Chapter 99: chapter 99

Ratim takes Ajinkya to his room. Rithesh and Rahul, who had been quietly watching from the edge of the room, exchange a concerned glance. Rithesh softly says "RahulHe’s never cried like that before". RahulRatim’s going to lose it... Without a word, both of them follow Ratim down the hall. There's tension in the air- unspoken questions, quiet guilt, and a shared responsibility none of them fully understand yet.Ratim sets Ajinkya down on the bed a little roughly- not to hurt him, but enough to show he’s not pleased. Ajinkya curls into a ball, still sobbing. Ratim paces near the bed, rubbing his temples, trying to calm himself. Rithesh enters quietly with Rahul and starts to calm Ratim, "Ratim, maybe if we just explain to him" Ratim cutting him off sharply "He’s not going anywhere with you. Not today".Silence. The only sound is Ajinkya’s muffled crying. The room feels heavy with emotion. Rhea calls at that moment to Rahul. Rahul mobile breaks the silence. Rahul picks it up and moves aside. Rhea it's Aju... Rhea" Is Aju with you guys? Rahul " Hmm... Ughh.... Am in Rithesh home". Rhea squeaks in excitement that sounds great. Can you pass the mobile to Aju. I would like to talk to him. Rahul" Rhea he's crying ". Rhea " what for?". Rahul takes a look at Aju, who is still curled up into ball crying, clutches the blanket firmly with his tiny fingers. As if protecting him from the world. Rahul " Rhea is upset., from the moment he saw us packing for the trip". Rhea shouts at him, who asked you to pack in his home. Haven't you given a thought regarding this beforehand. He's so small. How can he accept the fact that his uncle is leaving him for a short trip. Rahul Stays dumb. Rhea hears just a beat of silence from the other side.Rhea " fine pass the phone to Aju... I'll talk to him". Rahul walks to Ajinkya and says Aju it's Rhea Didi. She wants to talk to you. Ajinkya doesn't respond first, just a sniffles. then he slowly raise up his head, his eyes read and lips quivering. Ratim's heart churns looking at his son in this state. Still he kept himself away from Ajinkya, as he can't give into Ajinkya request. Ajinkya gets up the phone from Rahul and in his hoarse voice he calls Rhea Didi... Rhea " Aju sweetie...what happened? Why are you crying?Ajinkya clutches the phone with both hands, holding it close like a treasure, as new tears fall—this time from a place of relief. Ajinkya " I wanted to go with Rithu... but... Daddy isn't letting me go...".His sobs return, but now quieter, mixed with words and the sound of a child who knows he’s being heard.Rhea tries to coax him but Ajinkya was very determined to accompany Rithesh and Rahul. Even Rhea feared, what if Ratim Bhai takes his anger on Aju. For Aju's adamancy. Rhea" I know, Aju. Sometimes dad's get a little strict because they worry. Rhea remembers Adi when she was saying this. Because Adi was determined to get Rhea married to Amar. Despite of her resistance towards the marriage. And finally she is happy with Amar. Rhea couldn't stop blushing even in this moment. When she thought of Amar. But listen... can you do something for me?Ajinkya nods slowly, even though she can’t see him. Rhea "Wipe your tears, hmm? Take a deep breath... just like you practiced already." Ajinkya follows her words obediently. He wipes his cheeks with the back of his small hand and takes a shuddering breath in and out.Rhea " Good boy. Now... can you give the phone to daddy? I’ll talk to him, okay?Ajinkya slowly extends the phone toward Ratim without saying a word. Ratim, arms still crossed, eyes unreadable, walks over and takes it from his hand. Rhea tries to convince Ratim and it took her around 30 mins. And finally Ratim gave up to Ajinkya. Rhea " Bhai, Aju is our treasure, we will bring him safe". Ratim feels devasted, as he's not used to staying away from Aju from his birth. Three days without Aju... He couldn't bear such thoughts. And he's even unsure whether Aju can stay away from him. Rhea "Bhai... Bhai.."". Ratim " Hmm.. yeah Rhea, am ". Rhea " so we will bring him safely, even mom, Shikha aunty and Kajal didi is coming with us. So you no need to stress yourself. The moment he hears Kajals name his heart flutters. Without his knowledge. Finally Ratim cuts the call and walks to Ajinkya. He Crouches beside Ajinkya, Aju... He calls out. Ajinkya looks at him with his pale face. Ratim hugs him tight after wiping his teary face with his handkerchief. He rubs Ajinkya back and says Aju you can go with Rithu but you should obey them. No tantrums. And you should call daddy 3 times a day. Ajinkya nods at his dad. Ratim pulls him away and kiss his forehead and walks away with blurry vision to pack the bag. Ajinkya claps his hands and shouts happily. As he's going with his Rithu...A Revenge...