The Rathore's Family

Khadoos

  I hurriedly told my friend I would talk later, my voice laced with panic. Ending the call, I tried to compose myself and quickly got off the bed to tidy my clothes.

Advait walked toward the changing room, his demeanor as cold as ever—emotionless, robotic. As he changed, his mind raced with thoughts about whom Drishti had been talking to. She had mentioned wanting to hug someone. Did I hear that right?

Jealousy and insecurity gripped him. Was there someone else? Someone she wanted to be close to? The thought of betrayal consumed him.

He changed into a simple V-neck t-shirt and pants before coming back to the living room, where he sat on the sofa and opened his laptop. Yet, his focus kept drifting back to the conversation he'd overheard.

A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "Did you have dinner?" He looked up to find Drishti standing there, concern etched on her face.

"No, I haven't had dinner yet," he replied, his tone stern.

"Should I bring your dinner here, or will you come to the dining area?"

"I'll come," he said, returning to his laptop. Drishti nodded and quietly left the room.

In the kitchen, she reheated food and set the dining table. By the time Advait arrived, she had everything ready. She poured him a glass of water and placed food before him.

"Did you have dinner?" Advait asked, focusing on his plate.

"Yes, I did," Drishti replied slowly, a smile barely touching her lips.

The silence between them felt heavy. Drishti fidgeted with her fingers, trying to find the courage to ask him something important. Advait noticed but remained silent.

Finally, she took a deep breath and stammered, "I-I want to ask something."

Advait looked up, his brow slightly furrowed. "Hmmm?"

"Woh..." She paused, searching for the right words.

"What do you want to ask?" he urged, his voice steady but firm.

Gathering her thoughts, she said, "I want to join college; I want to continue my studies."

"Hmmm." He merely hummed in response.

"If you don't want me to continue, then I won't," she said, her voice trailing off as she anxiously awaited his answer. Advait's expression softened for just a moment, but instead of responding, he stood up, took his plate to the kitchen, and announced, "I'm done eating."

He walked away, leaving Drishti feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. She knew their conversation wasn't over; she would have to wait for him to decide about her college plans.

I thought he might support me, but what was I expecting? she thought, disappointment settling in.

Entering their room, she found Advait on the phone, looking devilishly handsome. "Khadoos handsome," she murmured under her breath.

Wrapping herself in a blanket on the sofa, she cocooned herself in warmth, replaying their earlier conversation. Doubts and insecurities crept in, heavy on her heart.

Ma said he would understand, but he didn't say a word.

"Jaisa lagta hai, bolne par bhi tax hai," she muttered to herself, lost in her thoughts. Startled, she pulled down her blanket to peek.

"You can go," Advait said, glancing at her.

"What?" She shot up, surprised. "You're kicking me out for such a small thing?"

"No," he said, confused by her reaction.

"Ka-ka kaha jana hai?" she stammered, avoiding his gaze.

"College. You said you wanted to join your college," he replied, watching her stand up suddenly, a rush of happiness coursing through her.

"Really? You mean I can join college?"

He nodded.

"Matlab, you don't have any problem if I go to college?"

"NO! Why would I have any problem with your college?"

"Wohh, nothing..." she stammered, a mix of relief and disbelief flooding her.