Love In Vengeance

CHAPTER- 21

"Hain?"

"See Vee, Mumma can't go Vietnam but I will take you somewhere we all can go and come back on time! It is a wonderful place!" Yash told Vartika while feeding her ice cream.

"What place, Mamu?" She asked

"That will be a surprise! You will love that place, You trust your Mamu, right?"

She nodded hastily 

"Then what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, we are going the day after tomorrow" Yash told her

Vartika's eyes widened with excitement as she looked up at Yash. 

"Really?! Can I bring my favourite doll?" she asked, her voice explaining how excited she was. Yash smiled and nodded.

 "Of course, you can bring Your doll! And your favourite book, and your favourite dress... anything you want, Princess!"

Vartika's face lit up with a huge smile. 

"Yay! Mamu, you're the best!" She threw her arms around Yash's neck, giving her a tight hug. Yash hugged her back, feeling a warmth in her heart. Vartika had been planning this trip for weeks, and she couldn't wait for this adventure. She knew it would be a special bonding experience for her with her family, Though she will feel the absence of her father but everyone else will be there.

***

Flashback: 8 Years ago...

The dining room was elegantly set, with a long mahogany table adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. She sat confidently beside him who appeared detached and disinterested. They were guests at his parents' house for dinner, His parents sat at the head and opposite end of the table.

The room was only filled with the sound of spoons, plates and utensils when The Man in his mid 50s decided to speak up.

"Never thought My son would go to pick someone up from their house," He said in astonishment along with the hint of teasing making his son stop eating for a second, he didn't look up from his plate.

A chuckle escaped from the lady sitting beside him, and why not? It was possible because of her only. Hearing the Chuckle he looked up from his plate and glared at her but as always, she didn't care.

"Stop giving her looks, Adi!" His mother told him while hiding her smile.

Without saying anything Aditya turned his focus back on his food on the plate.

"So, Shivalika, dear, how is your work at the law firm going?" Mrs Agnihotri asked in a cheerful manner, She has always been a proud lady. She has always encouraged Shivalika with her career and success.

"It's been busy, Mrs. Agnihotri. We're handling some interesting cases lately" Shivalika smiled politely

Aditya remained silent, while absently picking at his food, Mr and Mrs Agnihotri glanced at each other before asking him

"And how about you, son? How's the business?"

"It's fine, Dad. Just the usual" Aditya replied nonchalantly.

There was an awkward pause as Mrs. Agnihotri tried to keep the conversation going, understanding the situation Shivalika took the command.

"Adi talks a lot about you both" As soon as she said this, she heard someone choking on their food, she looked beside her to see Aditya coughing badly, His eyes widened hearing her, She panicked and offered him the glass of water.

"Eat Slowly, Aditya!" Aditya's mom said looking at him in concern, they knew why he coughed, what Shivalika said was an absolute lie and they knew it. It's Not like Aditya doesn't love his parents or doesn't talk to them or has some personal issues with them, he is just awkward, He has never been the type of kid who would run to their parents and tell them everything about his day and life.