Long Distance Relationship | ✓

• 35 •

Dinner with family was supposed to be a relaxing event. Aditi's parents had also joined their table and conversation was in full swing, with mostly Karan's mother bringing up various topics. Aditi was surprised when she actually asked Karan about Rahul and Preeti. The only two friends of Karan that Aditi didn't much like. She didn't miss the hesitation that came up on Karan's face, even though momentarily at the mention of Preeti's name. He threw a careful glance her way, before giving a short answer to his mother.

Shortly after, Karan left the table for a refilling. While his mother went on to tell her mother about Karan's friends. The conversation was soon steered to career. 

Aditi's mood had turned sour again. Karan's mother was very adept at taunting her with a remark pointed at no one in particular and a smile. What had Aditi more peeved was the fact that his mother had revealed — Karan had been offered a job role in his company in the US. Aditi didn't even know about it. Her mother had warily glanced at Aditi. She had probably read Aditi's puzzlement that was followed by hurt.

She excused herself politely, picked up her empty plate and walked off. Washing her hands Aditi stepped out into the garden, for some much needed fresh air.

"My Karan is no less. He chose to let go the job offer and his dream of  moving to the States. Ever since he was a kid the only thing he always said was he would move to America. Kids nowadays have their own ways and fancies. One day they want something, on the next something else. In that matter our Aditi is very smart. She always has her focus on her career."

Her mother-in-law's words echoed in hear ears. Aditi wasn't dumb to not make out what the former was trying to say without actually saying it clearly. Why didn't Karan tell her anything about the offer? Aditi felt hurt.

"Adu," 

She heard a soft voice call out to her. She closed her eyes, hearing his footsteps approach.

"Why are you here, all alone?" He asked.

Aditi turned to look at him. Glancing around to make sure no one was around to hear their conversation she asked him the question that had been bothering her. "Why didn't you tell me you were offered a job role in the States?"

The expression of surprise crossed his face quickly and he looked grim. "Not a biggie, Aditi. It was a ... uh, while ago."

"Not a biggie? Seriously, Karan. You wanted to move to the States. It had been your dream. You got a chance to materialize it. You don't think all of this is a biggie? Why?"

"Aditi, look, I don't know why are you getting so bothered by this. This was weeks back and I made the choice I wanted to make. Why are you bringing this up now, here?"

Aditi looked at him with glistening eyes. "I don't believe this. You hide something like this from me. Your mom brings it up... making it sound like I asked you to give up on that opportunity so that I could focus on my career growth."

"Aditi, you're assuming things. I am sure mom didn't mean to..."

Aditi scoffed. "Oh...No, she didn't. But this isn't about your mom, Karan. This is about you. About us. You didn't think it was necessary to tell me about it? Why did you hide about it?"

"Enough of it, Aditi." Karan spoke irritated. "Fine. I didn't deem it necessary to tell you about it. It's not like you tell me everything!"

Aditi stared at him, hurt and angry. "Wow. So this is all you got? I am trying Karan. I at least try to tell you all the important stuff...

"— of course you do." He mocked. "You didn't tell me that the man you dated for two years is now your colleague. Not even when we ran into him at the restaurant. Pushkar... right? Please, don't be a hypocrite!" He looked sideways not wanting see her face.