Shoulder To Lean Upon

13. Ignorance

"Sanskar what brings you here early in the morning?" Laksh asked seriously to Sanskar who was smiling looking at the photo he took with Swara.

Sanskar was shocked at his question and tone.

"What? Why are you asking like this?" Sanskar asked shocked.

"I know why you are here." Laksh said in a choked tone.

He turned his back towards Sanskar and said "I know Sanky. You are just doubting me."

"What?" Sanskar asked confused and shocked.

"Yes! I know you are doubting me. I could not take care of her so you think I cannot take care of Swara and Ragini as well." he said with tears.

"No Laksh. You are misunderstanding me. I never blamed you for what happened to her, then why are you thinking I am doubting you. I just came to check on Swara as she..." Sanskar said with tears but was interrupted by Laksh.

"Yes. You came to check on Swara as you don't trust me because I am incapable of saving her right?" Laksh said angrily.

"Laksh you are mistaken. I am sorry if I hurt you but I did not mean to hurt you. I just came casually but...." Sanskar tried to explain.

"Enough Sanskar! I try to understand everyone but nobody understands me." Laksh said.

"Stop it Laksh. Please listen to me once. I..." Sanskar said irritated.

"SHUT UP SANSKAR!" Laksh shouted at the top of his voice.

Sanskar was shocked at Laksh's behaviour.

"Laksh, why are you shouting at Sanskar?" Ragini asked from behind.

"What are you doing here?" Laksh asked angrily.

"I just came to see you as you both were shouting. Why are you shouting?" Ragini asked

"Who the hell are you to question me? This is my house and I have all the rights. Just because I let you stay in my house that does not mean you can question my actions. Did you get that? Now get lost from here." Laksh poured all his anger on Ragini.

Ragini was shocked and hurt with his behaviour.

"I am sorry Laksh. I understood my place in your life. Just like you explain me other things you explained me this too with ease. Thank you so much and don't worry I and Shona will leave your house soon. We will not pester you anymore." Ragini said with tears.

Laksh was guilty seeing her tears He was about to apologise to her behaviour but she went away from there quickly. He turned towards Sanskar to apologise but he too went away without listening to Laksh.

Laksh was guilty for hurting his best friend and... he did not know the relationship with Ragini. He was hurt for hurting them.

***

"Bacha get ready soon you have to go to college na." Ragini said.

"Ragu di, why are you crying? Why are you looking so dull? Tell me di." Swara asked tensed.

"Crying? I am not crying bacha... some dust went into my eyes." Ragini lied and faked a smile.

"Ok." Swara said relaxed.

***

"Ragini, let me take Swara with me to college." Laksh said in a mild voice.

"Thanks but no thanks. You have already done us enough. We don't want to burden you anymore." Ragini said.

Sanlak understood her sarcasm.