His Life He Faces.

"What do you call perfect day? Filled with happiness?Filled with safety? Filled with freedom? Filled with pride? "said the anonymous man who stood in front of me ,he was pale, dressed in a grey suit, wearing accessories matching his scarlet tie and black shoes. His coal black eyes and sky blue hair stood out the most of his exquisite appearance. The first thought of him that popped in my mind was that he was 'Pitiful '.Filled with the urge to help him, I took a step forward and anxiously reached out my hand to him, almost immediately after my action of aid, the man disappeared into thin air ,so as well my surroundings and everything went blank. “Wake up Jamey! ”exclaimed my mum splashing a cup of water right onto my face. “You don't wanna be late of the first day of 9th grade do you ,my son!? " The late realization of this obvious fact resulted me in being late on the first day of school. What an embarrassment today, I guess luck isn't on my side today. By the end of the fourth period it is break for about 15 minutes , well I won't be surprised if nobody's gonna converse with me, if I were them I won't talk to a late comer either but I guess I was wrong, not everyone is ignorant. “Hey, late comer, why're you late, perhaps you overslept? ”said the light brown skinned girl holding her tiffin box in her hands, she had curly brown hair cut short above her shoulders ,black eyes and she was neatly dressed. ‘Well may I sit with you? ’’ ‘’Yes, you may. I would like an introduction if you don't mind "said I. “Yes ofcourse I don't mind at all.The names Monica Hunter, until today I was a student in Florida, U.S,I am of Indian origins not of the U. S.You missed my introduction earlier in the morning and so may I have an introduction from you as well? ” “My name is Vlad James Anderson, and the same as you ,I arrived in India after graduating elementary school in New Orleans U. S, I am of Indian origins and yes I overslept today” She looked surprised and suddenly fell in doubt as she stared into my eyes and asked, “But your eyes are blue? ” “Oh, my mum says I inherit them from my great grandpa ,he was of the U. S ,once again my citizenship is of India.Mum never spoke of any of my family member save my great grandpa and dad, I wonder why?” “Looks like there's a bit of mystery in the air ”said she grinning, it gave me chills up my spine and something told me ,my life just turned upside down. We conversed throughout the entire break .I am not the type for long conversations and yet I felt at peace. As speaking of myself, I am pretty good at academics and sports but socializing is not in my blood.I am tall and good looking ,my black hair is buzz cut ,blue eyes as mentioned before. And I certainly wonder why people distance themselves from me. School hours were over, it was time to go home, as I got ready Monica invited herself to tag along on the way home. And I asked her about her opinion on why people distance themselves from me and why out of the blue she decided to converse with me , it was certainly odd to me. As I stared at her for an answer she suddenly burst into laughter. “Oh, are you sure you don't know yourself! ” “I wouldn't have asked if I knew ”said I upset “Come on, don't pout. I'll tell ya” “well what are you waiting for, start already ” “Despite being good looking with excellent academics and sports grades you look quite -wait that's not right you look so ferociously angry. Thats the expression you have on your face all the time. When you entered the classroom, didn't you wonder why nobody mocked and laughed at you? ” “Well it looks like I'll have to smile once in a while. And your reason for conversing with me? ” “They say not to judge a book by its cover so I decided to converse with you, I don't need a big reason to talk to a person ” “Oh I see, so where's your house? ” “It's down this road ” Well after conversing down the road I reached home and was quite surprised to find out that she was my neighbor .Well  now I know her reasons to converse with me, well she wasn't surprised at all. After refreshing myself,

I'd normally sit to study but being the first day, no teachers have started off with anything. So some free time for me, i got relaxed and stretched myself on the sofa ,getting ready to watch some TV and before I knew my mum popped into the living room standing in front of me with a sneaky smile. “Jamey is free right, so why not go run errands for me? ” She got me cornered, I had to go run errands to the nearby convenience store, things just don't go as I planned when I'm free. After purchasing the stuff needed for mum, I started heading home not that I had to do anything else. Walking by I came across Monica's house, it seemed locked, all the lights were out. They were  switched on when on my way to the store. Looks like she and her family went out ,well I can't imagine anybody going to bed as early as 6:00pm . I arrived home and handed over the stuff to my mom and headed to my room. Just before I headed in ,the door bell rang. Curious enough couldn't imagine who would come to visit us ,mum wore the same expression as me and we both headed to the door to see who had come, we didn't expect delivery as we don't order anything. I answered the door  to see a man probably in his 30s or so, smiling ,who was fair ,tall,fit had black eyes, neatly combed black hair was dressed in a suit of black with neat polished shoes, wearing a cheap watch and a tie with a piercing in one his ears. “Jacob! ”exclaimed mum. I was quite surprised mum knew who he was, I mean to me he looked like a rather normal business man. “Who is He? ”asked I Mum totally ignored me and welcomed him into the house and the man named Jacob sat on the couch sipping tea which mum prepared . “The tea is always amazing prepared by Vanessa”he complimented mum. Is this man a relative of ours?  I thought, well he must've had mum's tea before according to his statement. I had numerous questions about in my head. “Dear Jamey, how's high school, going well? ”asked the man, as if he knew me from a long time. “Sorry but I have no idea who you are or if you have come here for some business, you look like a business man to me ”said I blandly “Ha! Looks like you've become quite observant Jamey I am a business man but you aren't observant enough to realize that I am your father”said he. I was shocked to realize that this man was my father I too realized that he quite resembled the photos of back in the day when I was 4 but the facts didn't add up as mum told me that dad had passed away in the car crash when I was five. Me and mum survived but dad was not to be found, it was as if he disappeared into thin air. I remember mum crying horribly over dads death. “What is the meaning of this mum, didn't dad die in the car crash in New Orleans?!! ” I interrogated my mum. Mum showed a guilty expression towards me and the man who introduced as my father. “What Vanessa haven't you told our dear son about me? ”said the man “How could I say it dear, for the love of God, how could I ?! .Its not something I could tell our son back then but when I thought he was ready to know about his father ,he had started enjoying his life without you and I couldn't bear his happiness just going away and so I kept quite”said mum in fear. “I understand dear.. ”He then looked at me “Will you accept me as father again ”He said with an expression  as of almost he was gonna cry, his words held strength but his eyes seemed they were breaking down to pieces. “I will dad, I will but I wanna know now, what happened back then, please ”said I. He felt relieved and then clenched his fists tight and requested mum to leave to her room and rest ,he then told me to sit down and I did and then he closed his eyes, took the sign of the cross and looked at me. “All was well when we went for a trip that day not until our car crashed down resulting us getting involved with an accident, but do you know Jamey what caused that accident,? ”I felt scared to know but I responded to him, “I don't dad, please proceed" “Sure son, this might be a little new to you but I had a twin brother who looked exactly like me and

who ferociously hated me to death, I kept a secret to him of my marriage and of you but he hunted me down all the way from Karnataka to New Orleans.He was the one who deliberately hit and ran, that damned man he didn't even care for a women and child in the car and took out his anger of me ,upon all of us. He laughed at me and said, “Oh dear brother, you never cared of me in the least and I don't care if your petty wife or child don't die well it doesn't matter even if they did I just want you to die, ”  He stood on my neck until I passed out, after that I was taken to the hospital and there I barely survived. The chance of my survival was just a percent out of 100 and guess what ?I survived, the operation was successful but I deliberately told them to tell Vanessa -your mother that I died and begged them to fake a death certificate, your mother cried to her fullest of depression with you right next to her. I thought it was best if my damned brother never knew that I was alive so at least your lives wouldn't be at stake. But your mom spotted me, she was clever enough to spot me that she didn't even that think I was a Dopple ganger or so, she didn't know about my twin brother though .She beat me a lot for lying as she cried  after she was sober I explained the situation to her and pleaded her that she wouldn't tell anyone save you but looks like she couldn't tell you and put your life in danger .I had to quit my job and find some other job and I have been in Florida ever since.And now I just found out that my brother had died of typhoid but I couldn't believe it what if he faked his death too, but his corpse was laid out right in front of me, I believed and I decided to comeback to you. ” He took a long breath after he was done explaining and he looked as if he lifted a heavy boulder of his shoulders. Nevertheless  I asked ,“Dad why was your brother angry towards you so much that he hated you to death, there has to be some reason right? ” Dad replied quite fast“It was of our achievements we both grew together but he wasn't willed enough to pursue his goals, I had put a lot of effort into my goals and had achieved them, he never saw me putting effort since he always went out with his friends slacking around. As his brother I told him to work a bit harder so that he won't lose to me but he took it as an insult and treated me like stranger when I had won awards and so he looked at me with anger on his face and a few days later he and I fought and he went on and on how I cheated and won those awards and that God never took his side and hated him. He had attempted to kill me and so I in fear left him and fled away. Sometimes I think maybe I should've made effort to help my brother ”He looked down to the floor as he said those words. “You still care about your brother don't you dad, if you hated him you would've complained on him to the police but you didn't, you hoped he would change one day didn't you”said I comforting my poor father and then he looked at me and said, “I've got a great son and I'm proud to be your father”said he as tears fell from his eyes. After wards I told my mum that all was well and we had  a family reunion dinner. I felt happy ,I've never felt this happy before .Despite being late to school and having to run errands in my free time, today almost felt like a perfect day.It wasn't possible to express my feelings through words because I felt various feelings which resonated in my heart, I just couldn't stop smiling.After dinner, I kissed my mum and dad good night and went in to my room to have a good nights sleep. I fell asleep quite quickly. “A perfect day, can be possessed of different events good or bad but didn't you know there's always a price to be paid when crime is committed and there's always a price when you feel happiness. There's nothing in this world that comes quite free ” said the anonymous man, he was the same as before ,dressed exquisitely but the word I felt to describe him was pitiful. I took a step forward and said, "What price should I pay for my happiness? " Looks like I asked

something from deep within my heart, I was never the type to bother others for the sake of my happiness.And again same as before the man disappeared into thin air and so the surroundings and then I woke up gasping, “Oh Jesus Christ, it wasn't scary but I feel really scared ” I felt something bad was gonna happen today. I looked at the time on my alarm clock it was 6 in the morning, I woke on time for school this time. I got refreshed ,went down to join for breakfast and this time not only mum but dad was also there.They seemed to be waiting for my arrival , so I quickly got seated at the table ,there was a really soothing atmosphere that filled our home and it was perfect to have breakfast. When came an end to our breakfast ,dad picked up the newspaper lying at the edge of the table and glanced through the headlines and columns, the soothing smile on his face suddenly dropped , “Vanessa our neighbors are the Hunters,- you mentioned yesterday? ”he asked calmly . “Yes dear, they just joined the day before yesterday, ” replied mum. “It's just Mr. Hunter ,his son and younger daughter. ” Dad engaged, “Dear, Mr. Hunter passed way due to cardial arrest yesterday evening, seems he was returning home from a colleague reunion ,he was found breaking down by two security officers patrolling the area and  was immediately taken to the hospital but it was too late by the time he got admitted. This agony was soon mentioned to his son and daughter, they were in plenty shock hearing this .The mourning funeral is being held today at 5 in the evening at Our Lady of Fatima Church ,Thannirnavi . ”Mum  went silent and asked after moments ,“ I don't think so we can attend the funeral we haven't known them well and —” “I'll go mum, Monica Hunter is my friend ”I interupted “I know her well even though, it was just a day meeting her. ” Dad and mum slowly smiled at me, I'm sure they felt light at heart after my words .It is utterly horrible that when one receives good another finds themselves in agony. I decided to go to school. Monica was absent which was to be expected ,and our class teacher had narrated the incident which dad had mentioned at breakfast to all of us and we approached a moment of silence for Mr. Hunter . After school, I returned home, got refreshed and got ready for the funeral of Mr. Hunter, I couldn't imagine what must Monica be going through.When I thought dad had died I didn't feel much as I was young ,I didn't how to react to such a situation but in her case she has lost her mother too. Even if I was of no help to console her, it was better than sitting at home. At the funeral, there were many people, a lot seemed to be colleagues and friends, many were American. Mr. Hunter i.e Richard Hunter was a successful business man in Florida and had come to India for lucrative business branches, explains why he was mentioned in the newspaper -obviously he was a famous man. The only family of his were Monica who was neatly dressed in a black frock and black accessories to match ,and her elder brother Layon Hunter—Layon ,who was a tall man probably in his 20's , had brown curly hair and light brown skin with black eyes and was neatly dressed in a black suit ,they both stood downcast looking at their dead father. Admist the mourning silence Monica spot me and our eyes met, she was startled, perhaps she never thought I'd see her this gloomy ,she couldn't smile even though she wanted to .After the funeral, people started departing back ,i thought maybe I could speak with Monica so I waited until most were gone but then I changed my mind, it would be a bit of a bother at a time like this .Just as I turned my back to leave, I was stopped by a hand at my shoulder, and I turned to see, “Are you perhaps Monica's friend ? I saw her looking at you for a second there , I couldn't help but be curious ”said Layon -Monica's brother, this was surely an unexpected meet. “Curiosity fills the family blood I suppose and yes I am her friend we met in class yesterday , by the way the names Vlad . ”said I He looked surprised at my statement and

engaged in talk, “You just met yesterday? I thought you were her best friend to make a visit to a funeral. I think it was her first day yesterday,.If I am right she should've made plenty friends in a day, just like she used to back in the day in U. S.," . Well ,looks like I made another friend ,just observing him would give plenty of his personality ,he was the most obvious among all people I've met. “Actually, I don't know any of her friends, she just conversed with me yesterday as much as I know."said I. “Oh, well that's surprising ”said he. “You aren't living with Monica and your father are you?, ”asked I doubtfully “I wasn't, how did you know, did she mention me ?" Looks like I was right, I do like deducing, I don't get it right all the time ,very seldom in case. “She never mentioned much of herself, leaving only the fact that she came from Florida. " “Then How did —” “You learn medicine, if I am not wrong ,even though you showered or used perfume to cover the awful smell of concentrated bases, the faint smell still remains.Its Probably from your left piercing ,I smelled it when you touched my shoulder earlier. The smell is fresh and the fact you used a lot perfume to cover it up means you have been in the lab quite recently and you are living here way before your father and sister arrived ,you probably experiment more than 6 hours a day and you were in the midst of experimenting when you came to know about your father death, and forgot to shower  and that smell got enough time to attach onto you . You also were gloves alot like anyone who deals with chemistry , there are marks in your wrists. "said I. To be honest I felt so proud of myself for deducing, for a moment there, I thought I should become a detective. Although it's pretty much  impossible for me. “Wow! You're right ,all of it, But how did you know that I was admist experimenting, I could have just been lazy” “You were probably informed after Monica as she left her house between 5:55 and 6 o clock. Again the smell proves alot, it was a hot day yesterday, there was no way someone would be lazy enough not to bathe especially if they  stink ,the heat outside caused much more effect " .Well I hoped I was right.. "To be honest, I was informed first, I then informed Monica about the news. "said he. "Well, I'm dissapointed in myself, and here I though I got it right "said I sighing, "You were right about me being a medical student and living here before father and Monica's arrival and yes, I was in the middle of an experiment when I got a call from the hospital."said he At least I was right, about some facts.Though I wanted to talk to Monica, I ended up talking to her brother instead . I asked him if Monica will be able to attend school tomorrow and he sighed and said, “I being her elder brother should know alot about her but we aren't that close, I don't know what it is, but she always distances from me, even when I met her at the hospital ,she didn't look at me one bit ” “ In other words ,some drama happened in the family ”said I smirking ,pointing my finger at him. He set aside my hand and said sighing, “Whatever it is ,you should go ask her yourself. ” “OK I will, ” “Well, see you some other time. Get along with my sister. ”He smiled, waved goodbye and headed out. After he left, I again thought of meeting Monica and then leaving .It was half past 7 but the girl supposedly in,  never came out . Since it was getting late, I headed back home and had dinner,had some family talk which was something new to dad ,did our daily rosary(prayer)and left to my room a bit earlier than usual, about quarter to 10, other wise it'd be somewhere past 11. After the mourning night passed by, It was the next day, waking up, I hoped the melancholy in the air would fade. Getting ready for school, I could feel the warmth in house flowing, I could sense the mood of mum and dad was fair and good.Heading out,waving them goodbye, shutting the door behind, looking ahead, I was astonished to see Monica standing outside the gate, waiting for my arrival. She turned around

looking at me ,she wore a bright smile and greeted morning. I never expected her to wait right infront of my house, well whatever, I returned my greetings and we were off to school. I never imagined that after we greeted morning that there wouldn't be a single word of conversation,as much as she smiled looking forward walking, I could totally sense awkwardness between us even though she didn't give out the vibe. When we almost reached, I decided to break the awkwardness,“Hey ,You've been silent all along the way, whats up with you?! ”I cried She stopped, looked up to the cloudless sky, and then looked at me with a serious face and replied,“To be honest, I don't wanna talk to you, but I want to talk to you ” “What on earth does that mean?” “You seriously didn't have to come yesterday ” “But I came” “You didn't even know anybody there, except me, and I bet you didn't engage with anyone there”she exclaimed pointing her finger at me. “Oh I did, I conversed  with your Brother ”I replied quick She went pale and her voiced went bitter.  “What business did you have with him, ” “You might not know that your brother cares for you alot, he was really happy to know that you have a friend like me ” “You know nothing about him and who told you that I'm your friend ”she said in anger Her words raged me alot. “You're nothing like of how you were on the first day we met,was it all an act?!”I interrogated her. She showed a sign of denial. “My changes are probably of father's passing ” My anger flowed through my veins and thus couldn't be controlled any more .I rose my hand and slapped her,..... I couldn't believe what I did for God's Word, but I spoke my mind. “You really think your father would be proud of you to change like this, he would be ashamed, Layon is  enduring as much as this and he was able to stop and put up a smile for you while conversing with me. Don't blame the dead man for your arrogance ” “But.. but ,I cant do anything that , mother 's  gone ,fathers gone, Brother hates me and really I can't —” I grabbed her hand, and scolded looking at her furiously. “It's not that you can't do anything, you're just not doing anything, no one has the right to judge others Even if you feel unfair. Life's just that way. ” She looked at me , her eyes filled with tears running down her cheeks. “You should go and talk to your brother ”I insisted I released her .I felt my anger easing down, and just as I relaxed myself I realized that we reached school and that she was holding my hand and was trembling , looking to the ground as we entered school. She was dull in the morning classes and when the clock struck twelve she seemed to be in her fair mood again. Well, I was at ease.Twelve o clock meant lunch break as I took out my lunch preceding Monica approached me with her lunch wearing a upset face ,stood fair and  smacked me in the head . “That's what you deserve for making me cry, You are really scary you know, Your looks and your anger sync alot ”she said squinting her eyes. “and I thought you would never be angry as your face suggested ,so much for' Don't judge a book by its cover '.Guess not everyone's by the quote. ” “Ha ha ha, I bet my slap hurt much more than this ”I laughed I totally regret saying that, she started smacking my head countlessly . But her bright smile was back onto her bright face again.

His Life He Faces.

"What do you call perfect day? Filled with happiness?Filled with safety? Filled with freedom? Filled with pride? "said the anonymous man who stood in front of me ,he was pale, dressed in a grey suit, wearing accessories matching his scarlet tie and black shoes. His coal black eyes and sky blue hair stood out the most of his exquisite appearance. The first thought of him that popped in my mind was that he was 'Pitiful '.Filled with the urge to help him, I took a step forward and anxiously reached out my hand to him, almost immediately after my action of aid, the man disappeared into thin air ,so as well my surroundings and everything went blank. “Wake up Jamey! ”exclaimed my mum splashing a cup of water right onto my face. “You don't wanna be late of the first day of 9th grade do you ,my son!? " The late realization of this obvious fact resulted me in being late on the first day of school. What an embarrassment today, I guess luck isn't on my side today. By the end of the fourth period it is break for about 15 minutes , well I won't be surprised if nobody's gonna converse with me, if I were them I won't talk to a late comer either but I guess I was wrong, not everyone is ignorant. “Hey, late comer, why're you late, perhaps you overslept? ”said the light brown skinned girl holding her tiffin box in her hands, she had curly brown hair cut short above her shoulders ,black eyes and she was neatly dressed. ‘Well may I sit with you? ’’ ‘’Yes, you may. I would like an introduction if you don't mind "said I. “Yes ofcourse I don't mind at all.The names Monica Hunter, until today I was a student in Florida, U.S,I am of Indian origins not of the U. S.You missed my introduction earlier in the morning and so may I have an introduction from you as well? ” “My name is Vlad James Anderson, and the same as you ,I arrived in India after graduating elementary school in New Orleans U. S, I am of Indian origins and yes I overslept today” She looked surprised and suddenly fell in doubt as she stared into my eyes and asked, “But your eyes are blue? ” “Oh, my mum says I inherit them from my great grandpa ,he was of the U. S ,once again my citizenship is of India.Mum never spoke of any of my family member save my great grandpa and dad, I wonder why?” “Looks like there's a bit of mystery in the air ”said she grinning, it gave me chills up my spine and something told me ,my life just turned upside down. We conversed throughout the entire break .I am not the type for long conversations and yet I felt at peace. As speaking of myself, I am pretty good at academics and sports but socializing is not in my blood.I am tall and good looking ,my black hair is buzz cut ,blue eyes as mentioned before. And I certainly wonder why people distance themselves from me. School hours were over, it was time to go home, as I got ready Monica invited herself to tag along on the way home. And I asked her about her opinion on why people distance themselves from me and why out of the blue she decided to converse with me , it was certainly odd to me. As I stared at her for an answer she suddenly burst into laughter. “Oh, are you sure you don't know yourself! ” “I wouldn't have asked if I knew ”said I upset “Come on, don't pout. I'll tell ya” “well what are you waiting for, start already ” “Despite being good looking with excellent academics and sports grades you look quite -wait that's not right you look so ferociously angry. Thats the expression you have on your face all the time. When you entered the classroom, didn't you wonder why nobody mocked and laughed at you? ” “Well it looks like I'll have to smile once in a while. And your reason for conversing with me? ” “They say not to judge a book by its cover so I decided to converse with you, I don't need a big reason to talk to a person ” “Oh I see, so where's your house? ” “It's down this road ” Well after conversing down the road I reached home and was quite surprised to find out that she was my neighbor .Well  now I know her reasons to converse with me, well she wasn't surprised at all. After refreshing myself,

I'd normally sit to study but being the first day, no teachers have started off with anything. So some free time for me, i got relaxed and stretched myself on the sofa ,getting ready to watch some TV and before I knew my mum popped into the living room standing in front of me with a sneaky smile. “Jamey is free right, so why not go run errands for me? ” She got me cornered, I had to go run errands to the nearby convenience store, things just don't go as I planned when I'm free. After purchasing the stuff needed for mum, I started heading home not that I had to do anything else. Walking by I came across Monica's house, it seemed locked, all the lights were out. They were  switched on when on my way to the store. Looks like she and her family went out ,well I can't imagine anybody going to bed as early as 6:00pm . I arrived home and handed over the stuff to my mom and headed to my room. Just before I headed in ,the door bell rang. Curious enough couldn't imagine who would come to visit us ,mum wore the same expression as me and we both headed to the door to see who had come, we didn't expect delivery as we don't order anything. I answered the door  to see a man probably in his 30s or so, smiling ,who was fair ,tall,fit had black eyes, neatly combed black hair was dressed in a suit of black with neat polished shoes, wearing a cheap watch and a tie with a piercing in one his ears. “Jacob! ”exclaimed mum. I was quite surprised mum knew who he was, I mean to me he looked like a rather normal business man. “Who is He? ”asked I Mum totally ignored me and welcomed him into the house and the man named Jacob sat on the couch sipping tea which mum prepared . “The tea is always amazing prepared by Vanessa”he complimented mum. Is this man a relative of ours?  I thought, well he must've had mum's tea before according to his statement. I had numerous questions about in my head. “Dear Jamey, how's high school, going well? ”asked the man, as if he knew me from a long time. “Sorry but I have no idea who you are or if you have come here for some business, you look like a business man to me ”said I blandly “Ha! Looks like you've become quite observant Jamey I am a business man but you aren't observant enough to realize that I am your father”said he. I was shocked to realize that this man was my father I too realized that he quite resembled the photos of back in the day when I was 4 but the facts didn't add up as mum told me that dad had passed away in the car crash when I was five. Me and mum survived but dad was not to be found, it was as if he disappeared into thin air. I remember mum crying horribly over dads death. “What is the meaning of this mum, didn't dad die in the car crash in New Orleans?!! ” I interrogated my mum. Mum showed a guilty expression towards me and the man who introduced as my father. “What Vanessa haven't you told our dear son about me? ”said the man “How could I say it dear, for the love of God, how could I ?! .Its not something I could tell our son back then but when I thought he was ready to know about his father ,he had started enjoying his life without you and I couldn't bear his happiness just going away and so I kept quite”said mum in fear. “I understand dear.. ”He then looked at me “Will you accept me as father again ”He said with an expression  as of almost he was gonna cry, his words held strength but his eyes seemed they were breaking down to pieces. “I will dad, I will but I wanna know now, what happened back then, please ”said I. He felt relieved and then clenched his fists tight and requested mum to leave to her room and rest ,he then told me to sit down and I did and then he closed his eyes, took the sign of the cross and looked at me. “All was well when we went for a trip that day not until our car crashed down resulting us getting involved with an accident, but do you know Jamey what caused that accident,? ”I felt scared to know but I responded to him, “I don't dad, please proceed" “Sure son, this might be a little new to you but I had a twin brother who looked exactly like me and

who ferociously hated me to death, I kept a secret to him of my marriage and of you but he hunted me down all the way from Karnataka to New Orleans.He was the one who deliberately hit and ran, that damned man he didn't even care for a women and child in the car and took out his anger of me ,upon all of us. He laughed at me and said, “Oh dear brother, you never cared of me in the least and I don't care if your petty wife or child don't die well it doesn't matter even if they did I just want you to die, ”  He stood on my neck until I passed out, after that I was taken to the hospital and there I barely survived. The chance of my survival was just a percent out of 100 and guess what ?I survived, the operation was successful but I deliberately told them to tell Vanessa -your mother that I died and begged them to fake a death certificate, your mother cried to her fullest of depression with you right next to her. I thought it was best if my damned brother never knew that I was alive so at least your lives wouldn't be at stake. But your mom spotted me, she was clever enough to spot me that she didn't even that think I was a Dopple ganger or so, she didn't know about my twin brother though .She beat me a lot for lying as she cried  after she was sober I explained the situation to her and pleaded her that she wouldn't tell anyone save you but looks like she couldn't tell you and put your life in danger .I had to quit my job and find some other job and I have been in Florida ever since.And now I just found out that my brother had died of typhoid but I couldn't believe it what if he faked his death too, but his corpse was laid out right in front of me, I believed and I decided to comeback to you. ” He took a long breath after he was done explaining and he looked as if he lifted a heavy boulder of his shoulders. Nevertheless  I asked ,“Dad why was your brother angry towards you so much that he hated you to death, there has to be some reason right? ” Dad replied quite fast“It was of our achievements we both grew together but he wasn't willed enough to pursue his goals, I had put a lot of effort into my goals and had achieved them, he never saw me putting effort since he always went out with his friends slacking around. As his brother I told him to work a bit harder so that he won't lose to me but he took it as an insult and treated me like stranger when I had won awards and so he looked at me with anger on his face and a few days later he and I fought and he went on and on how I cheated and won those awards and that God never took his side and hated him. He had attempted to kill me and so I in fear left him and fled away. Sometimes I think maybe I should've made effort to help my brother ”He looked down to the floor as he said those words. “You still care about your brother don't you dad, if you hated him you would've complained on him to the police but you didn't, you hoped he would change one day didn't you”said I comforting my poor father and then he looked at me and said, “I've got a great son and I'm proud to be your father”said he as tears fell from his eyes. After wards I told my mum that all was well and we had  a family reunion dinner. I felt happy ,I've never felt this happy before .Despite being late to school and having to run errands in my free time, today almost felt like a perfect day.It wasn't possible to express my feelings through words because I felt various feelings which resonated in my heart, I just couldn't stop smiling.After dinner, I kissed my mum and dad good night and went in to my room to have a good nights sleep. I fell asleep quite quickly. “A perfect day, can be possessed of different events good or bad but didn't you know there's always a price to be paid when crime is committed and there's always a price when you feel happiness. There's nothing in this world that comes quite free ” said the anonymous man, he was the same as before ,dressed exquisitely but the word I felt to describe him was pitiful. I took a step forward and said, "What price should I pay for my happiness? " Looks like I asked

something from deep within my heart, I was never the type to bother others for the sake of my happiness.And again same as before the man disappeared into thin air and so the surroundings and then I woke up gasping, “Oh Jesus Christ, it wasn't scary but I feel really scared ” I felt something bad was gonna happen today. I looked at the time on my alarm clock it was 6 in the morning, I woke on time for school this time. I got refreshed ,went down to join for breakfast and this time not only mum but dad was also there.They seemed to be waiting for my arrival , so I quickly got seated at the table ,there was a really soothing atmosphere that filled our home and it was perfect to have breakfast. When came an end to our breakfast ,dad picked up the newspaper lying at the edge of the table and glanced through the headlines and columns, the soothing smile on his face suddenly dropped , “Vanessa our neighbors are the Hunters,- you mentioned yesterday? ”he asked calmly . “Yes dear, they just joined the day before yesterday, ” replied mum. “It's just Mr. Hunter ,his son and younger daughter. ” Dad engaged, “Dear, Mr. Hunter passed way due to cardial arrest yesterday evening, seems he was returning home from a colleague reunion ,he was found breaking down by two security officers patrolling the area and  was immediately taken to the hospital but it was too late by the time he got admitted. This agony was soon mentioned to his son and daughter, they were in plenty shock hearing this .The mourning funeral is being held today at 5 in the evening at Our Lady of Fatima Church ,Thannirbavi . ”Mum  went silent and asked after moments ,“ I don't think so we can attend the funeral we haven't known them well and —” “I'll go mum, Monica Hunter is my friend ”I interupted “I know her well even though, it was just a day meeting her. ” Dad and mum slowly smiled at me, I'm sure they felt light at heart after my words .It is utterly horrible that when one receives good another finds themselves in agony. I decided to go to school. Monica was absent which was to be expected ,and our class teacher had narrated the incident which dad had mentioned at breakfast to all of us and we approached a moment of silence for Mr. Hunter . After school, I returned home, got refreshed and got ready for the funeral of Mr. Hunter, I couldn't imagine what must Monica be going through.When I thought dad had died I didn't feel much as I was young ,I didn't how to react to such a situation but in her case she has lost her mother too. Even if I was of no help to console her, it was better than sitting at home. At the funeral, there were many people, a lot seemed to be colleagues and friends, many were American. Mr. Hunter i.e Richard Hunter was a successful business man in Florida and had come to India for lucrative business branches, explains why he was mentioned in the newspaper -obviously he was a famous man. The only family of his were Monica who was neatly dressed in a black frock and black accessories to match ,and her elder brother Layon Hunter—Layon ,who was a tall man probably in his 20's , had brown curly hair and light brown skin with black eyes and was neatly dressed in a black suit ,they both stood downcast looking at their dead father. Admist the mourning silence Monica spot me and our eyes met, she was startled, perhaps she never thought I'd see her this gloomy ,she couldn't smile even though she wanted to .After the funeral, people started departing back ,i thought maybe I could speak with Monica so I waited until most were gone but then I changed my mind, it would be a bit of a bother at a time like this .Just as I turned my back to leave, I was stopped by a hand at my shoulder, and I turned to see, “Are you perhaps Monica's friend ? I saw her looking at you for a second there , I couldn't help but be curious ”said Layon -Monica's brother, this was surely an unexpected meet. “Curiosity fills the family blood I suppose and yes I am her friend we met in class yesterday , by the way the names Vlad . ”said I He looked surprised at my statement and

engaged in talk, “You just met yesterday? I thought you were her best friend to make a visit to a funeral. I think it was her first day yesterday,.If I am right she should've made plenty friends in a day, just like she used to back in the day in U. S.," . Well ,looks like I made another friend ,just observing him would give plenty of his personality ,he was the most obvious among all people I've met. “Actually, I don't know any of her friends, she just conversed with me yesterday as much as I know."said I. “Oh, well that's surprising ”said he. “You aren't living with Monica and your father are you?, ”asked I doubtfully “I wasn't, how did you know, did she mention me ?" Looks like I was right, I do like deducing, I don't get it right all the time ,very seldom in case. “She never mentioned much of herself, leaving only the fact that she came from Florida. " “Then How did —” “You learn medicine, if I am not wrong ,even though you showered or used perfume to cover the awful smell of concentrated bases, the faint smell still remains.Its Probably from your left piercing ,I smelled it when you touched my shoulder earlier. The smell is fresh and the fact you used a lot perfume to cover it up means you have been in the lab quite recently and you are living here way before your father and sister arrived ,you probably experiment more than 6 hours a day and you were in the midst of experimenting when you came to know about your father death, and forgot to shower  and that smell got enough time to attach onto you . You also were gloves alot like anyone who deals with chemistry , there are marks in your wrists. "said I. To be honest I felt so proud of myself for deducing, for a moment there, I thought I should become a detective. Although it's pretty much  impossible for me. “Wow! You're right ,all of it, But how did you know that I was admist experimenting, I could have just been lazy” “You were probably informed after Monica as she left her house between 5:55 and 6 o clock. Again the smell proves alot, it was a hot day yesterday, there was no way someone would be lazy enough not to bathe especially if they  stink ,the heat outside caused much more effect " .Well I hoped I was right.. "To be honest, I was informed first, I then informed Monica about the news. "said he. "Well, I'm dissapointed in myself, and here I though I got it right "said I sighing, "You were right about me being a medical student and living here before father and Monica's arrival and yes, I was in the middle of an experiment when I got a call from the hospital."said he At least I was right, about some facts.Though I wanted to talk to Monica, I ended up talking to her brother instead . I asked him if Monica will be able to attend school tomorrow and he sighed and said, “I being her elder brother should know alot about her but we aren't that close, I don't know what it is, but she always distances from me, even when I met her at the hospital ,she didn't look at me one bit ” “ In other words ,some drama happened in the family ”said I smirking ,pointing my finger at him. He set aside my hand and said sighing, “Whatever it is ,you should go ask her yourself. ” “OK I will, ” “Well, see you some other time. Get along with my sister. ”He smiled, waved goodbye and headed out. After he left, I again thought of meeting Monica and then leaving .It was half past 7 but the girl supposedly in,  never came out . Since it was getting late, I headed back home and had dinner,had some family talk which was something new to dad ,did our daily rosary(prayer)and left to my room a bit earlier than usual, about quarter to 10, other wise it'd be somewhere past 11. After the mourning night passed by, It was the next day, waking up, I hoped the melancholy in the air would fade. Getting ready for school, I could feel the warmth in house flowing, I could sense the mood of mum and dad was fair and good.Heading out,waving them goodbye, shutting the door behind, looking ahead, I was astonished to see Monica standing outside the gate, waiting for my arrival. She turned around

looking at me ,she wore a bright smile and greeted morning. I never expected her to wait right infront of my house, well whatever, I returned my greetings and we were off to school. I never imagined that after we greeted morning that there wouldn't be a single word of conversation,as much as she smiled looking forward walking, I could totally sense awkwardness between us even though she didn't give out the vibe. When we almost reached, I decided to break the awkwardness,“Hey ,You've been silent all along the way, whats up with you?! ”I cried She stopped, looked up to the cloudless sky, and then looked at me with a serious face and replied,“To be honest, I don't wanna talk to you, but I want to talk to you ” “What on earth does that mean?” “You seriously didn't have to come yesterday ” “But I came” “You didn't even know anybody there, except me, and I bet you didn't engage with anyone there”she exclaimed pointing her finger at me. “Oh I did, I conversed  with your Brother ”I replied quick She went pale and her voiced went bitter.  “What business did you have with him, ” “You might not know that your brother cares for you alot, he was really happy to know that you have a friend like me ” “You know nothing about him and who told you that I'm your friend ”she said in anger Her words raged me alot. “You're nothing like of how you were on the first day we met,was it all an act?!”I interrogated her. She showed a sign of denial. “My changes are probably of father's passing ” My anger flowed through my veins and thus couldn't be controlled any more .I rose my hand and slapped her,..... I couldn't believe what I did for God's Word, but I spoke my mind. “You really think your father would be proud of you to change like this, he would be ashamed, Layon is  enduring as much as this and he was able to stop and put up a smile for you while conversing with me. Don't blame the dead man for your arrogance ” “But.. but ,I cant do anything that , mother 's  gone ,fathers gone, Brother hates me and really I can't —” I grabbed her hand, and scolded looking at her furiously. “It's not that you can't do anything, you're just not doing anything, no one has the right to judge others Even if you feel unfair. Life's just that way. ” She looked at me , her eyes filled with tears running down her cheeks. “You should go and talk to your brother ”I insisted I released her .I felt my anger easing down, and just as I relaxed myself I realized that we reached school and that she was holding my hand and was trembling , looking to the ground as we entered school. She was dull in the morning classes and when the clock struck twelve she seemed to be in her fair mood again. Well, I was at ease.Twelve o clock meant lunch break as I took out my lunch preceding Monica approached me with her lunch wearing a upset face ,stood fair and  smacked me in the head . “That's what you deserve for making me cry, You are really scary you know, Your looks and your anger sync alot ”she said squinting her eyes. “and I thought you would never be angry as your face suggested ,so much for' Don't judge a book by its cover '.Guess not everyone's by the quote. ” “Ha ha ha, I bet my slap hurt much more than this ”I laughed I totally regret saying that, she started smacking my head countlessly . But her bright smile was back onto her bright face again.