New Innings

Part 27

Dhritiman was about to punch the table with Tiya's last words, but was stopped by Minerva. "This is public place, you are not creating a scene here." She gritted. Then turning to Mrs. Savita, she started chipping thanks. But the lady only smiled.

"You can't recognise me. Right beta?"

Minerva blushed in embarrassment. Gosh, she really seemed very familiar. God damn it girl. You do this bloody every time. But unlike other people who would be sly about it, she accepted, "I am sorry auntie."

Mrs. Savita gave an understanding smile and called "Naina" loud. A girl of probably Minerva's age came from behind the pillar. Minerva gasped in surprise. Her best friend from school and neighbourhood! My god, no wonder her mother looked so familiar. Forgetting your friend's mother is stupidity on a complete different level. On which level are you? She berated herself. But that was how Minerva was. Remembering only people who were important to her.  A very bad habit. Moreover she left for Kolkata at such young age. And they didn't meet after that. Giving herself such lame excuses, she went to hug her friend.

"It has been so long. How are you?"

"Oh Mini!" Naina sighed. Both went teary eyed. So, out of character for her. But Dhriti didn't notice. He was still going over what just happened, or rather it is to say, what did Tiya do? He had never known this side of Tiya. Why is she behaving like this? Why after three months and everything has changed from a point of no return, does Tiya want to reconcile. No. Not happening. Once he had been the butt of the joke, his family had felt utter embarrassment, but not again. And what about Minerva? No, of course he didn't love her. And neither was he feeling anything for Tiya right now. But he had grown to see his wife in a whole different light. Moreover families are involved. Years of friendship is involved. No. Tiya already has done a lot damage. Not again. But then it suddenly struck him. Isn't Tiya's sudden decisions about small things, which he always felt were wrong led him to decide the major factors about their relationship! No. Tiya can't have her way. I will see to it. He promised.

"Let's go. I don't feel like eating here." He took hold of his wife's hand and turned to walk, but couldn't move. For his wife hadn't moved. Not one step. "I said-"I said we are joining Savita Auntie, Naina and her family. It's her daughter's second birthday. They invited us. And I accepted. Come now, be gracious." Minerva quipped very briskly and looked straight into his eyes. Dare you say no Dhriti. Only he didn't. He nodded a yes. Smiling, Minerva called for the waiter to join the tables.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The drive back home was very silent. Both lost in their own world, and camaraderie that had built somehow was gone. Who knows whether it was temporarily or perhaps... gone for forever! With no fault of their.

What was there to join Savita Auntie and her family! The drama wasn't enough, that we had to remain there for another hour to act all happy! Non sense. Everyone pretending as in nothing happened, everything is fine, huh! Dhritiman kept brooding. He hadn't been a gentleman, once they had accepted their invitation. Yes, he was grateful to Savita Auntie, for her interference, but that's it. She should have known he wouldn't be happy to sit there. And Minerva! I didn't expect him from her. Why the hell did she accept the invitation! Didn't she need some peace and calm after what just happened! I simply don't understand her.

Dhritiman kept brooding over the little party. But what he didn't realise was, he wasn't thinking about Tiya's sudden appearance and threat at all. All his grumps were about his wife, Minerva.

Minerva was on a completely layer. Her childhood best friend had shown something she never dreamt of. Or to be honest had a very negative conclusion about it. Minerva had always believed, for a successful career, love and marriage are a hindrance. And making a family is out of question unless one is completely successful! But today, Naina's life had shown her something very opposite. Yes, she had a family and had a career. Yes, she was very slow at it. Naina represented that group of people who show you, with the right people by your side, one can achieve anything. Yes, things may be slow but will definitely come your way. Till today, Minerva was very satisfied with her life minus the chaos regarding Dhriti, but seeing her friend today she suddenly craved for the same. No, no not a baby right now, but it really doesn't hurt to have a loving man in life. To come back home to see him waiting for her or him giving a satisfactory smile when he sees her as he returns. What would it be like to share her thoughts with a man who might not know anything about her business, but eagerly listens and even gives his input! How Naina's husband was taking interest in Minerva's talks just because that would please Naina. The couple was very subtle about their love and attraction, but now being married and living with a man Minerva knew the signs. They didn't talk to each other much during the dinner but certain quiet gestures was enough. Those gestures weren't as open as Tiya's tweaking Dhriti's nose, but those eye contacts, Naina's slightly raising a brow and her husband's blinking a yes.

She suddenly craved for this! No. She isn't envious of her friend. But today she felt like she is missing something. Something very beautiful, calming, soothing... And then, she couldn't visualise Dhriti as that man. She couldn't imagine Dhriti to hold hand and sit together quietly enjoying the silence. She couldn't imagine Dhriti taking interest in her work, in her friends just to please her. Not even if Tiya wasn't there in the scene. Her brain stormed. What would she do? Adjust and hope that someday everything will be alright? That someday she and Dhriti will be like Naina and her husband? Or she gives up her hope to have a happy healthy marriage. And there was a third option, come out of sham of marriage. After all she deserved all the happiness everyone else enjoys. 

A chill ran down her spine at the thought! 

N.B: Hello, I am sorry for being late, and more sorry to post a tiny chapter. But trust me this chapter needed to be small. As the story is progressing the characters will show their colours more. 

I am trying to show just like Dhritiman, our favourite Minerva is not flawless. She has her own set of flaws. She is not perfect. I know, her thoughts are making her slightly selfish because unlike Dhriti she is not keeping their families in the top of priority list, but keeping her happiness. But please please do not think her impulsive. We all have our right to happiness, without intentionally hurting anyone in the process. 

So, please please tell me how it is. Please give your views your thoughts in the comment section. and pleease vote of the chapter. Pretty please.

Thank you

LOVE LOVE LOVE <3