Chapter 1

Summer was approaching. There was a slight change in the air - a tinge of warmth and the sunlight brighter by few degrees. Bhavesh did not feel the need for his shawl now. He sat on his favourite bench and soaked in the precious warmth that only a departing winter and an arriving summer could bring. How many more summers would I see! He wondered without any worry, for he had no regrets at this stage of his life. He had seen several seasons in the eight decades that he had lived till now. He had weathered many storms, laughed and cried and had memories worth a lifetime. He smiled. Life has been really good.

"Baba!" Bhavesh turned at the now-familiar and endearing voice and saw Sachin walk towards him with a swagger and a smile on his face. Handsome rascal, he thought with amusement. As usual, he felt the same pang that he felt every time while seeing Sachin. How I wish you were my son! He wondered whether this feeling would ever go away. In a short period of time, Sachin had come to mean a lot to him.

"I knew I would find you here. Such a big place, and yet this seems to be your favourite corner." Sachin said with a smile as he sat down on the bench. Bhavesh acknowledged him with a nod and turned to look around the place - the old-age home, his home since almost ten years. It had been founded by Sachin's father, who, unfortunately, had passed away about five years ago. After his death, Sachin had taken over, running the old-age home with vigorous zeal and enthusiasm. He met prospective donors, impressed them with his skill and knowledge and ensured that the flow of money never stopped. Under his supervision, the old-age home was functioning really well. He personally visited every resident, took care of his/her comfort and treated them as his own.

"I can see the park from here. It is good to see and hear the children playing. I love watching them laugh and play." Bhavesh said gently.

A comfortable silence followed, neither of them feeling the need to talk. Sachin casually laid his hands on either side of his head and leaned back on the bench, looking very relaxed. He hummed an unrecognizable tone softly.

"You are happy today." Bhavesh said.

"It has been a good day. Some really nice donations came in through. I can now arrange for additional staff and also look after the renovation of the gate." He added mischievously, "Don't worry, I will keep this part open, so that you can view the park." Bhavesh smiled and patted the young man's head. He cleared his throat, nervous about what he was about to say.

"The book that I was writing – I am almost done."

Sachin immediately straightened up, his face alight with excitement. "That's great news! Can I read it?"

Bhavesh laughed at his enthusiasm and excitement. To be so young, and so enthusiastic about life! He wondered sadly. Not that he had regrets. But sometimes he missed the feeling of being happy or excited. Always being contented was starting to feel really boring.

He turned to his left and took a parcel from the bench. He handed it over to Sachin, feeling as if he were parting from a friend of many years.

"You wrote it entirely!" Sachin said in awe as he took out the book and saw the contents. The book was looking really well-worn and delicate. He was scared to touch it.

"I have written almost everything. But I need your help in ending it. I don't know how to end the book. Can you read and suggest an ending for it?"

"Of course, I will read it! Just give me few days' time and I will get back to you with the ending."

The whole of my life can be really summed up in a few days' time. It comes to this, in the end. Only memories remain forever. The times of life pass by in a flash. Bhavesh thought sadly.

"Suggest a good ending. A happy ending, okay?"

Another silence followed while Sachin carefully turned the pages of the book and Bhavesh sat in deep thought. What if Vishnu ever reads this? Would he feel bad about what I have written? Would it still matter after such a long time? These questions had been haunting him ever since he decided to write the book. He had thrown caution to the winds and proceeded ahead at that time but now the doubts plagued him. Whatever is done, is done. It's highly impossible that Vishnu would read the book. Hopefully.