chapter 7

Aashi stopped the car at Adityas house to drop him, though they had reached at the destination, but they were still sitting inside the car. they both were silent, but their silence spoke volumes. Aditya finally decided to break the silence Aditya: So I guess, it's finally time to say goodbye right? Aashi looked at him, her eyes filled with hope.Aashi: Well... Goodbyes are said to those people whom we will never see again... but we will be meeting each other again, right? Aditya smiled and nodded his head, understanding the underlying meaning behind her words. Aditya: Yes, we will meet again. Aashi: hmmm by the way, You're staying alone in your house... please take care of yourself  okay? You promised me that you won't be thinking about your past. (Aashi showed her care and concern towards Aditya by saying this) hearing Aashis reply, Aditya resurred her. Aditya: Hey, don't worry. I'm completely fine now. I'll do as I told you. I won't think about my past. With that, Aashi left Aditya and drove towards her house. Aashi's house was not just an ordinary house; it was a huge mansion painted entirely in white. The mansion had Greek revival architecture, with a beautiful garden in front.As Aashi entered her house, her father, Mr. Amitabh Triparty, was standing in the main hall to greet his daughter. Mr Triparty: Helloooo, my princess (he exclaimed, raising his arms)Aashi came closer and hugged her father Aashi: dad, when did you come back from London?"Mr Triparty: Just a few minutes ago. The moment I realized you weren't at home, I called you immediately. My eyes were desperate to see my beautiful, loving daughter. Aashi: Liar! If you really missed me so much, then why do you always keep yourself busy with your business? Mr Triparty: Come on beta. If I keep myself busy, it's all for you. You're lucky to be living this lavish life that other people only dream of. Aashi: But I'm not interested in this lavish life Dad. What matters to me is your presence in my life. I want to spend time with you. Mr Triparty: Come on beta. You're a grown-up girl now. Don't act like a small kid. I can't be with you all the time. I have a business to run. Aashi, feeling hurt, responded Aashi: I guess your business is much more important to you than your daughter. Mr Triparty: Please Aashi. I'm not in the mood for arguing. Now come on, get ready. We need to attend a business party. Aashi, feeling tired of all the business parties, expressed her frustration Aashi: Here we go again. I'm fed up with all your business parties Dad. I really don't like them. They bore me to death."Mr Triparty: Aashi, don't act stupid. This party is very important. It's being held at Mr. Gopal Verma's house. I have done business with him many times, and he specifically requested that I come with my whole family. And you're the only family I have. If I go alone, he might feel bad. I can't disappoint the people I do business with. Aashi: But I'm not interested in attending the party dad. Mr Triparty: It sounds so funny Aashi. Just moments ago, you were complaining that I'm not spending enough time with you. And now, when I'm taking you out to a party with me, you're not ready to come. Aashi: Dad, there's a difference between spending time with me and taking me along to a business party. And by the way, your business is the only thing that runs through your mind 24/7. Even now, the reason you're taking me to the party is only for your own benefit. You're not taking me because you want to spend time with me. your taking me to the party because you are worried thinking that Mr Gopal Verma might get dissapointed with you for not bringing family members with you, even after him mentioning you specially. all you care is about your bussiness relations. Aashi's reply made Mr Triparty more angry. Mr Triparty: thats enough, you are coming in the party with me and that's final. (Saying this, Mr Triparty went inside his room, while Aashi stood there, feeling upset and disappointed) Finally, the evening arrived, and the party at Mr. Gopal Verma's house began. Aashi stood in a corner, feeling out of place, while her father was busy talking to other people. She couldn't help but stare at him, her eyes filled with tears.Feeling lonely and desperate, Aashi decided to call someone who could understand her pain. She dialed a number, and Aditya, who had just finished dinner and was lying on his bed, received the call.Aditya: Hello? (Aditya questioned, curious about the unknown number) Aashi: Hey dude, what's up? Aashi's voice came through the phone. Hearing Aashi's voice, Aditya was surprised. Aditya: Aashi... Aashi is it you? Aashi's tears dried up, and she felt a sense of relief. Aditya's presence, even through the phone, brought her solace and reassurance.Aashi: Of course, it's me idiot. Who else would it be? Aditya: Hey... how...how did you get my number?Aashi: well all thanks to the form which you had filled in Uncle Roy's hospital. Aditya: form? which form? Aashi: the same form on which every person who has been admitted in the hospital fills his details...I had taken out your mobile number from that form when you were getting discharged. Aditya: oh! smart ha...Aashi: ofcourse am smart, and I have always been. so, what were you doing? I hope your fine there? Aditya: am very much fine...infact I finished having dinner few minutes back ...just now I came on the bed. Aashi: am...am so glad that your happy...Aditya: and you....what about you? aren't you happy? Adityas question had made Aashi emotional again, her eyes were again filled with tears. Aashi: me? yes...ofcourse...ofcourse, even am also happy....(Aashi decided to hide her pain from Aditya) Hearing Aashis cracking voice...Aditya realised that something is really wrong. Aditya: Aashi? is...is everything alright? Aashi: yes Aditya...everything is fine...why? what happened...why...why are you asking such question? Aditya: I don't know Aashi...but your sounding low....there's something that is not right...I can feel it...please tell me are you ok? Aashi couldn't hide her pain any further...Aashi: Aditya...please...please I wanna meet you right now...please Aditya...(Saying this, Aashi starts crying) Aditya: Aashi...Aashi what's wrong yaar? why are you crying? Aashi: please don't ask anything ...just tell me if you can meet me now or not? Aditya: ofcourse Aashi...is it even a question to ask? I'll meet you...just tell me where you are. Aashi: do you know the house of Mr Gopal Verma? Aditya: Gopal Verma? oh yes...yes...I...I know him...his one of the leading bussinesman of our town...but what about him? Aashi: actually I had come at his home for a party...please come here n pick me up...I'll be waiting for you. Aditya: ok alright ...you stay there...am coming right now...I'll be there in few minutes. Minutes later....While her father was busy socializing, Aashi quietly walked out of the party without saying a word to him. She made her way to the entrance of the main gate, where Aditya was waiting for her on his bike.Aditya: Hey, Aashi, whats wrong? How come the person who always brings a smile to everyone's face has tears in her own eyes? Aashi: I'll tell you everything, but before that,  can we please go somewhere far from this place? am...am feeling suffocated here...Aditya: ofcourse, come...sit Aashi climbed onto the back of Aditya's bike. He started the engine, and they rode away, Aditya took Aashi to a peaceful spot by a lake, where they began to talk. to be continued in next chapter