start of the day of the spiritual capital of India.

A boy, around fifteen years of age with deep blue hypnotic eyes, was searching for his sister, but it was almost impossible to find her in the increasing crowd.

Defeated, he turned to go back when his eyes landed on a woman in a pink kurta and a smile spread on his lips. He quickly descended the stairs, walked towards the river, and stopped where the holy water touched his feet.

“Mishka di!” The boy shouted from behind, but the woman didn’t turn.

Mishka quickly tried to complete her prayer when Aryan shouted again, “Mishka dii!!” She ignored it again and continued chanting the mantras. But the boy kept on shouting her name and she finally lost it.

“What!!! You are such an impatient boy. Why are you shouting? Aliens attacked Earth?” She turned and snapped at the boy. “What is it, Aryan?”

“Nothing! I was just checking if it’s really you or I am disturbing someone else.” He chuckled and Mishka was even more annoyed with his answer. “The priest told me to call you. It’s time for the veneration.”

“You go, I’ll change clothes and join you soon,” Mishka said, brushing her damp hair as she stepped out of the river.

“Here is your mobile phone, and it has ten missed calls.” Aryan forwarded the mobile in Mishka’s direction and disappeared into the crowd. Mishka sat on the stairs and glanced up at the sun. The memories of her meeting with Leo flashed in the back of her mind.

A sad smile appeared on her lips, recalling the past, when her mobile phone started ringing, breaking the trail of her thoughts. She looked at the screen and a beautiful smile stretched on her lips, replacing the sad one.

“Hello, baby, already missing me?” She said.

“When are you coming back?”

“Ummm.. I’ll be there tomorrow,” Mishka replied.

“Then I guess we will meet after three days.”

“It’s just three days. It’s alright.” Mishka said.

“I know, but you know, I hate leaving you. I love you so much.”

“I love you too. Now, I have to go for the veneration. I will talk to you later!” Mishka said, ending the call and after changing her clothes, she entered the temple where she and Aryan were supposed to perform veneration for their deceased parents.

***

New York,

Starlight Ltd. is one of the top companies in New York headed by thirty-two-year-old Nikhil Khanna. He is one of the top ten influential people and is known for his killing looks and single status.

Nikhil was in deep trouble as he was about to lose his status because of Amblys and their ongoing conflict that were creating headlines in the prominent newspapers and news channels. He read an article in the newspaper about their ongoing cases and huffed in annoyance, throwing it away.

Riya knocked on Nikhil’s cabin and she heard a faint manly voice inviting her to come in. She quickly brushed her hair and turned the knob to walk inside holding a steaming hot Indian masala tea on a tray.

Nikhil was pacing back and forth inside his cabin. His head was throbbing with pain thinking about the uncertain future of the company. He tried to contact many lawyers but the best one denied taking it, as it was a hopeless case and Nikhil’s chances of losing were high.

“Good morning, sir.” Riya greeted while keeping the tray on his desk.

“Riya, I told you to call me Nikhil when we are alone and thank you for the tea. I really needed that.” Nikhil said and took a sip of the Indian masala tea, sitting back on the head’s chair while Riya sat across from him with an enchanting smile on her face.

“Thinking about the case?” She asked and Nikhil nodded his head.

“It’s very messy. Ambly’s are trying to put the blame on us and no reputed lawyer is ready to take the case. I don’t know what to do, shares of our company are drowning each day.” Nikhil stated, feeling completely helpless, and Riya tried to motivate him.

“Don’t worry, we will figure out something for sure.” She said, caressing the back of his hand.

“I don’t know, Riya. My head is spinning now. I will be doomed if I lose this case.” He said, holding his head, and massaging his temples. Riya pursed her lips in a straight line, thinking about something to help him, and finally, slid the business card in his direction, but she wasn’t sure herself if she did the right thing.

Nikhil picked up the card in confusion and read the name. ‘Mishka Ranawat’

***

It was late evening when Christian stirred in his sleep and slowly opened his eyes, only to find Vera stroking his forehead lovingly.

“Did I faint again?” He asked and sat against the headrest.

“Yes, are you feeling good now?” Vera asked. “Do you need something?”

“Water,” Christian answered, and Vera handed him a glass of water.

“It’s already evening. You were sitting beside me the entire day?” He asked, and Vera nodded.

“I am so sorry for troubling you.” Christian apologised.

“Are you really okay or should I call Dr Ken?” Vera asked and Christian smiled, looking at her.

“Mom, I am alright. Please stop worrying so much about me.” He replied softly, and Vera’s eyes lingered on him a little longer.

“What happened?” Chris asked.

“Nothing. It still feels like you are calling me mom for the first time,” Vera stated, and Christian gave her a side hug.

“I love you, mom!” He said, and a smile stretched on Vera’s lips.

“Get fresh and come down for dinner. I am making your favourite risotto.” Vera said, but Christian stopped her, glancing at his watch.

“I am going to Danny’s place. He is throwing a party.” He said and rose from the bed.

“You just woke up and you aren’t well.” Vera tried to stop, but Christian convinced her.

“I am alright, mom and I am taking the driver with me.” He said and walked into the walk-in closet to change while Vera appeared a little worried about him.

***

Mishka packed their luggage as it was time for them to head back to New York, but there was no sign of Aryan. She called him several times, but he wasn’t picking up her calls. She groaned in frustration when the caretaker of the orphanage walked into her room.

“Are you ready?” She asked, and Mishka turned to her.

“Yeah, but I can’t track Aryan. Do you know where he is?” Mishka asked.

“Where do you think he will be if it’s his last day in India?” The caretaker smiled.

“Right, I should’ve guessed,” Mishka said and walked out of the small hotel where they were staying, and covered her face with a scarf. She crossed narrow alleys and passed the troops of devotees chanting Bam Bam Bhole (Hails Shiva), who were walking towards Sri Vishwanath Temple to worship Lord Shiva.

She quickly reached the Ayyar’s Cafe and the baba (the caretaker), who looked after the cafe, gulped in nervousness. Mishka noticed his stiffened features and his action to stop her from entering inside, but her stern look was enough for the caretaker to let her go.

Mishka’s eyes looked for Aryan in the small restaurant and she was stunned to find his table filled with all the possible South Indian dishes and he was eating as if it was his last day on earth. She gazed at how fast he was eating and then she looked at the caretaker.

“I told him not to eat so much, but he didn’t listen,” He whispered, and Mishka sauntered towards Aryan.

“My God, Aryan!!! Are you crazy??” Mishka exclaimed, and Aryan stopped eating, turning to her. “We have a flight to catch, and you eating like a pig. Do you want to spend all your time in the Plane’s toilet?”

“Don’t disturb me! Let me eat. I’ll get to eat all these delicious dishes next year. Go away!” He said and continued to eat. “And Baba, I bribed you to keep her out, then why did you let her in?”

Mishka creased her nose, “Oh, shut up and get up!” She said, gripping his wrist and forced him to stand up. Her eyes lingered on the untouched food on the table and she turned to the caretaker. “Give it to some poor kids.” She said and dragged Aryan out while he tried his best to take the last bite of dosa (South Indian Food), but failed.

They reached the hotel soon where they were staying and Mishka saw the Orphanage’s caretaker zipping their suitcases. Mishka smiled and embraced her from behind. “Thank you, Amma,” She said.

“You don’t have to thank me for such petty help,” She said, but Mishka cut her off.

“For taking care of the orphanage,” She said, and the caretaker pursed her lips in a thin line.

“Are you not going to visit your home and orphanage this time as well? It’s been seven years since you last visited. What’s wrong, Mishka?” The caretaker asked.

Aryan plopped down on the bed. “Ahaan, now this is something I want to know, too. You always send me to visit orphanages and our home to check, but never even go near those places? Why?” He asked.

Mishka stiffened, and it took some second for her to gather her thoughts. “Those two places are very close to my heart, but we have to close some chapters of our life to move ahead. It’s better if I stay away.” She answered as her mind wandered back to the orphanage and her home, where she spent her childhood with her parents. She was dying to visit the place, but she feared that Leo or Christian will find out about her and her cute little secret.

***

“Who is she?” Nikhil asked, gazing at Mishka’s name. “Do you know her?”

“Yeah, I know her and she is the best lawyer,” Riya confidently stated.

“But I have never heard this name before. Look, Riya, I need someone experienced and reputed, not someone with a mere law degree. I want someone top notch,” He said and put down the card on the desk while Riya raised her eyebrows, watching him.

“But the top-notch is not ready to take your case. I understand what you mean, but I will still suggest that you give her a chance. I know you won’t be disappointed.” Riya assured and Nikhil stared at her for some moment, thinking about his next move.

“Okay, let’s see if she can do any magic,” Nikhil stated, and Riya beamed with a smile.

“It’s lunchtime. Do you want me to order something for you?” Riya asked.

“No, Let’s go out to eat,” He said, picking up his coat, and they walked out.