I Am Guilty

38. Claims

With  a straight face and blank eyes, Arjun had collected his belongings and walked out of the cabin. Veena was left alone, fuming.

He let out a sharp breath from his mouth and knocked on the door of his father's cabin. He pushed open the door and walked in, holding his laptop and other files.

His father raised an eyebrow.

"Do you mind if I sit here and work?" Arjun asked still standing and waiting for permission.

Aniket furrowed his brows slightly. "It is lunch time, Arjun. Don't you want to eat?"

"Should I take it as yes?" Arjun counterasked.
Aniket looked at his son for a brief moment and nodded, "You can work from wherever you want."

Arjun let out a breath and looked at the couch. it was large and comfortable. he walked to it and placed his laptop on the coffee table. He resumed his work, trying to keep his face devoid of any emotion, but he could feel his heart palpitating.
Aniket glanced up from his own computer towards his son. His heart went out to the boy. He knew, Arjun was there to find a moment of companionship. H was in dire need to be around someone who was family. The young man had suffered for no fault of his and lost the family that could have treasured him. He sighed and resumed his work. It was too late to change anything.

Veena walked to the cafe where Samrat was waiting for her. She smiled as she took a seat opposite to him and opened the lunch box. A boy from the staff got Samrat's lunch heated and placed his plate in front of him.
Samrat gulped down a glass of water and looked at Veena who was busy filling his plate with the home cooked meal she had got with her.

"What took you so long?" Samrat asked, taking a large bite from the crispy fritters.

Veena suddenly looked up at him and her big brown eyes welled up. Samrat was taken aback.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked in concern.

Veena managed to pull up smile, looking away.
"Nothing. What are you saying?"

Samrat lightly held her hand, "don't fool me, Veena. I saw moisture in your eyes. You know, I cant see you in tears. What is it?"

Veena looked down and shook her head.

"Did Arjun say anything to you?" Samrat jumped on the conclusion.

Veena blinked at him. "No, Samrat. He did not say anything. Infact, he says nothing to me."

"What? Then what exactly happened?" He was exasperated now.

Veena gulped lightly. "Nothing actually, I was just thinking myself."

"And?" Samrat probbed.

"Sometimes, I feel lost, so lonely." She whispered, looking away.

"Hey, why do you feel lonely? You have me, you have a beautiful family, everyone loves you, Veena!" Samrat exclaimed.

Veena chuckled. "I know. And I am grateful for that."

Samrat blinked for a moment and then smiled. "What more do you want?"

Veena smiled, but that smile did not reach her eyes. Samrat resumed eating as if nothing happened.

"You know what, I sometimes feel as if I have lost the motive to live." She said in a strained voice and he looked up.

Veena twirled the spoon in the curry and blinked absentmindedly.
"It was just a few months ago, that I was looking forward to get married. I was getting engaged and suddenly everything shattered like a bad dream. And..... Then.... all those moments with Arjun."