The Dirty High Society✔

Page 22

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" How dare you, Monika? When I told you that I don't want to return that card, so why did you steal it from me? " Avantika yelled, her voice echoing through the house.

" I just replaced that card with mine, so there is no issue, " Monika replied calmly, trying to diffuse the tension.

" You're really stupid! I don't need your card, I only need mine! " Avantika stomped her feet in frustration.

" Mom—" Monika started, but Avantika cut her off.

" Shut up! If you don't know anything, then just mind your own business. I am handling mine, so don't tell me what to do."

" Mom, just calm down," Monika pleaded.

" I'm going to ask Mr. Wadhwan for that card again."

" Oh, come on, Mom, don't behave like this. You can use mine. I am earning for you only."

" And I don't want that. Don't you get it in that egoistic brain of yours? One day you will ruin everything if you don't change this attitude."

Avantika was beyond mad, and to calm herself, she stormed into her room, slamming the door behind her. Monika was left standing in the hallway, shaken by her mother's outburst. She knew Avantika would be upset, but she hadn't anticipated this level of fury.

Days passed, and Avantika's mood swings began to wear on Monika. In the mornings, Avantika was affectionate, but by nightfall, the arguments about money would start again.

" This is all because of you, Monika! Why do you have to go against me? I know what I am doing. But you can't understand it if your brain is this thick," Avantika snapped one evening.

" What is your problem, Mom? Just tell me," Monika replied, exasperated.

" My problem is your attitude. You want to do everything by yourself, you don't want to take anyone's help, you don't want to keep links with anyone. For you, our small world is enough. You don't want to spread your wings."

" So what is wrong with this? " Monika asked, genuinely confused.

" Everything is wrong with this. Look, this world doesn't work the way you want. You have to live in this society ultimately. You have to accept help."

" Mom, I don't need Mr. Wadhwan's money if I am capable of earning it."

" See, your brain is so thick, your pride is so important to you that one day you will lose everything in your life. "

Monika always found herself at odds with her mother's perception of her. It was clear that something was deeply troubling Avantika, prompting these intense outbursts. Avantika's desire for money, but not Monika's money, raised more questions than answers. There was something amiss, something that had changed Avantika profoundly despite her deteriorating health. Monika was determined to find out what it was, but for now, she had to navigate the turbulent waters of their relationship, trying to keep her own head above the rising tide.

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" I need more, please give it to me," Avantika pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation. She stood in a dimly lit alley, her eyes wild with craving. The dealer, a rugged man with a hardened expression, looked at her with mild amusement.