New Innings

Part 21

Dhritiman couldn't decide between good manners and curiosity! It was obviously very unethical to eavesdrop especially when it comes to in-laws, but he wasn't a saint right? And he had every right to know what his wife thought of this marriage. Oh he very well knew they what they were speaking about. Justifying his action he peeped in. He had seen his father-in-law leaving. So, no one would catch him, that's for sure. So, she wouldn't know. And what she didn't know, wouldn't hurt!

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"Tell me Babu, what's wrong? Did Dhriti said anything hurtful? Or did he mistreat you?" Minerva's mother urged. She knew very well, her son-in-law wouldn't be this shallow. But, one never knows!

Minerva faintly smiled at her mother. "Do you know my daily routine ma? Guess!"

Her mother hesitated at the sudden question but started all the same.

"Well, you get at six, do your cooking and breakfast by eight, and then your chores by ten, and leave for the showroom by ten-thirty. You showroom opens by eleven. You take lunch at one-thirty, your showroom closes at nine and by nine-thirty you are back. Dhriti too returns by then nine thirty to ten. And then you guys have dinner."

"You are right about only one thing mumma, I take lunch at 1:30!"

Her mother looked confused. Minerva smiled at her mother's confused face, and then sat up straight.

"I get up at five. Complete my cooking, breakfast, chores by seven-thirty, get ready and out of the house by eight."

Her mother interrupted, "But your showroom opens at 11, what do you so long outside?"

"There's where you are wrong mom. That was before my marriage. Now, I open my showroom at eight-thirty in the morning, and close it by eight. Because I have to return by eight-thirty. Only then, I can freshen up, and have my dinner cooked and eat by nine-nine thirty. Because after that Dhritiman will return home and he wouldn't like to see my face."

"Oh baby!"

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Dhritiman stumbled at hearing those words. He had never imagined how her life has changed after the wedding. He knew she was doing a lot, but had never guessed it was in this magnitude!

What did she mean by 'he doesn't have to see her face'? Had he told her that? Why doesn't he remember saying it? And yet that girl took so much care of him. Whenever he ran at odd hours, she was there ready with a quick meal so that he doesn't have to starve the whole day. She changed her timings for him?

He doesn't remember Tiya making any arrangements in her schedule for him ever. It was always, when they both were free, they would meet. Of course working at front desk of that car showroom, she didn't have the liberty to make changes in the schedule. But doesn't Minerava own a boutique, which also means she has much more responsibility! And why are they calling her boutique showroom? It was then Dhritiman realised, he had never seen her boutique! He went there only twice, and on both occasions it was closed. So he never got to see what's inside.

The mother daughter are yet talking. What are they talking about? He pressed his ears once again!

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Dhritiman couldn't believe what he heard! Minerva had changed her timings for him. Which led her to cut in profits. Since, she was now closing her boutique by eight, she took her last clients by seven! And thus, to manage her loses, she opens up in Sunday evenings too, whereas, before their wedding, in Sundays, the boutique was opened only in the day. And for lesser profits, she can't afford to pay for another extra shift!

Dhritiman felt very ashamed of himself. What had he been doing to her? No, he would have to rectify his wrongs. And Tiya? With all his loyalty and love for her, he must accept, Tiya doesn't hold handle to this girl! And she was trying to poison his mind the last evening!

Suddenly he knew what to do! The main point of making this trip. Till now, he didn't know what to say to Tiya. Yes he needed a closure, but how he didn't know. And yesterday, she insulted Minerva! Yes, he exactly knew what to say to her.

Dhritiman pulled out his phone from the pocket and was about to call Tiya, when his father-in-law's name flashed.

"Yes.. Uncl.."

"Dhriti my boy...."

Sighing , Dhritiman cut the phone. His father-in-law has invited him for lunch today. There goes his plans for meeting with Tiya and making things right! Though Mr. Roy ( Minerva's father) hadn't forced him, but it was clear from his voice that would like to see Dhritiman defying him.

It was useless to go back home now, so he pressed the bell.

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"Are, Dhriti! The door is already open beta. Just come in. Why are you being formal with us." Minerva's mother greeted her son-in-law.

"Uncle just invited me for lunch.." he hesitated, why even he didn't know. Somehow he was feeling uncomfortable facing her.

Ofcourse! Even after knowing what an ass he has been to her daughter, she is greeting him! His eyes searched for Minerva. Just now she was here, then...

"Looking for your wife?" He could hear the coldness despite of her warm words and smile.

He looked down.

"Dhriti, I understand what have you been through. And I can't interfere between a couple, still..."

"I am sorry." He didn't know what else to say.

"Prove it."

N.B:  Hello! Here I am back with another chapter.I know its short, and I am very sorry for it. Its a short story, and most probably will end in next ten-fifteen chapters. 

 So, please tell me how is this part. i would love to hear from all of you. I hope I am doing right by Minerva's parents' characters. tell me about it too. Looking forward to your views. 

Lastly, please do vote.

Thank you. 

LOVE LOVE LOVE <3