26) jealousy

Armaan

After we sat down for dinner.

Things were awkward.

Radhika hovered over our table.

I told her it was best she leave because it was our family time , and half of my family , namely my wife and my son , seemed very distracted and distressed.

Sometimes I do think Arav is more like his mother , inward , he feels too deeply , his food , his habits , he only looks like me , but he is 80% Mausam , now that I know my wife a bit better it is becoming glaringly clear.

I was already feeling not very good , with truth about Khanna , then Arav's fight , then Rathore and his annoying twat brother.

Who kept staring at Mausam ,

With such intensity ,

I wanted to rip his eyes out.

Why am I even feeling this way!

It's because I could not place how they knew each other ! And why was he looking at her like that!

That's why it is so annoying!

And now Mausam keeps glancing toward their table.

I cleared my throat.

" Mausam ." I did not mean to snap , but it came out like that.

" Papa , don't shout at mom." My little angel complained.

" Of course not , munchiken." I smiled .

One good thing , Aruhi seemed to bond and like Mausam easily.

Maybe because she was young.

On the other hand , Aarav ,

He would not warm up so easily.

He is guarded, not that I could blame him.

Then the food came,

And imagine my surprise when Aarav pushed the plate toward Mausam," since you fell you can have some , through only 30% , rest is mine."

Mausam beamed at it.

" Okay , sure.thanks ."

Then she whispered ," it's my favourite."

We continued are meal in silence for a while.

Then she asked me," do you know Shiv? Umm , you said he was mr.rathore's brother."

My hand stilled.

I don't know why but her question irritated me.

What was wrong with me!

" I do not know him , I know Mr.rathore , his family has been in business for many years , they own ABC Ltd."

" ABC Ltd , oh I see."

" Why did not you know he had a younger brother?" She asked again.

I furrowed my brows," I have never seen him before , not at parties or any functions, never. Why are you asking?"

" Oh just curiosity. So you don't get along with Mr.rathore , he seemed very rude!"

" He is .." then I thought better of it , can't say that in front of children.

" We are not friends per say , but we don't not get along , we are just acquaintances. "

"Oh ok."

" How do you know him? You said his name" I tried to keep some accusations out of it , keep my tone neutral , because for some reason I was feeling angry? And I didn't know why! And I make sure I never shout in front of children .

" Oh , I just know his name. I have seen him , at school." She said.

That didn't convince me , but I let it go , I so wanted to change the subject.

" So where do we go form here? Ice cream? Drive ?"

" Let's go to park." Aaruhi replied.

" As you wish , princess"

~~~~~~

In park we thankfully spent pleasant time,

Mausam played with Aruhi on swings ,

And I pushed Arav to play.

I didn't want to think about any problems right then , nor did I want him to be sad.

We all enjoyed our time.

Updated on -25/10/24