My Safe Haven

Chapter : 13: Tom and Jerry

Warning:- Mental health and trauma, emotional distress, mature themes
Reader discretion advised. ⚠

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Thoughts are in italic...

Shashin's POV

-:Shashin excusing himself at dinner table in chapter 12:-

When Shashin excused himself from the dinner table, a mix of emotions flooded him. On the dinner table, Saras had expressed his desire to open up, and Shashin felt a slight sting in his chest.

He was proud of his son's bravery and determination, but also felt distressed. Sharing traumatic experiences shortly after being freed required immense courage and resolve. Shashin knew this from experience.

He shook off the memories, focusing on the present. Currently, he wanted to encourage Saras to take his time; they weren't in a hurry. However, his son's confidence made him hesitant to intervene.

Saras wanted to open up, and Shashin would respect that. Still, it didn't mean he was at peace with the decision.

Well, I gotta do what I gotta do. he thought to himself.

Shashin pulled out his phone and dialed a number on speed dial. After three rings, the opposite party picked up. "Oh Shashi! Did you miss me already?"

Shashin suppressed a smile; even after 30 years, their friendship remained unchanged.

"I'm putting Raj on conference," he informed without further explanation. He then called Rajat, who answered with a curt "Hello." The tone was unmistakably professional, typical of a high-stakes business executive. Shashin smiled. "Neet is on the line," he said, and Bhavneet took over immediately. Their usually enthusiastic Bhavneet was true to form, and Shashin wasn't surprised.

"Hey Raj, long time no see," Bhavneet said. "You missed the opportunity, old man. Suru is home, and you weren't even there. You said you'd be there. You—"

"Shut up," Rajat interrupted, his tone eerily blank, yet laced with exasperation. Shashin struggled to contain his laughter but eventually succumbed to it. "Very funny," Bhavneet grumbled, his youthful energy belying his 52 years.

Rajat's matter-of-fact tone swiftly turned the atmosphere serious. "Neet, Shashi didn't call us for this."

"Right, sorry," Bhavneet apologized, instantly switching to his serious demeanor. "Tell us, Shashi, what do you need?" Shashin felt grateful for friends like Rajat and Bhavneet in his life.

"Suru wants to talk, Neet," Shashin said. Bhavneet's response was immediate and laced with worry. "You mean open up?"

Shashin sighed, affirming, "Yes." Rajat's concern was palpable. "Isn't it too soon? He just came back; he should focus on healing for now. Everything else can wait." Shashin leaned against the wall, his defeat evident. "I tried, Raj. Believe me, I tried. But that boy didn't seem like he'd change his mind at any cost." A moment of silence followed, as they digested the well-known fact about Saras's stubbornness.

Bhavneet broke the silence. "Well, I don't have a problem if he wants to open up about the trauma. We all know that once he's set his mind, no one can stop him. Let's just be there for him." Rajat agreed, "I concur with Neet." Shashin nodded thoughtfully. "We'll always be with him. That's why I called you. He asked me to set up a meeting with you both for tomorrow, and I agreed, knowing better than to argue further."

Bhavneet and Rajat responded in unison:

"Tomorrow works for me," Bhavneet said.

"Same here," Rajat added.

"No, actually, it's not just you two," Shashin said. "He wants the whole family here." The line fell silent as the weight of this information sank in.

"I guess he wants to get it all out at once," Bhavneet suggested. "No one wants to relive trauma repeatedly," Rajat pointed out, ever direct. Bhavneet sighed in agreement. "You're right." Shashin asked hesitantly, "So, will you come tomorrow?"

Bhavneet burst out in indignation. "Of course, we're coming! What kind of question is that?" He sounded offended. Shashin and Rajat chuckled, alleviating the tension.

"We'll be there, Shashi," Rajat reassured. "For Suru and for you." Shashin remained silent, knowing his friends would understand his unspoken gratitude.

"Well, the atmosphere did get serious," Bhavneet noted, attempting to lighten the mood. His friends welcomed the shift, and Bhavneet continued, "So, Mr. Future Father-in-law, how are you handling our dear Avi?" Shashin smiled, anticipating the drama that would unfold.

Rajat countered with a smirk, "Future? I'm already a father-in-law. You're forgetting Suru and Aviraj were already engaged." He added with a chuckle, "And we all know Avi's no less stubborn than Suru. No point wasting energy; I know a lost battle when I see one." Shashin burst out laughing at Rajat's candid admission.

"Did you just laugh? Are you laughing at me, Shashi?!" Bhavneet gasped, ever the drama queen. Shashin could sense Rajat rolling his eyes. "Shut up, why would he laugh at you? You birdbrain," Rajat retorted. Shashin intervened, worried things might escalate. "Okay, time's up! How old are you two? Act like adults."

Bhavneet and Rajat responded in unison:

"Yes, teacher!" Bhavneet chimed.

"Yes," Rajat added, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Shashin sighed, already feeling exhausted. Some things never changed.

Bhavneet started again, "Raj, why are you so quiet?" Shashin face-palmed.

Rajat fired back, "I don't spout nonsense whenever I open my mouth, unlike someone."

God, these two! Shashin thought, exasperated.

"Okay, that's enough," Shashin intervened, halting the escalation. "That's enough for today. I'm tired and don't want to referee your 'Tom & Jerry' game. You two are living up to your reputation." He received two distinct chuckles in response. "Of course, you'll always be the peacemaker, Shashi," Bhavneet said, his voice laced with a smile. "You never changed, and neither did we."

Rajat murmured in a distant tone, "Wrong. None of us changed except 'him'."

The atmosphere suddenly shifted, becoming uncomfortably quiet.

The abrupt change in tone hinted at underlying tensions and unspoken concerns.

"Okay, I'll hang up now. Come over before breakfast tomorrow; we'll have it together..." Shashin trailed off, knowing they'd understand. "See you tomorrow, Shashi," Bhavneet and Rajat chimed in unison before hanging up.

Shashin put away his phone and leaned against the wall, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. When he felt composed, he returned to the dining table. Dinner resumed, and Shashin informed his family about the arrangements.

Initially, everyone hesitated, but Saras's persuasive gaze won them over. Shashin's smile was involuntary as he thought about his son. He leaned into the pillow, hoping to see his cheerful, vibrant Saras again.

He hoped everything would work out in the end.

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