As the car came to a halt, he looked at two-storey structure in front of him – his home where he spent his childhood.

As he stepped inside his heart warmed at the number of pictures hanging around in the room. A happy family of three. If he have not worn his aviators you could have seen the vulnerability in his eyes. 

Heading straight to his parents room his eyes found a large picture of his parents reveling in memories that are attached to this place. Sitting down on the bed he rested his back on the headboard, he traced his fingers along the face of his mother. He still remember how his dad used to tease him saying he was a mamma’s boy.

Lost in the memories, he closed his eyes,  their family photo clutched tightly in his hand.

Sanskar’s Dream :

He was surprised when he saw his dad right in front of him. It seemed like years since he last saw him but what shocked him more was when he saw a younger version of himself sitting beside his father.

Physically he looked like any other 12 year old except the look in his eyes. He didn’t have that childish glint like other children of his age in fact he seemed mature, someone who was forced to grow up due to situations.

The older Sanskar felt an ache within his chest. He wanted to console that boy but he was unable to. He was just a silent spectator as he watched the two.

“It’s not your fault Sanskar.” He watched as his father tried to console his own younger self.

Seeing no response his father sighed. “Okay fine. Tell me one thing, if you would continue to drown yourself in sorrow like that would your mother be happy?”

“She is not here.” He saw hurt flash through his father at his words.

“Look around buddy. See where you are.”

Sanskar finally looked around, the surrounding was very familiar to him. Both of them were at their secret place.

The sun was setting down and  it appeared to be a place between light and dark. It was hard to describe how exactly it looks like. The surrounding was stunning layered with greenery all around . It held what seemed like a magical air. But if you look closely behind that brightness it held something darker. The shadows due to the setting sun casted a darkness everywhere.

“Our lives are no different from this place Sanskar – a blend of darkness and light” said Sanskar’s dad interrupting him in his observation.

“You know before I met your mother I always felt cold. Dark and painful. My world was cruel. But then I met her. The blissful light of my life and some day you will also meet the one meant for you. But knowing you, you sure would walk away.”

“I don’t need anyone dad.” The 12 year old boy was apathetic as he uttered those words.

‘Why would I need anyone? I would end up hurting her anyways. I’m better off alone.’ His thoughts were interrupted by his father.

“If you are scared that you will hurt her then try to become better for her Sanskar, for your Angel. Have faith in your love. Not everyone is lucky enough to get true love. Okay tell me one thing, you are scared that you would hurt her but what if she got hurt because you were not there to protect her? Destiny is not in our hands son. You can’t back out just because you are afraid of the consequences. If I would have also walked away like you from your mother do you think you would be here in this world. If you are afraid of her getting hurt then be there for her, protect her with everything you have.”

“Think about it my child. ” were the parting words of his father.

Dream Ends

Sanskar woke up sweating. He came here to get some peace for a while  but the consequences were rather opposite of what he intended to.
His gaze landed on the clock which flared 11:35 pm. It was getting late so he finally walked out and drove back to his mansion. In no mood to eat anything he laid down on his bed trying to sleep but sleep today was far away from him. He was still pondering about the dream he had earlier.

Next day when an older servant came to his room to inform him about breakfast Sanskar stopped him. Ramu Kaka has been serving his family since his childhood. Mostly Sanskar avoid talking to any of the servants but Ramu Kaka was close to him.

Seeing him lost in thoughts Ramu Kaka asked, “what’s the matter beta? Is there something bothering you. You know you can share with me.”

Sanskar just shook his head in response. He wanted to share his thoughts but was unable to speak out. Frustrated he was about to head out when Ramu Kaka stopped him. “If you are confused,  just close your eyes and think calmly you will get your answer. ” said Ramu Kaka and went away telling him to come fast for breakfast.


****//////////***///

Finally the college ended and Ragini was waiting for her father to pick her up.

“Hey Ragini do you need a ride home? You know I have a car” asked Divya.

“T-thanks Divya but my father is p-picking me u-up” replied Ragini politely. “Oh it’s okay then. I can accompany you till then and it’s Divs. You always forget that”.

“S-sorry”  Ragini apologized sincerely making a mental note to call her ‘Divs’.

At that moment a white Mercedes stopped beside the two and her father came out of the car. Raghuvendra Pratap  hugged her tightly and Ragini too hugged back with the same fervor. “So how was my princess first day of college”? “It was awesome papa. You know I made two friends today”.

“Well that’s good to know sweetie. Can I meet my princess new friends” asked her dad. “Hello sir. I am Ragini’s friend, Divya and he is my boyfriend Aditya” said Divya motioning towards Aditya who just came over there.

“It was nice meeting both of you. Hope you’ll get along well. I think we should head back home now.”

Some students who were watching the scene  had an awe expression seeing the father-daughter bonding, some were simply not interested while a few were trying hard to control their laughter.

‘Oh god. Is it a college or a kindergarten.’ The one who commented was Shanaya Raichand, the pampered daughter of Dean of Stanford College.

*****//////////

“What if she got hurt because you were not there to protect her.”

“Have faith in you love.”

“If I would have also walked away from your mother like you, do you think you would be here in this world.”

“If you are afraid of her getting hurt then protect her with everything you have.”

“Stop running away just because you are afraid of the consequences.”

“Ahhh…..Dammit!!!!!” Sanskar yelled frustrated. His mind was buzzing continuously repeating his father’s words again and again.

Tired he succumbed to the pressure, closing his eyes.

An image of a girl cladded in white flashed past his eyes.