The Birlas' - CHAKRAVYUH

Chapter - 22: Falling Back In Place

I was a little upset over a few things. Hence, I couldn't respond to the comments on the previous chapter. I will do that as soon as possible.

I believe in conversations and transparency. So, may be, if it starts getting to me, I will write up a note here. If I am over it, then I won't.

So, that's about it. Till then, enjoy the next chapter.

To anyone who feels apprehensive about commenting - Please don't. Just be yourself. I wouldn't judge you as long as the language is respectful. 

At the Hotel, Mumbai:

Roohi was completely back in her senses and Abhir's words made her realize what she actually ended up doing. She was very anxious about the aftermath of her transgressions if she can call them so. But to be fair to her conscience, she just couldn't stand there and see them dragging Anya away. She wasn't a coward, and she would never let anything like that happen in front of her eyes.

Roohi had this internal argument going on after which she decided to hold her head high for having the courage and heart to do what she did. She selflessly stood for her friend and because of her, she is now safe. 

She convinced herself to take pride in her doing and with that rejuvenated confidence, Roohi looked up to meet her father's gaze. The fear, the vulnerability, the anger, the worry and the pain in her father's eyes made her shrink back and lower her gaze with immediate effect. 

Roohi was no face reader, but she caught on to Abhimanyu's emotions very clearly even when he was trying his best to cover it up. The stiffened body posture after Abhir's warning, the exhaustion on his face, the shaky palms and the worry in his eyes clearly told her Abhimanyu's current state in a mere glimpse. 

Ever since Abhimanyu started undergoing therapy, everyone in the Birla House has become a lot more attentive towards reading signs that might indicate moods. They did that consciously, just so that they can comfort Abhimanyu because he wasn't someone who expressed his trauma openly and easily. He was better now but initially he was too reclusive to their liking. 

Out of all, Roohi, with her full focus on, picked on those signs faster and those are now forcing her to see what her father doesn't want her to see. Now, that her sole aim was to deal with her Poppy's reaction, she had her focus on point. Abhimanyu observed that little venture from Roohi discretely but decided to talk it out once his girl is well fed and well rested.

After all, she wasn't a culprit, she was a victim, and she only deserved love and care for facing it all bravely.

However, lack of self-preservation can be the topic of discussion for some other day.

"Ru! Aap bed post ka support leke baitho, main soup heat karke le aata hoon." Abhimanyu spoke gently.

Roohi couldn't believe her ears. She was gearing up for something not so sweet and here her father was gently coaxing her to eat. She then rubbished off all her assumptions and considered herself stupid for even thinking like that. She mentally taunted her dissecting skills and decided to never pay them any heed. She was suddenly ready to get pampering from everyone because she had a really long day for whatever reason.