The Men in Dark | Episode – 12

K L V Saivardhan Reddy

What happened previously? Click here to read

A House Full of Emotions Ended with a Farewell

Aarushi and Manikyam sat close together, sharing their experiences. Aarushi’s voice trembled slightly as she explained to her grandfather why she had left home.

“Grandpa, I had to leave,” Aarushi began, her eyes earnest. “I needed to find my own path, to understand the world and myself. It wasn’t easy, but it was something I had to do.”

Manikyam listened intently, his eyes never leaving her face. He could see the strength and determination in her eyes, and it filled him with pride. His little granddaughter had grown so much, and despite the hardships, she had remained strong and resilient.

“I understand, my dear,” Manikyam said, his voice filled with emotion. “I missed you terribly, but seeing you now, hearing your stories, I realize how much you’ve grown. You’ve become such a brave and independent young woman.”

Aarushi smiled, her eyes glistening with tears. “I missed you too, Grandpa. Every step I took, I carried your love and support with me. It gave me the strength to keep going.”

Manikyam reached out and gently cupped her face in his hands. “You’ve made me so proud, Aarushi. No matter where you go or what you do, always remember that you have a family that loves you.”

Meanwhile, Arjun noticed Prerna sitting off to the side, a look of deep worry and sadness in her eyes. The weight of her concern for Karthik was palpable. He approached her gently, not wanting to startle her.

“Don’t worry, Sister,” Arjun said softly, sitting down beside her. “Is it okay if I call you that?”

Prerna looked up, her eyes meeting his. The kindness in his voice and the sincerity in his expression brought a small, grateful smile to her face. “Yes, it’s okay,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Arjun continued, “I can see how much you care about Karthik. He’s lucky to have someone like you looking out for him.”

Prerna sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “I just want to make sure he’s safe and happy. I promised him a better life, and I can’t bear the thought of breaking that promise.”

Arjun nodded, understanding her feelings. “I’m sure he’ll be fine with TMD. If you have any doubts about his care for Karthik, just see how he has taken care of me. I’m not his biological brother. I was taken in a couple of years ago by TMD. From then until now, he keeps track of everything I do. He treats every younger one as his own child and every elder one as his own parent. I don’t know what good I did in my past life to deserve this, but he became my mentor, my brother—more than a father.” Arjun’s voice cracked slightly as a couple of tears slipped from his eyes.

Prerna looked at Arjun, her heart softening as she saw the sincerity and emotion in his expression. “Thank you for sharing that, Arjun. It means a lot to hear about your experience. It gives me hope for Karthik.”

Arjun smiled through his tears, grateful that his words had comforted her. “You’re welcome. And remember, you’re not alone in this. We’ll get through it together.”

Prerna squeezed his hand, feeling a newfound sense of reassurance. “I believe you, Arjun. Thank you.”

The clock alarmed for 8 in the evening, and Aarushi, noticing the time, rushed to grab her handbag. “It’s been a long day, and now it’s time to go home,” she said, then turned to Arjun with a warm smile. She sat on her knees before him, looking into his eyes. “You are different—in a unique way, unlike other people. To be precise, you are much like your brother.”

Arjun looked surprised and a bit flustered by her words. “I knew, my brother always says that to me, but Thank you” he replied softly, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush.

Aarushi gently placed her hand on his. “You’ve shown such kindness and strength today. Your brother would be proud of you. I know I am.”

Arjun smiled, feeling a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude. “Thank you, Aarushi. Meeting you and seeing the reunion with your grandfather has been inspiring. It makes me want to be a better person.”

Aarushi bent forward, pulling Arjun into a brief but heartfelt hug. “We’ll stay in touch. You’re part of our family now, too,” she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

Arjun hugged her back, feeling a sense of belonging he hadn’t felt in a long time. “I’d like that,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

As Aarushi prepared to leave, Manikyam turned towards her. “My dear child, I cannot come with you. Arjun is all alone here, and I will stay with him.”

Understanding her grandfather’s feelings, Aarushi replied, “Okay, Grandpa. I will be visiting you often.”

Arjun, directing his wheelchair towards Manikyam, interjected, “Manikyam, you have been missing your granddaughter for so many months, and you reunited with her just now. There is no need for you to stay away from her anymore.” Holding Manikyam’s hands, he continued, “Besides, I prefer to be alone. That is why I am here, not with the other children in the dorm.”

Manikyam looked at Arjun with gratitude and concern. “Are you sure, Arjun? I don’t want you to feel lonely.”

Arjun smiled warmly. “I’m sure. I have my brother and the other children around if I need them. You should spend time with Aarushi. You both deserve it.”

Aarushi nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief. “Thank you, Arjun. We’ll make sure to come back and visit you often.”

Manikyam Nodded as well in agreement with Aarushi.

As they were about to leave, Arjun’s voice stopped them. “By the way, Miss Aarushi, as my brother mentioned, the letter he left for you, I think it carries more sensitive and important information. Do not ignore or delay any further,” he reminded her, a hint of concern in his eyes.

Aarushi turned back, nodding thoughtfully. “Thank you, Arjun. I will make sure to read it as soon as I get back.” She gave him a reassuring smile before they finally departed.

With their hearts lighter and spirits lifted, Aarushi, Prerna, and Manikyam bid Arjun farewell and left his place, heading towards Aarushi’s stay.