Your fabricated lie

12 - The bright side

Sometimes, a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen is all it takes to repair a broken life. I was way more than ready to repair every broken part of his at all costs - No matter what it takes.

"Coffee?" I asked this depressed man. Honestly, I hated this kind of vibe from Adi. He is way more fun than the entire cartoon channel.

"Go straight," he spoke softly. I nodded my head immediately not showing the internal questions and confusion.

From there, he guided me the route for 45 minutes. It was already evening and I am almost losing my energy, patience, what not! Thank God we reached the place before my energy drained out. I managed to look energetic but deep down I wanted a soft mattress to lie on. Now that my body is in its late 20s, I need to honor it.

Just one more hour. Drop him here and you can go, I push myself beyond the limits.

He turned his head to my side. "In spite of all this shit, this home is the only things that keeps me going," he said. "Someday… I want you to be a part of it".

I swiveled my head at jet speed.

"Actually it's more than a mere 'want'," he added.

That's all. That is all it took for me to regain my energy. All of sudden, I am curious about this home and his connection with it. Exactly two minutes ago, I just wanted to go home but the same me is now curious to explore every brick of this mansion.

This time, looks like he doesn't need to drag me in there. I, myself stepped out and walked by his side.

Oh. My. God! How many more mansions does he own?!

The perfectly constructed house with a eye captivating fountain at the entrance made me question if money can buy happiness. Had that been the case, he would have been the happiest person – but he isn't.

We were near the door and I had to raise my leg to cross the threshold.

"Right leg please," he held my hand. Listening to that, there's this automatic blush I couldn't control as I already cracked the kind of connection he has with this home. [Indians consider it auspicious to enter with right leg as new home indicates new beginnings - for daughter-in-law, it's a must]

"Your home!" I whispered the answer, as I took the step in.

"OUR home," he corrected and I fell for him all over again. It was a complete 360 degree change in the environment as well as our behaviour.

I was sure I will not get a better opportunity to tease him. "Where's your - I mean, OUR bedroom?" I tip toed to match his height, stepping a bit closer. A bit closer refers to the point where my chest touched his.

Knocking on my forehead gently with his knuckles, "Meet your father-in-law first," he said, looking over my shoulder

Shit!

I turned my head to the other side and found his father peeling the vegetables. He looked at us with delight in his eyes. I felt weird and stupefied. Though his father's warm smile made it obvious that he ain't got issues with the way I behaved with Adi, I felt miserable.

Out of all times, I had to act this way in front of his father? What a great way to make first impressions!

He walked towards us and Aditya touched his father's feet. "Dad, she is Anu. My more than just a lawyer," he stressed the words 'just'. That introduction was not at all close to what I expected.

I gently bowed and greeted, trying not to show embarrassment. "Come in," he offered pleasingly. We made our way to the hall.

"You guys go ahead. I will get coffee," Adi left me and I absolutely hated his idea.