Unhinged

Chapter 25

When Sharanya, Shashank and Riva stood in front of Naveen, they were confused. Naveen, as usual, was looking calm and composed. As if nothing in this world bothers him.

"I am really glad that Sharanya decided to keep the child" Naveen said "Congratulations to both of you.. You are going to be parents"

Sharanya smiled but Shashank didn't.

"How far along are you?" Naveen asked "Did you visit the doctor I had told you about?"

"I have" Sharanya answered.

"When?" Shashank asked. Sharanya didn't answer.

"I am 10 weeks along" Sharanya told.

"Sir please tell her to stay here" Shashank said.

"Why? Why do you want her to stay?" Naveen asked.

"We can't just let her go.. Not like this" Shashank said.

"She'll come back.. She'll come back with the child" Naveen said.

"I know.. Par kuch sahi nahi lag raha hai" Shashank said.

Riva was silent. She was hoping that Sharanya would stop for the exams at least.

"Wait till the exams at least" Riva said.

"Yes. Wait till exams.. You have to appear for exams" Shashank said.

"I won't come back to campus.. I'll live here if sir allows me and I'll appear for exams.. Then I'll leave" Sharanya said.

Riva and Shashank looked at each other.

"This is a good solution to the problem" Naveen said.

"If she stays here, I'll stay here too" Shashank said.

"You're welcome here.. Riva too" Naveen said

Riva awkwardly looked at Naveen "No. Thanks.. I am okay"

"Riva please" Shashank turned towards her "Please stay here with us"

"Why?" Riva asked.

Shashank took Riva in a corner and said "I can't live here.. It's just that.. I have a feeling if I live here I won't come back.. Par agar tum rahogi hamare sath yaha toh things will be different"

"Different how?" Riva asked.

"I know main sab haq kho chuka hoo Riva.. I can't ask you for help.. But please consider.. You know how Sharanya is behaving.. Har baat main akele nahi kar sakta. Please stay here till exams" Shashank pleaded.

"Shashank.. Don't you care about me at all?" Riva was frustrated "You want me to live here with Sharanya and you after you betrayed me? And that too in this god forsaken place where you got high and fu*ked her and knocked her up"

"I know.. I know it's hard.. But please stay.. This is a good place, very quiet.. You can study here.. No one will bother you" Shashank said "Please"

"Sharanya needs us.. Tum dekh sakti ho wo kaise ho gayi hai.. Please" Shashank said.

"Kya karungi idhar reh ke?" Riva asked "She's so brainwashed.. She won't listen to us"

"We'll try to make her understand.." Shashank said "We were wrong I know.. But hum kabhi toh dost the Riva.. Hum sab log.. Please"

Riva sighed. She thought for some time and said "Just a week.."

Shashank smiled "Thank you" He said.

****

Riva and Shashank were waiting outside a big black coloured door as Sharanya was talking to Naveen inside the room.