A Deeper bond

A Deeper bond.

Why is Hari not dropping me today, asked Malu. Because he's sleepy said her Dad. No, he will never feel sleepy at this time! Hari, come! She called.Listen Malu! He's sleeping and I'm here, no! Why are you making a fuss asked Raghav.

Raghav and Hari are brothers and are living in a joint family, still. Hari isn't married yet and so Malu is close to him since her childhood days. He used to take care of her as a support to his parents as both his brother and sil are working and thats why instead of calling him uncle or chithappa, she has the liberty to call him by name and he loves it. Many times the others tried to change it but due to his support, Malu never changed!

Raghav's wife Latha is also understanding and she knows they have a special bond. Actually, Hari is a good friend to her too!

This kind of pampering is little more these days and she's becoming clingy towards Hari is what all at home are observing. Its okay was all he would reply.

Hearing all this, Thatha said its ok kanna, go with Appa and in the evening I will ask Hari to pick you up.

As Malu was creating an issue, Hari himself came down and her face lit up! Come, Hari lets go she shouted only to get a stare from her Dad.

Unable to disobey his brother, Hari said go with Appa as I came back from work late at night and I can't drive Malu. Finally, she left with a grumpy face.

In the afternoon also, Raghav and Latha went to pick her up as they had meeting with the teachers. All the teachers gave an excellent feedback which made the parents very happy.

The teacher said, rarely shes not in good mood and doesn't answer. Rest of the days shes great! As a child of 7 years, it's understandable!

They all came out and Appa wanted to treat Malu. She denied saying lets go home! The moment they entered, she stared at her Thatha as if asking what happened to your promise?! Next she went straight to Hari's room and saw he wasn't there! Then she saw him talking over mobile waving at her. She went and hugged him oblivion to the camera that was on. Who cares! He cut the call and hugged back. Why didn't you come?! Was her question and he just smiled and changed the topic.

With so much of expression, she narrated what happened in school and how all the teachers appreciated her. Hari said very good and you deserve a treat!

But I just said no to Appa.But why? You could have had that cake and come! No. I wanted to see you first! Omg! Okay I will bring something home and lets all of us eat it said Hari. She immediately said I will also come along or you don't go!

From the hall, Amma was shouting she didn't eat anything yet! Come, Malu. Malu pulled Hari along and was fed hot rice and sambar. After that was their cycling session taught by both Appa and Hari.

After some days, at dinner, Raghav was casually asking her what will you do if chithappa gets work somewhere else Malu?

He won't go! she gave back and looked at Hari. He just winked at his brother and nodded at her.

See! I told you no! He won't go!

But she didn't know Hari has an upcoming travel for a week!

Raghav said come Malu, you, me and chithappa will go to the terrace. She was sitting next to Hari but he made her sit opposite to both of them. Raghav gave a sign and Hari understood.

See Malu, I have a training and will be out of Chennai for a week. That's why Appa wanted to drop and pick you up. Its just for a week and I will be back. Before he could complete, tears welled up in her eyes and she sat on his lap saying can't you stop going? Why should you leave me and go? Raghav looked at her and Hari as if see I know where it has come! That's why I am telling you.

Looking at her Dad she said, I love you all Appa but I love Hari a little more. I don't want him to go!

Raghav was amazed at her choice of words but he has decided to inject the reality and said Malu, we all know that kanna. But understand, he can't be with us all the time! He has a job and after sometime he will get married and may move to some other city! He can't leave all that because of you!

Why don't you bring someone who can be with us here pat came the reply! Both the brothers looked at each other and thought that's exactly why it hasn't worked out yet!

If this talk hadn't happened, she would have slept next to her mom happily but tonight she didn't want to leave Hari alone. She thought he might leave before she wakes up. She made a tantrum to sleep with him and Hari gave a cue to Raghav. After she slept, he didn't want to disturb his brother and so left her with his mom.

The first thing in the morning, she ran to see if Hari was there still and was happy to see him getting ready. She asked how did I sleep next to Pati? Hari said may be you walked in your sleep! She smiled and went away.

Soon, the days passed and its time to go for training. After talking to Malu, Hari left for Hyderabad. First two days were okay but on the third day, Malu fell sick. She was down with fever and Hari has two more days left. During that day's video call, he felt bad to see the child so dull! She gave him a smile though.

He took permission for a day and came back early. Seeing him entering the hall, Malu came jumping from the bedroom! He gave her a warm hug and she felt a little better! Why are you so warm? Asked Hari. You didn't have the medicine? No, replied Pati on her behalf saying she vomited after the medicine and was just lying down. Seeing you, she is jumping! Where is Manni? He asked. She promised to be early as she can't miss work today due to some release or something said Thatha and your brother was working from home and stepped out just now. Anyways, now she will be fine said Pati.

Okay, no problem Amma. I will be with her. Let me refresh and come. He went into the kitchen, made three cups of coffee and came back. He knew someone was trailing him and sat down with a smile. He explained to his parents about the training and listening to his voice, Malu fell asleep. Pati was expressing why she's so attached to you! Its going to complicate things between you and your brother! We will see Amma said Hari. Don't worry.

His brother and Manni were surprised to see him back early and understood he has come only because of Malu. They tried to apopogise but he didn't give them a chance. Soon Malu woke up sweating and everyone was relieved. She felt hungry too and had some food.

They used to sit as a family and have dinner together. When she was ten, once pati asked her to have some vegetable which she always disliked and Pati said I will tell Hari not to talk to you if you don't eat! She looked at Hari staring at his mom and said Hari will always talk to me, Pati. But since you said, I will have a spoon. That's all! Pati was blown away with her confidence! Later on, Hari told his mom not to talk that way to the child!

As she grew up, the bond only got stronger than before. Hari didn't marry anyone as it just didn't work and he wasn't bothered anymore. His Mom could not understand why its not happening! He was a second father to Malu and that kept him happy. His support made Raghav to grow in his career, took bold decisions like onsite assignments, booked a 3 bhk and moved there. Malu also has a brother Madhav now who is also being taken care by Hari. Hari and Madhav are best buddies too!

Malu still has a string of attachment more and can't digest Madhav being closer to Hari than her! She used to discuss everything with him as usual and decide based on his views. He used to pickup and drop the kids whenever van didn't come or whenever he could. He limited his ambitions at work.

Hari was that pillar of support for everyone in the family! He was everyone's confidant! Even Manni used to come to him for help and he would do it. Everyone needs such a support, a listener who is patient and just understands. If its a parent or anyone from the family, what more is expected! Anyone can soar high and be the best!

Once in class 12, 'I'm going to make a fuss like how you did when you goto college Malu'! Said Hari.

Hariiii enough! You've narrated my fever stories to Madhav more than the Ramayana!

Yes that's because you fell sick every time I went out of station! Pulled Hari.

Malu smiled and said, why do you think I am studying so hard? I will join only here. I am not leaving you! Its my turn now, Hari chithappa.

Whats this Chithappa?! Asked Hari..

yeah right..I tried but it's so hard calling you that way! You are helping us in every way and now its our turn now was what I wanted to tell you!

Stupid! Its not help! gave back Madhav!

Yeah I know, you do out of your love and seeing you, how can we be otherwise, Hari! I will be there for you always! A tear came out of Hari's eyes and she gave him a bear hug! I will also be there for you, said Madhav and joined the hug!

Raghav was listening to this and was actually crying! He asked Malu, how about after your wedding?! And what about us?

You have Madhav, Appa! He will be with you all and I will do my part too but I will take Hari with me Appa, wherever I go!

Whaat.. you can't Malu! As if I will let you! shouted Madhav and Hari had to stop their fight!

Everyone thought it was just kids talk but nobody knew she had already decided what she will do!

It was not just words but Malu ended up taking Hari with her when she went to work in Pune and settled there. She also married someone who accepted to this as this was her only request!

Now Hari is living with her family and is a Grand Dad to Malu version 2 who's more adamant than her mom! Its fun to watch Malu and her daughter fight for Hari!

Some relationships can't be explained and they stay special till the very end. Whoever is gifted, will treasure that and the others can only envy or pray for one!