8: The Consoler

Just before sunrise, as the first hint of light touched the horizon, a few joggers passed along the colony road. A street dog trotted along the same path, sniffing for a potential breakfast. Lying sprawled across its path was a man, his clothes covered in dust, his beard thick with grime. The dog approached him and began licking his face, from his eyes to his mouth. This unexpected affection roused Karthik from his stupor.

Instead of pushing the dog away, Karthik hugged it warmly. The dog seemed to enjoy its newfound friend. Karthik looked around, trying to place where he had slept the night before. Passersby glanced at the pair. Karthik felt the lingering effects of the alcohol and drugs he had consumed. He sat up on the footpath, petting the dog.

Suddenly, a car stopped in front of them. Karthik paid it no mind. Rishi got out.

"What the hell, Karthik! What have you done to yourself?"

Karthik looked up at Rishi.

"Need to go home. Can you give me a ride?" he mumbled, ignoring his friend's concern.

"Sure. But first, get rid of the dog."

"He's my new friend. He's coming with me."

"Are you trying to become Devdas or something? The beard, the booze, now a dog. The look is complete."

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

Rishi opened the front passenger door and grabbed a packet of biscuits. He threw them across the road. The dog immediately ran after them.

"Can we now leave this 'beautiful' place?" Rishi asked sarcastically.

"You're heartless," Karthik shrugged and got into the car.

"Can you drive me to your place?" Karthik asked.

"I don't think location matters much to you these days," Rishi replied.

Rishi drove the car to his home.

"Come inside. We need to talk."

Karthik braced himself for a lecture, which was the last thing he wanted.

Karthik collapsed onto the sofa in the living room. Rishi went straight to the fridge, grabbed a water bottle, and handed it to Karthik. He sat in a comfortable armchair opposite him.

"Siri backstabbed you by killing uncle. But she did it out of love for you, not out of anger towards him."

Karthik drank deeply, listening half-heartedly.

"You shouldn't lose her. She has no one but you."

"I know, Rishi," Karthik replied. "I understand why she did it. I'm ready to take her back. But she's the one pushing me away."

He paused, then added, "Maybe she's punishing herself. But she's punishing me too."

Rishi got up and sat beside Karthik.

"What do you want to do now?"

"I don't know. I'm lost."

Rishi was at a loss for words.

"I need to ask you something," Karthik said.

"Go ahead."

"Did you call my father after I left the pub that night?"

Rishi hesitated, then looked at Karthik and answered, "Yes. You were out of control at the pub. I was scared and thought it would be best to inform uncle before you met him."

"Did Dad know about Siri before?"

"How could he? Maybe not. I don't know."

Karthik paused, turning the half-empty water bottle in his hands, lost in thought.

"Okay, buddy. I have urgent work. Stay here until I get back," Karthik hurried.

"Okay," Karthik agreed.

Rishi grabbed his car keys and a bag of documents. He put on his shoes and headed for the door.

"Rishi," Karthik called out, "I think you asked me for some cash a few days ago."

Rishi turned back. "Sam helped me out. A lot has happened since then, so I went to him instead."

"Oh! Fine. Do you have anything for me?"

Rishi understood what Karthik was asking.

"You can find it in the cupboard under the TV."

"Thanks. Come back soon."

Finally, Rishi left, visibly relieved to be out of Karthik's sight. He seemed a little tense after Karthik's questions.