Exile

32. AGASTYA'S MANTRA FOR SURVIVAL!!!

Once Harika left to her room after a very satisfied dinner with Agastya, Agastya bolted the door and picked up an old magazine, in which he knew would be his family photo. For some reason, he is missing them more than ever! The whole conversation with Harika soothed his heart to some extent but he couldn't completely remove the ache in his heart. Neither could he avoid it. The girl, like every time, reminded him his fond memories with his brothers.

Ever since he talked to Vivek, he felt even more terrible for choosing his selfish motives and let his brothers suffer.

But he had no option!!

There are fair chances of him not returning to them at all. Anything could happen to him in this journey. They already hate him for what happened on that day and it would be easier for them to move on, even if something happened to him now. He believed he is doing the right thing but he couldn't stop the guilt he was feeling.

He looked back at the magazine where Amrita was smiling wide and holding the award in her hands, while all three of them hugged her from side. It was a very candid picture, taken by the media, as soon as Amrita stepped down from stage. They were all happy and very proud. His eyes misted and guilt raged through him as memories rushed back to him.

He could still see her almost lifeless figure on the hospital bed. She wanted to talk to him one last time, in doctor's words. But he had more things to worry. He had no time to talk to her neither did he have the luxury to stay with her. He would never forgive himself for not talking to her before she closed her eyes.

He closed the magazine and his eyes fell on the vintage watch he had on his wrist. Memories clouded his vision....

****

Amrita, tiptoed into Agastya's bedroom, as quietly as she could. As soon as she saw the sight in front of her, she sighed. She smiled to herself and shook her head. What was she even expecting! Her boyfriend was literally sandwiched between his grown up brothers. The trio are sleeping without any care for the world.

As much as she loved the cute sight in front of her, she needed her boy friend right now. She walked to the edge of the bed and tickled the sole of Agastya's foot. Frown lines encroached his peaceful forehead, making her feel a little guilty but she kicked the guilt away and tickled a bit more. But what happened next annoyed her. Her idiot of a boyfriend pulled back his leg under the blanket. She narrowed her eyes and looked at the clock. It was already 10 in the morning and she decided the boys had enough sleep. She pulled the blanket off them earning grunts of annoyance. They wiggled their good for nothing bodies and didn't take 10 seconds to snuggle into each other before dozing off, again.

Morons!! Absolute Morons!!

She wanted to shake all of them and drag them out of bed but decided against it and just concentrated on her boy friend.

With determination, she leaned over and gently shook Agastya "Agastya, wake up!!" She whispered, her voice soft but insistent. He stirred before finally blinking his eyes open. Her heart skipped a beat when he looked at her and gave his smile.

As Agastya slowly blinked his eyes open, the first thing he saw was Amrita's face. He couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, his heart swelling with affection. He tried to stretch his hands to pull her into his arms, only to find himself pinned to the bed by his brothers. He looked at back at her who gestured him to come out of the bed. He sighed. After a lot of efforts from his side, he was able to get out the bed. He pulled up the blanket over his brothers before he shifted his attention to his girl. He approached her for a hug but she turned him around and pushed him into the washroom before whispering "Come down in 10 minutes. I am waiting!!" She threw a flying kiss his way before she moved out of the room.