The Partham Chronicles

Part 4 - Aftermath

Tashvin was hyperventilating.

He had bunked his school for the fourth time. He knew his parents were going to be pissed at him. But this was too important to let go of. He was at home working on a project that he had started a year ago. Creating several prototypes and finally having cracked on a promising design. A resonance machine that could enhance a smaller vibration. He had thought about it when he had figured out that he could do the same with his vocal cords. Amplifying any sound and sending it through for longer distances. He couldn't work at the machine at school because it might expose who he was. When his mother revealed the truth, it changed his life.

He had bunked his classes and was working that day at home thinking that his mom was at the council meeting and dad had been out for some work. But then he heard a car pull up in the driveway of their home. He peeked out through his window that overlooked the car parking. He saw his dad's car and saw that his dad entered the house in a hurry. Confused he went to the door of his room and opened it carefully avoiding any noise.

He heard his mom crying but what she said was inaudible. When did mom get home? He thought. So, he got out of his room slowly and tried to overhear their conversation.

"It's my fault Navil, I am responsible for this." His mom was sobbing.

" No, it's not dear." His dad consoled her."

"I sent him a wave, if only I could have controlled my anger, we wouldn't be in this situation now." She said.

"But you said he provoked you. It's your love for our kids that you did it. You are not at fault. Don't beat yourself up for it. Stop crying I can't see you like this." His father said.

" I thought I could change the system. I thought the Council Elders were sensible people and that they would understand my plea. Oh, I was so wrong."

His mom was talking about the council meeting, and Tashvin's eyes widened. It had not gone well.

" I am not going to let them take away my kid." She said.

Shit. The meeting had failed, which meant that they would have to give those tests. This realisation struck Tashvin like a bolt of lightning. He walked quietly back to his room and started to panic. He was not prepared for it. His whole life he had been a nerd. School, home and his projects were all he knew.

He had been an outcast from the beginning, at school, at family gatherings and any social events. He was least interested in them. Society and social gatherings irked him. He was happy at home in his room doing the two things that he loved, experimenting and playing video games.

In a hurry, he packed his backpack and went to the window. He climbed out of it, balanced on the ledge of the roof and climbed onto the roof of the car garage of his house easily. This was the way he had come in and out of the house for several years, whenever he bunked his classes. This way he didn't need a key and also could work on his projects peacefully. He climbed down the rain drain pipe to the other side of the garage and ran out of the front yard to the street.

What would he do now? He thought of calling Aaden but couldn't gather up the courage. He took out his phone and stared at it for a long time. Then he dialled Vysna and cut the call before it could connect. He took a long breath and dialled again, Vysna picked up and he told her about the shitty situation that they were in. He blurted out all the things that he wanted to say, and then he did not remember what he talked about a few seconds later. She told him to calm down and meet her at Coco's cafe.

So, he started walking towards the main street and took a bus to the destination. All the while he couldn't put his thoughts together. When he reached the cafe he waited at the gate till he saw Vysna walking towards him.

" You look like a mess, let's get inside." She said. When they sat down at a table she handed him a bottle of water from her bag. "You need to calm down Tash. How did you find out that mom lost the case?"

When he told her about what he had overheard, Vysna looked grave. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it again.

" Vy, is there any way that we can escape this? Coz, you know me. I am not equipped for all of this and I don't want to leave my home. The worst part is competing against you and Aaden. I don't even know what kind of tests they are going to be." He said keeping his head between his palms which were resting on the table.

" Neither do I," she said. "But I am sure that mom will find a way to get us out of it."

" Mom!! She doesn't have a clue. She was sobbing when she came home. Helplessly crying, asking Dad what she could do to prevent this. I don't think we are getting out of it, Vy. And it is scaring the shit out of me." He said lifting his head.

Vysna looked lost in her thoughts.

" How can you be so calm?" He snapped at her.

"Okay, shut the fuck up." She shot him a glare. " You'll have to give me some time to think. Coz, this situation is a convoluted mess."

A waiter arrived at their table to ask for orders giving the menu to Vysna.

She sighed and ordered two coffees for them." You are ok with coffee right?"

" I don't care about the order," he said rubbing his temples.

"That's all. Thank you." She said to the waiter handing him the menu.

"We will wait here for a while." She gave a long sigh, " and then if we are not able to come up with anything, we will talk to Aaden and find a solution together. Got it? Whatever it is we are in it together." She assured him.

He nodded.

He had never thought that his life would take such a turn. All the perceptions that he had about the Parthams and their life would soon be in front of him. Whether he was going to be a part of that world was a question he didn't want the answer to.

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Hello, my beautiful readers. ❤️

Sorry for a small chapter. For some reason, my brain has not been braining lately. And I don't want to torture you with bad writing.

There is a small family function next week and I am stressed. Many of my relatives are coming home and I won't be able to post any chapter updates. So, I will be taking a short one-week break. But I have some other things planned for you all. 😉

I am looking forward to being able to write without taking any breaks. I will be starting next month I promise. 😊

I cannot thank you all enough for the motivation you give, it has helped me tremendously.

See you all soon
Loads of love 💕💕
RTW