Rising Phoenix

Chapter 11; Bonded by Laughter and Understanding

Reyansh’s Perspective:

Running in the early morning mist, I couldn't help but marvel at the world around me. The cool dampness of the air, the soft sound of droplets falling on leaves, and the ethereal glow of sunlight creeping through the mist created a surreal atmosphere. Nature has the power to heal and rejuvenate the human soul, and it was at this moment that I truly understood the transformative power of natural surroundings. While the highest restorative effects are elicited by being directly in nature, there are benefits to indirect experiences as well.

My mind, which was a mess after the talk with Hridhan last night, found solace in the beauty of my surroundings. My sister is the sore subject that continues to haunt me, and it's way worse for Hridhan. So, I never initiated a conversation on that topic with him, even though I know it was worse for him not to know about the cause of her death.

But after last night's conversation, I found a weight being lifted from my shoulder. He also clears some of my internal emotional wars by advising on that subject. I decided as I ran around the park that I would continue investigating my sister's murder, but also for now I will believe that she was the one who took her life.

Out of nowhere, someone suddenly collided with me from the back, and I stumbled, nearly losing my balance. That person got a death wish by running into me, and that too in the early morning when I was enjoying my peace with nature. I turned around, ready to kill that person, only to find Hridhan standing in front of me with a mischievous grin on his face.

Here goes my peaceful morning with nature.

"Have you got a death wish this early morning?" I roared at him, trying to regain my composure.

Hridhan chuckled and put his arm around my shoulder. Only a second later, he pulled me into a chokehold, playfully teasing me.

"You needed a wake-up call, dude," he said, with his laughter echoing through the park.

Ah, there's the Hridhan I know - the one who hides his painful memories and traumas behind a veil of humor. He uses humor as a coping mechanism, deflecting from his emotional struggles. With this playful interaction, he temporarily escapes from the weight of his grief and finds a moment of lightheartedness. He pretends that he's alright, even though, deep down, he carries immense pain and heartache that he chooses not to confront. When he needs to release his emotional burdens, he does it alone in a four-walled space, rather than burdening others with his struggles.

I truly hope he finds someone who can provide emotional support and understanding to help him navigate his deep-seated pain. I hope he finds someone who will give him the love that he craves to date.

"Where are you lost, Anshu?" he asked with a playful grin on his face, interrupting my thoughts and bringing me back to present reality.

I punched him in his arm playfully, "How many times do I have to tell you not to use that name, idiot?"

"Umm... let me guess, how about NO," after saying that, Hridhan burst into laughter, and his laughter echoed through the park once again.

"Note down the date and time, because today is the date when I will kill you with my own hands," I ran towards him in mock frustration, ready to playfully tackle him to the ground.

He ran around the park, trying to escape from me, but I was determined to catch him.

After a few minutes, I was able to tackle him to the ground, climb on top of him, and tickle him relentlessly. Our laughter filled the air as we rolled around, playfully wrestling and enjoying each other's company.

We parted after a few moments, trying to catch our breath, and wiped the tears of laughter from our eyes.

When I calmed down, I looked toward him and saw a glimmer of sadness in his eyes, momentarily betraying the pain he tried so hard to conceal. The facade of humor Hridhan tries to portray his emotion seemed to slip off in that brief moment. He regained his composure and tried to return to his playful demeanor, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for him.

I pulled him towards me and gave him a comforting hug, "I don't know when, but I'm certain it is going to be okay."

At this moment, I could see the significance of our friendship and how important it was for both of us to have someone we can be vulnerable to.

He hugged me tightly, resting his head on my shoulder, finding solace in the comfort and support I offered.

After collecting his emotions and taking deep breaths to regain his composure, he looked at me with gratitude in his eyes.

He laughed to conceal his sadness and said, "My friend, your free days are over. I'll be moving back into the mansion; you've had too much freedom, and it's my responsibility as a friend not to let you enjoy too much of your life."

After hearing this, I couldn't help but chuckle and playfully respond, "Oh no, now I have to clean up after you again? Here goes my peaceful life."

We laughed and continued our playful banter as we returned to the mansion.

I don't know when we will be able to find peace and happiness in life, but there is one thing I can guarantee—our friendship will be there to provide support, comfort, and the opportunity to unburden ourselves from our cares, difficulties, and disappointments.

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"What the hell, how can you leave me in such a state?" Hridhan mockingly exclaimed, his voice laced with feigned betrayal.

"Do you expect me to tolerate your tantrums until sunset?" I asked him, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

He faked a hurt expression and dramatically clutched his chest, "Oh, the agony of being betrayed," he mockingly exclaimed, pretending to swoon dramatically.

"Shut up, enough with your drama, I have a meeting in about 15 minutes, but you still find ways to annoy me and won't let me go to the office in peace," I replied, trying to suppress my irritation.

Hridhan's playful facade faded, and he looked at me with a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

"I was not expecting this reaction after you made my room a complete mess," he shouted, with murder in his eyes.

"I was gone for 3 months, and you thought you could just turn my neat and clean room into a disastrous mess, and then you got the nerve to get mad at me and call me dramatic, you selfish rascal," he was now in a full-blown rage, his voice filled with frustration and anger.

I bent my head down and replied in a small voice, "That was not me, it was the new dog I got while you were away. The home felt empty without you, and I thought a pet would bring some life back into it." I tried to defend myself.

Hridhan's anger slowly subsided as he processed my explanation. "Whatever, that is your problem, not mine. Now I want you to clean up the mess you made and make sure it is free from any trace of dirt."

In response to Hridhan's demand, I let out a sigh and reluctantly agreed.

"But I have a meeting in about 5 minutes," my voice raised at the end of the short time I had to prepare for my meeting.

"Please understand, I eagerly promised to clean up the mess as soon as I returned from my meeting," I pleaded, hoping he would grant me some leniency.

"Sure, my friend, but I expect dinner made by you once you're done cleaning up," Hridhan replied with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Have you lost your brain cells? How can you expect me to prepare dinner after I clean this entire mess up after attending meetings and working all day?" I asked him in disbelief.

"Good luck with your work and have a nice day," he responded nonchalantly, walking away from the conversation and leaving me with a room in chaos, ending the conversation.

"You selfish lazy a**, you will rot in hell for sure for making my life so difficult," I shouted at the top of my lungs, frustration coursing through every word.

"Don't worry, my friend; you will be there with me in hell. You are not a saint yourself," he replied with a smug grin, his tone teasing.

I picked a vase within my reach and threw it at him, but that person dodged it with slick agility.

"Oh, be sure to clean up that mess too," Hridhan taunted back, with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

I took a deep breath and calmed myself down.

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I reached the office with my usual calm and collected demeanor, despite the tumultuous events that had transpired earlier at home. My playful and other emotions are only witnessed by that a** of a friend—Hridhan.

I remained calm and collected in my interactions with others because I have a business that needs utter professionalism and composure. I reached my floor and made my way toward my office when a voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned to face her, "Good morning, sir, the client for the morning meeting is waiting for you in the conference room," said Sarah, with a smile on her face.

I nodded and made my way toward the conference room. As I entered the conference room, I could feel the pressure building in my chest.

In front of a glass wall overlooking the city skyline stood a person I didn't expect to see. It was Aanya. Her confidence and assertiveness were evident in her demeanor.

When she noticed my presence in the room, she turned around, giving me her attention.

"That's unprofessional of you, Mr. Rout, to keep a client waiting and being late for a meeting," Aanya stated in a calm voice that exuded authority and confidence.