FALSAFA

CHAPTER 12 - Welcome!

This was the most embarrassing situation of Kriti's life. Two unknown faces staring at them looking for answers. Dhruv asked his parents to cool down and made his way with Kriti towards the sofa.

Dad: Dhruv what is going on? Please explain! Who is this girl?

Dhruv: Dad I did something wrong and that's why we're here. This happened so abruptly that I didn't get a chance to inform you.

Mom: Oh My God! Dhruv did you come home marrying this girl? (shocked)

Kriti looked at Dhruv and screamed "HUHHHH....NO!!!"

Dhruv: (irritated) Uff mom!!! What are you saying? Please stop watching those TV serials, they have completely ruined your head.

Mom: Then what? What did you do?

Dhruv: That's my mistake! (pointing towards Kriti's bandaged ankle)

Later he explained everything to his parents.

After listening to his son Dhruv's dad burst out laughing.

He turned to Dhruv's mom and said

Dad: And you thought that he married her!!!!!! (still laughing)

Mom: Accha sorry baba!!!

She went to Kriti and sat beside her.

Mom: How are you feeling now?

Kriti: Better, ma'am.

Mom: Are don't call me ma'am, call me aunty.

Kriti: Okay... aunty! (smiles shyly)

Dhruv: Doctor said her to take complete rest for at least a whole week.

Dad: Yeah yeah what's the problem in that...We are here na... we will take proper care of her.

Kriti: Please! I'm ok. I told Dhruv to drop me home. I really don't want to trouble you people.

Dad: What trouble? If this thing happened to our son, won't we take care of him? You too are like our daughter. Please don't think so much.

These lines touched Kriti. She didn't complain further .

Kriti was given the guest room. Dhruv personally made sure that she didn't face any problem.

Days passed and Kriti begun to mix up with Dhruv's parents.

They took great care of her, and treated her just like their own. Everyone loved her dearly. Kriti was really impressed by their hospitality.

Since Kriti couldn't go to office, Dhruv spend most of his time with her in her room trying to work. They came closer. The awkwardness between them slowly began to disappear.

Dhruv was now more open to Kriti. He smiled more, laughed more, spend more time with his family, and even joked around some time.

His parents noticed this change in their son. They were overwhelmed to see him return to his normal life. They understood this change was only possible because of Kriti.

Every evening in Khanna house seemed like a festival after Kriti's arrival. They played games, had fun, discussed different topics and gossiped all together. Surprisingly Dhruv joined them too. As time passed, Kriti became a part of the Khanna family.

One evening, around 7 pm, everyone was having their tea as always. Dhruv's mother suddenly popped a question for Kriti.

Mom: So Kriti, I heard that your mother is with your nani now, but what about your father? Where is he? What does he do?

Kriti's facial expression changed immediately. She stared at the floor silently. Dhruv understood that the question was not appropriate. He tried changing the topic –

Dhruv: Ahh mom! Why do you need so much info? Let play the card game, shall we?

Kriti: No Dhruv! I'll answer the question. I am living in your house for quite some time now. You should know my background and where I come from. My mom and my so called dad are separated for 15 years now. I live with my mom as you all know, and don't know where that man is.....or what he does.... (her voice was trembling)

Everyone went quite after hearing this.

Kriti's eyes went all teary.

She stood up and without saying anything proceeded towards her room, slowly.

Dhruv's mom was getting up to go with her, but Dhruv stopped her.

Dhruv: Give her some alone time maa... I'll speak to her after sometime.

Dad: Yes he is right. Leave her alone. She is disturbed right now.. Let her clear her mind, then Dhruv will handle her well.