Written in stars (Discontinued)

A step forward

Advay stared at his father and then got up from the swing chair.

He stared at his father and then said,' Everyone  has an ideal when they're growing up. Mine was always you. As time passed I realised that I'm not like you. That I'm just a human with vices. If someone hurt me I will hurt them back. If someone insult me I will answer the insult. I'm not surprised by your words. I always knew that you would take her side. That's who you are. I can't leave this house until she stays here. Till then you'll have to be patient and bear with my face. I'll try to make it as minimal as possible.'

He turned and without looking back left the balcony. His eyes were dry as he went back to their room. He opened the door and darkness greeted him. Then, a light night was turned on. It was ayi.

'You're okay?'  Khushi asked as she quickly got off the bed and ran to him,' don't take anything Arnav said to your heart. Every marriage has problems.'

Advay reached forward and hugged her. 'Don't worry ayi. I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself. Everything is okay.'

He pulled away from the hug and smiled at her. 'I just came to check on chandhini. How's is she now?'

Khushi tried to find any sign of anger or resentment on his face but there were none.

Advay asked again,' Is she okay ayi?' His eyes went to her sleeping form on the bed.

Khushi,' yes. I gave her sleeping pill. She'll wake up tomorrow. If you're here I'll go back to my room.'

Advay looked away from her back to ayi,' no ayi. You sleep here. She will be comforted by your presence in the morning. I'll sleep in my old room. Good night.'

He turned to go out of the room but Khushi stopped him. ' Advay?  What happened?what did Arnav say?'

Advay,' nothing really important. He is angry at me. But that is to be expected. Even I'm angry at myself.'

Khushi nodded. 'You both need time. Things will be okay.'

Advay gave her a little smile,' yes they'll be alright. Sleep now.'

He turned his back to her again and the smile slipped off his face as he left the room. He closed the door and started walking back toward his old room but stopped half way. He changed his direction and went down the stairs and out of the house.

.......

The hotel bar was dark and lit by different coloured lights. Couples, friends, singles, all sort of people were gathered here.

In front of the bar sat Advay with a drink in his hand. He took a sip and looked around at the unfamiliar people. Everyone seemed busy and happy surrounded by lights while he was immersed in his own darkness and sorrows.

His eyes fell on a familiar group of people whom he had called his friends once but he stayed where he was present. The dark masked his presence. His eyes were hungry as he looked at the laughing people.

After a while he was unable to take it and stood up and left. He took the path opposite to the group of people to avoid them seeing him. He walked out of the bar onto an empty corridor leading to the outside. When a hand suddenly held his hand and stopped him. 'Advay!'

He turned his head as he lightly pulled his hand free and put both of his hands in his pant pocket,' Hi Swathi.'

Swathi took a step back and said,' hi. You came. Why are you leaving without meeting us?'

Advay didn't understood what she meant and said,' sorry?'

Swathi realised that he didn't know and said,' it's our class reunion. I guess you don't check your old email frequently.'