20 Hours

CHENNAI

23rd June 2018, 10:00 AM;

The sun was shining bright outside the window of Tara's house. It was quite a tense situation. Tara is sipping her morning coffee just when her phone starts buzzing. It popped the name Sid. She picked up the call, a voice said "Hello?"

'I have already told you yesterday to inform your grandmother or atleast prepare something to cover it up. Did you even try?' asked Sid anxiously.

'No baby, I tried to explain about our relationship to her, but I couldn't' said Tara.

Sid sighed,

'We have discussed about this earlier Tara; I have booked my tickets to Los Angeles and we have just one week' Sid said

'Okay, I will pull out my guts and explain her about this today, I promise' replied Tara

He said okay and then hung up the call.

Her grandma, Mrs. Padma sat near Tara after completing her household chores and asked her why is she having a puzzled look.

'Hey Ammama, I have been wanting to tell you something personal and I guess this is the time.' said Tara.

Her grandma nodded.

'Well I have been dating a guy for 3 years and it's a quite serious relationship, but we are still not ready to get married.' continued Tara.

'Why dear, you are both are adults now and you are matured enough to get married' said grandma surprisingly.

'I understand. This has been a shock to you.'

'Recently, Sid, my boyfriend, have got placed in the University of California for his Masters in L.A. He is boarding the flight in about a week.' Tara said.

'Okay, has he informed his family?' asked grandma.

'No, he would probably be talking to his family about this right now' replied Tara with a sigh.

Tara lied down on her grandma's lap and her grandma slowly caressed her hair.

Tara asks her Ammama her opinion about this situation and the hardships they are facing currently.

Grandma then started to share her own story about the incidences when she was the age of Tara.

It was early 70's when Mrs. Padma (Ammama) got married to Mr. Selvam. They shared a beautiful love story when they entered their late teens. Even though they were able to convince their unwavering parents, they had other problems as young couples.

Selvam was patriotic. So, he decided to join the Indian military academy and left his native and his dear wife with just stamps and envelopes.

'So, you were all by yourself during that period?' Tara interrupted.

'Yes, but we didn't have mobile phones to communicate with each other unlike now. So, we used to write letters and post it' grandma said.

Mrs. Padma used to write letters every week. After a year just when he completed his training, the young couples were blessed with a baby boy (Tara's dad). He got his first posting in Nathula pass- Sikkim as Lieutenant. When Tara's dad was 5 years old, Mr. Selvam was killed in action.

'So, you brought up my dad all alone? Wasn't that challenging?' Tara bombarded with questions.

'Yeah dear, it was really difficult to face the society and raise your dad. But unfortunately, your parents passed away in a plane crash. I am so unlucky that I had to see my loved ones die before me' said grandma with tears in her eyes.

Tara wiped the tears off.

'I will always be with you and never make you feel lonely' said Tara with concern.

'It is normal to have long distance relationship, but it is you both who have to be strong and never give up on each other.' Grandma instructed in a soft tone.

23rd June 2018, 12:30 PM;

Meanwhile, in Sid's house, he went across the hall where his father was watching television. He was nervous about sharing his situation to his father. So, he went straight to his mother.

'Amma?' Sid called his mom.

She turned back and saw her son standing near the bedroom door with a worried face.

She quickly asked him, 'Is there anything that is troubling your mind Sid'.

Sid gained some courage after listening to his mother's comforting voice. So, he started to explain about whatever he wanted to say about his relationship.

'Mom, I wanted to tell you about a girl ….' Sid stammered.

She quietly made him sit next to her and asked him to continue further.

'Her name is Tara; we are in love for the past 3 years and we think that it's not right time to get married as we are just 23years old.' Continued Sid.

'Yeah, it is quite a shock for me but I would say that you both are good decision makers' said Mrs. Swathi (Sid's mom).

'Yeah mom because even Tara wishes to achieve more in her current job and I want to complete my masters in that course of time' Sid said.

'Yeah it is ethical to focus on your deepest desires' appreciated Mrs. Swathi.

'Ma, but will appa accept this relationship?' asked Sid nervously.

Sid really respects his dad and he fears to talk to him about anything sensitive because his dad is really strict. Mr. Prabhu (Sid's dad) is a man with orthodox values and brought up his children in the same way (or atleast think that he has given him the same values). Mrs. Swathi is a sensible woman who has religious beliefs.

'It depends on how you convey it to your dad' said mom.

Sid was really worried about discussing this with his father who opposes love marriage. He went to his dad and asked him to spare some time.

'I wanted to talk to you about something important dad' Sid said.

His dad asked him to proceed. So, Sid continued to tell about his love to his dad with an alarmed look.

Sid narrates his love story to his father and was violently interrupted by his dad when he was about to ask, "Are you okay with this?"

'I never taught you to do this and I never mentioned in my value book about love' said Mr. Prabhu whose face went red in anger.

'yeah dad, but you would really like Tara when you meet her.' assures Sid.

His dad was fuming hot. He couldn't stop swearing and using harsh words.

The house was filled with melodrama like how the south Indian families react after hearing about their child's relationship.

'I would never allow something like this to happen in my house' said dad.

Sid was really patient until his dad started to question about Tara.

'Dad I know I have never questioned ever before, but I would never allow anyone to talk ill about Tara' said Sid with an exasperated expression.

Mr. Prabhu really got annoyed when Sid started to support Tara and talk in behalf of her. So, he turned his back on him and just left the room murmuring under his breathe.

Sid stormed out of his house leaving no note to his mother who looked really worried.

Before he could even cross the gate, he receives a phone call. The phone buzzed the name "Private Dealers".

'Hello, is this Sid?' a strange bold voice asked.

'Yeah, who is this?' asked Sid even though he knew the person he is talking to.

'Sathya here, hope you remember our deal?' asked Sathya.

'Yeah I do. What's the occasion that made you call me?' asked Sid.

'I guess you don't remember the deal properly Sid. You were supposed to repay the amount you lent before 22nd June' said Sathya.

'well … it is really difficult for me to repay 2 lakhs in a short period' Sid said.

3 Months Ago;

Sid visits the nearby local bank for his education loan. He comes from a normal middle-class family who couldn't afford the expenses to study abroad.

They already had borrowed from the bank for his under graduate and they still didn't close the loan.

So, it was quite difficult for them to get approval from the bank.

'The collateral you need to provide should be of worth more than 20 Lakhs, so that I can grant you the same amount of money' said the bank manager.

'We just have a property worth of 17 Lakhs' said Sid.

'Then you can apply a loan for the less than or equal to 17 Lakhs' said the manager.

After discussing with his parents, Sid decided a loan for 17 Lakhs. He lied to his parents that he has 2 Lakhs in his bank account for other expenses. The bank approves Sid's loan.

Sid's friends recommended a private dealer to lend some cash. So, he visits the address as given by his friends to meet a dealer named Sathya. Sid reached Sathya's place and rang the doorbell. A middle-aged woman opened the door and asked him who he was.

'Is Mr. Sathya here?' asked Sid.

'Yeah, you can wait in the lobby' said the lady.

Sid enters the house.

After 10 minutes, Sathya arrives at the lobby. They talked about the deal.

'I have a need for 2 Lakhs to study abroad' Sid said with reluctance.

'I can lend you, but I need a guarantee or surety that you will repay the money by the time I ask you' said Sathya.

'I can assure you sir!' exclaimed Sid.

'Your words are not enough to lend. You need to sign the bond mentioning that you will repay the money with 5% interest by 22nd of June or else I should force you to give me back my money.' Said Sathya impolitely.

'Wont there be any extension in the given time?' asked Sid.

'No' Sathya said strongly.

Sid agreed to Sathya's terms and then signed the bond.

Present Day;

'I need my money before dawn' ordered Sathya.

Sathya hung up the call rudely leaving Sid in a panic state of mind.

25th June 2018, 2:30 PM;

Sid became downhearted and called his girlfriend Tara. She answered the call.

'Hello?' said Tara.

'We need to talk about what happened today. Can we meet at the café near your house by 5 'o' clock?' asked Sid in a gloomy voice.

Tara replied okay and then hung up the call. She was really upset hearing Sid's dull voice.

Concurrently, Mr. Prabhu and his wife, Mrs. Swathi were arguing about their son's love relationship.

They both had an arranged marriage but still the bond they shared doesn't look like it. Mr. Prabhu was fuming with anger and was not satisfied with his son's decision to marry a girl of his choice rather than his parent's.

'How can he do something like that?' asked Mr. Prabhu to his wife.

She calmly sat beside him and started to comfort him with her beautiful words. Whatever may be the problem and how much ever they get old, the anger of Sid's father can be controlled only by his wife. Their love is something that doesn't necessarily need "I love you" compliments for every five minutes.

'It's okay, he is our son and we must have trust in him and his decisions' said Mrs. Swathi calmly.

'Yeah but, when did he grow up to take this decision without my concern. He always asks my opinion when he do something. But why did he choose to remain silent when it comes to his love' said Mr. Prabhu choking for words and with a tone of betrayal.

'He is now a grown-up man prabhu, so we need to give him his space' said Swathi favouring Sid's decision.

Mrs. Swathi started to convince her husband by talking about the good old time they used to share when they were of Sid and Tara's age.

Mr. Prabhu visits Sid's room after talking with his wife. After seeing around his room, he walks past Sid's shelf and saw some papers lying near Sid's shirt. It seems like a bond. The bond which was signed by Sid to Mr. Sathya …

25th June 2018, 5:00 PM;

Tara waits in the café for Sid to arrive. Then she saw Sid approaching the café with a rather dull face and he seemed to look tired. They both sat at a corner table and then ordered two Frappuccino. After the waiter took their order, Tara started to pour out her heart.

'Why do you look toned down?' asked Tara.

'Nothing, I was just thinking about convincing my dad' said Sid in a low deep voice.

'Are you sure babe?' asked Tara.

'Yeah Tara, why are you repeatedly asking the same question?' asked Sid getting a bit annoyed.

'I am just worried about Sid; you are not talking to me like before. You are bored of me too soon?' asked Tara in an outrage.

Sid sighed and then saw Tara from the corner of his eyes with a smile.

'How will I get bored of my Tara' said Sid holding Tara's hands.

Tara's eyes shed few drops of tears when he held her hands.

'It has been three months since you have spoken properly to me, is there anything you want to say?' asked Tara in a worried tone.

Sid was lost in some thought for a while and then he answered,

'No Tara, everything is absolutely fine'

'I have been noticing changes in you since the day you got placed in that university' said Tara in an emotional tone.

'No, am completely fine!' said Sid losing his patience.

'I guess you have started to prioritise your career more than your fiancé. So? Your career is more important than me?' asked Tara without even giving a thought about what she is talking.

'Yes! I love my career more than you' said Sid in an outrage and of course he didn't mean of it but anger plays an important role in a relationship.

Sometimes we do blabber few words in anger and regret it as soon as we see our loved one's face change. That's what happened when Sid saw Tara's eyes which was filled with tears. She was so broke from inside that no words escaped her mouth. She took her handbag from the table, left the change for her Frappuccino and left the café with no other further notice. She was not aware of what Sid was going through with stress all over like a mess. Sid, on the other hand was left with nothing but red eyes and a heart that beats only for one woman ... one girl ... "Tara".

25th June 2018, 5:45 PM;

Tara picks up her phone and calls her best friend. The friend who stayed with Tara from primary class till now. Then someone with a sweet voice answered the call, 'Yeah babe, what's the matter?' asked Tara's best friend, Ananya.

Ananya is a bold and sincere woman. She has such an inspiring character for the young girls to learn. She is that person who never fear of failure and who experienced more betrayals at such a young age.

'It's Sid. He has been acting all weird nowadays and … I don't know how to say' stammered Tara with her voice so heavy as she is controlling her emotions.

'Chill Tara, we can sort this out. We can meet now right?' asked Ananya.

'Yeah babe, that would help me. Meet you at the park near my apartment then?' said Tara with a much better tone.

'Yeah sure, I will be there within fifteen minutes' said Ananya and then hung up the call.

After fifteen minutes…

Tara was waiting in the park her friend. Meanwhile, Ananya crosses Tara's apartment just when she saw her boyfriend with some other girl approaching the park. She tried to call him but he seemed so busy that he didn't hear.

She started to call his name, 'Rahul' and then stopped calling him when she saw him hug that girl. She went straight to her boyfriend and asked him what he was doing with a girl in the park when he actually told her that he was at work.

'It is not what you think, we were just talking' lied Rahul.

'Well, I saw what just happened so don't lie to me' said Ananya with her red burned eyes.

'Yeah! So now you know what is going on here, please don't disturb us' said Rahul with no care.

They were in relationship for five whole years and now Rahul proved that years are just numbers. Ananya with a broken heart and eyes filled with tears and anger left the place to meet her friend Tara.

Tara was watching the pigeons fighting near the pavement and just imagined Sid and herself in that frame with a smile on her face.

When she busily engaging with nature mother, she saw her best friend arriving at the spot with wet eyes. Ananya tried to hide all the pain from her eyes and sound normal to Tara but failed to do so. How could she? After all Tara is her best friend who is capable of sensing Ananya's mood within a second.

'Rahul…he just…' choked Ananya with tears flowing from her eyes.

'Did you guys fight?' asked Tara.

'No, he just left me and chose some other girl…when I am thinking all day about him' burst out Ananya.

Tara slowed neared Ananya and gave her a big warm hug. She patted her shoulder and said, 'I am sorry dear, but don't get downhearted for this'.

Ananya lifted her head up and saw her friend beaming at her.

'We still have a lifetime to go and I am there to love you, Chill babe' Tara completed her sentence and made Ananya give broad smile amidst the tears.

They both then walked back to Tara's house and Ananya started to explain about the incident that happened to her when she was nearing the park. Tara just listened to her all the way long to her house.

They reached Tara's house and sat on her bed. Tara tirelessly listened to Ananya's stories forgetting her own problems. That is why best friends are for, right?

Every friendship is beautiful; they just forget everything to stay with us in our hard times but they never complain about it. There may be many names; friends, best friends, besties, close friends etc. but the love remains the same. A true friend never finds excuses to avoid you, instead they stay.

25th June 2018, 6:30 PM;

Meanwhile, Sid was thinking about the 2 lakhs that he had to repay by the next day dawn. He decides to call his friends and colleagues to borrow some amount of money from them and return it as soon as possible.

He calls his office friend, Sathish and asked him,

'Would you mind lending me two lakhs? I will return it soon' said Sid a bit nervously.

'I don't have such a huge amount of money' said Sathish.

'Well, even a small amount of contribution from you can help me in this crisis' said Sid in a more imploring tone.

Sathish just gave excuses about his sister's marriage and the hung the call just like that. On one side, we can see good friends like Tara and Ananya but on the other hand, there are people like Sid who deprive of a true friend.

He started to call all his school, college friends with whom he used to spend all day long. Some didn't pick up the call knowing the news. Few gave excuses and few just avoided that topic. Poor Sid, he was left with no other options but to ask his boss for some money.

He was working in this company before he got admission for his masters. The boss was a really cool man with a kind heart and humble attitude. So, he dialled his number and greeted him.

'Hey Sid! It's been a long time since you have called me. So? What's up?' asked his boss in a more cheerful tone.

'Yeah, so I have been stuck in a crisis now, so I am in need of 2 lakhs' said Sid feeling embarrassed.

'I don't think I can give you two lakhs, but yes I can arrange for one lakh' said his boss.

Sid was so relieved to hear this, as he was roaming all around the city for hearing this word "yes".

His boss asked him to collect the money from his office later this evening. Even though he was relieved that there is one lakh now, he still has one more lakh to pay back and he is still thinking on how to get that money.

On the other hand, Mr. Prabhu saw the bond which was signed by Sid. He was quite shocked to see that because his son told him that there was enough money for him to study abroad and he didn't need any help from his father.

If only Mr. Prabhu had known about his son's debt, he would never have let him borrow money from some unknown private dealer. After all the disputes they have between them, Sid is his beloved son, how can he leave him at his darkest time?

Mr. Prabhu decided to call his son and give the money he is having in the bank which may round off to 1.5 lakhs.

Sid receives a call from his Father just when he was about to visit his boss, but he decides not to pick up the call. He doesn't want to involve his father in any of this issue, he just wanted to be more responsible like how his father asked him to be.

He became so nervous and sweaty all of a sudden when his father kept calling him; it's already 5 missed calls now.

He starts his bike and decided to visit his boss.

25th June 2018, 9:00 PM;

He reached the entrance of the office and sighed. He gave a thought about asking his boss such a huge help and he resolved his mind to ask help from his boss.

He went inside the office and entered the lift with a disturbed mind. He was reciting a speech in his mind on how to thank his boss for such a noble help.

Sid was able to see his boss's cabin in the end of the floor and he starts to approach towards it. A hand from behind patted on his shoulder, he turns back to see who it was. It was his boss, a man in his 30's with a hefty appearance and a broad warm smile on his face.

'How are you Sid?' asked his boss cheerfully.

'Well currently my heart just skipped a beat when you patted behind me' said Sid mockingly.

'Ha-ha, alright! Now talking about the money, I have it with me as cash now. It is okay for you right?' asked the boss coming to the point.

'Yeah of course sir, I am okay with anything' said Sid in a more pleased tone.

Then the boss leads him to his cabin and handed him a backpack.

Sid beamed at his boss and thanked him for his help and left the office with a sigh of relief.

Sid was really confused on what to do next and whom to ask for money. He tried reaching his office mates. He went to few of their houses and hostels but they all just refused to help him.

Concurrently, Tara made Ananya smile and made her feelings get under her control. Then they started to do their usual gossips but still Tara's mind was continuously asking questions about Sid.

Her grandma noticed the change in her face and asked her what was the issue after Ananya left Tara's house. Tara told her everything about Sid's fight and started to shed tears. Her grandma advised her not to get weak for such a small issue and wait for Sid. She told Tara that maybe Sid was in some pressure due to which he exploded.

Tara felt better after hearing her grandma's soothing words and tried calling Sid. She dialled Sid's number and the ring went once after which she heard, "the number you have called is currently busy, please call again later". She tried a couple more times and still got the same response which means that Sid has cut the call. Sid had received more than 15 missed calls from Tara and much more missed calls from his dad.

25th June 2018, 10:30 PM;

Sid reached his home. His mom and dad were worried without knowing the whereabouts of him. Sid entered his house and asked his parents why they looked so gloomy.

'Why did you hide this from me?', asked Sid's dad.

'Hide what?' asked Sid innocently.

'We know everything about your debt from the private dealer', said Sid's mom.

'I thought I would handle this on my own', said Sid which was wildly interrupted by his dad, 'which you couldn't accomplish'.

Mrs. Swathi held her husband's hand who got infuriated by Sid's action.

Sid, on the other hand, thought that his dad would chuck him out of the house and never forgive for what he did. But surprisingly, nothing happened like he predicted.

'I knew that you needed help, so I arranged some money for you' said his dad in an inaudible voice.

'Arranged what? Dad … are you serious?' asked Sid with an astonished face.

'Yeah Sid, I won't leave you just like that in your tough times' said his dad.

Sid was really happy and wanted to hug his dad for this help but of course they both didn't express their emotions. Some feelings are better when it stays inside our heart.

Mr. Prabhu hands over 1.5 lakhs of cash to his son. Sid told him about his boss and his help in right time. His dad suggested him to give back half the amount he borrowed from his boss as he doesn't want his son to create a bad impression to anyone.

Sid agreed to his dad and said he will talk to his boss about returning his money soon. He managed to collect 2 lakhs before dawn, so he decided to call Sathya.

'I have got the money' said Sid without leaving any gap after his "hello".

'Okay then, will meet you at my place at midnight' said Sathya without leaving his cool.

Sid cuts the call and rushes to Sathya's place.

26th June 2018, 12:00 AM;

It was past midnight and Tara looked really upset with no further calls or messages from Sid. Grandma just waited patiently for all this to end and didn't want to interfere with their personal relationship.

Sid reached Sathya's place with a bag full of cash ready to settle his debt. He rang the bell and went inside to wait in the lounge. Sathya arrived at the lounge and he looked quite pale and sleepy as it was past midnight.

Sid gave him the bag and asked him to check whether the amount is correct.

Sathya checked it and confirmed Sid that the bag consists of two lakhs. He assured Sid that everything is now over and he is now free to go to pursue his studies.

'Alright Sid, you didn't make me go to the worse side like few others do. All the best for your future.' Said Sathya and patted him on his shoulder.

Sid was really happy about getting his work done. The first thought that struck Sid's mind was Tara.

He immediately took his phone from his pocket and saw the 15 missed calls from Tara. He decided to call her and felt really sorry for her. Tara's phone vibrated, she picked up the phone with enthusiasm and saw Sid's number flashing on her phone. She picked up the call and remained silent as she expected Sid will owe an explanation.

'I am extremely sorry for what happened today' said Sid.

'You owe an explanation Sid' said Tara uncompromisingly.

Sid began to recite his whole story about the loan and his career. He almost began to sound like a kid when he was saying about this to Tara. She comforted him and asked him sorry for not standing up for him when he needed it the most.

Sid really wanted to forget about what happened that day and move on from it. So, he said to Tara that he will join her by 6 in the morning when she goes out for a jog to Juhu beach. Sid slept peacefully thinking about his future with Tara.

26th June 2018, 6:00 AM;

It was a pleasant morning in Chennai. Tara spotted Sid by the pebble lane which heads towards the beach. Then they started to walk by the lane till the beach talking about random stuffs and some old memories. Just when they reached the beach, they experienced one beautiful sun rise and some cool breeze hitting Tara's bangs. Sid turns around and saw Tara's beautiful face with an aesthetic smile. All their problems vanished when the sun rises and lights the life of every individual.

Meanwhile, Ananya was sipping her morning coffee by her window with the sun's rays falling on her face. She decided in her mind that life is long and it never stops for anyone so she should stop chasing love and start focussing on her career. She is very passionate about her career which is fashion designing.

Some love is unnoticed; we fail to appreciate the love we get from random people who are with us. They may be our parents, other family members, friends, our love of life and many other relationships. They all are different forms of love which are way too much underrated.

Some love attacks us in an unexpected way as in case of Mr. Prabhu and Mrs. Swathi. They share a bond where even silence speaks a lot in between them. Some love never fades even after several decades like Mrs. Padma and her husband. She could have chosen someone else when her husband passed away but she didn't. She raised her son all by herself and also her granddaughter.

We can't define a relationship even if we wait for a thousand years but we can understand the value of every relationship in 20 Hours!

A story written by keerthana and H.Mithun