The Pledged One — 2.1

I still remember the day we moved to Vancouver, Canada, in 2005. I was just thirteen years old. It wasn’t an easy transition. Because of a few unpleasant people from our own Indian community, it was quite difficult for my dad to settle in and build his practice. Yet, no matter what challenges came his way, whenever I saw him, he always carried a calm smile on his face. Even when someone tried to get under his skin, he never lost his composure.

One day, I asked him directly, “Dad, what is the secret to your constant smiling, even when things aren’t going your way?” He looked at me warmly and replied, “Before you were born, I was an atheist. But after you and later your younger twin brother and sister, Vivaan and Illa, came into my life, I experienced something profound that completely changed my perspective on God and life. Later, I came across a simple line that stayed with me: the only thing truly in your hands is the present moment and your actions in it. You cannot change the past or predict the future. So if this moment is all we really have, why ruin it with worry? Instead, be grateful for what is.”

When I asked him what that life-changing incident was, he smiled gently and said, “It’s nothing you would understand right now. Perhaps one day, when the time is right, I’ll tell you.”

From that day onward, I made a conscious effort to live in the present, stop worrying about uncertain outcomes, and give my hundred percent to whatever I was doing.

But today, after Harsh left the café and waved at me while I was too busy to wave back properly, I found myself slipping. A quiet worry started creeping in. What must he think of me now? Will he ever come back to the café? Should I go to the gym and clear the air? There was something about him — something I couldn’t quite explain — that kept pulling at my heart. Yet, remembering my father’s words, I tried to let it go. Nothing is really in my hands, I reminded myself. Just relax and stay in the present.

I returned to my work, and the hours flew by. Before I knew it, it was already 3:00 PM. A small wave of relief washed over me — tomorrow was Friday, my day off. I quickly texted my friend Ron to ask where he was, since he was supposed to pick me up from the store. We were heading to my younger sister Illa’s new apartment to help her move out of our parents’ house. He replied that he was just a couple of minutes away.

I punched out on the system, grabbed a quick coffee, and told Niel that Ron would be arriving soon. A few minutes later, I stepped outside and saw Ron waiting by the front door. I walked over, gave him a warm hug, and we left the café together.

On the way home, I told Ron everything that had happened that morning. I admitted that I had never felt such a strong pull toward someone after just a few minutes of conversation. When I didn’t wave back, it left a strange hollowness in my chest. Ron looked at me thoughtfully and said, “You know, Eli, the best and worst thing about you is that you care about others more than yourself. Honestly, I don’t think he’ll even remember it by the end of the day. Just relax.”

I sighed and replied, “I know you’re right… But still, I felt something. Anyway, let’s focus on the task ahead.”

Ron turned up the music in the car, and I tried my best to shift my thoughts to helping with the move. But after about ten minutes, he glanced at me again and said with a knowing smile, “You’re still thinking about it, aren’t you? If you’re that worried, I can turn the car around right now so you can go ask him yourself.”

“No, I’m fine,” I said quickly. “Just drive home.”

He chuckled. “You don’t look fine. How about this — tomorrow you make an excuse to visit the gym, join for a trial or something, and talk to him properly?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Not a bad idea, Roninstein.” We both burst into laughter, and the rest of the drive felt lighter.

AI Generated

At home, we helped Illa pack her belongings with Mom’s assistance. Soon, Dad and my younger brother Viv arrived with the moving truck. Once everything was loaded, we all headed to Illa’s new apartment. I rode with Ron, Illa, and her four-year-old son Aryan, while Dad and Viv followed in another car.

During the drive, I turned to my sister and asked gently, “Illa, are you sure moving out alone with a kid is the best idea right now? Think about it again.”

She looked at me with quiet determination. “Sis, I just need a fresh start. And I know Mom and Dad are still not happy with me because of everything that happened.”

I took her hand. “Listen, Illa, if you’re only moving because you feel they’re disappointed, then you’re making a mistake. I can guarantee that this decision will hurt them more than your past choices ever did. I’m not going to stop you — it’s your life and your decision. But I will visit you every weekend, my little sister. Just remember, your perception of Mom and Dad might be wrong. The only way to heal this is by talking to them openly. Give it time, and when you’re ready, please clear the air before it’s too late.”

The moment I finished speaking, Ron glanced at me in the rearview mirror with a mischievous smile and said, “So… you’re going to the gym tomorrow, right? If you believe so strongly in clearing things up.”

Illa looked at me, confused. I briefly told her about Harsh. She smiled softly and said, “Well, Di, just follow your gut. I know you’re smart enough to know what’s right. But please don’t make any choice you’ll regret for the rest of your life… like I did.”

I looked at her lovingly. “Illa, don’t say that. Everything happens for a reason. And most importantly, you have all of us — and this little pudding Aryan right here. So let’s try to enjoy the present.”

I turned up the music and encouraged her to sing along with me, trying to lift the mood.

By the end of the evening, I had made up my mind. Tomorrow, I would go to the gym and talk to Harsh.

But I had no idea what was waiting for me the next morning…