Written in stars (Discontinued)

Slow burn

They were silent on their way back; each lost in their own thoughts. This silence was different from the one they had shared n their way here. In this silence, one was feeling guilty while other felt old wounds. 

On arriving home, Advay dropped her off at the gate saying that he needed to go meet a friend. Chandhini nodded as she grabbed the bag containing Kavya's ice cream and didn't ask anything further. After all they never had a relationship in which he explained his whereabouts to her. So, she quietly walked toward the house without a backward glance. 

Advay watched her retreating back with a sad feeling. But he needed some time alone with himself. He went toward a private club. He had never smoked or drunk alcohol in this house. He had always believed it to be disrespectful. 

On arriving, he had to show his premium membership card. After that he was lead to a private lounge where he could relax without any worry. No one would disturb him unless he wanted it. A server came to ask for what he would like to drink. Advay ordered and waited. His thoughts were on Chandhini and her sad expressions. 

In his preoccupation, he didn't notice two women sitting in one of the lounge sofa. But one of them recognized him straight away. Her friend noticed her distracted gaze and asked her,'' What's wrong Swati?''

........

Chandhini put the ice cream in freezer to give it to Kavya tomorrow. After that, she went to her room. She had just changed her clothes when there was a knock on her door. It was ayi.

Chandhini was surprised,'' Ayi, you are still awake?''

Khushi,'' yes, I was waiting for you two to come back. The watchman called and said that you were here and Advay left after dropping you off. Where did he go?''

Chandhini,'' He said that he is going to meet a friend.''

Khushi nodded,''Ok. Did you two had a good time?''

Chandhini suddenly realized that ayi was worried that they had another fight,'' Yes, Ayi. We had  a wonderful time.''

Khushi nodded and didn't asked anymore.'' Good.'' she reached forward and held Chandhini's hand,'' If there is anything which worries you then, you must tell me.''

Chandhini smiled hesitantly as she looked at the worried eyes of Khushi,'' Ayi. There is nothing to worry. I am happy.''

Khushi wanted to tell her that she knew about her and Advay's fights but then, stopped. It was too private. And may be it was better if they sort their problem by themselves. After all, she and Arnav won't be here for them forever. They had to spend their lives together. '' Go to sleep now, don't stay waiting for him.''

Chandhini nodded. 

Khushi let her hands go and then, left the room. 

Chandhini's smile slid off her face after ayi was gone. She counted the change of money which the ice cream parlor guy had given her. It was a really expensive place. She can't afford to go their again unless she started earning. She will ask baba tomorrow that if she could start the job straight away.

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

Khushi walked back to her room and opened the door and quietly entered. The room was semi dark as only a night bulb was on. She walked toward bed quietly. 

Arnav opened his eyes and looked at her.

Khushi sighed. He was such a light sleeper.

''Where did you go?'' he asked quietly. '' Is Chandhini okay?''

Khushi sighed as she sat on the bed. '' She is okay Arnav. What would be wrong with her? You know they went out to eat ice cream. She is fine.''

Arnav smiled,'' Then, why did you go to see them?''

Khushi knew that it was futile to hide it from him,'' Advay dropped her off to go see his friend. So, I just went to see if everything is okay.''

Arnav sat up on bed,'' And?''

Khushi,'' Yes. Everything is okay.''

Arnav looked at the clock,'' But is he meeting at this time?''He reached back with his hand and picked up the mobile lying on bed side table. 

Khushi tried to stop,'' Arnav, he is not a child.''

But Arnav ignored her and called Advay. There was ringing for few seconds and then, he picked up his mobile. '' Hello.''

Arnav,'' Hello.''

Advay,'' baba? everything okay?''

Arnav,'' Yes. Everything is okay. Where are you?''

Advay frowned,'' With a friend.''

Arnav,'' Okay. Come back soon. It's really late and your ayi is getting worried.''

Advay's frown disappeared and he smiled a little. He knew his mother. she really cared for him too much,'' Tell her to not worry. I am just leaving. I will be home in twenty minutes.''

Arnav,'' Okay beta. Bye.'' He cut the call and looked up to see his wife looking at him reproachfully. He smiled sheepishly,'' You know that he will mind if I asked him but he would listen if it was you.''

Khushi just shook her head as she laid down to sleep but inwardly she felt relieved that he was coming back soon. 

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