New Innings

Part 39

Everyone looked at Riddhi in confusion. He blinked a few times, gulped and then finally said, "I told you a thousand times I am studying people here. The people I know since childhood, and now seeing them with my educated mind, making a report. How differently a lay man sees a person than a psychologist. Why don't you ask Minu? She is helping me typing the reports."

Minerva shook vigorously her head in agreement.

"Don't drag my wife into it." Dhritiman burst out.

Everyone was taken aback by the sudden reaction.

What's wrong with him? Why is he acting like that? "Dhriti, what's wrong? I typed that report; I know he really has been working hard for his research. And moreover he is adult enough to meet a girlfriend during his time here. If that is the case. Why are you making an issue of it?" Minerva questioned her husband in defence of her brother-in-law who was more like a dear friend.

Dhritiman narrowed his eyes. Why she has to jump into his brother's defence always?

"I would be so happy if that would be the case Minu." He gritted his teeth.

"Uff! Will you people please cut this nonsense and say what is this all about? Where does Riddhi go?" Mrs. Gupta finally spoke.

Mr. Gupta, who was laying sat up straight. Now comes the interesting part. With that tone from their mother, finally they will speak up.

"Why don't you ask your younger son, Ma?"

Minerva felt like knocking her husband's head. What's up with him? My god, he has a flare of drama! I should have known!

Mrs. Gupta crossed her arms and stared angrily at her sons.

"He goes to the Iyers. The blue house."

Everyone other than Minerva grasped.

Minerva looked at the parents and Dhriti, they were looking angrily at Riddhi. And Riddhi looked here and there guiltily.

Everyone seemed so silent and lost.

"Can anyone please explain?" Minerva finally lost it after a few minutes.

"Why don't you explain Riddhi?" Dhritiman mocked. Riddhi shrugged as if he didn't care.

"Why Riddhi?" Mr. Gupta finally broke his silence. Their mother was still silently withering in anger. "After everything how could you?"

Now, Minerva got genuinely confused. Father hardly spoke like this. Once they had all grown up, she had always seen 'uncle' very cool and calm, not taking much interest what these brothers were doing unless there was something utterly serious. Rather he looked rather amused when 'aunty' used to scold the grown up boys. So, what happened now? Why is going to this 'Iyer's' house is so bad?

But right now asking anyone would lead her nowhere. And thinking and making any conclusions would confuse her even more. But she had to do something. She had to! That is how her brain is hardwired or even softwared. If that is even a word. So, taking the charge of the situation as her habit is, she started,

"Riddhi, could you at least tell me why do you go this house? And if you go, when do you work for your research. For I know you work on it. I have helped you thrice typing the report."

Riddhi sighed, "I will only say I am doing my work. I go to that house within my professional capacity."

"And what work do you have there? That you forgot everything? That how they insulted ma, and every other lady that day?" Dhriti barked.