Married To My Nemesis

CHAPTER 21 - FAMILY MAN

And so what I never had a family of my own, I'll make one with you.

"You know, you know what- what Amma? You are one selfish woman who has ruined not one but every single life of this house and I - I don't think I want to live here any - any longer with you!"

The resounding slap froze Amartya right at the threshold of the massive mahogany door, his eyes taking in the sight of his brother sprawled on the floor and his mother glaring at him, with no feeling of remorse. Amartya's eyes followed that of his brother's head, leading to the sight of Radhika who was already looking at Amartya, her eyes pleading him to do something. Ved

Followed Radhika's line of vision, his head turning to left, his eyes meeting that of his brother's before he lowered them down, all the while collecting his messed up situation. He scrambled on his feet, struggling to stand up straight, causing Amartya to rush to his aid, and help him stand up, his mighty arms, one circled around his brother's bicep and the other around his waist.

"Anna, Anna, I am sorry-"

Amartya patted his back, confirming the little one that he is there for him, while his eyes dared to travel towards his mother who had already turned away from the duo.

"Amma-"

"Amartya Suryadev Shetty-" she swiveled on her feet so fast, the weight of her voice made Amartya anxious and nervous to face what was to follow.

"-Do not call me that if you and your brother want to live your own lives! After all, who am I? An oldie you guys hold no responsibility towards-"

"Amma, no please-" Amartya rushed to his mother but as he took the first step, his mother raised her hand, causing him to stop dead in his tracks.

"Here, I am getting nervous by the day, what will I say to Gopal when he calls me the next time? That my son has got no time to meet his daughter? Someone who is soon to be his life partner, and there is your brother, dying to marry a girl I don't think fits to be the daughter-in-law of the Shetty household!"

"Amma, I love her!"

"But she loves Amartya, can't you get that right in your head!"

Sridevi's voice reverberated so loud, it caused chills down the spine of those who listened, including Amartya. His heart twisted, realizing the agony he had inevitably and unintentionally caused to his brother, who was no less than a son to Amartya. Ved lowered his head all the while Amartya stared at his mother, he couldn't have dared to speak a word in front of the woman he worshipped, and yet, her words were causing his brother the heartbreak, Amartya held himself responsible for, in some way. Radhika's sobs could be heard in the background, so Amartya turned to her, her eyes squinting close as soon they met Amartya's.

Amartya walked to her, Radhika's heart fastening in her chest, but in some way, she had already accepted the defeat fate had written for her.

"Come, let me drop you home."

"You are not her chauffeur Amartya! Ask her father to come and pick his daughter, after all, she had come here on her own terms, with her own will-"

"Amma, for the love of God, stop talking about Radhika like she is a maid. I'll go and drop her if you think Anna would be a chauffer to drop , a girl, belonging to this family, home." Ved said, making sure he hadn't raised his voice, but then again, he had to take a stand for the girl he loved.

"The men of this house are driving me crazy!" Sridevi screamed through her clenched teeth, turning around and marching towards her master bedroom. Amartya extended his palm towards Radhika for her to hold, which she filled with her smaller one after a thought or two. Amartya walked her towards the door, Ved lowering his head down further, embarrassed to face his older brother.