Chapter 158
Two days had been passed, the home felt incomplete without Advait and Shreya.
The atmosphere of the mansion was suffocating and depressing.
Abhishek and Sia barely had meals, Aditya and Arush tried talking to them but they weren't ready to talk about the topic.
After dinner, Aditya and Arush were seated in Aditya's room with a bored look on their faces.
"Bhaiya-bhabhi ke bina kitna khaali khaali sa lag raha haina?" Arush said with a pout on his face.
"Haan yaar." Aditya who was sprawling on the couch replied, "Upar se Abhi bhai aur Sia bhabhi ke beech me bhi kuch sahi nahi chal raha hai." He added.
"Maine Sia bhabhi se baat karne ki koshish ki thi par unhone kaha unhe iss baare me koi baat nahi karni aur mai bhi iss baare me sochna band kar doon." Arush said, looking down, "Aap unse ek baar baat karo na wo aapki baat sun lengi." He said.
Aditya looked away, "Mai unse baat nahi kar sakta." He muttered. He was feeling so guilty to even face her let alone talking to her.
"Kyun?" Arush asked with suspicion.
"Har baat jaan-ni jaroori hoti hai?" Aditya asked firmly.
Arush scoffed at him and pulled out the cigarette box from his pocket, "Karein?" He asked Aditya with an excited face.
Aditya looked away from him, "Bas ek baar peene ki baat huyi thi Aru, hum parso se roz smoking kar rahe hain. It's not good." He said reluctantly as he also wanted to smoke but his sane mind was not letting him.
"Thode din peene se kuch nahi hota, bhai aur waise bhi bhaiya ke aane ke baad to pee nahi payenge islie abhi enjoy kar lete haina." Arush said in a convincing tone.
"It's not right, Aru." Aditya murmured weakly before looking up at him, "Par galati to ho hi chuki hai to ek baar aur karne se kya hi ho jayega." He said with a grin making Arush smiled.
They both quickly went to the balcony and lit up the cigarettes before inhaling the smoke in their lungs causing a temporary relaxation and permanent damage.
~________________________________________~
In Abhishek and Sia's room, Sia was collecting her stuff at one side to pack her bags.
She was going back and forth in the room carrying a casual blank face but the emptiness behind those black orbs was clearly visible.
Abhishek entered the room after a long, tiring day.
His hair was disheveled, there were dark brown patches under his eyes not because of the exhausting day but because of the exhaustion he was feeling inside himself.
Sia continued doing her work without passing him a single glance but Abhishek's gaze stopped at her face and a fresh wave of guilt washed through his face.
He collected the courage and tried speaking to her.
"Sia." He said in a whispering voice.
She didn't reply and stuffed her clothes in the trolley bag which was placed on the bed. An uneasy knot formed in his stomach looking at her packing her stuff to go away from him...from his life forever.
"Mujhe chord kar mat jao please." He said in a barely audible voice pausing her movements.
She didn't look up but her finger clutched around the fabric she was holding in her hand.
She took a deep breath and set the cloth in the bag before heading back to the walk-in-closet.
Abhishek followed her with slow and hesitant steps.
She closed her eyes for a moment bracing herself for anything which was coming on her way.
She acted as if she was searching for something in the closet and behind her Abhishek was searching for the right words to use.
She threw out the clothes from the closet because of the building irritation inside her but her hands stopped midway when her gaze landed on something.
It was a big canvas placed carefully inside the bundle of the clothes.
Behind her, she heard Abhishek sucked a sharp breath.
She hesitantly pulled outside the canvas and slowly turned it around.
It was the painting of Roohanika's face in which she was smiling gracefully, her lips were parted, her eyes were twinkling with love and she was looking straight in Sia's eyes as if she was challenging her.
At the bottom of the canvas, there was Abhishek's signature indicating it was painted by him.
Sia didn't give any reaction and gently placed it back where it was kept.
She didn't feel anything after looking at the portrait, she was already broken and there were not any pieces left to be broken again.
"Siyu, ye bohot purani painting hai mujhe yaad nahi tha iske baare me warna mai kab ka...
He started to explain but Sia cut him off gently, "I don't need any explanation." She said.
"But I need to explain." He said without missing a beat.
Sia started walking away from there leaving Abhishek alone.
He clenched his eyes shut before walking away from the room in anger.
Sia looked at his retreating figure in concern but she kept her face neutral.
Abhishek returned after a few moments and marched inside the walk-in-closet.
He threw out the canvas and lit up the fire on it making it burn.
The flames started erupting from it causing the smoke in the closet.
Sia noticed the smoke coming out of the closet and her eyes widened in panic and fear.
She ran inside and looked at the burning canvas before glancing up at Abhishek who was standing there mirroring the blazing flames in his eyes.
His unflinching gaze was fixed on the burning painting.
The room was filled with dangerous smoke and smoke started stinging in the eyes but he kept standing unaffected by anything.
Sia started coughing because of the smoke and tried to pull Abhishek aside but he remained frozen in his place, "Dimaag kharab ho gaya hai tumhara, ye kya kar rahe ho?" She yelled at him.
She was coughing badly, she ran outside and came back with a bucket of water in her hand.
She poured down the water on the fire causing it died down.
She opened the door and windows of the room to let the smoke out of the room before walking back in the closet and dragging Abhishek out of the room.
A few house helpers came there with a worried look on their faces.
"Mam, aag kaise lagi?" A house helper said in panic, "Aap dono theek hain?"
Sia nodded her head, "Hum theek hain." She replied, her breathing was uneven.
They left from there, Sia glared at Abhishek, "Ye kya pagalpan tha, Abhishek?" She screamed at his craziness.
Abhishek didn't say anything and kept looking at the floor. His eyes were filled with agony, his fists were clenched at his sides. Sia glared at him and left from there in anger leaving Abhishek alone.
~________________________________________~
The next day came and that day was also like the last four-five days.
Sia went to the hospital, Abhishek went to the office and the youngers went to their college.
Arush was sitting in the canteen when his phone had started ringing.
It was an unknown number, he furrowed his brows and picked up the call.
"Hello." A manly voice came from the other side, "Am I talking to Mr. Arush?" He asked.
Arush nodded his head, "Yes." He replied in confusion and listened to the person on the other side. He stood up from his chair listening to the other person, a wide grin formed on his face. After a few minutes the call got disconnected and Arush was literally bouncing on his place.
He quickly dialled Advait's number but it was switched off which was very rare.
A pout formed on his face and he sat down with a sad look when his eyes landed on Sadhwi who was entering the canteen with her friend group.
He looked at her with a smile but made a face when he noticed there were boys in the group also.
He stood up and made her way to his side.
"Sadhwi." He said excitedly catching her attention. She glanced at him and smiled a little. Her friends waved their hands at his side and he greeted them back before dragging Sadhwi away from there.
"Aey kahan le jaa rahe ho mujhe?" She said a little loudly.
"Tum to aise chilla rahi ho, jaise mai tumhara kidnap kar raha hoon." Arush said and continued walking, holding her hand.
He stopped when they reached to a silent place and looked at her with a grin on his face.
"What? Aise daant kyun dikha rahe ho? Peheli baar brush kiya hai kya?" She asked in a teasing tone.
Arush looked at her, "Abhi bhai ke saath kam raha karo tum." He said making a weird face at her lame joke.
She pouted, "Kyun?"
He rolled his eyes with a sigh before again grinning, "Tumhe pata hai aaj meri life ka best day hai." He said and jumped a little on his place in excitement, "Pucho kyun?" He told her.
"Kyun?" She asked in confusion.
"Hey, Arush." A girl said, coming to his side and Arush greeted her back.
"Can we talk for a minute?" The girl asked, batting her eyes to look cute.
"Sorry sweetie, not right now." Arush replied and she scoffed before walking away from there.
Sadhwi started walking away from there when Arush held her hand, "Tum kahan jaa rahi ho?" He asked.
"Tum usse baat kar lo pehele, hum baad me baat kar lenge." She said, looking away from him and pulling her hand back.
"I don't even know her." Arush replied.
"To tumhe uska naam sweetie hai ye kaise pata?" She asked.
Arush slapped his own forehead, "Maine usko aise hi sweetie bola, mujhe uska naam nahi pata." He said.
Sadhwi's mouth hung open, "Tum aise hi chalti phirti ladkiyon ko sweetie bolte phirte ho." She asked being offended.
"Haan." He replied nonchalantly.
"Haan?" She gasped, "Baat mat karo mujhse." Sadhwi said, whacking him.
"Arey yaar, tum kyun naraaz ho rahi ho? Tumhe bhi sweetie bol deta hoon." He said to coax her.
"Mujhe sweetie mat bolo." She snapped.
"Okay to phir bhindi bolun?" He asked in a teasing tone earning himself a glare.
"Tum kuch bata rahe the na wahi batao? Bakwas mat karo." She said.
"Okay to suno...mujhe meri life ki peheli music album offer huyi hai." He declared in a high pitched voice.
Sadhwi's anger vanished and her eyes shone with happiness. She jumped on her place, "Really?" She asked..
Arush bobbed her head and hugged her tightly catching her off guard. Her eyes widened for a moment but she hugged him back with the same energy.
"I'm so happy for you." She said, pulling back from the hug, "Congratulations." She wished him.
"Tumhe pata hai mai iss din ka kab se intezaar kar raha tha aur aaj finally mera dream poora ho gaya." He said, his eyes were filled with the passion.
"Ye sab tumhari mehnat ka result hai, Arush." Sadhwi replied sincerely.
Arush smiled and looked into her eyes feeling a strange connection towards her. She was also staring at him but hesitantly looked away when she felt she was getting attracted towards him.
~________________________________________~
It was seven in the night, Aditya and Arush were sitting in the hall.
Abhishek and Sia were yet to return. The youngsters were getting bored, their phones were in their hands but they weren't interested in it anymore.
The atmosphere of the house was taking a toll over their emotions, making them feel suffocated.
"Bohot bore ho raha hoon, bhai." Arush mumbled.
"To mai kya ab tujhe naach kar entertain karoon?" Aditya asked in a bored tone.
"Usse accha to bore hi ho lunga." Arush muttered in response.
"Aaj meri life ka itna bada din hai, bhaiya ko yahan mere saath hona chahiye tha magar unka to phone tak nahi lag raha hai." Arush said after a minute of silence.
"Thodi der me khud unka call aa jayega." Aditya assured him.
"Bhaiya agar yahan hote to abhi hum log celebrate kar rahe hote." He said again with a sad pout.
"Aru, bhaiya bhaiya karna band kar de, aa jayenge wo." Aditya said, "Aaj match khel kar already meri legs me bohot dard ho raha hai, sir dard mat kar." He said in a tired voice.
"Aaj aapka match tha?" Arush asked with interest.
"Hmm." Aditya hummed.
"Kiski team jeeti?" He asked curiously.
Aditya raised his brow incredulously, "How can you even ask this question? Jab team me Aditya Advait Malhotra ho to kisi aur team ke jeetne ke chances bhi nahi hote hain." He said proudly.
Arush rolled his eyes, "Confidence accha hai overconfidence nahi." He made a statement.
"Ye overconfidence nahi hai, fact hai." Aditya retorted.
"Whatever." Arush muttered and stood up from his place, "Bhai-bhabhi ke aane ka time ho gaya hai, mai check kar ke aata hoon dinner bana ya nahi bohot bhook lag rahi hai.
" He said and walked away from there. Aditya kept sitting on the sofa, his head was rested on the headrest and his eyes were closed.
Advait and Shreya entered the mansion with the smile glued on their faces but a knot formed on their foreheads noticing the silent atmosphere of the house.
"Ye apna hi ghar haina?" Advait asked Shreya, "Iss ghar me itni shaanti kab se rehne lag gayi?" He asked.
"Mai bhi wahi soch rahi hoon." Shreya replied and her eyes landed on Aditya who was silently sitting on the couch, closing his eyes.
"Adi?" She said sweetly making Aditya jolt up from the sleep.
He turned his head towards the direction and the tiredness from his face had vanished completely in just a second. He quickly stood up and ran to them, "Bhaiya-bhabhi!" He said in happiness and hugged both of them.
"Kaisa hai mera baccha?" Advait asked.
Aditya hugged him tightly, burying his face in his shoulder, "Aapke bina kaisa honga?" He mumbled in a complaining tone.
Advait smiled and kept hugging him, he closed his eyes in relief hugging his son after so many days. Aditya pulled back after a minute and hugged Shreya.
"Aise kyun baitha hua tha?" Shreya asked in concern.
Aditya chuckled, "Aate aate hi mata shree mode on ho gaya aapka." He said, "Kuch nahi hua, aaj match tha to thoda thak gaya islie aise baitha tha." He replied, easing her tension.
Before Advait and Shreya could take a step forward Arush's loud voice tore through the mansion, "Bhaiyaaaaa!" He squealed in happiness and ran to him before throwing himself in Advait's arms, nearly making him fall back but he composed himself.
"Aap aane wale ho mujhe bataya kyun nahi aur aapka phone kahan hai mai subah se call kar raha hoon aapko?
" He bombarded his questions, "Aaj ke baad aap kaheen nahi jayenge, pata hai maine ek ek din kaise nikala hai.
I missed you so so so much. Ab mai aapko kaheen nahi jaane dunga.
" He kept blabbering against his chest and Advait kept stroking his hair without any word with an amused smile on his lips.
Shreya and Aditya chuckled at his antics, "Thank god aap aa gaye bhaiya warna ek din aur aap nahi aate na to ye bandar wahan London aa jata." Aditya said.
Advait chuckled, "Kaisi hai bhaiya ki nanhi si jaan?" He asked softly, slightly pulling him back just enough to cup his cheeks.
"Bohot bekar tha par ab bohot khush hoon." Arush replied, smiling at him.
Arush turned towards Shreya and hugged her tightly, "Bas apne bhaiya ko hi miss kiya ya phir bhabhi ki bhi yaad aayi thi?" Shreya asked in a teasing tone.
Arush smiled, "Aapki to bohot yaad aayi thi." He replied, "Aapko pata hai aaj mujhe do-do khushi mili. Ek to aap dono wapas aa gaye aur ek...?" He said and looked at their faces in excitement.
"Aur?" They both simultaneously.
"Aur mujhe meri first music album mil gayi." Arush announced loudly.
Advait's lips broke into a proud smile and Shreya's eyes widened, she quickly pulled him back into a hug, "Ye to bohot khushi ki baat hai, baccha. Teri mehnat rang laayi." She said feeling proud and happy.
"Thank you, bhabhi maa." Arush said and bent down to touch her feet. She placed her hand on his head and blessed him.
Arush looked at Advait and bent down to touch his feet too. Advait patted his shoulder proudly, "I'm so proud of you." He said making Arush's chest swelled with happiness.
"Abhi aur Sia kahan hain?" Shreya asked.
"Wo abhi ghar nahi aaye bas aane wale honge." Aditya replied quickly.
Advait and Shreya nodded their heads and went to their room to freshened up. Advait sat down on the couch with a sigh of relief and longing, "Finally!" He said with the familiar warmth in his tone.
"Itne din baad bacchon ko dekh kar dil khush ho gaya, chahein poori duniya ghoom lo par asli sukoon to apne ghar me hi milta hain apne apnon ke beech me." Shreya said, her eyes were filled with the love for her family.
~________________________________________~