Journey Of Thousand Lifetimes #12
Episode 12 — Shut up!
THE MEETING OF 5
Twins in unison — “No running in this home!”
We laughed and agreed to Maaran’s long running speech. I smiled and got up so fast, I got a head-rush. Hugged him and said — ‘You proved that I’m an Idiotic Brother. You always know the exact words, buddy!’
Avi stood up — “Wait, this doesn’t add up. I just started to speak about my 3rd standard and you interrupted. But I still know what I’m going to tell. How’s that?”
Maaran looked at me like a panic-lightning jolted onto his head. I put one hand onto his shoulders and laughed sheepishly.
He said, “It’s time, then.”
Kiran asked in sheer confusion — “What time bro?”
Exhaled and replied, ‘My dear family! We have been sitting too long talking about how we went to eat at Taco bell, how I proposed Pooja, how Kiran ended up in a divorce, how Avanthika went away from us and lot many things. But we have not spoken about one thing. Since you have understood that something is strange, you should know a few things I have never confessed to you guys. So here you go, Kiran!

Three Years Before the Meeting
Kiran finally burst out in her highest voice — “I do not have any chance to live with you ever again. Do you understand? Have you gone crazy? The very specific thing that made us think about splitting and you still continue your way, how’d you expect me to believe in you, ever after. Rahamat! I don’t want to see him in our house after this.”
He spoke, “Hey, I swear, this is the last time” and he moved towards Kiran.
My hands autmatically went to his chest to stop him and I said, ‘You heard what my sister said. I’m pretty sure, you don’t want to hear from me. Coz that’s the worst thing to happen for you. Do you understand?’
His eyes went red and squinted with anger.
I repeated with a deep voice, ‘Do you….Un.der..stand?’
And his shoulders dropped as he turned towards the door and started walking. As soon as he went outside, Avanthika came in.
Avi — “What the hell is this guy still doing here? Should we take any legal action?”
Kiran — “He’s already got my notice. I don’t want another case in here. So much for studying the law. FUCK!”
Me — ‘Relax Kir! Every doctor is not healthy too. Sometimes they gotta deal with common cold too. Think like that.’
Avanthika walked to her room and shut the door. Kiran said she wants to take a nap as the sunlight hit our hall in the afternoon.
The hall got empty in a moment and I dropped myself on a bean bag. Started scrolling through my social media feed and suddenly saw a post from Kanishk — the Florida guy.
Kanishk and 3 others enjoying the food in Coimbatore Biriyani Restaurant
And he has posted a photo along with it. I tapped onto his name and went inside his profile to send him a message.
R— Hi dude! Welcome to IN!
K — Tnx man! Sorry I thought of informing but uh..
R — Hey! That’s ok. We can meet sometime.
K — Sure! How about a dinner today in my home? Mom is cooking
R — Alrighty roo!
K — Will you bring your friends?
R — Just me! They’re all caught up :)
K — See u at 8 Rahamat!
Back to Meeting
Kiran stood in shock and talked with an airy tone, “You did that for me?”
I smiled broadly, ‘For you? A Thousand Lifetimes my dear sister!’ and continued, ‘Pooja and Maaran knows most of the stuff. It’s not supposed to be revealed but I had used some loopholes. Pooja is my love and Maaran actually caught me in the act, so Avi… There’s one more thing you should know.’
Avanthika had a blank expression and I called her name. She slowly tilted her head towards me but her eyes stuck to the floor. Her mind should have been taking a hit since Time has come for ultimate reveal.
Maaran — “Avi?”
Me — ‘Birds fly in different directions.’
Avanthika — “What did you say?”
Her eyes sweat and throat gulped. Right eye profusely teared. Slowly gazed at everyone and finally at me. I still wore a broad smile and she never seemed to bother. I walked a few feet away from them to stand in the middle of the hall, as I knew what’s going to happen next.

‘It’s okay buddy! Is gonna be alright. Too bad I did not plan out the emotions. They are the greatest loopholes in a story’ as I finished the sentence, my voice begun to break. She got up and walked near me with a long face and sweaty eyes.
Avi — “How convenient! You won’t even give us a hint? Not even once? Uhn?”
Me — ‘I can change. To almost anything you guys want.’
Avi — “Every single time. Same shit!”
Kiran — “Rahamat! Why do I feel strange after I heard that news from you?” saying she felt out of breath as Pooja helped her with water. Maaran came near and held Avanthika by shoulders to console her.
Avi — “Well, what are you waiting for? Tell…me”
“TELL ME…!” and I took the headband device from my pocket and wore it around her forehead in one swift motion. Dropping on her knees, she was on verge of passing out. Slowly getting on her feet while Maaran held onto her.
Maaran — “You alright, Avi?”
Avi — “I felt everything.”
Kiran dropped on the floor and fainted.
Me — ‘It’s okay! Pooja will take care of Kir. I’m gonna give you guys time till tomorrow.’
Pooja — “Tomorrow? You said we had a month.”
Me — ‘Change of plans’ and she smiled.
Avi sang, “Everything is temporary, everything will slide, love will never die!” and jumped to hug me tightly and started weeping loudly.
“Brother! We love you so much. I can’t believe we’re going to miss you so much.”
Patted her and Maaran joined the hug. Kiran woke up and realized about tomorrow.
She looked at Pooja and asked softly, “When is it?”
Shook her head and replied to Kiran — “Tomorrow! It’s gonna be okay.” Kiran woke up swiftly and ran towards me, then gave her signature bear hug.
‘Once a kid, always a kid. Eh, Kiran?’ I chuckled and everyone replied in unison — “SHUT UP!”
Avi questioned, “We are not letting you go off this hug. Tell us one thing! Is it hard for you?”
Me — ‘It was! For the first few dozen times. Particularly when the time arrived. But then, I was given a liberty to write my own endings.’
Kiran — “So whatever happened between the 5 of us, is for vain? All these beautiful moments for no sense?”
Me — ‘It will, Kir! One day. That’s what I’m destined to do. For everything to make sense’
Maaran stepped back and others loosened up to hold my hands tight. Wiping off the tears Avanthika asked, “What will happen after tomorrow?”
Smirked and looked at everyone. Pooja acknowledged with a headshake and never uttered a word.
Cleared the throat and I replied, ‘The journey of the thousand lifetimes continues.’
Kiran kept her phone on the wooden shelf near us and looked at me, “Brother! How long have you been doing this?”
‘785 times!’
~to be continued~
