Somewhere Only We Go (Editing)

Chapter 38

Kabir

I'll be honest, when I discussed this with Rishabh what I was going for in my mind was that maybe Ishan talked to his mother before the accident. Perhaps it was the guilt of some sort that made her react like this. I intended to have Avi confront his parents. What I didn't think was that there might be some buried skeleton in it. But now we are all going to Avi's parent's place, Aman included. We decided to bring him along in case his mother tries denying it, it won't be the first time. But what gives me chills is that she lied to his son. Why would she do that?

Rishabh called his father after Aman told us about the time of the accident and turns out it was only the kids in the house who were under the impression that Ishan died in the early hours of the morning. And all three of them were told this by Avi's mom. Since it was a car accident after the police talked to everyone who had met Ishan the previous night and everyone's story corroborated, there was no case. The details were never brought up and since they were all still teens, they kept away from media channels and news about it. It was too much for them to deal with so they obeyed their parents and stayed away. Sitting in the car I can bet both of them are regretting it now.

Rishabh is driving us while Aman is sitting in the passenger seat. Avi is sitting beside me but his head is turned towards the window and both his hands are tightly clasped in his lap. He hasn't said a word since we found out about the lies his mother told. He had finally started to talk about his brother fondly and I feel responsible for taking it away from him even if I wasn't to be blamed. If I had known what this would lead to, would I have acted any other way? Probably not, I would have left it alone if it was something that wasn't affecting Avi but he deserves more than half-baked truths. And the best way to do that is to confront the person who is responsible for all this.

Rishabh called in advance to Avi's father but he isn't in Delhi, his wife is, which is perfect for us. Rishabh told him he was in Delhi so he thought about stopping by and meeting them. Since his father wasn't home it might work perfectly for us. The ride to his parent's house is quiet. It's on the other end of the city and I think Avi bought the apartment because of the distance. Rishabh keeps stealing glances at Aman and he had this look on his face that I don't know what to think about, not that I care much about it right now. I carefully slide my hand on Avi's thigh, not sure if he wants it or not. He doesn't react so I take that as a good sign. He is still pretty much looking outside the window but a few seconds later he entwines his finger with mine and we sit like that for the rest of the ride.

When we reach Avi's parents' place, it's Rishabh who calls her. I realize this is my first time being here. Rishabh says something about him being in Delhi and he decides to stop by, he doesn't mention his conversation with Avi's father. After a few minutes, she lets us in. This is it.

When we step inside the house, it's not as big as their villa in Goa but it's still big enough and it is nothing like Avi's apartment. The house looks as lonely as the people who live in the huge mansion. There are expensive items everywhere but nothing feels homely. I am happy Avi doesn't live here. This is just a house where people reside, this isn't a home. Home is our apartment.

"Chachi?" Rishabh half shouts.

"Give me a minute Rishabh."

She still thinks it's just him. So we are careful about not making any noise. Aman is just frowning looking at his phone and I realize this isn't the first time he is here like me. He has probably been here often.

"You should have called in advance Rishabh, your chachu isn't even in town." Before she could say more she saw us and froze.

"You didn't say anything about having company." Her eyes are stuck on Aman. So she recognizes him.

"Funny story, chachi. So I was having dinner with Avi and Kabir when we bumped into Aman." Rishabh makes up a story to make it look like a coincidence, which is better. I am thankful I asked him to help me because he is the only one thinking straight, in a way playing the part of an elder brother to Avi well.

At that point, we are all scattered in the living room. Avi is standing near the fireplace, (this house actually has one) with his one leg supported on the wall behind him. Aman is sitting on the couch staring at this huge portrait of Ishan that covers half the wall over the fireplace. Rishabh stands with his arms around him near the table and I stand beside him.

"Naturally we got to talking and I mentioned Ishan."

I carefully observe her every movement as she sits down on the couch in front of Aman and grips a pillow tightly.

"It's weird because he told us that Ishan died around 1 am. I thought I remembered it wrong but then I asked Avi and even he said it was around 3 am but still I thought maybe we both remembered it wrong so I called Dad. And it was kinda shocking that he said the same thing as Aman. I don't know why the police lied to us about his time of death but then they never did, did they? Because I remember and please correct me if I am wrong at any point but you screamed and we all woke up and ran down the stairs. The police were telling me what had happened and you grabbed Avi's hand and nodded towards me and Disha to follow you. And we did. Am I right, until now Chachi?" Rishabh asks. And she nods.

"What's going on chachi? Where is Ishan bhaiya?" Disha asks as tears flow down her cheeks.

There were four people in the room. Avi gives a desperate look to her mom and repeats Disha's question. "Where is Ishan, mom?"

There is something that passes on her face but by now she is quite good at keeping her expressions in check. She needed to tread carefully. No one can know what had happened. That's why she quickly changed back into her night dress before opening the door. It was her best performance yet and people dared to say Ishan didn't have acting in his genes, it was all his natural talent. But that wasn't true, after all he was my son. He was going to be everything she couldn't be. But she never wanted this to happen. She had just gone there to talk to him and make him see sense. Until her younger son, she regretted having, spoiled everything with one phone call.