Chapter 6 (Part B): What's the Ranker's Story?

A Father's Confession

(At college, Suman's father unexpectedly arrived.)

Suman was shocked to see his father there.

(Now, Ramya and Anjali's conversation.)

Ramya knew Anjali's house, so she went straight there. She explained to Anjali's parents that it was an important matter and went directly to Anjali's room.

Anjali: "Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?"

Ramya: "I came to talk about Rocky."

Anjali: "What? Do I have to apologize for what I did?"

Ramya: "No, why should you apologize? Rocky was wrong. Would he raise his hand on your boyfriend, Suman? And he never says anything right. Always doing some crazy things."

Anjali: "You don't know. You should have seen him as a child. Sometimes, I couldn't bear his actions. Sometimes, I wondered how he became my friend. His childishness and mischief. But sometimes, it gave me relief. Relief from the crazy things in life. Whatever he did, he did it for me. Maybe that's why I always thought about him. Poor guy, I never hit him. But I hit and scold him and Vicky. I must be crazy."

She paused, a distant look in her eyes. "Do you know how I met them? It was very simple. Rocky came, playing and falling, and became my friend. He always did something crazy, hid behind me. Once, he made the teachers angry and hid behind me. I was supposed to handle the teacher? But I spoke for him. I even told him to stop. He said, 'Chill, you're our big sister. You always protect us. I'm doing mischief with that confidence. You'll get a lot of complaints.'"

Anjali chuckled softly, a wistful smile on her face. "He brought a lot of complaints. He made me get scolded. But I liked everything he did. Until then, I was alone. I was bored. When he came, an adventure started. Something new happened every day. One day, he brought Vicky, who was crying, and told me to comfort him. I did. Then, Vicky joined our group. Days passed, taking care of them."

She continued, her voice filled with tenderness, describing a memory.

(Flashback to Vicky's mother meeting Anjali and Rocky's mother.)

One day, Vicky's mother came. She was in a very poor condition. She tearfully explained that her husband pulled a rickshaw to make ends meet. She became very emotional and thanked Rocky's mother for taking care of her son. But Rocky's mother, with a knowing smile, said, "It's not Rocky who takes care of your son. It's her," pointing to Anjali. Anjali was shocked, wondering if anyone would ever thank her for that. Then Rocky's mother came closer and said to Anjali, "It's very difficult to take care of my son. Sometimes, even I struggle. But you handle him very easily."

Anjali: "Oh, aunty, it's not that easy," she replied, smiling.

Rocky's mother smiled back. "He sees you as a big sister. You should take care of both of them like a big sister."

As both Vicky's and Rocky's mothers thanked her, Anjali's own mother also praised her, saying, "Good girl."

(Return to Anjali's conversation with Ramya.)

From that day, Anjali decided that taking care of them was her responsibility. From then until now, she had always acted like their elder sister, no matter what they did. It was the first time she had ever scolded them like that. She had never been so angry with them before.

Ramya: "What they did was wrong. That's why you scolded them. And you realized your mistake too. You are the one for them. You are like a big sister to them. If you explain it to them so they understand, it will be fine. Okay, my work here is done. I'll leave now."

Suman's Story, His Father's Heart

(After Ramya and Anjali's conversation, the scene shifts to Suman and his father.)

Suman and his father were walking home. His father suggested they spend some time at the beach. They walked in silence for a while. Then, Suman's father spoke first.

Suman's Father: "How is college? How are grandpa and grandma (Suman's Mothers-Parents) taking care of you? Come home occasionally. Enjoy with your friends. Just get passing marks. Be happy and enjoy with your friends."

Suman only replied, "Okay, okay," as if he had nothing much to say. Suman's father understood his son's reticence.

Suman's Father: "Okay, don't worry. I just came to see how you are. Okay, I'll leave now. Take care."

After Suman's father had walked four or five steps away, Suman called out, "Dad." His father turned back, a look of love and curiosity on his face.

Suman: "Dad, you were mostly with mom, right? Can you tell me about her?"

Suman's father smiled faintly. "If I tell mom's story, I have to tell mine too."

He began, his voice softer than Suman had ever heard it. "Mom grew up with a lot of freedom and courage. She was very talented. She had a lot of knowledge about computers. To be honest, she was more educated than me. Her parents gave her a lot of freedom. Even though she was a girl, they supported her a lot. She was a 19-year-old kid, so her world was home and work. She didn't love anyone. It's not that no one fell for her—she was very beautiful and intelligent. How could they not? But out of respect for her parents' freedom, she didn't like anyone. And my life was quite the opposite. At home, it was very strict, no freedom at all. I had to get a good-paying job as they wanted and support the family. I couldn't do what I liked, or become what I wanted. I had to make many sacrifices. One of them was Swathi. I loved her, and she loved me too. I told them at home first. Do you know what happened? My father beat me and arranged my marriage with your mother. Even though everything in life went wrong, not as I wanted, only good happened with your mother. After I understood her, I realized how good she was. I fell in love with her love. She endured a lot for my parents, family, and me. She never asked me for anything, no matter how much she endured. We had a lot of trouble having children. They gave some medical reasons, but you were born after a few years. To be honest, I wished for a daughter like your mother, but you were born." His voice cracked slightly. "Even though you weren't a girl, I felt it wasn't wrong to take care of you like her. But what could I do? God doesn't let anyone be completely happy, it seems. Mom got cancer. That was also the reason we had trouble having children." Tears welled in his eyes. "I cried like a madman near her. How could I live without you? Why is this happening to you? I wanted to be brave near you, even though I cried near Mom. I cried many times after she passed away. Who would take care of me? I forgot that you were there and I had to take care of you, that you had no one but me. I was always lost in my thoughts and sorrows, not caring for you. And in some moment of pain, I hit and scold you. I became a bad father. Because of that, you stopped talking to me. I became completely lonely. When my father passed away, I even remembered his scolding. I don't understand why we don't realize the value of people when they are around. That's why, not wanting to trouble you further, I'm staying away from you. Maybe you'll be happy at least then."

Hearing all this, Suman ran to his father, embracing him tightly and crying, "Sorry, Dad!" SOB! SOB! They both cried, tears of sorrow and relief mingling, and finally reconciled.

Rocky's Apology and Reconciliation

(After Suman and his father's conversation, Rocky, who had been nearby, watching from a distance, came to meet them.)

Suman's father, surprised, asked who he was. Suman, quickly recovering, said, "My friend from college." Rocky, initially silent, became more energetic, realizing Suman was trying to manage the situation.

Rocky: "I'm his very good friend, and he always talks about you. How you are doing. He likes you very much. He studies hard for you. He's not just a good ranker; he has a good following among girls too!"

Suman: "That's enough!. Dad!, you're getting late. We need to go too." He pulled Rocky away gently.

Suman's father was very happy seeing them. He felt good seeing Suman happy, unlike before, and left with a lighter heart.

(On the other side, Suman turned to Rocky.)

Suman: "What do you want? Why did you come?"

Rocky: "I'm sorry for what I did. I didn't understand you, and I didn't understand Anjali either. I was jealous seeing you both so close. I didn't intend to separate you. I wanted her to talk to me too. For that to happen, you have to be my friend too."

He extended his hand. Suman was shocked. He didn't expect such a profound change in Rocky.

Rocky: "It's been a week since the fight. I've never been away from Anjali for so long. We should go see her now." He took Suman's hand and led him away.

Rocky already knew Anjali's parents, so they didn't question his presence.

Anjali's Mother: "Hey, Rocky, you came after so many days!"

Rocky: "Aunty, don't disturb us. It's a serious matter."

Anjali's Mother: "Okay... Who is this new guy?"

Rocky: "Aunty, no more questions. Okay." He went to Anjali's room and took her arm. "We need to talk. Come to the terrace," he said, taking her with him. She went, still shocked.

Now, the long-awaited conversation began.

Rocky: "I'm telling the truth now. Listen. I'm a big idiot."

Anjali: "We already know that. Do I have to repeat it?"

Rocky: "Just listen to what I'm saying. I made a lot of mistakes. I hurt you a lot. You endured a lot from me, and I didn't understand you. I made mistakes without listening to you. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry. I won't cause you any trouble again."

Anjali: "Hey, I made mistakes too. Be the way you are. I like you that way. But do one thing. Listen to what I say too. That's all. I'm sorry too. I scolded you a lot."

Rocky: "Great, you admitted it too!" he grinned. "Now, one more thing. Suman and I have become good friends, so you can talk to him too. I'm leaving now. I won't disturb you."

Suman, standing nearby, stepped forward. "A lot happened today. First of all, I'm sorry. I ignored you and hurt you many times since childhood. I behaved very egoistically to prove my point over a small mistake." His voice was earnest. "I wish those old days would come back differently. But it's okay. It's not too late. Let's start again now."

As Suman spoke, Anjali listened, tears flowing freely.

Anjali (her voice choked with emotion): "It took you so many days to talk to me? How much did you make me cry?"

Suman: "It's my fault. I have to tell you something else. My dad came and talked to me lovingly. He talked about Mom too. I felt like sharing it with you."

Anjali (crying, but with a relieved smile): "It's okay, it's okay. Share whatever you want. I'll listen to everything."

They reconciled, a truly happy ending to a long-standing rift.