Truth Beyond the Invite- Arathi Rajgopal - Adults

Bang! Bang! The quietude of the open air rumbles louder and numb fingers hold his arm, “I didn’t mean to kill him.” The graveyard of his mind in its poignant stillness insinuates. The eyes follow the lane swept past with unwavering glimmer to spot out the speck that hurled his intuitions to take a flight… A simpleton pacing himself on calmer wheels of trail, pursuing his dreams familiar to his lone self, Vivek was often engrossed into his dreamy flow of things to create wings to flee across broader arenas of inconceivable heights. A lad in his teens eager to step on every tile and hold his breath to measure the need of his unquenched desires and his ever questing self. Friends he had none but acquaintances a few due to his approach, favourably congenial. The boys of his age were flamboyant with a keenness to explore the world around, to exhibit their strong youthful exuberance, daredevils on the racing tracks to impress and imprint. To go with the flow and be a part of the crowd was never the intent of Vivek who chose to be apart, aloof with no regrets cornering his quiet existence. In the school, “Yes, sure Ma’am, I’ll take care of it in future.” On the playground, “I will surely practice hard and overcome my weakness.” With classmates, “You are amazing, you deserve the win; you should be one of the nominees for the Head Boy position.” So much of sweetness and goodness, almost unimaginably improbable but this was Vivek indeed. Ravi, Kishan and Noor often found themselves tongue-tied confronting the virtuous self of Vivek and the constancy he maintains. His upbringing, his own sense of understanding and the circumstantial situations that nurtured him paved way for an admirably acceptable personality at a very vulnerable age of fifteen. But one cannot undermine the fact that when admiration abounds, envy too shoots high. Farhan and Rajesh the two adversaries. Rajni and Ramesh, the ideal parents who monitored the moves on which Vivek yearns to focus. A home that calmed his nerves, shielded his fears, vented his emotions, sparked his bravery and that which brewed his confidence. When the home is with you, you hardly require a friend to lean on and glow! A lifestyle mediocre, needs and desires well within reach and happiness in a healthy togetherness streamed with cravings not even at the farthest ends. Ravi, Kishan and Noor came from a sound background with every dream a plausible reality. What they longed for was honesty, thoughtfulness, dedication and determination as their better living won them companions but not a good will. “My book is misplaced, can you just lend me yours for a day to complete my notes?” Noor stretched her helpless hands but were turned down with reasons so baseless. Her tiffin that had pastries and cakes rich in almonds and raisins were a treat to every desirous soul. The world so fickle and fake thought Noor. Ravi had a four wheeler that was a smooth sail for many with Tinku’s driving expertise. Ravi, a weak player turned down by every captain for the cricket matches. “Give me one chance, I will be useful somewhere.” The ardent pleas of Ravi fell on deaf ears that were active when his wheels turned around to go home and boys and girls swarmed in pretending friendliness and then Ravi drove them to relaxation and mirth.

Goodness prevails amidst opportunists and ingratitude. Kishan had a different tale to narrate. “I always offered everything that I had, my games, my new electronic devices, my pens and more valuable than that, my true friendship but I often met folks not interested in any of my genuine extensions of love and a faithful relationship.” The trio never met each other, the irony of the situation. They were in search of friends and soul mates but never found each other in their desperate hunt. Fortunately, Vivek found their adoration and through Vivek they found each other too, filling their emptiness enriching the wealth of their benevolence and good will. Their bond developed and the strings rooted in humility and humanity. Vivek though was much of a rarity unlike these new pals of his. Silence and speculation was still his world of choice where words were measured and meticulous. They enjoyed hours of togetherness that abound in affection and acceptance. Life to them was worthwhile in the companionship of goodness, precision and ingenuity. These four went with the flow and accepted life with all its intricacies. They lent their solidarity to uplift each other in all the areas they confronted with a choice or no choice possibilities. They exemplified unity in diversity with their individuality strikingly standing out and their souls echoing one voice of trust in togetherness. The hard core fact of life is but ‘Nothing is permanent’ and so was their happiness. Will the storm survive the best? Farhan and Rajesh, the rabble-rousers, were into their increased acts of detriment and the target was Vivek. “Your so-called ‘good and reliable friends’, Ravi, Kishan and Noor are celebrating; they have organized a party where they have invited all their classmates, we both are also the invitees for the same. What about you? I heard that you are the only one left out on purpose; such a humiliation! Your bond of friendship is now questionable; what is your next step?” They departed creating a rift and breaking a heart, feel apart. Vivek as usual calm and introspective. “Have I gone wrong somewhere?” “What kind of a situation is this?” “Should I believe these two; and why shouldn’t I? Vivek was caught in a ‘Hamletian Dilemma’. A shrill cry echoed in the mist as his heart ached and a lump came to his throat, emotions faltered, the heart was deserted. A stranger accidentally sends him a cryptic warning and Vivek is not able to identify himself with this stranger in him who is suddenly dubious. Vivek wandered aimlessly stretching his walk outdoors in the serene calmness of the night as the moon fell and the stars peered urging the inner turbulence to recline in solace.

The good wins over the evil as always and history stands a testimony to this. Vivek’s composure regained its vitality and he saw through the ‘The Last Message’ his clear conscience prompted; “Don’t bother much on what is told to you by someone. Even if you are not invited, how does that matter; that’s a choice to be respected; may be not worth your presence.” His scrupulous self, heeded the call putting a dead end to the raucous voice and a new morn dawned to bring about glowing smiles on those four faces as impactful as ever. Vivek was at ease with no much thought given to the happening that hardly existed for him then, with his sound upbringing and not binding his friends with any compulsive act against their will, he won their hearts for such tranquil pensivity in a chaotic scenario framed. Arathi Rajgopal English Teacher Guardian School & Jr. College CBSE Dombivli, Thane - Maharashtra

About the Author:

Meet Arathi Rajgopal

Arathi Rajgopal is a passionate educator, published author, and champion of expressive voices. With over two decades of experience in English language education, she currently serves as the Head of the English Department and Academic Coordinator at Guardian School & Jr. College CBSE, Dombivli. Arathi’s creative spirit finds expression through poetry, essays, short stories, and scripts—many of which have been published by The Impish Lass Publishing House. A two-time ‘Best Teacher’ awardee, former ICSE examiner, and mentor to 20 published student-authors, she is known for inspiring bold, fearless communication through innovative and heart-centered methods. Whether training teachers or shaping young minds, Arathi believes in the power of words to shape the world. She shares this story to remind readers that guided self-expression is not just a skill—it’s a lifelong journey, best walked together with curiosity, courage, and a poetic spark.

About the Story

This story was submitted by the author as an entry for the BhashaLab Ultimate Story Writing Competition, 2025. We appreciate their creativity, thoughtful expression, and the courage to share their voice with a wider audience. Thank you!

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