Shruti And Anuj

9 - Shutdown

Anuj sat down at the breakfast table, watching Aadhya and Shruti eating cereal quietly. His Home was silent for long periods now. The spontaneous laughter, the bratty tantrums, loud music, whispered gossips seemed like a distant dream. He knew that big things took time to be processed, that slowly but surely they would adjust and be happy with the new reality as well. What mattered was that they all cared for each other.
Anuj knew all of this yet missed the old days more than he thought was possible.

The one thing that played on his mind was Shruti's health. She had distanced herself from him and it was only fair after the unintentional hurt he had caused to her. Despite her best efforts, there were still some things that she couldn't hide. Shruti was dependent on Anna more than before, her face looked extremely thin and her eyes held no sparkle. Anuj took updates from Anna when Shruti wasn't there and learnt that she had taken the contact number of a good mental health professional. 'Just in case', was what she had said to Anna.

Though it was Shruti who had broken the engagement, it had hit her harder than him. Anuj felt guilty and responsible for Shruti's condition. And something more.. Something that troubled him but he couldn't put a name to.
As promised, Shruti had explained the situation to Aadhya well and Aadhya was dealing with it maturely. Aadhya didn't create a fuss, didn't throw a single tantrum and Anuj was proud of her but.. he wished that she had.

What?? What are you thinking, Anuj?
Anuj had no control over what he thought and had felt like that since a long time. He wanted to pull his life together, himself together but didn't know how. He should have been pleased that Aadhya, Shruti and he were finally on the same page but truthfully..he wasn't. And he didn't know why. The possibility of knowing the reason scared him.

Shruti finished her breakfast and gestured to Anna to wheel her to her room.
'Shruti, don't go to the office today. I have the project details of the retirement party plans - Mr. Kumar of Kumar Group - on my laptop and we will work on it from here'.
'I have no problem except that you had told me that the health inspection of SnC will take place today. I think it's better if I work with my team today and we can concentrate on Mr. Kumar's project some other day'.
'Yeah'. That had somehow slipped from Anuj's mind.
After the engagement had broken off, a lot of things that had seemed of prime importance to Anuj before, didn't anymore.

Aadhya rose from her place, having finished her breakfast and said a little sharper than usual.
'Pops, I am going to school. I will be able to come by dinner only today. Extra studies in library'.
'Aadhya, studies are..'
'Sorry, have to rush. Getting late, Pops. Bye! Bye, Shru! I will call during lunch break!'.
'Take care!'.

The door slammed behind Aadhya and Anuj looked at Shruti concerned.
'This is the fifth time she is staying back for extra studies. I have noticed that she is cutting back on her art classes. Everytime I see her, which is rare nowadays, her head is hidden behind a book. Why the sudden craze for studies? I know that Aadhya has always enjoyed studying but it is as if she has made studying to be her full life..
Something isn't right. Has she told you anything, Shruti?'.
'You are living what is probably every parent's dream - to have their child study willingly - and yet you are worrying!..'.
Anuj shook his head. His parental instincts were strongly telling him that things weren't as fine as they seemed.
'..Anuj, my taxi is here. The boutique project is almost done and I will try and start work on the Kumar project today itself. Take it light. See you later! Anna, if you will..'.
Anuj. The word seemed odd every single time it came from Shruti.

It was noon when Anuj left for SnC. Anu needed him. Anuj didn't know why but the.. pull he had felt had faded away after Aadhya's birthday. He still wanted to be there for Anu but it didn't carry the same urgency anymore.
Anupama, Mr. Dillon and his mother, and the staff of SnC minus Toshu were all present in the restaurant, worried looks on their faces. The restaurant looked spic and span. There were no customers. A couple of SM influencers were outside, taking selfies and making videos about the 'cockroach' restaurant.
Anuj sat quietly with Anupama, Yashdeep and Beeji. The cold vibes between Yashdeep and Anupama were apparent. Yashdeep was giving him the cold shoulder but that was usual.
Why is Shruti giving me the cold shoulder till now? Why haven't we been able to sort our differences yet? She is my best friend and I hate this distance between us.