Arjun Bhalla

> When you get married and say 'til death do us part'... You never imagine that after it's over, you'll be married to pictures.
>
> Arjun Bhalla

**Arjun Bhalla** is the ninth bear the player meets after arriving on Cozy Grove Island. He is a Forest Spirit, referred to as the Retiree Bear.

Arjun's living area is located north of Kit's Canteen and east of Patrice's area.

## Appearance

Arjun has large ram horns and wears a light blue floral button up. He has a white goatee and wears small retro round glasses.

The following landmarks are located in Arjun's area: his camper van, the makeshift constellation tent, a fish smoker, a supply tent, a telescope, a stone grill, some tents, and some folding chairs.

## Biography

Arjun is an old and forgetful bear. He sets the Scout on tasks to find photographs, all of which are always pictures of the other bears, but he believes they are of himself. He initially cannot remember anything about himself or what his hobby even was. All he remembers early on is that he had a beautiful wife he cherished. Eventually the player uncovers details about his tragic past, including his relationship with his children, and why he became the forgetful spirit bear that he is.

## Specialty

Arjun has his own camera supplies shop where the player can purchase one camera film refill per day for 2,400. The film is used to refill the player's spirit camera at Jeremy Gruffle to take photos.

## List of quests

Every day, Arjun Bhalla has a chance to give the player a quest, provided he has no quest active. The quest can be started by speaking to Arjun Bhalla.

If Arjun Bhalla is ghostly blue and his area is not colored, he will give the player a story quest. If Arjun Bhalla is colored but his area is not, he will give the player a daily quest. If both Arjun Bhalla and his area are colored, he will not give any quests, but the player can still converse with him to listen to some gossip or occasionally advance his story.

Story quests are untimed and advance Arjun Bhalla's story, allowing the player to learn more about him, fill his heart meter, and restore his memories. Some story quests require the player to collect a lot of resources or help other bears to get quest items. The story quests often give spirit logs as rewards.

Non-story quests have a time limit, do not provide any story development, and give random rewards. There are no penalties for letting a timed quest expire.

Some quests require the player to find items hidden on the island. The hidden objects spawn after the player accepts the quest, with hints on their location provided in the quest menu. If the player has trouble locating the item, they can get a hint from Charlotte Pine for 100.

### Daily quests

StubThis article or section is a stub. You can help Cozy Grove Wiki by expanding it.
**Comments**: imp photo quest reward needs verification
Every daily quest has a chance to give the player a spirit wood or a crafting recipe for a random decoration in addition to regular reward.

  One photo of:       1+ animal of one type       1+ animal of another type       1 yourself

## Chat

Every day, when Arjun Bhalla has no quest active, the player can chat with him for some random gossip. Arjun Bhalla can give the player advice or tell a little about himself or other bears.

Chatting with Arjun Bhalla does not advance his story.

After the player chats with Arjun Bhalla once, they can ask him for a hug.

**Arjun:** Oh hello there, kid. What have they got you doing now? Running around cleaning up the island or something?
I guess a job's a job, huh?
**Arjun:** I'm still fuzzy on a lot of things, but one thing I remember clearly is my old darkroom where I used to develop my photos.
I guess kids of your generation don't have much use for those, do you?
Eh, it's just as well I suppose. Saves time.
Heh. Bet you thought I was going to go on an old person's tirade about how good things used to be, huh?
**Arjun:** I'm not sure, but I seem to recall going on a journey one time. Hm. It might have been a dream. Or something from a movie I watched?
There were all sorts of landscapes. And shifting pathways.
...
Anyway, whatever it was, it was very tastefully done. I remember that much anyway.
**Arjun:** Working on the old RV always gets me excited for the road. You ever been on a road trip in one of these?
Nothing beats it! Really the best way to see a place. Stop whenever you please. Explore the backroads and the quirky towns.
And the best part is, you can be with your family the entire time.
Like I said, kid. Nothing beats it.
**Arjun:** Sometimes with my memories, it's almost like the more I try to think of them, the slippier they get.
Like looking at a faint star at night. Only way to see it is to look just off to the side a bit.
Of course with a camera, you can just do a long exposure.
Wish I could do a long exposure of my *mind.* Wouldn't that be something?
**Arjun:** You know what's a real kick in the pants? Being a ghost, but still being *old*.
Is there some... rule that says I couldn't have shown up here a few decades younger?
Especially since I have to stand up all the time...
Ah, but you don't want to hear about any of that, do you?
**Arjun:** Kids these days are always rushing about. That's one good thing about being a ghost: you got all the time in the world.
So if somebody asks you for something, take your time with it. Everybody goes at their own pace around here.
**Arjun:** Thanks for not bringing up my horns, kid. Tell you the truth, I don't right know why I have 'em either.
**Arjun:** What are you kids into nowadays, anyway? Sea shanties? That can't be right.
## Daily quest lines

### Bear photo

Start:

**Arjun:** Hey kid. You know, something that might help with my memory is if I have a bulletin board with photos of everyone who lives here.
Would you help me add to my collection?
**Arjun:** Ah, so you've got your camera with you do ya?
You know, snapping a pic of a sunset or flower is one thing.
But there can be real magic in capturing someone just going about their business.
Might be fun to try it. What do you say, kid?
End:

**Arjun:** Hello again. Ah, the photos. Let's see what you captured.
*My goodness.*
But I guess it's not too surprising, huh kid? Heh heh, what a character.
**Arjun:** Hi there kid! Have you got it?
Oh wow! That's them alright.
I gotta hand it to you kid you know how to capture a moment!
**Arjun:** Oh good! Let's take a look-see.
*Frowning*
It's amazing what people will do when they think no one is watching, huh kid?
This is perfect, thank you. Here's something for your trouble.
### Cap

Start:

**Arjun:** Hey there kid. I think I'm losing my mind. I can't find my hat anywhere. It's got to be around here *somewhere*.
Earlier I was doing some weeding. Well, *trying* to do some weeding anyway. Pretty sure I had it then. Do you mind taking another look?
End:

**Arjun:** There she is! Yep that's it alright. Where did you find it? Stuck onto one of those thorny shrubs I bet?
Here's a little something I found amongst the weeds earlier. I don't have much use for it. Maybe you do?
### Imp photo

Start:

**Arjun:** Looking for something to do, huh? You ever try your hand at *candid photography*?
That's when you capture a subject as if the camera isn't there. Ah, but you knew that.
Let's see what you come up with.
**Arjun:** It's true, a photo will often jog my failing memory.
5But I still prefer being the one *behind* the camera.
Looks like you're a bit of a photo bug too, heh heh.
There's a lot of interesting stuff on this island. Wanna see what you can find?
End:

**Arjun:** Done already? And they're all fully developed! I don't know how you do it.
I'm seeing some nice candid shots here. Well done, kid!
**Arjun:** ... *Looks puzzled, then turns the photo rightside up*
... *Smiles*
Hmph.
Thanks kid, I like these. I might just ask you to take some more at some point!
**Arjun:** Hello again! Looks like you've got your stack of photos. Mind if I take a look?
Ah, very interesting...
Oh I know where this is.
*Holds up photo to get a closer look*
Pretty wide aperture you're using here, looks like.
Well, thank you for that, kid.
Here, take this as a token of my appreciation.
**Arjun:** Hello again! Looks like you've got your stack of photos. Mind if I take a look?
*Gah!* Those imps!
Heh heh, you're good kid. I was never able to capture those things in a candid shot like this.
### Pet photo

Start:

**Arjun:** Something I've learned over the years is this iron rule of photography: *you can never go wrong with cute animals.*
Go ahead and find one of those big chickens or other things running around here and you'll see what I mean!
**Arjun:** Hey kid. You know, I've been thinking about sprucing up the old jalopy here.
Hm... maybe some nature photography would make it a little less dreary?
End:

**Arjun:** Ok kid, let's see what you've come up with.
Hah! These are great. Look at this little rascal. This is *definitely* going up on the wall.
**Arjun:** Oh you've got the photos already? Developed and printed and everything. Full service!
Aren't these something...
You did good, kid. Here's something to show you I appreciate it.
### Sandpaper

Start:

**Arjun:** Hi there, kid. Caught me in the middle of a project: repainting this old camera!
A little silly, I guess, but I can't exactly get a new one at the corner store. Refurbishing is the only game in town around here.
I'll need some high-grit sandpaper to remove the old paint. Jeremy says he's fresh out, but remembers working with some of it over by those strange stones a few weeks back.
Can you go see if he dropped any?
End:

**Arjun:** Wowee, I can't believe you found some! This will do nicely. Thanks kid.
Doesn't feel right you leaving here empty handed. Take this.
### Wrench

Start:

**Arjun:** You haven't seen my tools around here, have you? I'm trying to fix up the RV.
**Arjun:** Wouldn't you know it, I've gone and mislaid my tools again.
If you find them, let me know, will ya kid? Trying to patch up the ol' RV.
**Arjun:** Spotted any tools lying around lately? My camera appears to be busted.
I don't mind a broken-down RV, but if I can't even take pictures, what am I gonna do all day?
**Arjun:** The old camera needs some tinkering, but I can't find my tools anywhere.
If you run across them, give me a shout, eh?
End:

**Arjun:** Thanks. I wonder if this old girl will ever run again?
**Arjun:** Ah, you found them!
Might be futile, trying to get the grand old dame running again, but I have to try.
**Arjun:** Thanks, kid! Now let's hope nothing is permanently damaged...
**Arjun:** I owe ya one, kid! Now, let's see what the problem is...
Aha!
...Looks like it didn't have film in it.
## Mementos

Spoiler alertThis article or section contains **spoilers**. Proceed with caution!
1. *Arjun Bhalla, the Retiree Bear, keeps a photo of his wife with him at all times. Or, most of the time.*
2. *Apparently Arjun used to be a sailor? But the person in the photo looks more like Captain Snout…*
3. *It seems that Arjun became a postal worker after he retired from sailing the seven seas. That's an interesting career change.*
4. *Now Arjun recalls drowning at a young age. Something is clearly amiss here.*
5. *There's no doubt about it now: Arjun's getting his own memories mixed up with that of the other bears. He won't find peace at this rate.*
6. *This time Arjun mistook someone else's wedding photo as his own. Does he even remember what his wife looked like?*
7. *Arjun sees a photo of his own wife and children and is finally able to separate others' memories from his own. He remembers what he treasures most.*
8. *Arjun had blocked painful memories from his wife's passing, but now the memories of her terminal illness return - along with his guilt.*

The comic attached to the seventh memento.The comic attached to the eighth memento.
## Story quests expanded

### The first photo

Arjun greets the player and asks for their help finding his wife's photo.

**Arjun:** Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes!
Come closer now, don't be shy. This bear won't bite!
I haven't had a visitor in... months? Years?
It's just been me and my little Rolling Casa.
She's a good home. Takes good care of me.
Though my Lily would have **hated** her.
**Scout:** Who's Lily?
**Arjun:** That'd be my dear wife, rest her soul.
**Scout:** Your house is a 'her'?
**Arjun:** Sure. Why not?
She can be a temperamental old gal, but she comes through in the end.
A lot like Lily, really!
**Arjun:** I should have a photo right here, in fact...
Ah! Lily's gone!!
Oh no, no, no, no...
That was the **best picture** I had of her, too...
Please, if you find it, will you let this old bear know?
The photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player return it, Arjun is very happy and gives the player a spirit wood for their trouble.

**Arjun:** You found her! My dear Lily...
Feels mighty silly, getting so worked up over a picture, eh?
**Scout:** Everyone gets worked up over something or other.
**Arjun:** Sure. But boy, those things change with age.
**Scout:** It makes sense. Pictures are important.
**Arjun:** I suppose they are.
**Scout:** Yeah, it's silly, alright.
**Arjun:** Hah. Walked right into that one, I suppose.
**Arjun:** When you get married and say 'til death do us part'...
You never imagine that after it's over, you'll be married to pictures.
Not a good trade. But they're as close as you'll get to 'Good Morning.'
And losing them feels like *another* goodbye.
So thanks for bringing this back to me, Scout. I'll see ya around!
The next day Arjun realizes he did not introduce himself properly the first time he met the player.

**Arjun:** Hello again, kid!
So, you're a **Spirit** Scout, eh?
**Scout:** Yes, sir! Spirit Scout and proud!
**Scout:** How did you know?
**Arjun:** Hoho! These old eyes see more than you might think.
**Scout:** Me? Nope. No spirits or scouting here, sir.
**Arjun:** Don't worry, kid! I'm not anti-Scout. You're fine by me!
**Arjun:** It's a fine hobby for a young cub. Good old-fashioned civic-mindedness!
But no doubt Miss Ranger's already gushed at you enough about that.
Hmm. What was *her name* again...?
Drat. I've forgotten again!
Well, it'll come to me. At least I still remember my own name!
Arjun Bhalla, at your service! Sorry I didn't introduce myself properly before.
I'm a simple bear, but I've met plenty of folks over the years.
*Every bear's got a story.* That's my motto.
How about you? What's your story?
**Scout:** I don't have much of a story...
**Arjun:** You're young yet. I'll bet you'll leave Cozy Grove with *plenty* of stories.
**Scout:** I'm stranded on a deserted island with only ghosts for company.
**Arjun:** Sounds like the makings of a **very** interesting story to me!
**Arjun:** And maybe I'll be part of that grand story, if you like?
...Only trouble is, lately I hardly know who I am.
I've been forgetting things left and right.
Fortunately, I've always been an avid photographer! And photos are memories that live on forever.
If you find any of my **photos** around the island, please bring them to me!
### The second photo

Arjun asks the player if they have found any other photos.

**Arjun:** Heya, Spirit Scout! Run into any more **photos**, by any chance?
Another undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he remembers he used to be a captain.

**Arjun:** Is that a photo I see there?
Wonderful! Let's see what we've got...
Ahh, a ship! A real beauty, too.
I must have sailed all over the place in this, once upon a time.
Yessirree. I must have been a ship's captain, braving the seven seas!
**Scout:** Ummm... / Are you sure that's actually you?
**Scout:** That looks like Captain Snout to me.
**Arjun:** Eh? Who?
Must've been a rival sea captain. We sailors certainly are an ornery lot!
**Arjun:** Yes, it's all coming back now!
My dear Lily must have been the one to make a landlubber of me!
No ordinary woman could separate a captain from his ship.
Aye. What a bear she was!
Scout, would you hold onto this photo for me?
I don't want to lose it again.
Arjun gives the player a spirit wood and a photo that belongs to Captain Billweather Snout and can be used in one of his quests. The player also unlocks the second Arjun's memento.

### The third photo

Arjun asks the player to find something to help him remember his past:

**Arjun:** You up for another mission, kid?
**Scout:** You bet!
**Scout:** I guess?
**Arjun:** Hmm. You don't sound too keen there.
**Scout:** Not really.
**Arjun:** Hmph. Kids today don't understand the magic of photographs.
**Arjun:** Since you brought me that ship photo, I've been thinking mighty hard...
...about my Lily and the life we must have shared after I left sailing behind.
But I can't remember much at all. Not even how I died.
Maybe you can encourage the spirits of Cozy Grove to jog my ol' memory?
Another undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he remembers he used to work as a postman.

**Arjun:** Another **photo**! Let's have a look...
Ahh, splendid! Just look at these happy bears.
That's me and Lily right there, with our two cubs.
I can't recall their names just now, but I'll get there.
Looks like I'm wearing a uniform?
Ah, so that's it!
I must've become a postman after I gave up the sea captain's life!
**Scout:** I don't see a resemblance...
**Scout:** Dude. None of those bears look like you.
**Arjun:** Hrmph! How inappropriate!
The kids clearly took after their mother, that's all.
**Arjun:** Life has its twists and turns, doesn't it?
One day I'm a hero of the seas; the next day I'm a humble postman.
I'll bet I threw myself into my work and memorized every name on my route!
And yet I also must've understood what was *really* important. This picture proves it!
It's *family*. Family is the most precious thing in this world.
Hang onto the photo for me, would ya? In case I need another refresher.
Arjun gives the player a spirit wood and a photo that belongs to Patrice Furbac and can be used in one of his quests. The player also unlocks the third Arjun's memento.

### The fourth photo

Arjun asks the player to find him more photos to help him remember.

**Arjun:** I've been turning these new memories over in my head.
Something about them just doesn't add up.
Apparently I sailed the ocean, then settled down with Lily to make a family.
Then what happened to my family? And how did I die?
I need to see more of those **photos** you've been finding...
Another undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he remembers he drowned at a young age and gives the player a spirit wood.

**Arjun:** Another photo! Thank you, my little friend.
Let's have a look, eh?
Huh. I must've been diving in the ocean that day. Me and a friend.
Looks like I went too deep, too fast, and ended up in trouble.
What a tragic day that must have been. We look so young!
My Lily must've been beside herself...
When the player talks to Arjun a few days later, he talks about how confused he is.

**Arjun:** ...
Something's... still not adding up. I feel unsettled.
Those photos you've been bringing me have got me all mixed up.
Was I a postman, or a sailor? Did I drown at a young age, or live to be old?
**Scout:** None of the above?
**Arjun:** No, that can't be right! *Some* of it must be real, at least.
**Scout:** Option C. It's always option C.
**Arjun:** This must seem silly to you, eh? How can a ghost get his own story muddled?
**Arjun:** Things pop in and out of my memory...
I know I was a real shutterbear, and I know that I loved my Lily.
But beyond that, everything's still lost in the fog.
Good thing I've got all eternity to figure it out, eh?
### The fifth photo

Arjun asks the player to find a photo of his family.

**Arjun:** I've been going about this all wrong, kid.
I've been trying to piece together my life story from photos of my career and death...
...but I should've been focused entirely on *my family* this whole time!
That's got to be the key. It's what matters most to me.
You'll tell me if you come across any **family photos**, won't you?
An undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he remembers he was a craftsman:

**Arjun:** You're a photo-finding whiz, kid! Let's see what we got this time, eh?
This must be a shot of myself, Lily, and our oldest child!
I must've been a handy bear, and worked hard to build a fine home for my family.
I wonder when I picked up carpentry skills? Maybe during my sailor days?
Or maybe I was simply self-taught and a fast learner?
The desire to take care of family is a powerful motivator!
Maybe I was the stoic type. Making things for my family might be how I showed affection.
Well... I know that I loved them. At least *that part* feels true to me.
Arjun gives the player a spirit wood and a photo that belongs to Jeremy Gruffle.

### The sixth photo

Arjun asks the player to find photos of his old house.

**Arjun:** I've been thinking about that house in the last picture you brought me.
It was a nice looking place...
...but what really makes a home is what's on the *inside*, right?
I must've taken **photos** of our lives inside that house. I'd love to see them!
An undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he remembers he was a baker.

**Arjun:** And what do we have here...
What a warm and lovely kitchen! It looks almost like a bakery!
You know, it's funny, I never really thought of myself as a chef.
In fact, I'm having a hard time remembering a single recipe...
Grrr!! This memory loss is such a pain in my rear.
**Scout:** Maybe you just need more time.
**Scout:** Are you, uh, familiar with Occam's Razor?
**Arjun:** Who's what?
Are you trying to confuse me *more*, kid?
**Scout:** If you're a baker, where's your oven?
**Arjun:** I don't know...
**Arjun:** I guess I still feel lost.
Give me some time to get my head on straight, please.
Arjun gives the player a spirit wood and a photo of Allison Fisher. The player also unlocks the fifth Arjun's memento.

### The seventh photo

Arjun asks the player to find a photo of one of his favorite things.

**Arjun:** I've been thinking...
Maybe I should be looking for clues in the things around me?
My RV. My trusty camera. They're both extensions of me in some ways.
You ever feel like that about a thing?
**Scout:** I'm definitely missing my phone lately.
**Arjun:** Our Spirit Scout is a modern kid after all!
Too bad the Scouts don't allow gadgets on camping trips, eh?
**Scout:** I hope my Kumagotchi is still alive.
**Arjun:** Kuma-what-now? I don't keep up with the latest trends, kid.
**Scout:** My trusty Scout Handbook is all I need.
**Arjun:** Right on, kid! That's how I feel about my camera.
**Arjun:** There's an important *thing* floating at the edge of my memory...
Something tangible and meaningful to me, like my camera or RV.
I don't know what it was. But I must have taken a **photo** of it?
An undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he remembers he had a motorcycle.

**Arjun:** So I was right! How exciting! Let's see it.
Look at that magnificent machine! That's a motorcyclist's dream, right there.
I must have put endless time and energy into this baby. Look how it gleams!
Imagine hitting the open road on this two-wheeled beast...
Wind in my fur, the landscape stretching out ahead. What a great hobby.
**Scout:** Almost as great a hobby as PHOTOGRAPHY, right??
**Arjun:** Haha, yes! What a great combination of hobbies, in fact.
Driving from one scenic photo opp to the next. It sounds amazing, doesn't it?
**Scout:** You know, Valentina loves motorcyles...
**Arjun:** Really?? Perhaps we went riding together back in the day?
**Arjun:** Yep... I'm sure this motorcycle brought me plenty of peace when I was alive.
At least, I think I'm sure...
Arjun gives the player a spirit wood and a photo of Valentina Oso-Fisher.

A few days later Arjun wants to talk.

**Arjun:** Nice day out, eh?
I was just tuning up my old RV here.
Sometimes it feels good to forget about your worries and just exist in the moment.
My Lily told me that, near the end. When my memory started to fail me.
...
What was I saying?
It felt like I remembered something...
### The eighth photo

Arjun wishes he had a photo of his wedding.

**Arjun:** Ever been in love, kid?
**Scout:** Sure have!
**Arjun:** At your age? Color me impressed!
**Scout:** How would I know?
**Arjun:** Oh, you'll know. Hits you right in the chest, love does.
**Scout:** I'm a plucky, prepubescent child, sir.
**Arjun:** Well. Now I just feel creepy.
**Arjun:** My Lily... was the greatest thing to ever happen to me.
I think of her often. And miss her terribly.
Our wedding was the greatest day of my life. I wish I could show you...
An undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he remembers how much he loved his wife.

**Arjun:** Well, what have you scared up this time, eh?
Why, it's my wedding!
Wow, it looks like the whole island came out for it.
Look at my beautiful, blushing Lily on the happiest day of our lives.
**Scout:** That doesn't look like Lily.
**Arjun:** Oh, now, don't you start with that again. I'd *never* mistake my sweetheart.
Except for maybe that one time...
**Scout:** You both wore dresses?
**Arjun:** Noticed that, did you? I must've lost one heck of a bet!
**Scout:** Isn't that... Octavia? The one in the chair?
**Arjun:** Octavia? Hmm... Where do I know that name from?
**Arjun:** Well, whatever, there's no mistaking the **love** in this photo!
And if there's one thing I know for sure, it's that I dearly loved my Lily!
Arjun gives the player a spirit wood and a photo of Octavia. This also unlocks his sixth memory.

### The ninth photo

Arjun wants the player to find another one of his photos.

**Arjun:** My camera's calling to me again. You know what that means.
Another one of my **photos** is out there, waiting to be found.
Taking and collecting pictures was clearly more than just a hobby to me...
An undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he is surprised to see it is a farm and gives the player a spirit wood and a photo of Lee:

**Arjun:** Well, now! This was unexpected.
What a beautiful farm, like something out of a painting!
I wonder if I planned to retire there?
It must not have worked out, somehow. I don't remember this place.
**Scout:** It looks sort of like the Dennings family farm.
**Arjun:** Dennings... Dennings... Ah, yes, they had some trouble with the crops, if I recall.
I wonder what happened to their son, Lee? Maybe he's sold the place and moved on.
**Scout:** So you retired to this spot instead?
**Arjun:** That would appear to be the case, but... hmm...
I wonder why Lily didn't come with me?
**Arjun:** Ah, don't listen to this old bear. I'll just confuse you along with myself.
You run along now, eh? Don't worry about me.
### The tenth photo

Arjun asks for another photo.

**Arjun:** When you're dead, you've got all the time in the world to reflect on your actions.
It's a blessing and a curse when you can barely remember your past.
Did I die with any regrets? Like friendships I let fall apart, or promises I didn't keep?
I can feel another **photo** out there, calling to me. Maybe that will have some answers.
An undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. When the player brings it back to Arjun, he realizes it is not the photo he was looking for and rewards the player with a spirit wood and a photo of Clyde.

**Arjun:** Huh. This seems like the *opposite* of a *regret*!
This feels like a wonderful moment. Just look at all those smiling children.
What does this have to do with *regret*? Was I helping these kids to atone for something?
Did it work, if so? Did it fill the hole in my heart?
I don't think it did. Looking at this photo doesn't bring me any satisfaction or peace.
**Scout:** <gently> Perhaps you were the photographer, not the subject...
**Arjun:** ...
Maybe you're right.
These photos all feel like I had a hand in them.
But I feel just as unsettled and confused when I see them.
**Scout:** This looks like Clyde, the Wolf Bear.
**Arjun:** No, no, that can't be right.
I must have had something to do with this picture...
**Scout:** Oof. Good thing you have eternity to figure things out.
**Arjun:** Don't you give up on me, kid.
I'm a stubborn old bear. I'll get there.
Please, don't let me fade away into the forgotten mists again.
**Arjun:** I know there's an answer out there. There has to be.
### The eleventh photo

Arjun asks the player to bring him another photo.

**Arjun:** My mind's a mess today. Full of fears and anxieties from I-don't-know-where.
This can only mean another **photo** has revealed itself somewhere on the island.
It's not just lying around this time, I don't think.
*Someone* is clutching it close to their heart.
This time the photo of spirit evidence can be obtained from Bruin Tram in a conversation after one of his story quests. Once the player brings it to Arjun, he rewards the player with a spirit wood and a photo of Bruin:

**Arjun:** So it was Tram who shot this photo?
That kooky old bear. What's he ranting and raving about today?
**Scout:** I have no earthly idea.
**Scout:** He thinks this photo will prove the island is haunted.
**Arjun:** He does, does he?
**Arjun:** Well, let's have a look, then.
Hm, this looks like... Well, it *appears* to be a... huh.
Poor Tram wasn't holding his camera steady when he shot... whatever this is.
That's just how it goes sometimes.
You miss the moment, and all you have left is your imperfect memory of it.
Try to let Tram down easy, eh? I know the disappointment of a crucial, failed photo op.
And he's had such a hard time with this whole *afterlife* thing...
### The twelfth photo

Arjun talks about the nature of memory and asks the player to bring him another photo.

**Arjun:** You remember that blurry old photo you brought me? The one from Tram?
It got me thinking. You know, about the fuzziness of memory.
We *think* our recollections our perfect. But they shift and get muddy over time.
A photo seems like a perfect record. But seeing one can change your memory of an event.
You end up recalling what the photo portrays, instead of your actual feelings in that moment.
I've... been thinking a lot about that lately...
**Scout:** You're SO CLOSE to a breakthrough!
**Arjun:** You think so?
I feel it too. But I don't know how to get over the hump.
Maybe we just need to run the old routine one more time...
**Scout:** And yet, you're about to ask me for another photo, right?
**Arjun:** Hah! Clever kid. I guess you're right.
**Arjun:** Even if these photos aren't of me, seeing and touching them gets my mind working.
My mind wasn't doing much of *anything* when you first found me.
So I want to keep at it. What do you say, kid?
An undeveloped photo can be found hidden on the island. Once the player brings it back to Arjun, he rewards the player with a spirit wood and a photo of Francesca.

**Arjun:** I knew there was another photo out there!
Hrm... this is even harder to make out than Tram's so-called *'spirit photo.'*
It's so dark, I can barely make anything out...
Did I take this picture in an unlit room without a flash? It doesn't look quite like that.
Did... something happen to **burn** away the picture...?
This photo has some dark vibes to it, kid. Be careful with it.
### Photo of Lily

Arjun asks the player to bring him another photo, this time a special one.

**Arjun:** You've been a real trooper, Scout, despite how little these **photos** have taught me.
I thought these were photos of my life, in all its phases. But it seems like they weren't.
I've been a lot of trouble to you for nothing, huh kid?
**Scout:** No. I signed up for this.
**Arjun:** ...
Thanks, kid.
**Scout:** I'm used to it by now.
**Arjun:** Sometimes it feels like all of life is just *getting used* to things.
**Scout:** If you're sorry, then just give me a badge already.
**Arjun:** I suppose I can't blame you for that.
I think I can make things interesting for you this time, though.
**Arjun:** So, I've been almost afraid to tell you...
I can feel another **photo** out there today. And it's not normal.
This one is tugging at me. Hard.
If you come across it... well, you know the drill.
The photo of spouse can be obtained from Ursula Pine in a conversation after one of her story quests. Once the player brings it back to Arjun, he realizes it is a photo of his family and rewards the player with a spirit wood.

**Arjun:** Yep, this photo is different from the others. Warmer, somehow.
Why, this is... me! It's actually me!! And that's Lily, and our children!
There's no mistaking it this time. I remember when we took this! When... *I* took this!
I wasn't just a bear who liked to take photos... I was a photographer!
The Captain and his boat. Octavia's wedding. That poor bear who drowned...
I immersed myself in the lives of all the bears on the island.
I captured their stories. All their sorrows and triumphs...
But **this** was who I loved. My wife, and our family!
I've missed them so much. That must be why I projected them into every photo you brought me...
*This* is what I needed. Thank you, kid.
I suddenly feel like I have my head on straight for the first time in ages!
This unlocks Arjun's seventh memory.

### Another photo

Arjun's memories are coming back. He asks the player to bring him another photo.

**Arjun:** Since you brought me that photo of my family, my real memories are coming back!
But something still isn't right. There are pieces missing... important ones.
I don't much care to learn about my own death, but what happened to my children? To my Lily?
Maybe the next **photo** you come across will have the answers?
The photo of sickness can be found hidden on the island. Once the player brings it back to Arjun, he rewards them with a spirit wood.

**Arjun:** What's that there? Looks like another photo of my lovely Lily!
It... looks like she's in a hospital bed. Maybe she had some sort of surgery...?
No... Something's wrong. She's smiling, but she looks so... small. All those tubes...
Oh. I remember now. She came down with a terrible illness after our youngest left the house.
It didn't seem so bad, at first. I was sure... we were *both* so sure that she'd get better...
...
No. This can't be right.
**Scout:** You're sure this is Lily, right? / Is it someone else's memory after all?
**Arjun:** N, no... She was getting better! She was! I promised her...
...I promised her we would beat her illness together...
This unlocks Arjun's eighth memory.

### Stolen photos

The imps are crowding around Arjun and have stolen some photos from him.

**Arjun:** What can I do for you this fine day, Spirit Scout?
**Scout:** Um... are you doing alright?
**Arjun:** Peachy as a home-baked pie! And why shouldn't I be?
All my memories are back and my business is done. Now I just wait for a pickup to the hereafter!
**Scout:** Is it me or are there a **lot** of imps around today?
**Arjun:** Imps, eh? Can't say I've even noticed, I'm in such a great mood!
**Arjun:** Sure, those critters stole some **photos** right out of my paws...
...but you know what? Let them keep 'em. I don't need those flimsy old things.
As long as I have my Lily, nothing else matters. Isn't that right, Scout?
Three more photos are hidden on the island. Once the player catches the imps, collects the photos and brings them back to Arjun, Arjun tells the player the rest of his story.

**Arjun:** Y-you brought back the photos the imps took! Don't you know how to leave well enough alone?
What makes you think I want anything to do with these old memories?
**Scout:** Because it's about your family. / Because it's about your past. / Because you can't move on until you face this.
**Arjun:** You don't know what you're talking about!
My Lily had her illness, and then she got better!
... No, that's not right.
She didn't get better.
And my children blamed *me* at her *funeral*!
They said **I** killed her. In front of everyone! They said I'd killed my Lily...!
They said I didn't *take her illness seriously enough*!
I never saw them after that day. *Good riddance*, I thought at the time.
What a horrible thing for a father to think about his own children.
Little wonder why I ended up alone. With only the other misfits of this island for company.
Oh, Scout. I wish I could do it all over.
But I can't. My story is over. All the photographic evidence is right there.
Several days later Arjun wants to talk.

**Arjun:** You surprise me, kid. Still talking to me after everything you've learned.
After everything *I've* learned, for that matter...
**Scout:** Well, I haven't completed my badge for you yet, so...
**Arjun:** Well, I can't stand in the way of that, can I?
**Scout:** We're friends, Arjun. I care about you.
**Arjun:** ...
**Arjun:** Now that I understand who I am, I almost wish that I didn't.
I have so many regrets, and nowhere to put them. I never knew they could be so heavy.
But like I said... there's no way to fix the past. Not mine, nor anyone else's.
I can't save my Lily. And I can't make amends with my children. They're all long gone now.
I just have to focus on what I *can* fix. Eh, Scout?
A few days later Arjun is ready to move on.

**Arjun:** It's another beautiful day, isn't it, kid?
You know, I never asked. Are you even OK with me calling you that?
**Scout:** Sure, you can call me 'kid.' / I'd rather you didn't, actually.
**Arjun:** I'll keep that in mind. Or at least, I promise I'll try to.
It'll be tricky, because I have a new project: forgetting.
**Scout:** What?!
**Arjun:** Now, calm down, there's no need to get all dramatic.
It's not as though I'm forgetting it all *right away*. Ghosts linger awhile, you know.
**Scout:** But you just finally remembered everything!
**Arjun:** And it was good that I remembered. As painful as it was.
**Scout:** But I found all those photos for you!
**Arjun:** And I'm grateful to you, Scout. Really, I am.
**Arjun:** Toward the end of my life, I forgot nearly everything.
Where I was, who I was talking to. My own children's names.
I remembered my Lily, but even my memory of her became... fuzzy.
Once I even called a stranger by her name.
That woman looked devastated. Like I had crushed her heart in my hands...
I think I realize why now. That stranger must've been my *own daughter*.
Can you imagine? After what I put her through, to not even recognize her at the end?
**Scout:** Ouch.
**Scout:** She would never hold that against you.
**Arjun:** I'd like to believe that. But I wouldn't blame her if she did.
**Arjun:** Losing Lily was hard. But I doubt I could've done more to save her.
I *didn't* have to lose my children, on the other hand.
They tried to reconcile with me, and I wouldn't meet them half-way.
I was too proud. Too stubborn.
*Those* are the kinds of regrets I'd rather live without.
So I'm not holding my memories close anymore. If they float off, I'll gladly watch them go.
Yep... it's a beautiful day to forget.
Arjun gives the player his final spirit wood, and then ascends and turns golden, his area will stay permanently lit and colored. Arjun will no longer give the player story quests; however, he will still occasionally give the player daily quests.

## *New Neighbears* DLC content

If the player has New Neighbears DLC installed, they can say goodbye to Arjun Bhalla once he ascends to free his island space for Archie Pawston. When the player is ready to say goodbye, they need to talk to Arjun and choose *Your look so peaceful* dialogue option:

**Arjun:** Hey kiddo. Just the sprout I wanted to see!
I've forgotten almost everything. On purpose this time. So I can finally move on.
All that's left is my wonderful memory of you. I don't want to let that go.
But I have to say goodbye. My time here is up, and someone else needs you.
I'd say *I'll never forget you*, but the truth is that I will, and I love you for helping me do it.
Arjun's store will become unavailable the day after he says goodbye; however, the player will still be able to purchase camera film at Kit's Canteen.

## Version history

* 5.0.0: Added goodbye dialogue after Arjun ascends.
* 4.0.0: Introduced Arjun's Camera Supplies store.
* 3.1.0: Bears will now only have one piece of gossip per day.
* 3.0.0: Added daily photo quest.
* 2.0.0: Added the option to hug Arjun Bhalla after chatting with him twice. Added sandpaper and cap quests.