An Estranged Wife

Chapter 14- The Gamble of Lives!

Awkwardness like never surrounded the dining table as the four companions sat gazing at the other, waiting for any of them to at least break the silence. They've known each other for more three years now, yet it felt first to sit together like normal people and eat. Especially for Sameer, the situation was more than uncomfortable because he hadn't understood the indications Pari's words made while his head seemed to explode thinking of what his mother might have done with all the properties he owned.

He was anxious to go out and make a check on her, but as soon as he stepped out of the room, after taking a relaxing shower, and finely shunning away his beards, he saw his reflection in the dining mirror only to find the human inside him. A human that had redeemed for his all past sins and was ready to start afresh but how and from where was the ultimate question.

Before he could even answer himself, Mr and Mrs Oberoi were in the house. The pleasantries didn't last for long, yet he had several odd questions plopping inside his head. But now that they were at the table instead of munching, they were just playing with their spoons on the empty plates.

"Guess, we should be eating. I don't want my daughter's food to go in vain." Mrs Oberoi came to rescue and broke the bizarre silence of the room. The lady served to her husband and herself and watched Pari serving Sameer as he eyed her keenly.

Even when she was done, his gaze was transfixed on her.

"I think food is on the plate, Sameer not on Pari's face though I understand the dread you might be facing thinking the amount of salt these women add in their items. But I assure you, it's safe. She is still better from her mother. So, eat, son. Consider it an advice from an experience man." Anant Oberoi broke the tension with his excellent approach and before Sameer could know, he was being scolded by his wife and daughter uncontrollably, but he chewed his parathas making audible sound indicating that he loved it.

Sameer watched Pari making a number of faces as her father teased her that she would raise his cholesterol level, and then her mother would make him run miles in the morning.

He couldn't help but smile watching their beautiful bonding; it looked like they were closer than before, and he was glad that she had them as her parents.

"Why did you guys stay in separate places?" He finally asked.

"Well, it happened like with her increasing success, her passion for dancing increased but the school wasn't enough there; she wanted to have something of her own, so she found this place just worth enough to make it her dance school and home." Mrs Oberoi explained.

"And since my bank is near our previous home, so we stay there but twice in a week, we make sure that we keep a check on this over excited girl of ours who even forgets to eat when she is training." Mr Oberoi added with a smile and Pari pouted but as she turned to look at Sameer, her smile turned into the look of confusion.

"Dad seems like Sameer isn't convinced that I still cook pretty well." She said crossing her arms over her chest and he shook his head at her.

"Trust me, I'm convinced since our first meet that you're a pretty decent cook, as well as care taker. It's just I'm not really hungry." He said finally breaking a piece of the paratha and putting it in his mouth.

She ate, as her parents kept the environment cool for them. They knew he wanted to know about his mother or more about his assets, but he didn't have to be burdened with everything at the moment.

Seeing the tiredness on his face, Mrs Oberoi suggested him to have a small nap, and appreciating her suggestion, Sameer made his way to the room where his stuff was kept. His first notion was to find his degrees and certificate file; he searched the cupboards and wardrobe; he was about to call for Pari like his old habit when he couldn't find anything, when he realized that he shouldn't disturb her family time.