The Other Half

Chapter 19

(Vashishth House: The Missing Person)

Khushi was not sure how welcome she was at the house anymore. She went through her morning routine to keep herself distracted for as long as possible.  She changed into one of the most traditional dress from her luggage and repacked it, just in case.

Chandani had not said a word to her since she woke up. She did however invite Khushi to breakfast with her eyes.

The table was occupied completely sans one chair.

"Where's Meghna?" Khushi asked.

"She went out of station for some work." Indrani replied.

"Oh. I was looking forward to spend today with her. Hope her friend's okay."

Indrani seemed surprised that Khushi knew of this. "Her friend... Yes she's been through a lot. It may take time, but Meghna will be back once she is."

Khushi looked at Chandani expecting her to tell everyone about the tales of last night.

Breakfast passed but Chandani was yet to say anything. She seemed lost. Shikha, thankfully, was following her sister's approach.

The truth was Chandani Yashnarayan Vashishth had been thinking of only one thing for the past 12 hours. When did I lie?

(Lucknow: The Ask)

"Mamaji, is this necessary?"

"Gudiya, abortion needs the consent of both. So yes, this is necessary. Wakeel Sahab, please go ahead." Indrani's brother, Meghna's Mamaji was set to make things right.

Shyam Manohar Jha nodded. He looked at the third occupant across his chair. He pushed a stack of papers to the man. "When you sign this, you are consenting for an abortion. You are consenting that you are okay about... losing your child. You are consenting it, while you are of sound mind. Mr Kapoor, are you of sound mind?"

"I am."

"Then please sign. Ms Vashishth, the abortion would be scheduled in the next 24 hours. If... Mr Kapoor wants to support you through this or not, is your decision. Make it wisely."

"Hang on," the man interrupted. "Why can't that be my decision?"

Indrani's brother got angry. "We have seen what your decisions amount to. Sign that and get the hell away from my Gudiya."

"Meghna, I-"

"Do not speak to her. You have done enough damage!"

"Damage to what?" Manish Kapoor stood up. "I love Meghna. We took all the decisions together. This is not all on me. This didn't happen one night."

Indrani's brother got up. "What are you insinuating? That my daughter is someone who lies?"

"Mamaji, stop. When did I tell you that?" Meghna pulled her Mama down. "We have been together for years!"

Shyam was not surprised. He excelled in cases like this. "Gentlemen, please sit down." The men still glared at each other. Shyam hardened. "Sit. Down.

"Now, Mr Sharma. Your sister is aware of the circumstances and so should you be." The money payed by Indrani to keep his mouth shut lay in his drawers just beside him. "The case stands. A child was conceived in an ongoing relationship. Both parties do not want to be married. For an abortion, both parties need to consent. Is that clear?"

"Who said I don't want to get married?" Manish asked.

"Indrani Vashishth."

"You want to marry me?" Meghna asked.