Words Unsaid

Chapter 21

"We're sorry Manav" Arnav said.

"Sorry doesn't change anything dad" he said angrily, "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

"We did for you and Mahi!" he said.

"And look at me now. Even after your efforts, they have hurt me! Why did you set the property in our name? They are gonna Aarav bhaiyya." Manav asked.

"Manav, setting that clause was the only option in front of me. I cannot set it on any other member in the family except for you, children. If anything happens to me or Khushi, Akash or Payal, the next in kin is di, the only adult other than Aarav. So obviously power goes to her." Arnav said.

"But dad....who is that man with her? She said Shyam or something!"

"Her ex-husband and the most disgusting man I have ever met – Shyam Manohar Jha!" Arnav said.

"He was saying to kill Aarav bhaiyya...." Manav whispered.

Arnav sighed and said, "I really don't know what to do. I have called the police. Aman is helping but...."

"How can Anjali bua do this?" Manav whispered, "Doesn't she love us? Property is important than Aarav bhaiyya?"

He sighed and said, "My sister is selfish. But to this extent was something I never thought!"

"Why don't you kick her out of this house? Then she won't be able to harm anyone here" he said.

"Keeping her here is the only way to know Shyam's plan!" Arnav said.

"But they know that you're aware of their plans! They are going to strike!" Manav said.

Arnav sighed and nodded.

Next day

Manav went to school ignoring the "One week" bed rest. Arnav had dropped him to school so he couldn't go to Ritika's house in the morning. As he walked through the school veranda, he saw Ritika coming opposite to him in her crutches.

"Ritz?" he said surprised. "Manav" she cried, "Why are you here? You have a week rest right?"

"Yeah right! I would die if I stay on bed for one more day! But why are you here? Your leg would pain na?"

"I cannot skip school for long" she said smiling. She looked at watch and said, "Okay then, will catch up later. And listen, don't even think about playing football!"

"Err....but we have practise today!"

"Manav!" she said sternly.

"Acha baba...I won't play!" he said and she smiled.

It was the recess time and Ritika walked to washroom with the help of her crutches. She washed her face and turned to find some senior girls before her.

"Yes" she asked.

The girls formed a circle around her and one of them said, "So you're Ritika Robert Christopher, Manav's girlfriend!"

Ritika looked at the girls. They were from Manav's class, she knew. "We're friends, not boyfriend-girlfriend!" she said.

"Listen girl!" the girl came close to her and held her collar, "If I see you hanging around with Manav again, you'll be very sorry!"

"Who are you and why do you care if I walk with Manav?" Ritika shouted.

The girl slapped her hard and said, "Just listen to what I say. You should not walk with him again!"