Echoes of the Unseen: The Forgotten Man

ＰＡＲＴ [03]: "The Reconstruction Of Bonds"

Liam praised Ethan, saying, "Ethan, you're a legend. The way you kept your cool while speaking was amazing." Ethan, however, pointed out, "And you? Threatening him?" Liam dismissed his own actions, explaining, "Oh, that was just to rile him up. You, my friend, delivered a profound line."

Ethan defended his words, clarifying, "It was in a positive context, buddy. He's old; we should wish him a long life." Liam agreed, saying, "True, I know."

Lightening the mood, Ethan teased, "You're such a joker. What about the cheeseburger?" Liam assured him, "Oh, it's already in the car." Ethan, puzzled, questioned, "Then why are we walking?" Liam responded with humor, "Because, unfortunately, we can't fly." Ethan couldn't help but make a final request, "I want a double cheeseburger." Liam playfully replied, "Sure, from your pocket." Ethan reacted with an emoji, "😒."

Ethan and Liam indulged in a playful exchange as they arrived at the car, their laughter punctuating the air. They drove to Ethan's home, a place that held the essence of his roots."

"When Ethan's parents passed away, he wasn't there for their funerals. He had become an outsider within his own family, except for his caring sister who stood by him. After five years, he returned to his home, which now felt unfamiliar. During this time, his sister had gotten married, but her husband didn't like Ethan, causing a strain in their relationship. Ethan's sisters had married for love, but their husbands strongly opposed Ethan's involvement in their lives.

Overcoming years of hesitation, Ethan finally mustered the courage to meet his nephew, a decision he had put off for far too long. As his car stopped at the destination, he got out, his legs shaking with nervousness. The rain added to the gloomy atmosphere, matching his own uncertainty. He pressed the doorbell, a simple action that held the weight of change.

The door opened, revealing a servant who silently acknowledged his arrival. Inside, laughter echoed, a stark contrast to Ethan's heavy heart. The laughter abruptly ceased as everyone's attention shifted towards him. His sister's face showed a mix of surprise and joy as they made eye contact, their unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Slowly, Ethan's uncle approached, bridging the gap between past and present.

As the rain continued and darkness enveloped the scene, this reunion marked the possibility of repairing fractured family bonds, a step toward reconciliation after years of separation.

Ethan, his eyes wide with surprise, looked at his uncle and explained, "I just came to see my nephew. After that, I'll head back." But his uncle insisted, saying, "I'm calling you inside. Do you intend to disobey me?"

Ethan entered the house.

With a compassionate tone, Ethan's uncle addressed him, saying, "We all understand the challenges you're facing. We can't truly comprehend the battles you're fighting inside, enduring everyone's judgments in silence. If your parents were alive today, they would have never allowed this distance to grow or passed any judgement on you. Although this house, the property, and the business are all rightfully yours, you've chosen to share them generously with us. Your brother will be home soon."

Moved by these words, Ethan expressed his gratitude, his emotions evident as he softly replied, "Thank you."

His sister approached, hugged him, and tears started to flow. Then he was introduced to his nephew.

In a family gathering, Ethan's sister tried to mediate, saying, "Listen, you three - he's your uncle, your own flesh and blood."

The children, sceptical, questioned, "Where was he before? We've never seen him."

Sister attempted to reassure them, "No, no..."

Ethan stepped in, recalling their early years, "Let me speak. You might not remember, but I saw you when you were just little, like chicks."

The children, still uncertain, responded, "But our mom says we're human."

Ethan clarified, "I mean you were like tiny babies. Alright, listen, I've brought something for all of you."

The children eagerly exclaimed, "Yeah, yeah, show me! Me first!"

Ethan, with a warm smile, invited them, "Of course, gather around. Here's your gift. Take everything, but remember, no snatching."

Afterward, Ethan took the children to an amusement park.

At night, Ethan's brother Steve returned home from the office.

The uncle informed Steve, "You know your brother is here." Steve, with a smile, acknowledged this news.

Ethan greeted his brother with affection, asking, "Kaisa hai?" (English: How are you?) Steve responded, "Main thik hoon." (English: I'm fine.) They then drew closer and shared a heartfelt hug.

Ethan proposed, "So can we go out?" Steve agreed, saying, "Sure." He added, "Let me get fresh" before they could proceed.

Steve headed to his room where his wife Aviya was arranging things. He entered the room, and after a moment, he went to take a shower. Once refreshed, he stepped out and got ready to go out with Ethan.

Aviya, expressing her concerns, questioned, "Is it really necessary to go out with your brother? I understand he's your brother and he's returned home after so many years, but I can't help feeling uneasy."

Approaching her with understanding, Steve reassured her, saying, "It's alright, I understand your concern, and I know how much you love me."

Aviya affirmed, "Yeah, of course... I do love you."

Steve went on to emphasise their close bond with Ethan, explaining, "And about my brother, we've shared our childhood together. From the day I was born and he held me for the first time until today, he's never harmed me. He used to scold me for my mischief and studies."

Aviya acknowledged her understanding but remained cautious, stating, "I understand, but please be careful. He's not the same now. I mean, with his mental condition, things might be unpredictable, you know?"

Steve agreed and concluded with an affectionate request, "Alright, my dear. Now, go ahead and prepare something delicious for both me and Ethan."

Aviya informed him, "I've already prepared it, but I'm not sure about Ethan's preferences."

Steve suggested, "Make Mom's favourite dish."

Aviya agreed, saying, "Okay, I will."

They exchanged a loving farewell, with Steve expressing, "Love you," and Aviya reciprocating, "Me too."

Steve came downstairs and headed to the car

where Ethan was waiting. They both drove to the same park from their childhood. Upon reaching the park and parking the car, they began to walk around.