Beyond the Beats

Chapter 37. War zone

Hriaan's driver dropped us at our destination, and Akshay called Hriaan to inform him the same. After confirming with me that I would be able to go to my home by myself, Shlok and Akshay decided to go to Vibhan's garage studio.

They both looked disoriented, and I also needed some alone time to sort out whatever remix was going on inside my brain. As I walked through the small streets, I kept wondering about the party.

If Hriaan hadn't invited me and Dhara Di hadn't fought with Mom for me, I wouldn't have been able to experience that moment with Tejas, though what I was thinking was really stupid. I checked the pendant in my purse and imagined how Tejas would react when I would return it to him.

Will he ignore me like always or will he reveal something about this pendant? He won't act aloof again, right? I just want to have a normal conversation with him at least once.

Removing sad doubts from my mind, I replayed the happy moments from the party, twirling in Jiya's dress as I skipped towards my home. I really liked the one-piece, and the mysterious sneakers were a cherry on the top.

I thank the person who gifted me these. I know there is no possibility of a stalker because who will stalk me? I don't even have anything to give as ransom.

I was prepared to receive compliments from my family, especially my father because he loved seeing me dress up like an elegant lady - he was tired of seeing me in baggy clothes.

I heard voices coming from my home, and I thought that Srishti was again watching TV on high volume, but when I opened the door, a glass came flying in my direction and hit me on the nose.

"What the fu-?!"

I bit my tongue when I noticed my father. I thought he would scold me for cursing, but he just looked at me helplessly.

That's when the mess all around the house registered in my vision, and my soul almost left when I saw our precious TV being broken. Utensils were scattered around the floor, mixed with clothes lying around, making our sweet home look like a dumpster.

"Srishti, stop crying already!" Dhara Di yelled. "This stupid girl can't even do her homework properly."

My niece hugged her grandfather and cried loudly.

"Why are you taking out your anger on that little girl?!" Mom screamed at Dhara Di.

My sister glared at Mom. "Why are you putting up an act? We don't need your fake concern."

What's going on? Don't tell me they are still fighting over me attending Hriaan's party. Why are they stretching this matter?

When Srishti cried more loudly, I felt my blood boil.

"Mom, Di, just stop. At least, don't fight in front of Srishti. You are scaring her," I scolded.

Mom scoffed. "So what? Why should I care? She is not my granddaughter!"

Excuse me?

After hearing my mother's reply, I asked my sister why they were still fighting, and I even apologized for bringing up the party's topic. If I had know the two women were going to turn our home into a war zone, I wouldn't have even imagined about going to that party.

Dhara Di ignored me and kept glaring at our mother. "Don't act so naive. This is happening all because of you!"

Mom sneered. "Really? So thinking about your children's well-being is a crime now?"

Di huffed. "Be honest, Mom. You weren't thinking about me at all. You only wanted to fulfill your own greed."

Mom moved in a flash and slapped Dhara Di across the face. My eyes widened in horror. Dad put his hand on his forehead and tried to console his granddaughter. Seeing his reaction, I understood that the situation was out of his control and this fight was going on for a long time.