Shining Fragments of a Heartbeat

Reveal

Marathi and Raghuvaran were at each other's throats since she discovered Ranath's luggage packed and ready to be moved. She confronted her younger brother, asking, "Whose luggage is this?"

"Not now, Marathi," he dismissed her. Raghuvaran had always addressed her as "Chechi," but he had called her by name for the past month, showing her disrespect.

"How many times must I remind you to address me with respect? I'm older than you," she insisted, raising her voice.

Raghuvaran was on the phone trying to reach someone, but the calls were not getting through. He sighed and turned to face her. "I don't have time for your nonsense right now, Marathi. We'll talk about all your grievances later. My children need me," he stated, moving further away.

"What happened to Ranath?" she asked, her concern evident.

"Of course, you would assume it's about Ranath when I say children, wouldn't you?" he added sarcastically.

He had dialled the apartment manager's number at least five times, but no one answered. Raghuvaran was getting angrier at both the manager and his sister. Marathi knew what he meant by that statement.

"Don't expect me to consider that witch your daughter," she spat angrily, bitterness lacing her voice.

"She is my daughter-in-law, Marathi. I love her as much as I would have loved my daughter," he retorted. "I don't want you interfering in my children's lives anymore," he warned.

"So you're sending away your son-your flesh and blood-to make things easier for that witch?" she shot back venomously. "How much more does this family have to sacrifice for that bastard child?" she yelled, her voice rising.

"Enough!" Raghuvaran warned, his tone sharp. "Appa is unwell; if you haven't noticed, he wanted Anaya by his side. He didn't care about you, me, or the other children he had. Appa didn't care about all the grandkids. Did you notice that, or is your mind too fogged?" he accused, his words dripping with venom.

Marathi glared, her anger barely contained. "Oh, I've noticed. I've long noticed how a bastard child and a freeloader get all the best treatment in this family while we're expected to stand by and watch."

"Freeloader? Who, Anaya? Are you blind, Marathi? Anaya has been our parents' constant companion since she was a year old. Or have you forgotten that our parents have been growing old in your busy, scheming life? Who do you think cared for them when we weren't around? Who nursed our mother during her menopause? Who cared for our father during and after his surgery? Who brought them joy after we all left to live our own lives? How many times have you visited your parents, or how often have the grandkids visited their grandparents? All those years, your parents have been cared for by Anaya," he countered.

"Oh, please! She has you all wrapped around her finger. You're her puppet. Is that why you're sending away Ranath? So she can be comfortable?" she sneered.

"That is none of your business," he snapped.

Frustrated, Marathi screamed, "Why does he have to go while she stays?"

"Shh, shut up," Raghuvaran hissed. "Have you forgotten Appa just recovered from a heart attack? Do you want to give him another one?" he threatened in a lower voice.

"Hah! I'm sure the little witch will heal him with her spells," she retorted, not lowering her voice.

"You know what, I'm done with you, Marathi. I don't know why I even try to talk to you. You're a bitter old hag," Raghuvaran said, turning away.

"I'm bitter, and I will always be bitter. And do you know why? Because of that bastard's mother. That bitch stole my husband from me!" she yelled.

Raghuvaran couldn't take it anymore. "Marathi, I'm warning you, stop yelling!" he glared.