Chapter 11: Keshav’s Routine

Chapter 11: Keshav's Routine

The early morning light crept through the thin curtains of Keshav's small room, casting a warm, golden glow over his humble surroundings. He awoke to the familiar sound of the city's hustle and bustle, a constant reminder of the life he had chosen. The cacophony of honking horns, distant conversations, and the occasional clatter of garbage trucks was a harsh contrast to the peaceful silence of his village.

Keshav stretched, his muscles aching from the previous day's work. He had barely slept, having stayed up late studying and preparing for the next day's classes. His routine was grueling, but he had grown accustomed to it. Every day was a balancing act between his part-time job and his studies.

With a resigned sigh, Keshav rose from his bed and moved to the tiny kitchenette in the corner of his room. He prepared a simple breakfast—bread with a bit of jam and a cup of tea. It wasn't much, but it was enough to fuel him for the demanding day ahead.

By six o'clock, Keshav was out the door, navigating through the crowded streets toward his part-time job. He worked at a local convenience store, a job that required long hours and often grueling physical labor. The store was owned by Mr. Patel, a stern but fair man who valued Keshav's dedication and hard work.

As he walked, Keshav's thoughts wandered to Sagar. He had not seen much of his younger brother lately, and the brief encounters they had were increasingly strained. Keshav worried about Sagar's well-being, sensing a change in his demeanor. But he was too wrapped up in his own responsibilities to address it directly.

Upon arriving at the store, Keshav was greeted by Mr. Patel, who was already busy arranging merchandise on the shelves. The store was a hive of activity, with customers coming and going, each with their own stories and needs.

"Morning, Keshav," Mr. Patel said, glancing up briefly. "The store's been busy lately. We're short on supplies, so I need you to stock the shelves as soon as you can."

"Got it, sir," Keshav replied, rolling up his sleeves and setting to work. The tasks were laborious, but Keshav tackled them with a sense of purpose. He knew that his hard work was not only supporting himself but also helping to provide for Sagar.

Throughout the day, Keshav juggled his duties at the store with his academic responsibilities. During breaks, he would pull out his textbooks and notes, squeezing in study sessions whenever he could. His days were a relentless cycle of work, study, and the occasional brief meal.

Despite the exhaustion, Keshav's determination never wavered. He was driven by a deep sense of responsibility and love for his brother. Every time he thought about Sagar's potential, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.

The store was a melting pot of different people, and Keshav had met a variety of characters through his job. There was Maya, a regular customer who always had a friendly word and a smile, and Ravi, a local delivery man who often shared snippets of news from around the city. These interactions provided brief moments of respite from the monotony of his routine.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the city streets, Keshav's shift came to an end. He walked back to his apartment, his steps heavy with fatigue. The exhaustion was palpable, but he was used to it by now.

Upon reaching his apartment, he quickly changed into more comfortable clothes and sat down with his books. His studies were crucial, and he needed to stay on top of his coursework to ensure a better future for both him and Sagar.

Keshav's mind often wandered during these quiet moments of solitude. He would think about the times when life was simpler, back in the village. He missed the tranquility and the sense of community that had once defined his existence. But he knew that leaving the village was a necessary step toward achieving their dreams.

As he studied, Keshav couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Sagar. He had noticed his brother's recent detachment and lack of enthusiasm. Keshav had tried to address it in their brief conversations, but Sagar's responses were always vague and unconvincing.

I hope he's alright, Keshav thought, his brow furrowing with concern. He's not himself lately. Maybe he's just adjusting to the city, but it feels like there's more to it.

Keshav's worry was compounded by the fact that Sagar had been spending more time away from their apartment, often coming back late at night. The changes in Sagar's behavior were subtle but noticeable, and Keshav struggled to find the right balance between being supportive and intrusive.

The bond between the brothers was being tested by the pressures of city life. Keshav's role as the primary provider and Sagar's growing independence created a fragile dynamic. Despite their close relationship, the physical and emotional distance between them was widening.

As the evening wore on, Keshav decided to write a letter to their father, updating him on their progress and assuring him that they were managing well. It was a way to keep their father informed and to alleviate some of the worry that Ram undoubtedly felt.

Keshav's letter was carefully composed, filled with reassurances and brief updates. He avoided mentioning any of the difficulties they were facing, opting instead to focus on their achievements and plans for the future.

As he finished his letter and prepared for bed, Keshav reflected on the journey ahead. The road to achieving their goals was fraught with challenges, but he was determined to overcome them. He had come too far to falter now.

Tomorrow will be another long day, Keshav thought, his mind heavy with the weight of his responsibilities. But I'll keep pushing forward. For Sagar's sake and for our future, I have to.

The night was quiet, and the city's sounds gradually faded into the background. Keshav closed his eyes, seeking rest amidst the demands of his dual roles as a student and provider. The path ahead was uncertain, but his resolve remained unshaken.