Teach Me!

EPILOGUE: Harmony of Hearts

Birla Mansion stood in glory, a testament to architectural finesse and a labor of love. Its grand facade, adorned with intricate details, reflected the passion with which it was crafted. The majestic structure seemed to breathe with a timeless elegance, each brick and arch telling a story of commitment and dedication.

Within its walls, the mansion harbored not just rooms but a repository of memories. The rooms echoed with laughter, whispers of secrets shared, and the gentle hum of everyday life. Each corner held traces of the people who called it home—their joys, sorrows, and the shared journey of a family.

The heart of Birla Mansion wasn't just in its splendid architecture but in the bonds formed within. Family portraits adorned the walls, capturing moments frozen in time. The living room bore witness to countless gatherings, where conversations flowed like a gentle stream, nourishing the roots of kinship.

As sunlight streamed through the intricately designed windows, a soft glow illuminated the room, casting a warm ambiance. In the heart of this luminous space, a 13-year-old boy found a comfortable perch in the lap of a 33-year-old man. The man, with eyes that held the weight of experience, began to weave a narrative—a tale that transcended time and echoed the legacy of the Birla family.

The 13-year-old's eyes widened in anticipation, captivated by the tale spun by his elder. "Phir kya hua?" he inquired, eager to delve deeper into the story.

The elder one, with a tender smile, kissed the boy's forehead. "Phir kya? Baba ne mujhe seedha kar diya!"

The younger one burst into laughter, his youthful joy filling the room. "How I wish I was there to witness it!"

In the midst of this intergenerational exchange, Akshara's voice rang through the house,

"Akki , Aruuu... Neeche aajao dono!"

Akshay, Akki.. jumped down from the lap and ran down, heedless of Atharv's cautious warnings.

"I am coming, Mumma"

Akshay, full of youthful exuberance, bounded down the stairs and launched himself into his mother's arms, showering her with a spontaneous kiss on the cheek. Akshara, accustomed to these energetic displays of affection, gracefully regained her balance. She returned her son's affection with a smile as wide as his, prompting him to excitedly share the latest brotherly revelations.

"Mumma, do you know what bhaiyya was saying?" Akshay bubbled with enthusiasm.

Akshara, settling him onto the table, played along, "What was he saying?"

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Akshay grinned, "He was telling me about how Papa first scolded him!"

Akshay proceeded to recount the tale with infectious delight...

Atharv shook his head with a soft smile, the recollection of the past washing over him like a gentle tide. The incident marked a turning point, a moment etched in the sands of time. After that tumultuous period, it took four months of sincere efforts and unspoken apologies for his Baba to melt down completely. The echoes of that phase lingered in his memory, a reminder of the resilience of their bond.

After that incident, Atharv found himself in a self-imposed isolation from the outer world for a complete three months. He immersed himself in his academics and board preparations with a newfound sincerity. Though his disinterest still lingered, the underlying reason for his efforts overshadowed any lack of enthusiasm. Abhimanyu, neither lenient nor overly strict, devised a unique method to address the breach of trust. It wasn't the conventional punishments under the guise of discipline but rather a singular task.