Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 15

The dance got over and Meera expressed how happy she was. Agastya gave her a genuine smile.

Karishma approached Agastya and Meera, her expression stern and her eyes flashing with annoyance. Beside her, Mr. and Mrs. Gupta looked equally displeased, their faces set in disapproving lines.

"Agastya, tumse baat kar sakti hu?" Karishma asked, her voice tight with tension.
(Agastya, can I talk to you?)

Agastya raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Kya hai, chachi?"

Karishma's gaze flicked to Meera, then back to Agastya. "Tumhe nahi lagta ki tumhe Mr and Mrs.Gupta se maafi maangni chahiye "
(Don't you think you should apologize to Mr.&Mrs.Gupta)

Agastya's expression turned incredulous. "What are you talking about, chachi? Maine kuch galat nahi Kiya!"
(I did not do anything wrong!)

Karishma's eyes flashed with anger. "Don't play dumb, Agastya! Tumhe ache se pata hai ki tumne kya Kiya. Tumne unka mazak banaya hai!"
(You know very well what you did. You have made fun of them!)

The atmosphere grew tense, Meera's discomfort evident on her face. "Hum washroom use karne jaa rahe hai" she murmured, excusing herself from the impending confrontation.
(I am going to the washroom )

Agastya saw Meera leaving and his gaze softened, his eyes following her until she disappeared from view. For a moment, his expression was gentle, his face relaxed. But as he turned back to Karishma, his eyes hardened, his jaw clenched.

"I'm not apologizing," he said bluntly, his voice firm.

Karishma's eyes narrowed, her voice rising. "Agastya, tumhe bado ki izzat karni seekhni hogi! Abhi maafi maango!"
(Agastya, you have to learn to respect your elders! Apologize right now!)

Agastya's expression remained unyielding. "Kyu maangu? Jab maine kuch galat Kiya hi nahi.."
(Why should I ask? When I haven't done anything wrong)

Karishma's face reddened with anger. "Tum bohot ziddi ho gaye ho! I'm your chachi, Agastya. Show some respect!"
(You have become very stubborn!)

Agastya's gaze remained cold, his voice devoid of emotion. "Main aapko chachi sirf maa ke kehne par bulaata hu. Warna mein aapke aur dad ke astitv ko bhi sweekar nahi karta"
(I call you aunty only on mother's request. )

Karishma was boiling with anger and she was embarrassed and left from there, cursing Agastya. Agastya just shook his head, his expression unbothered.

Harshith came over, a drink in hand, and asked, "Oye, Aggu, aa na do glass lagate hai?"

Agastya hesitated, glancing in the direction Meera had gone. "Pehli baat, don't call me that. Second, I don't think Meera would like me if I drink."

Harshith teased, "Oh, come on! Tu peena chod dega? You're so whipped, Agastya! Meera's got you under her thumb!"
(will you stop drinking?)

Agastya raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "Shut up, Harshith. I'm just being considerate."

Harshith chuckled, his eyes teasing. "Considerate? Woh bhi tu? Nahi, Bhai tujhe pyaar hua hai. Bhabhi's got you wrapped around her finger, man!"
(That too you? Bhabhi's got you wrapped around her finger, man!)

Agastya rolled his eyes, his face feigning annoyance, but a hint of a smile betraying his amusement. "Tujhe bas Jaland ho rahi hai, Harshith . Tu chahta hai ki tere bhi Zindagi mein Meera jaisi ladki ho."
(You are just getting jealous, Harshit. You wish to have a girl like Meera in your life.)