Strangely Familiar - The Flaw in Time

Chapter 18

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured." - Mark Twain

***

"If you are here to advocate for my adoptive Mother," her face twisted to sneer as she lurched forward while leaning against her revolving chair, gripping the table for support. "Walk yourself out."

"At least listen to -"

"NO."

Naina felt awful for yelling at her, but this was none of her business.

Tia bit her lips, her body leaning against the entrance. "I know you are angry. It's understandable."

Naina was a little taken aback at her soft mumbling. The girl never gets angry. She didn't think it was even possible. Her eyes scanned the mixed expression evolving and disappearing on her face. It was like the words were imprinted in some alien language. Denying her ability to read faces, which she obviously lacks, she headed straight to the point, hoping to brush off the conversation.

"Thank you."

Tia moistened her lips, reattempting, "If only you could speak to your mother once, you could -"

A sharp glare directed her way made her tumble upon her words. Tia pursed her lips, suddenly feeling the change in atmosphere. She walked steadily into the room and stood a good distance away from her.

In her honesty, Tia wasn't advocating for anyone. She had gathered tidbits from Samraat, his adoptive mother, ancient books, and Mr. Rahil Kazmi, not to mention Ayaan's mysterious facade and sudden revelation was unsettling. Quite frankly, it wasn't enough to lay any conclusion. She may be soft-spoken, considerate, and understanding, but she wasn't a fool. There were so many loopholes in the tales she heard far too many times, each narrating their own and none closer to the truth.

How is it possible for everyone to tell a different version of the same incident? She often questioned herself. Observing and analyzing the behavior and objective of the current residents in the house, she concluded that everyone has a secret agenda, and it could be possible that they may be fighting their own battle.

"I know you don't want to talk right now but -"

"You are right. I don't." Naina cut in between her words, stopping her once more, her tone trailing on the verge of anger. The face of her Late father was still lingering in front of her eyes. Nothing could justify that. Nothing. "I don't want to hear any more lies."

"Please, just for once - "

"Give it up already," Naina shouted in frustration and instantly got up to punch the table, slamming her fist down with a random blow. "Damn it, Tia! Why do even care? This does not concern you. Stop interfering in things you have no knowledge about."

Tears welled up in Tia's eyes as she blinked them off.

"I'm sorry!" Mumbling an apology, she walked to the window gazing at the West Wing through teary eyes.

Brilliant! Now I am the villain. Naina thought, rolling her eyes. 

"Would you stop crying and leave me alone if I listened?" Naina negotiated, an ache reaching her forehead. "Only listening, no promises."

Wiping the tears off her face, Tia turned around and nodded, wearing a tight smile. Clearly, she was upset but trying her best to hide it. 

"Very well."

"I just wanted to talk about Mrs. Patil's sudden disappearance and appearance," Tia stated.

"My adoptive parents were taken captive by Shaurya," Naina responded. "Locked inside the circle of truth, she lied or deceived magic in some way and sacrificed my father for her freedom."