Shadows Of Darjeeling

Chapter 13

The echoes of the New Year's party still lingered in the night air as Aarnav walked with Aadi to the parking lot. The vibrant lights and loud laughter from the party seemed distant now, replaced by a quiet chill settling over the two friends.

Aadi, ever observant, glanced at Aarnav. "So, what's the plan now? Back to the same old grind?"

Aarnav shrugged. "Something like that. Trying to keep my head down, stay out of his way."

"You've been avoiding home a lot lately." Aadi's tone was gentle but probing. "Still no updates? About your mom?"

Aarnav's jaw tightened as he shook his head. "No. I've tried digging around, but... nothing concrete. And honestly, staying out of the house keeps me sane. The less time I spend with him, the less he can try to make me into his perfect little puppet."

Aadi sighed, his expression softening with concern. "Aarnav, avoiding him won't change who he is. You know that, right? He's going to keep pushing his rules on you whether you're at home or not."

"I know." Aarnav's voice was quieter now, almost defeated. "But if I stop pushing back, if I stop fighting him, I'm afraid I'll become... him. And that's the last thing I want."

Aadi placed a reassuring hand on Aarnav's shoulder. "You're not him. You never will be. But fighting like this-avoiding everything-it's going to wear you down, man. Just... take care of yourself, okay?"

Aarnav gave a faint nod, exhaling a long, tired breath. "Thanks, Aadi. I'll see you later."

Aadi patted him on the back and stepped back as Aarnav climbed into the waiting car. "Take care, Aarnav," he called out as the car rolled away into the darkness.

The drive home was a blur for Aarnav. He leaned his head against the window, watching the quiet streets slip by. The world outside seemed peaceful-so unlike the storm inside him. He sighed, a bitter thought crossing his mind. Maybe one day things will get better.

The car pulled up to the mansion gates. Aarnav thanked the driver with a quiet "Goodnight" before stepping out and heading toward the house.

As he entered, the imposing figure of his father, Rishi Rawat, was already waiting in the grand living room.

"How was the party?" his father asked, his tone brisk as always.

"It was fine," Aarnav replied curtly, keeping his tone neutral.

"Good. Tomorrow, some important shareholders will be coming over. Be ready by nine."

Aarnav froze, his temper sparking instantly. "You know I have my music lesson on Sundays."

Rishi raised an eyebrow, his tone turning sharp. "Your hobbies can wait, Aarnav. This is about the family business. You need to prioritize what matters."

"What matters? Or what matters to you?" Aarnav shot back, his voice rising. "You've been doing this for years-dictating my life, planning my future like I have no say in it. I'm not you, Dad. I never will be."

Rishi's face darkened, his patience visibly wearing thin. "You don't understand the weight of responsibility, Aarnav. You will, one day."

Aarnav's frustration boiled over. "And what about Mom? Was that her 'responsibility' too? To disappear while you played the perfect businessman?"

The question hung in the air like a dagger. For a moment, Rishi faltered, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away, shutting himself in his office with a resounding slam.

The sound echoed in Aarnav's ears, leaving him standing there, speechless and empty.

Lily appeared in the hallway, her presence soothing as always. "Aarnav," she said softly, "don't let this eat you up. You need to rest."

He looked at her, his eyes tired and filled with unspoken pain. "Lily... why can't he just give me one answer? Just one?"

Her gaze was filled with empathy, but she shook her head. "Some answers aren't easy to give, even for him. But dwelling on it tonight won't help. Go to your room, child. Rest your mind."

Reluctantly, Aarnav nodded. "Goodnight, Lily."

"Goodnight, beta," she replied with a small, comforting smile.

In his room, Aarnav sat on the edge of his bed, staring at nothing in particular. His thoughts swirled chaotically-his mother, his father, the weight of expectations, the fear of losing himself.

The quiet of the night pressed against him, suffocating yet oddly calming. For now, all he could do was breathe and hope that, somehow, things might change.