The Birlas' - CHAKRAVYUH

Chapter - 16: The Slip - Ups

Manjari's Room:

Abhimanyu left to the adjacent room, changed into his tracks and walked out leaving Roohi on her own to think for herself. He went to inform Manjari and he literally barged into the room in his mood that has been completely taken to cleaners. He wanted to vent out to his mother like a whiny child but he was greeted with a soft glare from his mother who was busy fondling Abhir's hair. 

His frown forged into a slight smile when he witnessed Abhir sleeping like a baby in Manjari's lap. Now he totally understood what the frown was for. He signed her about him going to the gym. She raised her eyebrows in question and Abhimanyu gestured that he would talk to her later on. She nodded and said, "Dhyaan rakh apna." He gave a tight-lipped smile and headed to the gym.

His thoughts were all over the place and he didn't like the fluctuations in his moods that he has been experiencing. It is a pity that he would realize the shift only once the deed is done. He wasn't sure of his words or thoughts right then and he really wanted to get them off his system until he vents that out. The atmosphere in the gym wasn't as inviting as it was bustling with fitness enthusiasts even at this ungodly hour. 

Abhimanyu was used to the peace and tranquility that his personal gymnasium offered in the privacy of their home. That silence was enchanting and that helped him silence his inner turmoil but all he felt here was a rapid increase in the noise from within. He ran on the treadmill as if his life depended on that but the screams from within continued to haunt him. He got off the treadmill and walked out of the hotel to go for a jog. 

On The Roads:

With his air pods on, he was good to go, and the hoodie helped him be sneaky even if it wasn't necessary. He wanted to push once more before he resorted to calling Neil and the jog really helped him find his center. He was able to focus on things and analyze them as he kept jogging without bothering where exactly he was going. When his legs finally gave up and the reality struck, he realized that he wasn't anywhere near his familiar territory.

He navigated his way back to the hotel only to see Neil getting into the hotel. Abhimanyu's heart squealed in relief as the glimpse of Neil registered in his frame of mind. His moods were really being unpredictable to say the least. Abhimanyu followed Neil and Neil turned back instinctively only to find his Bhaiyya following him. 

"Bulalete na Bhai. Kabse aapse milna tha mujhe aur aap delay kiya jaa rahe ho." Neil started complaining at the first opportunity he got. 

"Bas kar yaar. Main bhi toh kabse tera intezar kar raha hoon. Itna bada kaam kiya tune aaj. You made me so proud Bacha. First, give me a hug." Abhimanyu demanded warmly and Neil embraced him at once. 

He found a sense of safety in his father's arms after the extremely eventful night and day, but he didn't miss out on how Abhimanyu was also seeking comfort while offering the same. He pulled back and gave a suspicious look to Abhimanyu who just guided him back to the room. But instead of the room, they ended up in the sit out with a cup of coffee each. 

Abhimanyu preferred green tea or honey lemon water more but that day, he ordered coffee; not the black one but the regular one with sugar. That alarmed Neil and he was quick to ask,