Akash says goodbye to everyone in the hostel, to his friends who are going separate ways and warden. He goes to the railway station with his luggage.He meets his friends Alok, Rishi, and Kripa at the railway station. Their tickets are already reserved in advance and they will travel together to Pune. They are planning to visit the home of Akash.
These 3 are the best friends of Akash. They know everything about his love and heartbreak. They understand his feelings, so they found out when Arushi is traveling back to Pune and booked tickets in different train for themselves to travel. Akash knows the intentions of his friends. Although it won"t make any difference he feels lucky to have such friends.
Four friends are waited for 1 hour, enjoyed some fast foods and even did some jesting and finally, the train came on the platform. They have tickets for AC coaches and they got on without any rush and settled their luggage and themselves in their seats.
After some time train started moving. Travel to Pune from Bangalore was of about 18 hours. Friends did have enough time to discuss their last two years and sleep before they reached Pune next day in the afternoon.
They booked a cab at Pune railway station to reach the home of Akash. It took them almost 15 kilometers and about 30 minutes to reach the home. Akash wanted to surprise his family, So he did not tell them his exact travel plan. No one was at the gate at this time.
Akash entered the pa.s.scode and gate opened and when his three friends entered the main gate they are awed from the view they saw.
Alok shouted "Wow! this looks like a big resort. Akash your home is like picnic place."
Akash smiled and said "Even I think so. My grandfather likes nature, so he bought this 2 acres of land 20 years back. Grandmother tells me that at that time our family had 3 restaurants, grandfather sold one of them to buy this land which was in outskirts of the city. It has taken 20 years to take this shape. Even this st.u.r.dy wall all around property took about 3 years to build because my grandfather personally managed it while managing the business."
He pointed toward a building in the center and said "That one is the main family building. My uncles, their families, grandfather, grandmother and we live in that together." Then he pointed on one another building beside that and said: "That is the guest building." Then he pointed in one direction and said "And at that side, storage building and vehicle parking are there. We have a different entrance for them."
He pointed in another side and said "There is a small hill. That is constructed artificially and also a waterfall is there" He laughed and said, "We really liked to bath in the waterfall when we were small kids."
In front of them were the temple and flower garden. They walked on the path among flowers to reach the main house. Akash mentioned "All these are hobbies of my grandfather. I also like it. There is also a vegetable garden in one-fourth area of the property. Vegetable garden in back and we can not see it from this side."
Kripa laughed and said "Your grandparents are really great visionary. When everyone tries to increase money, he invested so much in the home. It looks like it paid off. I will bring my family in the future to have a picnic here."
"I would love that. Come whenever you wish to visit." Akash laughed and said.
They reached the front door of the main building and suddenly few kids ran and saw them standing in front. One of the boys shouted "Grandma! elder brother has come back" and youngest one who is around 10 years ran to Akash and shouted playfully "Elder brother! Have you brought anything for me?"
Akash laughed and stroked his hair and said "I did not know what you like that you have grown up so much. I will take you shopping someday." Younger brother pouted but did not say anything because other brothers and sisters are also running toward them.
Akash has total 3 younger cousin brothers and 2 sisters. His own sister Ira is 18 this year and is in college. Ira came fast and hugged Akash and said while sobbing "Elder brother! I missed you."
Akash smiled at his sister gave a peck at her cheek and said laughing "Now, I will stay here. So, you won"t miss me but wish that I will go away for some days." After the death of their father, his sister has become extra emotional. She always feels apprehensive whenever Akash is not at home. He calls home regularly to talk with his sister.
Akash held the hand of Ira and looked toward his cousin brothers and sisters and said: "Let us go meet Grandma and Grandpa." He turned and called his friends and said: "Let us go in."
In the big house, hustle bustle can be heard. Few servants can be seen arranging the sofa and adding some chairs in the sitting arrangement in the hall.
Akash smiled when he heard the shout of his youngest uncle "Eldest son has come? Where is he? Why am I the last one to know?"