Is Love Enough ??

Chapter 26

"It doesn't suit you," a voice mocked.

Maan paused in his action of picking up a glass. He and Kirti had come downstairs a couple of hours ago, where he had met more of Kirti's relatives and the circus had started with the first acts of dance and music and lewd Punjabi jokes. Typical scene during the pre-wedding celebrations. From the start, it had put him on the edge. Hell, he had been trying to relax or dodge the sudden loving and accepting behavior of everyone but it had been difficult. And during all that time he had made sure Kirti was comfortable. She was fine and nobody was bothering her with their jibes and insults anymore. He had needed a break. So, he had excused himself and felt relieved when he found the room empty where the bar had been setup. Surprising but not unwanted. All evening he had been aware of someone watching him. Initially, he had tried to find out then given the observer all the time to do what he needed to do before he came out. And Maan had known who it may be so he had waited. Patiently. He knew that voice. The voice that mocked him. He wasn't surprised to hear it. He had known he would meet the owner at some point. What he hadn't known was that it would take so long. Now that, did surprise him. His lips twisted in a half smile before he picked the glass and poured himself some much needed, much deserved shot of scotch. He took his time as he added the ice cubes.

"What? You have nothing to say to an old friend," the voice said again sneeringly, "or is it that you have no guts to turn around and show your chicken face," it said insultingly.

Maan added the soda and the amber liquid sizzled in the glass with tiny bubbles forming the foam on the top. He took a sip to test. When he was satisfied with how his drink looked and tasted he turned around with a smile. Only the smile did not reach his eyes. If anything, it was chilling.

"Hello Veer," he said casually though he was far from feeling it, "it has been a while," he said as he looked at the man who stood before him and had just insulted him, "how have you been?" he asked his once best friend.

Nothing missed Maan's quick appraisal. Neither the tight expression on Veer's face nor the hatred in his eyes. Maan took in Veer's appearance in one sweeping look. Sure, he was dressed for the occasion in his navy blue striped kurta and white pajama and brown loafers. He had grown bulkier since the last time he had seen him which was about the time he had sought Veer's approval for a relationship with Kirti and that had been over two years ago. A three maybe four day of stubble graced his cheeks. Veer had always been lean, stylish. Always up to date with the latest in fashion. He had often stressed on the merits of being healthy, eating right, going to the gym, branded clothes, in season trends. So what had gone wrong? How come he looked more like a rogue now than the boyishly charming man he used to be? Surely, it wasn't because Kirti had come away with him? That would be absolutely weird, if not ridiculous.

"The beard suits you," Maan said drily when Veer didn't immediately reply.

"You have some guts Khanna," Veer said as he strode into the room purposefully, "coming here unannounced, stealing the status of being the 'son in law'" almost spatting when he said 'son in law' making it sound derogatory.

Maan laughed humorlessly.

"Stealing," he said in response to Veer's remark, "that status was bestowed on me," he said as he watched Veer carefully. There was something not right about Veer Singh. The negativity radiating from him was too much. And Maan was getting surer of the fact that it had been festered, inculcated, stoked for the past two years. Or was it more? Maan couldn't understand or grasp the reason. It wasn't just because of Kirti. She may have been the trigger. Sure, her parents hated him too but they hadn't come on to him that strongly. Kirti had chosen him over her family, name, what have you...and Veer felt betrayed? Was it because of his background? Or was it a combination of all? Or was there an entirely different reason? Maan narrowed his eyes slightly at that last thought. What? Did he know the reason and not recall it? But that wasn't possible. He had an excellent memory. So could it be he didn't know it at all? That didn't sit well with him.