Hidden Scars (On Hold)

Part 8

A few days later, Arnav arrived at the Gupta house and sank into the sofa. Garima sensed that he wasn't there to see Khushi, who had just left for her class. Observing Arnav's troubled demeanor, she sat beside him, gently running her fingers through his hair, and asked, "Kya hua hai Aaru?” 

(What's wrong, my child?)

Arnav gazed at Garima with sadness. He felt a deep attachment to her, considering her as his mother. He replied, "I don't want to meet her."

Garima understood whom he meant. She enveloped him in her arms, patting his head, and softly inquired, "Did Ratna call you?" 

Arnav nodded, still enveloped in Garima's embrace, feeling the warmth of a motherly hug. His discomfort at Nani's place was palpable—the unnecessary questions about his daadi and Dad, his mother's subtle taunts. He longed for the age when he could simply refuse to meet Ratna directly.

Garima patted his head, empathetic to his struggle, and asked, "Have you talked to Arvind Bhai about this?" She knew how deeply it affected Arnav whenever he encountered Ratna.

Arnav broke the hug, shaking his head. "Nahi," he replied. "Dad is at the office." He didn't want to burden his father or spoil his mood. Arvind would drop everything if Arnav mentioned his mother, but Ratna would seize any opportunity to trouble him again. 

Garima's warmth enveloped Arnav as she considered his feelings. She suggested a solution: "Meet Ratna at the park. Do you want me to come with you?"

Arnav hesitated. Nani's disapproval of Garima and Khushi made it complicated. "Nahi," he replied. "Just drop me off at the park, and pick me up afterward. Will you, please?" His hopeful eyes pleaded with her.

Garima smiled, her hand cupping Arnav's cheek. "You don't need to plead, Aaru," she assured him. "Their words don't affect me. You matter to us, not them."

Arnav swallowed. "Still, I don't want them bad-mouthing any of you. I'll meet her there and come back."

Garima nodded, deciding to inform Arvind and Subadra. She gently caressed Arnav's head. "Whenever you're ready to return, call me. I'll be waiting near the park. Take care."

Arnav agreed. "Okay. Let me message her." He pulled out his phone, preparing himself to face his mother. 

______________________________

National Park

The National Park basked in the noon sunlight, yet Arnav's thoughts remained clouded. Meeting his mother always stirred sadness within him. Each encounter reinforced his aversion to her. Despite trying to find positivity, neither his heart nor his mind could locate it. Now, he waited for her arrival. She had come to India for her second husband's business, a visit he wished hadn't happened—anything to avoid facing her.

As she entered the garden, Arnav noticed her attire: palazzo pants and a short kurti. Her style had evolved significantly, and she looked good. He knew he inherited her charms, but it wasn't something to take pride in. The unwanted attention it garnered made him uneasy.

Ratna's broad smile greeted him. Arnav stood, awkwardly hugging her before quickly breaking away. Meeting her felt like encountering a stranger.

Observing him, Ratna noted his growth—he was nearly her height now. His eyes resembled his father's, a warm brown. She kissed his forehead and said, "Oh Arnav, I missed you, my son." 

Arnav stepped back, offering a polite smile as he greeted her, "Hello, Mom."

Ratna noticed his lack of enthusiasm but pressed on. "How are you, Arnav? Is your Dadi and Arvind taking care of you? Look how thin you've become. I think you should come with me." Her desire to take Arnav with her was evident.