Tender Storm

Chapter 22

"What did the doctor say?"

"Everything's good from my side".

"That's great, isn't it?"

"I guess".

"Then why are you upset? Is something bothering you? You look disturbed".

"I'm fine" Sakshi forced a smile at her sister in law who seemed to be excited about the upcoming baby shower she was hosting and Sakshi had no choice but to listen to her even though she was least interested.

"Did you like the theme?" Amrita asked in an excited tone "hope it's not too feminine".

"It's good" Sakshi said with a hint of genuine smile "if you love it, you should go for it".

"I love it" Amrita gave a small smile "Rishab wants me to plan everything that I want. He wants to see me happy but I feel guilty".

Sakshi stared at her while she went on "it's only few months since Amit left us" Amrita almost whispered "and here I'm hosting a baby shower as if nothing has changed....I feel so bad about it".

Sakshi took her hand and gave it a small squeeze"he would have been happy for you...I'm sure he wouldn't have minded. He only wanted your happiness". She could recall how he would talk about his sister with pride. He was after all, family oriented.

"I'm sorry for bringing his topic" Amrita said, clasping her hand "you loved him a lot, didn't you?"

Sakshi pondered over the question and simply nodded in agreement. Yes, she had loved him as much as she knew what love was. But it hadn't been enough. He had been secretive and she was sure about that.

"I called Aman but he isn't picking the phone" Amrita stated "do you have any idea where he is?"

Sakshi remained silent; after the lunch at the Chinese restaurant, he had dropped her home without saying a word. That was the last she saw of him."Probably at the studio" she replied after giving much thought.

"He told me he won't be attending the baby shower" Amrita said in a dull tone "he says it's for ladies and he doesn't want to be a part of it. Can you persuade him please?"

Sakshi looked up; there was no way Aman Shrivastav would be persuaded by her, or anyone for that matter. He was one stubborn man who didn't give a damn about any family functions, no matter what. "You know your brother" she began "I don't think he's interested. Besides, he isn't wrong entirely".

"I know but I really want him to be there for me" Amrita pleaded "he's the only sibling I have".

Sakshi felt the anguish in her voice and found herself agreeing "I'll talk to him" she smiled "but I can't promise you anything...your brother can be difficult sometimes".

Amrita smiled back "all the time.. it's like he wants to change the world around us but in a good way and he doesn't even realise what's good for him isn't so for our father especially".

The sudden entry of the cat turned their attention as the animal slowly made its way towards Sakshi.

"He likes you, doesn't he?" Amrita looked at it with love and Sakshi nodded, her repulsion for Aman's pet slowly ebbing away.

"I remember the first time he got a kitten" Amrita spoke softly "he loved cats and even argued with baba to get one but you know our father. He opposed the idea and even maa couldn't relent him" her voice trailed away even softer "but my stubborn brother couldn't stop at that and brought one, much to our father's displeasure. He didn't care about baba and there were tiny but strong fights every time. The one day it became worse when the cat shit on Baba's bed".