Seducing the professor

Chapter 15: Back to life

She tries so hard to please him but he takes no notice of it. When I was younger and Natasha was around they were madly in love with each other. I know they're aging but it's not right of him.

"I've observed Mahir and I know that he'll keep you very happy, Rita. I know you're safe with him. I couldn't be more happy for you..." Mom starts to tear and she turns away.

I missed this soft side to mom. I go to her turning her around. "Mamma, please don't cry..."

"I'm so sorry, baby...I became just like your father all these years. When I saw how happy Mahir makes you, it reminds me of how your father and I used to be. When Natasha was around..."

Mahir enters the kitchen and mom wipes her tears fast acting like everything is normal. But Mahir knew everything...
He motions me to step out of the way.

Mahir: Aunty, I know everything. I promise I'll bring Natasha back. Don't worry, everything will be fine.

Aasha: Aren't you ashamed?!

Mahir: Why?

Aasha: You take care of my Rita so well and you comfort me too...but you call me aunty!!

Mahir: I-I don't know-

Aasha: I'm mamma to you too, dear.

I see some strange spark light up in Mahir's eyes. I've never seen him tear before.

Mahir: Maa?

Aasha: Yes, darling!!

Mom hugs Mahir and I join them. Atleast I know now that mom will never leave my side. My family is 2 steps away from being complete. If Natasha returns, dad will have to automatically forget the past.

Aasha: Rita, after breakfast you know what to do...

Ritasha: Huh? What?

Aasha: I'm not washing your sheets!!

Ritasha: Mamma!!! Why-

Mahir interrupts, red with embarrassment and pride.

Mahir: Love, I'll do it.

Ritasha: Thank you. It's your fault anyways!!!

Mom looks at us and smile but her eyes are replaced with sadness when dad joins the table. Everyone is dead now.

Ritwik: Morning everyone!!

Mahir: Good Morning, sir.

Dad ignores him and start eating. Awkward silence at the table. Luckily yesterday Vishakha saved us, but now we had to face him.

Ritwik: I need to talk to you before you leave, Rita.

Ritasha: About what?

Ritwik: Something confidential!!

Dad scoffs giving Mahir a dirty look.

Ritasha: There's nothing to talk about. And even if there is, you can say in front of Mahir. I trust him.

Aasha: Ritwik-

Ritwik: I'm not talking to you, Aasha!! Stay out of the conversation. Go to the kitchen and clear up this mess! And I'll sort this mess out!!

Ritasha: Mom??

I look at her and she starts to cry. I've never seen dad scream at her like that before. I wonder what goes on when I'm not around, but it's wrong!! I wanted her to stand up for herself. Just because dad finances her and she works for him, it doesn't mean he can talk to her with such disrespect. I despised this man, he wasn't my father.

Ritasha: Mom, please don't tolerate this...

Ritwik: Tolerate what? Aasha, get out of my sight now.

Aasha: You know what, Ritwik?? To hell with you!!!

Ritwik: Excuse-

Aasha: Let me remind you that I don't need you!! Because of you I've neglected both my daughters so much!!!

Ritwik: You have one daughter!!

Aasha: Really? Because I very well remember giving birth to a beautiful baby girl within one year of our marriage...My baby Natasha is gone!!!! God knows if she's okay, she needs me Ritwik!!! I carried both my girls for 9 fucking months and just like that....you wanted me to render one of them dead!!!

Ritwik: You know why I did that!!! It was such a disgrace-

Aasha: I am a disgrace because instead of supporting Natasha, like a damn idiot I listened to you!!! Why? Because I loved you...

Ritwik: Can we talk without strangers around? And by the way I don't give a single fuck about what you going on about.

Aasha: You will listen because I trust Mahir too. Rita has opened my eyes. I'm done with you!! You can fire me, do whatever...but leave my daughter alone because I know that she's doing the right thing.

Ritwik: You don't know shit!!

Aasha: You don't know how much you've hurt me....

Ritasha: Dad, you never cared our family because if you did....Natasha would've been with us!!.

Ritwik: Stop taking a dead person's name!!!

Ritasha: She's not dead!!! I will find her and complete this family...with or without you. I know I'm not your favourite daughter dad, so stop pretending and forcing your beliefs on me.

As soon as I mentioned Natasha, dad's face fell. He was lost for words. I knew he regretted everything by doing that. I didn't want to be here any longer so I grabbed my luggage and decided to head out.

Ritasha: Mom, you're coming with us.

Aasha: No, baby.

Mahir: Maa, you can't stay here.

Aasha: This is my house, darlings. If anyone leaves, it should be the person who doesn't fit here, doesn't appreciate what he has...

Ritasha: Are you sure?

Aasha: I'll never be weak again. I promise.

Ritasha: Mamma, you were never weak. You just strong for too long.

Aasha: Both of you have a safe trip. Mahir, my blessings are always with you, darling.

Mahir: Thank you. I'll take care of Ritasha.

Aasha: Rita, call me when you're home. I promise I'll answer you call this time.

Ritasha: I love you, mamma!!

Aasha: Love you too, sweetheart!!

We had a long flight. Mahir and I didn't talk much. My brain was still wrecking over what transpired at home. Will I ever find Natasha? Will our family be happy like before? All these thoughts haunted me so much that it tired me the whole flight. I was awakened by the landing. Mahir took me to the cafe for lunch.

"You're okay?" He asks with concern when my mind starts drifting again.

"I don't know...I don't understand why all this is happening with my family."

"Ritasha..." I waited for him to speak but he didn't until I looked at him. "Atleast you have a family...things could be worse. I understand-"

"Do you...not have a family?"

He took long to reply finding trouble with it. "No..."

My heart kind of dropped. I couldn't imagine my life without my family even if we fight so much. "Would you like to tell me about it?