Hello Steemians,
I hope you all are doing good and here I am with the final episode of the Aftermath series. I hope you enjoyed it and would love the feedback from you all on this small series.

Previously
The Aftermath - The Dinner Table (Short Story by @inuke)
The Aftermath - I am sorry (Short Story by @inuke)
The Aftermath - It is not easy (Short Story by @inuke)
The Aftermath - Time to move (Short Story by @inuke)

"Kolkata ke Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Hawai Adde mein aapka swagat hai" [Welcome to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport, Kolkata] The Hindi announcement woke me up from my slumber, She went to give the weather info and to check personal items and other things, Which I honestly think nobody is listening to . I can be a good air hostess, by this point I am good at constantly being ignored. It has been 4 hours since I left Mumbai city, I believe the sickness will kick in about a day or two. I got my luggage and proceeded towards the exit. Chinu was there standing half asleep and probably coming from work directly.

"Hey!!!! Hows the flight?" he asked while hugging.

"It was Okay" I responded.

"So, what's new? Wait let's get to home first and will talk while roaming around the city. I have called in next 2 days off to show you around." He asked As he loaded the luggage into the cab.

Whats new? I thought to myself. He would probably go mad when he learns the truth about. Or Maybe he doesn't need to know. I am here to search myself and explore career option, Not seeking any advice or criticism of my sexual orientation.

"Hey!!!, What's wrong? You are awfully quiet. If I remember correctly every one knew you as a chatterbox" He interrupted my thoughts.

"No, Nothing, I am just tired. Just want to get home and relax. Then maybe we can go and see the city" I answered him. And he went quite too. The cabbie was playing Iktara song from wake-up sid movie and that ironically fits the situation. I just eased into the back seat and started drifting into thoughts. After 45mins ride we reached the society where chinu has rented the apartment. It looked amazing. TV industry must be paying him good for his job.

"I live on the 8th floor. It is a small apartment, But I am planning on moving into another one in a couple of months. I think you will like it" He said.

"We will see." I replied.

"So, We are finally here. This is it. You can take that room, It has a balcony too. I will sleep in the hall. The bathroom is there and there is the kitchen, Though I rarely use it. Mostly I order from outside or have it from office. And here is the Big TV for which I am still paying the EMIs and haven't recharged the dish connection. Maybe I should, to let you see which serial I work in and can give you tips." He was probably excited to see me after such a long time.

"Breakfast?" He asked.

"Let me get freshen up first. I feel tired. I don't know why but I feel exhausted." I replied.

"No, worries. I will save some for you." And he left.

I hopped into the shower and had a really nice and long hot relaxing shower. It felt as if the tension in the body is melting and getting drained, The head is getting cleared by every wave of drops hitting and massaging the scalp gently. For the first time in months, I felt rejuvenated by the lime fresh aroma of the shower gel. The shell is cracking and the real me is emerging out of it. After the shower, I changed into comfortable clothing. And climbed into the bed.

I heard the knock on the door, I had been sleeping throughout the day. It was dark outside when I checked my watch it was just 6:00 PM, Then I realized I was on the eastern end of Indian sub-continent and It gets dark early here. The nightlife was already out. The lights from far away are entering the room through the filter glass. It was chinu, Who else could it be.

"Wow, You might break my record of the longest nap." He said surprisingly. "You even skipped your breakfast and lunch, You must be hungry."

"I am very hungry." I stated the obvious.

"Wanna try the special?" Chinu asked but the enthusiasm was low as if he was not willing to go out at all.

"Actually, I am not accustomed to the drastic food change, So Maybe for today I will stick with the regular meals." I expressed my concern.

"Ok, will order meals." I dig up a mobile from his jeans and started placing an order online.

"Is there any coffee in kitchen?" I asked chinu.

"Nescafe might be there but we are out of milk I guess" Chinu replied with doubt.

I went into the kitchen and found the jar of Nescafe without much effort. I had been making coffee for a long time but something seems to be different this time. I seemed challenging to me in a strange way, What was it? I never thought a change of place could have such an impact.

"Food is on its way" Chinu replied while sipping the coffee. "Hmmm, It is nice!!!"

"Thank you" I acknowledged the compliment and took the cup and walked into the balcony. And sat on the chair and started looking at the city. The weather was nice, even though it was raining before it settled and now just the droplet suspended in the air and as the wind blow they move around like little crystals.

"Beautiful, Isn't it?" I hadn't noticed that Chinu has also pulled a chair beside me. "It looks beautiful, in movies. But real life moments are even more mesmerizing. I got the apartment only for the view. There are days when I feel like running away, but just sitting here and watching the city lights calms me down and before anybody can say anything I am ready for the next day. Although, the coffee takes it to a whole different level." He smiled.

"Hmm, I could get used to this view." I replied.

The doorbell rang, and chinu looked at it watch. "That was quick, I thought they would take another 10-15mins." He got up and started walking towards the hall. "Areey yaar!!! I forgot to tell you. Aunty called and said she wanted to speak to you. I told her that you were sleeping and will call back in the evening. Just give her a call." And he rushed to the hall.

I checked my phone, 2 missed call Mom, 1 missed call Bro and 1 missed call Dad. I was surprised to see that Dad was there on the list of missed call details. We were in good term but he came to see me off to the airport, In fact, he was the only one. Mom couldn't come because she doesn't do well with the send-offs and brother was just busy with work. I couldn't tell what was going through dad's mind and it leads to an entire 50mins drive to Mumbai airport in the morning a bit awkward. He talked but they were like filler talks. I guess we both were relieved when my flight was announced. But most important thing is that I am glad he was there, not as an angry father or a grumpy driver, But a friend who came to send off another friend. A friend who fought over something stupid and their friendship will take time to heal and their friendship has hope. I called mom up and spoke to her for about an hour or so, And what the guys usually say is true. Even though we had a long talk last night and a brief one this morning, she had somehow found more topics to discuss.

"So, you eating or planned on skipping the dinner too?" Chinu said while setting up the dinner table. I was still on phone and signaled that I will be there in a minute.

"What's special?" I asked. To which chinu frowned, "You said you wanted to go with the regular. So its just roti and Dal fry."

"Hmmmm, Smells delicious" I tried to add a little more to the conversation.

"Yes, it is. It is from the famous restaurant nearby. And Hey!!! you need to watch what you eat, You may gain weight quickly as this city loves its food and serves the best in the world" He started severing the dinner.

The TV was on the entire time and Chinu started explaining to me the ground rules of the buildings. Which includes the silly one like no trolling by pressing the doorbells of neighbors. We had a fun chat. He informed me of my good luck as there was an audition for the actor on the new Bangla TV serial was going on and the team is looking for a fresh face. Chinu was kind enough for dropping me off at the site. And he went off to see his friend.

I was sitting on the couch and waiting nervously. I was getting more nervous with each passing minute. I was surrounded by so many strangers, each one with their eyes set on one goal and that was nailing the audition. While I was sitting there going through everything that has been happening in my life for past couple of months. The struggle, The identity crisis, the drama, the relationship crisis, Me moving to a different city, so many things had happened in the last few months and it has changed me. But it has also molded me into a better version of myself. I see my life in a new light. My family is new. My mom and brothers have accepted me. My Dad is still there although he may have a different tone, he is still there for me. And most importantly I have me, I haven't lost myself in all this ups and downs. As a matter of fact, I had been provided with an opportunity to define myself, to prove myself.

"Ms. Chanchal L?" the receptionist called my name, with a beautiful Bangla accent.

"I am over here." I replied to her while arranging the folder that I carried and adjusting the dress that I was wearing.

"It's your turn. They are waiting Inside. Good Luck" She wished me.

Yes, it is my turn, It is the turn of Ms. Chanchal L to make a name for herself. I thought to myself.

"Thank you" I smiled and walked towards the opportunity which was waiting on the other side of the door.

I am

So that was the story of one Ms Chanchal L. I hope you liked it and please share your feedback as it helps me get better at writing. I would like to thank the below individual for their feedbacks and inputs @indiaunited and Be Awesome Discord channel
Special Thanks to @sayee, @VincentNijman, @whatamidoing, @Ryivhnn, @macchiata, @somethingrandom, @naideth, @marblely and all the others who have provided the feedback on story and writing. And helped me find a way to focus more energy towards creative writing

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