Written in stars (Discontinued)

Another Choice

Veer had just returned to his office after the program and seated himself in the chair when he got a call from Kavya's class teacher. She wanted to know the reason for Kavya's absence during her monthly assessment.
Since he didn't know he told her that he was at office and he or his wife will get back to her as early as possible. After few more polite words he ended the conversation. After the call finished he kept staring at the table in front of him thinking about it.

Shekha had again ignored his words. It was becoming a habit. The more he tried to discipline Kavya, the more Shekha indulged her. If this continued, Kavya will form a negative image of him. He had discussed this topic multiple times with Shekha, they had argued and fought but nothing seemed to work. He didn't know what to do next. There was no point in calling her when it will only result in another argument.

He thought about whom to ask for help and then after few moments deliberation called Advay.

The mobile phone rang few times and then, Advay picked the call.

'Hi Bro', said Veer.

Advay who was still upset at what had happened at school tried to control his emotions and kept his voice normal,' Hi Veer.' Did Shekha called Veer? He thought to himself.

Veer,'Are you free right now?I need  your advice on a matter.'

Advay opened the car door with one hand and sat inside and then closed the door as he thought that apparently it wasn't Shekha issue,'I'm listening.'

Veer,'If you have time we can meet somewhere for a brunch.'

Advay,' that's fine. I'm near the campus where do you want to meet.'

Veer told him the name and address. Then, he asked him to order food and that he will be there in fifteen minutes.

Advay agreed and cut the call. He  threw his phone on the side seat and turned on the car. He was still angry at Shekha's unprofessional behaviour. If someone else got hurt then it would be an FIR coupled with negative media publicity.

After he arrived at the place, he ordered and then, decided to call ayi and tell her everything and ask advice as talking with Arnav was out of the question.

Khushi was at home in her room sitting on a couch reading a business magzine while Chandhini was sitting beside her changing her nail Polish.

Her mobile rang which was in her lap. Khushi glanced at the screen and quickly picked up the call. She was expecting Advay to call again. 'Hello.'

Advay,' hello ayi. I called to tell that I won't be having lunch at home. I'm meeting Veer and we'll eat something.'

Khushi, 'okay.'

Advay,' Is chandhini awake?'

Khushi replied,'yes. She is here with me, changing her nail Polish. '

Chandhini looked toward ayi and asked,' who is it?'

Advay felt as if some of his tension left his body.' Should I come and talk with her?'

Khushi,' I'm going out with Chandhini for her session with psychologist. We'll see after it.'

Chandhini realised that it was Advay and he wanted to talk with her. She bit her lip as she decided on what to do. Then, she reached her hand forward,' ayi can I talk to him?'

Khushi hid her surprise and nodded. She handed the phone to chandhini.

'Hello', said Chandhini.

Advay couldn't reply back for a second because of the emotions clogging his throat. He cleared his throat to buy time and then said,' hello. How are you now?'

Chandhini,' I'm okay. About yesterday, I lost control  because it was unexpected. I said many things which are no longer true.' She wanted to explain and stop the constant mounting pressure of a pending discussion which will probably lead to another fight.

Advay was surprised by her words. Since when his Chandhini became so mature?

Chandhini waited for his reply but he was silent. She called his name as she debated if she should move to another place as ayi couldn't help but listen to their conversation.

Advay finally spoke,' don't worry about me. What you said is a result of my own past actions. I'm not angry at you. You don't need to explain to me. I understand.'

His words were equally unexpected. For him to acknowledge her pain felt bitter sweet. She didn't think he could really understand but then, coming from him it was a lot. She felt deeply emotional at the moment. 'See you later then. Here talk to ayi.'

She handed the phone back as she needed time to assimilate his words and her own emotions.

Advay felt regret at the quick dismissal. Over these past years, he had multiple times seen her trying to escape from a discussion. Today, he understood that she did it because she wasn't escaping him but her own emotions which she felt for him.

Khushi who was deeply relieved at this civilised exchange, took the phone and asked Advay,' are you going to your office after meeting Veer?' She worried about his lack of attention to his work these days.  It was always extremes with him. Either he was a workaholic or a complete slacker.

Advay who hadn't but now decided to check on work,' yes,I'll go. Ayi, I called for another reason too. I went to office to ask about lack of safety in playing ground. Apparently Shekha redirected the fund to another
urgent project. This caused the delay.'

Khushi frowned as she said,' like you said it must be urgent. She is very responsible.'

Advay,' she is but I had a disagreement with her over it at office. She wasn't happy about my visit or questions about missing paperwork.'

Khushi,'ok.'

Advay,' should I talk to Veer about it?'

Khushi,' no. I'll handle it.'

Advay,' ok.'

Khushi looked at chandhini and then got up from couch,' chand, go and get your files and purse. We'll be late for the appointment.'

Chandhini who was now drying her nails nodded and left the room. After she was gone, khushi closed the door and said to Advay who realised that ayi was waiting for privacy,' Veer and Shekha are having personal issues. If Veer told you anything then try to calm his anger.'

This explained the strange behaviour of Shekha to Advay. Her mood was affected due to her personal problems,' I understand.'

Khushi explained further to clear any misunderstandings in Advay's mind,' she doesn't know about the miscarriage. I was going to tell them tonight. So, she doesn't realise the real issue.'

'I got it.' He said.

Khushi,' you're alright Advay?' She asked as she felt sad about the miscarriage and his loss.

Advay,'hmm.  Ayi, Veer is here. We'll talk later. Bye.' He didn't want to talk about it to anyone at the moment.

Khushi replied okay and heard the call disconnect.

She kept holding the phone in her hand as she thought about what Advay had told about Shekha. How could she question Advay's visit or his authority? He was an Agnihothri and elder than her in relation as well as experience. Not to mention that he was a major share holder. She tapped on her phone screen again and called Arnav to tell him everything.