Written in stars (Discontinued)

Misunderstanding

Chandhini couldn't hold her grin as she got ready for bed. Advay was smiling too. I wish I had recorded that scene especially Veer's reaction on seeing ayi and baba.

Chandhini started giggling, then said,'' I bet baba laughed when he went upstairs.''

Advay pulled her into his arms as he said,'' I am funny too.''

Chandhini rolled her eyes at him,'' Yes. In your dreams.''

Advay was about to reply but his phone started ringing. He sighed and let her go and picked up his phone. It was Suresh. He picked up the call,'' Hi Suresh. Everything okay?''

Suresh,'' Sir, there is a bit of emergency. There is issue at one of the offices and the labour union leader wants to speak with you.''

Advay,'' What do they want to say?''

Suresh,'' I don't know. He said that he will only speak to you. There is a shipment waiting but no one is working on dispatching it on time.''

Advay,'' Okay. He wants to talk now?''

Suresh,'' Yes. He is in room next to me. I will arrange a conference call.''

Advay,'' Okay.''

He cut the call and then turned back to chandhini,'' I will be back in few minutes.'' He opened the room door and left.

Chandhini let out a sigh and closed her eyes. Old habits were hard to break. He was a workaholic.

...........................

Next day

Chandini held her yawn as she slid on chair next to Khushi.

Khushi put a toast slice in a plate in front of her,''Servant told me Advay left for Delhi late at night?'' her tone held worry.

Chandhini tried to hold another yawn. she hadn't been able to sleep last night after Advay left,'' Suresh called. Some labour union issue. He will be back tonight''

Arnav let out a relieved smile. Advay had stopped paying attention to his work completely after chandhini's illness.

Khushi nodded.

...................

Khushi was preparing to go to a gathering at ladies club. There was a knock on the door.

Khushi put the make up brush down and checked her hairs as she said,'' Who is it?''

Rani entered the room,'' Ma'am few people have come to meet.''

Khushi frowned,'' Who?''

Rani,'' I haven't seen them before but they said that they want to meet you and Arnav ji.''

Khushi thought for few second and then said,'' Okay. Did you told Arnav?''

Rani,'' Yes. I met him on the way.''

Khushi nodded and got up to go downstairs. It was probably some welfare organisation members.

..........

Arnav sat quiet in the sitting area with the guests. One of them he already knew. He was a well known businessman in Mumbai and it was in his party; Veer had a fight. The other two men were the men whom Veer had beaten. They were here to apologize.

The businessman, Mr Patel, apologized again to Arnav. '' I am deeply shocked. Nothing like this has ever happened in my parties. The thought that one of your family member had to face this situation is a deep burden on my heart.''

Arnav nodded. He didn't want to stretch this issue.

Mr Patel,'' If you would call Veer beta, then I would like to make things clear with him.''

Arnav nodded and asked one of the servant who was putting tea and other refreshment on table to call Veer.

........

Veer was in his room lying on bed with Sheekha reading out a book to him. His eyes were closed as he listened to her soft voice. He felt peaceful. It was after a long time, he felt this content. His broken relationship with Chandhini was like a piece of dagger in his heart but slowly thongs were becoming normal and one day she'll trust him with all her sorrow and happinesd again. He felt happy and optimistic.

There was a knock on his door. A servant came with the message that baba was calling him outside. Veer opened his eyes and got up from the bed.

Sheekha closed the book and looked at him.

Veer,''I will be back.''

She nodded.

Veer left the room and went toward the sitting room. He meet ayi on his way. She was going to the sitting room as well. when they reached the sitting area, Veer immediately noticed the two men. His good mood evaporated.

The men got up to greet Khushi and Veer.

With great effort, he walked forward and accepted their greetings.

Khushi went and sat next to Arnav while Veer sat on a single sofa facing the two men who had insulted his sister.

Arnav spoke,'' Veer, they are here to apologize.''

Understanding dawned on Khushi, she looked quietly at the two men and then, Veer. She felt worried. Arnav didn't know what was the reason for the fight or he wouldn't have allowed these men to sit in this drawing room.

Mr Patel started the conversation again and apologized. Veer listened quietly. He didn't want to accept their apology but he knew that he needed to end this conversation as soon as possible.

One of the men who had hit Veer said,'' I was drunk and I said things which were wrong. I feel ashamed of myself.''

The other man who had been his partner in crime, nodded vigorously,'' We had no idea that she...''

Veer cut him off,'' Apology accepted. I don't want to discuss this any further. I have an appointment with doctor. I need to go now.'' He got up and bid his farewell and left the sitting room.

Arnav watched him go with a frown and then, he looked at his Wife.

Khushi smiled politely at Mr Patel,'' Misunderstandings happen but I hope that in future, you only invite people who know how to behave in society.''

Mr Patel felt embarrassed. He knew that it was his fault. He had only come over with these men as he wanted to make his position clear. He was never going to mingle with these two men again. After throwing a cold glance at the two culprits, he nodded at Khushi,'' I understand bhabhi ji. Sisters and daughters are meant to be respected without exception.''

Arnav didn't betray his expressions but he had started to formulate an idea of what had happened. His anger arose with every passing second. He stood up and excused himself too.

Everyone watched him go with worried expressions.

One of the culprit said to Khushi in worry,'' Ma'm,we are really sorry. Trust us, we are not bad people. I know Advay from Delhi. Your daughter in law, no one knows her background and given the age difference between the two, it gave a wrong impression. We didn't know that she had such a good upbringing. Mr. Patel told us everything. We are really sorry.''

Khushi controlled her anger as she replied,'' She is my daughter first and daughter in law later. I raised her and talking cheaply about any woman is not something a gentleman would do. I'm n't aware of your relationship with my son, Advay. But I can assure you that from now onward, you two won't be his acquaintances. Now, please leave. I accept your apology and that's the reason we will not take any legal actions against you two but if I ever even saw you in the vicinity of my family. Then, I won't hold back.''

Mr Patel got up from his seat,'' It will be as you say Bhabhi ji.'' He gave a cold glare to other two men and together they all left.

Khushi sat there in the sitting room for a long time as she thought about Chandhini being exposed to these two men for so many years. Did she heard such things regularly about herself? Why didn't Advay stopped the rumours and clarified her background? To punish her?