Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

67. HLM: hoodie, love, me

Arya hugged Abhedya. It was emotional. His favourite 'go-to person' his 'chachu' gifted him his car? How? He was not alive.
Rudra saw a tear roll down Abhedya's eyes. He hugged him too. "Swadesh, that rascal, had everything planned. He wrote in his last wishes list... 'Whichever car my dearest son, Abhey chooses as his dream car... should be gifted to him, under my name, on his 21st'. Huh! He knew it all. Feel lucky Abhey. Feel as if you are sitting in his lap like the times when you were young. Treasure it."

Rudra's words made Abhedya even more emotional. He hugged his father even tighter and shed more tears. He did not deserve the car. He was the biggest idiot alive on the planet earth. Swarnima was right. He assumed things, he was impulsive and he was highly judgmental. Swarnima's friendship could also not change his nature. This time his act did not deserve forgiveness. The car was gifted to him 'as an act of love'? No! It was way beyond love. His chachu, Swarnima's father loved him immensely. He considered Abhedya in his last wishes list. Wow! What did he even do to receive such love?
Swarnima chose her mother's birthday to give him all the presents she collected for him, all those years because that would make her mother happy. Really? Abhey, was are the luckiest 'idiot' on planet Earth, indeed.

Rudra wiped Abhedya's tears and brought him out of his guilt-ridden thoughts.
They came inside and Randeep kissed Abhedya's forehead. Everyone was surprised. Randeep was an inexpressive man.
"Abhey, you are special. Remember that. I know you might have wanted to earn your dream car. But, Swadesh had that trust in you that you will earn it and we all can see and believe that you can. He believed that his Abhey was a rare diamond just like his name. He could sparkle life's around him. We all can see the way you are taking care of Swarnima. Swadesh and Rima will be happy and bless you all the more. We have never seen our little Nim smile and laugh like that before. You are indeed that 'best friend' everyone wants in their life.
Today, I have to agree the faith Swadesh had in you was true all along. Just enjoy and feel precious."

Abhedya managed to put a smile on his face for the sake of his family. He wanted to shout to them that he was not worth the appreciation. But, that will break their faith in him. So, he decided henceforth he will never act spontaneously and analyse the situation. Making a promise to himself Abhedya looked at Swarnima who had no expression of anger or anguish.

'Was the girl even real? It's not me who is rare, it's her. She is one and only one piece in the whole wide world. I am never going to let her go. I love her. I love her so, so much!!!'
'What!! Did you just say? LOVE? Oh boy! Seriously? I knew you would realise it sooner or later. Abhey finally, I can be proud of you.' Abhedya' s heart was jumping in the realisation of love.
'But, just be careful Abhey. Don't act as an impulse now. Take your time. You cannot break her heart at any cost. Just be more than a hundred per cent sure.' His heart and mind decided to go with the flow.

The dinner was filled with emotional talks, laughter and banter. "Abhey, what are your plans for your birthday?" Nandini asked him.

"Mom, my college gang and others want a party, but, I want to be with all of you on that day. We can either have a common party or I can give them a party the next day." Abhedya replied.

"That is not my brother! It's his doppelgänger, mom, I am alerting you. Abhey wants to be with us and not his friends? Wow!! That is indeed RARE, phuphu you were right." Nivi commented.

"Nivi, please don't interfere when elders are talking. We give you freedom but you should know your boundaries. Abhey, you can party with your friends by the pool till evening.
You see, the council, the current protector and our family, will be here for deciding the further course of action. It's time the throne to be claimed." Rudra said with determination.