Kaira- United we stand

Part 6

It had been more than a month. Karthik continued to slog in office, coming home late everyday. One of the days, Karthik had come home early in the evening, sneaking out of the office when Aditya was travelling.

He was at home and had got snacks for everyone, he was surprised that they were not home yet. Naira who was at home, looked at him in disbelief. He was hardly at home these days and it had been weeks since they had a proper conversation

"Naira?" he called out softly. Naira hugged him tight.

"Is it really you? have you come home today?" Naira asked, hugging him tight

Karthik responded to her hug instantly. He closed his hands over his shoulders savoring the moment. He felt all pressure fading away with her touch and shut his eyes.

"I missed you, I missed you all?" He said

"We missed you too Karthik, its been so long since I had a talk with you." she said cupping his face within her hands

"Hey where is everyone?" He asked looking around the empty house

"Maa and Papa have gone to a nearby temple, Mansi and Dadi has also gone with them. Luv and Kush come late from college everyday. I don't know but I feel there is something wrong with them. They are always tired, though they speak well with everyone. They come late everyday, say there is some extra class, cultural event, everyday some excuse. " Naira said with a dull face

"I shall talk with them today, this is not correct" Karthik told, removing his tie and sitting down on a chair

"Karthik, please don't get angry with them" Naira said worriedly

"Oh god, why will I get angry with them? I trust them, they would not do anything wrong." Karthik said with a smile

"Where is my princess?" Karthik asked. It had been so long since he took his little girl in his hands.

Naira pointed to their room, indicating Sakshi was in a bad mood.

Sighing Karthik walked to their room. He knew convincing his choti sherni was more difficult than convincing his darling wife

He walked up to her and closed his daughter's eyes with his palms. She recognized him immediately, removed his hands and walked to the corner of the room, crossed her hands over her chest and faced the wall

Karthik smiled, "Like mother, Like daughter" he thought, as he went to her, knelt down to her level and caught his ears "Papa is sorry, Papa's boss gave him lot of work, so I came home late everyday. I love my princess" he said softly

"No, you do not love me, you do not love any one, me, Mumma, or any one in this house. You love only your office. I am angry with you." Sakshi cried

It broke Karthik's heart to see his daughter cry, more so because he was the reason for it. He cuddled her in his arms

"I am sorry beta, I am so so sorry. I love you, believe me." he said earnestly

"Really Papa?" she asked.

"Yes Princess, see what I got for you?" he said as he took out chocolates from his pocket and gave her which she glee fully took from his hands and ran off happily. Karthik went back to the hall, where Naira was waiting for him with his favorite ginger tea.

She sat with him to have her tea. He always looked tired.. she thought

"Karthik?" Naira called out softly to which he responded " Tell me Jaan"

 "Is everything okay at work? You always seem to be worried and worked up. I also go for work Karthik, but there is something wrong with you. I have never seen you like this."

Karthik could not meet her eyes. " Everything is okay Naira, I just have lot of work to complete. And yes, till we get everything we lost back,  do not expect me to be normal because I cannot be normal" he shouted at her.

Naira was about to reply, when she saw others coming home. Karthik gave her a "We'll talk later" look and rushed to see his family. He only had time to say hi and bye everyday, thanks to the tyranny of Aditya.

His family was overwhelmed to see him at home early, they kept fussing over him, however he kept looking at the door, awaiting his siblings. He was worried as to why they were late everyday. He made up his mind to speak to all three of them- Luv, Kush and Shubham about it, even though he knew Shubham would flip out if he began advising.

He was surprised to see all three of them coming in together, all the three of them looked visibly worn out. They looked taken aback to see Karthik at home. Karthik smiled at them broadly, knowing he was not supposed to lose patience. After all they were his darling brothers

Naira chuckled. "Looks like all of us are surprised today na, to see Karthik at home so soon. "

Luv and Kush ran to hug their brother. Karthik hugged them back, and was observing Shubam silently, who seemed to just stand near the door,

"Bhaiya, you so early? It has been so long since we saw you at home" Luv said, exceitedly

"Leave me guys, Why are you coming back home late everyday?" Karthik asked, still smiling

"Bhaiya, we are part of our music club of our college Bhaiya and we have practise most of the days after college hours and sometimes we miss classes due to practise, so we stay back in college library for some more time and study Bhaiya." Kush said looking no where in particular

Karthik observed both of them, like Naira said there was something wrong with them, but he decided to put it for rest . Shubam walked into the hall. " I had a extra class as well. And we three met at the bus stop." he said looking at Dadi and walked off

Karthik did not expect this, he did not expect any answer from Shubam at all. Shubam's unquestioned answer confirmed his doubts that the three of them were lying. Sincerely hoping they were not in any kind of trouble, he looked at Naira, who acknowledged the same thought. He  saw something else also in Naira's eyes. Hurt and he knew it was because he had shouted at her earlier.

They had dinner. There was not much talking during dinner, given his little twin brothers who made the environment light were quite.

Soon he went to their bedroom and saw Naira arranging pillows. Sakshi was already asleep. He caressed her forehead lovingly ad kissed her there. He then saw Naira looking away from him

"I am sorry Naira for shouting at you." he said in a low voice.

"I think we should sleep Karthik. You will have to wake up early tomorrow." Naira said and turned to sleep.

Karthik sighed deeply and lay down to sleep, knowing nothing was going on well

Thanks a lot for all the responses, votes and comments. I know I have been late.. sorry... but will surely try to be regular henceforth. Till then please keep reading and commenting. Cheers!!!!!