chapter 5

After breakfast, Aarav calls a few brokers to show them some rented flats.'Fiza, what's your problem if you get a flat on our campus?' Shalini asks Fiza.'It's far away from my office. I prefer to stay near my office.' Fiza replies.'I would still suggest you look for a PG. Managing a flat alone is difficult. Moreover, for one person, a 2BHK apartment is too big.' Aarav adds.'I don't want to stay with unknown people, and I'm used to big houses. So, it will be difficult for me in a 1 BHK flat too.' Fiza clarifies.'But, if you stay near us, we can take care of you.' Shalini expresses her concern.'Thank you. But I can take care of myself.' Fiza says.Shalini makes a face. Fiza hugs her and says,' Don't worry, dear. We will meet frequently.'Shalini removes Fiza's hand showing her anger.'Okay, let's see all the flats first, and then we will decide. (Pause) Today we will have lunch outside.' Aarav tries to handle the situation.After a while, all three go out to see the flats. They started with Shalini's campus. Although Aarav and Shalini try to convince Fiza to stay near them, she refuses as she wants to stay away from everyone. After seeing some flats, they go to Aarav's old locality, where they meet the old lady Fiza met at the park.Seeing them, the old lady smiles and says, ' Nice to meet you, the young lady again. How are you, Aarav and Shalini?''We are fine. How are you, Aunty?' Shalini smiles.'I am fine. Have you come to look for a rented flat for this young lady? (To Fiza) What is your name, darling? In the morning, we met, but I forgot to ask your name.'Before Fiza could reply, Shalini says, 'She is Fiza. My childhood friend. Have you met her before?'Aarav is talking to the broker, but his eyes are on the woman. He never liked her because she interfered in everyone's personal life.'Yeah, We met in the park today. Hasn't she told you? But I couldn't greet Aarav, as they left early. I wanted to meet you as I haven't seen you for a long time. See, God has fulfilled my wish.''Yes, I know. Both are fitness freaks.''You should join them.''No, I can't sacrifice my morning sleep.' Shalini smiles.Fiza is getting bored with the discussion. She goes to Aarav to tell him that she will not stay on this campus and asks him to cancel the appointment with the broker.'If you can't sacrifice your sleep, you may have to sacrifice many other things. Five years passed, and you could not give your husband a child. (Pointing at Fiza) You said she is your childhood friend, but I think she is much more comfortable with Aarav than you.'The old lady spoke loudly enough that Fiza and Aarav could hear her words clearly. Both Fiza and Aarav get angry. But Fiza couldn't understand how to react.Aarav controls his anger and says,' Aunty, I have heard that Vansh's wife had divorced him as he was impotent, and you used to tell people that your daughter-in-law is sterile. Recently I met your ex-daughter-in-law. She has married again and has a baby too. Has Vansh married again?'Both Fiza and Shalini are surprised by Aarav's reaction. Fiza gets impressed. She always wanted a partner like Aarav, who would be caring, supportive and protective.Hearing Aarav's words, the woman finds a way to escape. She says, 'Isn't your broker late? Call him again. Their words have no value. I'd rather go; there is a lot of work left in the house.'As she goes, Shalini scolds Aarav and says,' Was it necessary?''Yes, if anyone interferes in our personal matters, I will not spare her.''But she is an old lady. Have you forgotten to respect older people?''No, Aarav is right. She deserved it. As she is old, she should have behaved as per her age.'Shalini took a deep breath. It is impossible to make you understand. Shalini mumbled.They visited many flats and liked some, but they took time to confirm. As the sun slips below the horizon and the fleeting colors of dusk begin to fade, Aarav, Shalini, and Fiza sit on the balcony with tea to finalize the flat for Fiza. While Aarav and Fiza are discussing the flat, Shalini is busy with her mobile. Fiza notices that and says, 'Hey, what are you doing?', and takes her mobile.'No, nothing as such. Give me my mobile.' Shalini tried to stop Fiza but couldn't.But seeing what Shalini is doing on her mobile, Fiza gets angry with Shalini.'How could you do this to me? I trusted you as my sister. How could you cheat on me?' Fiza says with teary eyes.Aarav was busy comparing the flats they had visited and got surprised to hear Fiza's words. Fiza could not control her tears. She left the balcony and went to her room.'What happened, Shalini? Why is Fiza crying? What have you done?' Aarav asks Shalini.'Oh, nothing. Fiza makes a mountain out of a molehill in everything.' Shalini ignores Fiza's reaction.'But, she is crying. She has become sad.' Aarav says in disappointment.'She is my friend. I will take care of her.' Shalini wants to cover up the matter.Aarav gets busy comparing the features and prices of the apartments.After a while, when Fiza doesn't come, Aarav gets worried.'Please go and check what she is doing?' Aarav asks Shalini.'Don't worry. She will come back soon.' Shalini knows Fiza will calm down with time. So, She wanted to buy that time.'But she is our guest. You can't ignore her. Please go.' Aarav tries to convince Shalini to go and console Fiza.Annoyed, Shalini goes to call Fiza. Fiza is standing by the side of the window, and tears are rolling down her eyes.'Why are you doing this?' Shalini asks Fiza harshly, but Fiza doesn't reply.'Arif is worried about you. You were not sharing anything with him. That's why I shared the details.' Shalini tries to clarify herself.Fiza left the room without replying to her.It's too difficult to handle her mood. Shalini mumbled and took a deep breath. Aarav just came to check with two friends and hear everything.'You have wronged her.' Aarav says and leaves.(Continued ....)