Part 24 - Perfect Half-dozen

Vysna had called Leysa and told her that she wanted to celebrate the birthday of her friend.

" Who's birthday?"

" Meghana's. She was very sad today. She has no one to celebrate it with. I gave her cupcakes and she looked happy. But I... I think she is missing her family and wants to celebrate it with them. She is not allowed to meet them and she cannot go to her hometown. I think it's the least we can do. Will you please tell Aaden and Tash to join in as well? I truly want her to have a memorable day."

" If anyone finds out that she has been with us, you might get into trouble; we all might get into trouble, including Meghana. Think about it, dear."

" Mom, please..." Vysna pleaded.

Leysa sighed. She truly thanked the circumstances which had led to Vysna staying with them. If it was not for Navil's quick thinking, Vysna wouldn't be there with them now. But others, the ones who had to go through the legacy tests were separated from their families. The mere thought of losing Vysna shuddered her.

"Okay, but make sure that no one finds out. You have to be extra careful."

Now all of them were at home celebrating Meghana's birthday. Vysna had picked up Meghana from the hostel after work, and on the way, she had got a cake. Tashvin helped with decoration, and Aaden handled all of the food arrangements.

Just like the last time. A table was set in the backyard and lights were lit.

The menu was simple, as it was arranged in a short amount of time. Grilled sandwiches, pasta alfredo, cheese calzone, mojito and blueberry cheesecake. Leysa made the pasta and mojito herself, and the rest was ordered from a cafe nearby.

Vysna looked very happy as the celebration went well. Even Meghana seemed to enjoy the celebrations. Everything looked perfect.

" I cannot thank you enough, I am overwhelmed by all of this. Thank you so much... " Meghana, repeatedly thanked all of them.

Leysa felt a weird tug in her heart as she silently stood and watched her children enjoy with Meghana. Navil was out of the station for work and would come back after two days so she felt a little lonely.

After the party was over Vysna dropped Meghana back to the hostel.

Returning home she helped clean all of the arrangements.

" Meghana looked so happy today. She didn't stop thanking me till we reached her hostel. She said that for the first time, she didn't feel like an outsider."

" I am so glad," Leysa said," I am proud of you Vy, for being so thoughtful and kind."

"Yes, she did look happy," Aaden added as he and Tashvin cleared the table." It was very nice of you Vy, for being there for your friend."

Vysna smiled.

Most of the things were cleared and cleaned.

"Mom, is something bothering you? You don't look so well. Don't worry Meghana didn't tell anyone that she was coming here. Instead, she told her roommate that I was taking her to the library for studies."

" That's good..." Leysa sighed, she still couldn't stop her mind from going in that direction. Every time she saw the kids, images of her past flashed before her.

" Mom, what's wrong?" Tash asked.

" Oh no, I am fine. I am glad that we could make her happy." She dismissed the question completely. But her mind still pushed her into the memories. The memories of her younger self and the life she had. She truly enjoyed her youth, a carefree and fun time.

Late at night, when she dozed off, she dreamt of the life she had. A life without worries, a life that could be the envy of so many.

Leysa belonged to one of the wealthiest families. Her mother was a well-known personality in the Partham society, as she carried the name Bhaskara. A legacy which is synonymous with power.

Most of her family members were at higher posts either in politics, government and even in the fields of business, research and sciences. Leysa was a part of a long line of extremely successful people. A family she knew she couldn't keep up with.

Her mother, Shalaka Bhaskara, was a socialite, and her father, Pinakin Mani, owned multiple businesses. Coming from a pureblood family had given her an advantage. Life among the elites, the cream of the society.

At first, she dreamed of the argument that she had with her mother on the night she had left home. But then the incident dissolved into the last night she had with her friends.

Incidences, flashing in front of her like projections from a reel. The last day of school. The farewell party... Promises and proclamations were being made about keeping in touch and meeting at least once a year.

Surprisingly, most of them kept their promises and were there.

Decked up in pretty dresses and suits and bidding farewell to their school and friends. The school's tennis court was decorated with fairy lights and silver stars hung from the ceiling. The music which played in the background was soft and soothing after two loud dance bangers.

Leysa saw Prasan leaning on the table and talking to the guy who was serving the juice. She walked to him and waited patiently for him to finish.

When he was done, he turned to her, handed her a glass and said, "Drink this. Didn't I tell you if you add mint to the juice, it will taste much better?"

Leysa took a sip." You are never wrong about food, Muku. When have I ever doubted you?" She smirked and gave him a sly smile.

He grinned wide and picked a glass.

" Yep, never wrong about food," he said and sipped from his glass.

Prasan had a knack for perfecting any recipe. One whiff, and he could tell if the dish in front of him lacked salt or spice or if it was raw, undercooked or overcooked. Leysa knew he would make a great chef one day because food was his passion.

" You didn't walk here ostentatiously, just to chat with me," he quirked an eyebrow at her.

Leysa smiled and lowered her gaze.

" He is not here yet. Is he?" He asked.

She nodded," No, he is ...there," she pointed at Markand, dancing at the end of the court.

Prasan sighed. " He has been dancing with Anila. Why don't you ask him for a dance?"

" I can't just barge between them and ask for a dance." She paused," But he has been dancing with her for so long." She furrowed her brows.

" Sweetheart, they are not dating. At least not yet. I think you should ask him before she does."

"But they look... happy... together..." She started to fidget with her nails.

" God, Leysa just for once, take a chance." He nudged her.

" You are the one talking... I know why you have been hanging out here," She gestured at a guy dancing opposite them. " Gawking at Vardhan for the whole year... Not once have you talked to him." She cocked her head.

" My case is different..." He was trying to avoid eye contact.

"How?"

" It just is..." He let out a long breath. " What if he rejects me? What if he says no,"

" What if he says yes..." Leysa raised her eyebrows.

Prasan shook his head vigorously.

" Oh com-on...just take a chance," She pulled him to the dance floor and started to sway. Slightly nudged him towards Vardhan as they danced. Prasan stepped on Vardhan's foot by accident.

" S...ss...sorry.." he said.

Vardhan smiled and asked him for a dance. Leysa squealed under her breath and walked away from the dance floor leaving Vardhan and Prasan. She walked towards her friend, Monica who was standing at the food stall and looked frustrated.

"What's up with you?" Leysa asked her.

Monica was tugging at her dress and pulling the hem down. " Whoever decided that girls should wear a dress for the farewell is going to get a fine pounding from me later for this." She tugged at her dress again. " Why couldn't I just wear jeans? It's riding up my arse, it's so uncomfortable."

" Stop fidgeting, you look good." Leysa whacked her hand. Monica frowned at her.

" I am not wearing Urmi's clothes again." She straightened up. " Playing cupid are you?" Monica asked her and gave her a broad grin.

" They look so cute together, don't they?" She said.

Monica glanced at Prasan and Vardhan and then nodded.

"Where's Urmi?" Leysa asked.

" Off to the loo..." She replied.

These were the ' Perfect half-dozen'.

A name which was callously given to a group of kids by their teacher twenty years ago. Leysa, Prasan, Markand, Anila, Urmila and Monica. A group that was well-known at their school for their friendship and togetherness. Each one had found time for each other even after they were busy in their jobs.

Prasan studied culinary arts and opened a restaurant which served unique food. Markand and Anila worked at the council office. Anila had bagged a job as the assistant of the council elder Tribhuvan Bali, whose place, after his retirement was then given to Biswa Raj. Monica and Leysa had got a job at the city museum. They were in charge of the artefacts related to the Parthams. Urmila joined the family business, nobody knew what that was.

Leysa's mind had gone back to the time they were together at Prasan's restaurant. Unfortunately, that was the last time she had seen all of them together. Twenty years ago. He had invited all of them stating that he had some news.

Leysa dreamt of the time vividly. One by one, everyone arrived and a beautiful table was set. Prasan had opened a restaurant which had become quite famous for its unique dishes.

Leysa, Monica and Urmila were already seated at the table. And Prasan had ordered the food for them. They were waiting for Markand and Anila to arrive.

But then Vardhan had joined them and it was a great surprise. After school, Vardhan joined the military. He and Prasan were in a steady, long-distance relationship. Prasan announced the good news that Vardhan had been promoted to the rank of Captain, and that's why he had called everyone for a small celebration at his restaurant.

" Why is Anila never on time?" Monica said as she looked at the watch. Urmila shook her head.

" Even Markand is not here yet..." Vardhan said.

Prasan glanced at Leysa but she had not reacted to Vardhan's statement. She wanted to ask Markand out for so long but had never got the guts to do so. And then, when she finally gathered the courage to ask, she found out that Markand and Anila were dating.

When Markand and Anila arrived, she found out that they were engaged. She was heartbroken but didn't show it. She had given an excuse and left the venue. Prasan tried to stop her but she didn't listen. The only one who knew about her feelings was Prasan and he had taken a quiet oath to not tell anyone about it.

She'd left and reached home early, only to overhear the conversation between her father and mother. At that moment her life had changed. Everything she knew about her life, about who she was, and what she wanted to become was all turned into an unpleasant, twisted question.

She woke up in a cold sweat, hyperventilating. She got up from her bed and walked to the bathroom sink, splashed cold water on her face and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

She had left the Partham world for good. Promising herself never to return. Giving birth to Vysna, marrying Navil and disconnecting from her family, she never regretted all of these decisions. But the consequences of her actions had brought her family to this stage. Navil, Aaden and Tash were pulled into this chaos.

Unavoidably she was standing amidst the battlefield of truth, the burden of the true legacy. A burden which was carried by her great-grandmother, her mother, her and now Vysna. She will have to tell Vysna the truth someday but for now, she had to keep her silence.

:::::::::::::::::!!!!::::::::::::::::

Hello, my beautiful readers 💕

As promised the new update is here.

Sorry for so much exposition in this chapter, but I had no choice. I might make some changes in this chapter if I find it too jarring. Do let me know if you find it the same.

Slowly the secrets will be revealed. There is so much more to come. Be patient.

Loads of love

RTW ❤️