"I don't like it. At all." Dhritman announced to no one particular as they all sat for their late lunch.

"I don't care. At all." Riddhiman replied in a similar tone.

Mrs. Gupta sulked. She had tried one more time, but couldn't squeeze out another word from her younger son. Though she had promised to tell none and she meant it, but her inside was screaming to know all about it.

"You said scandal.. Are you sure everything is legal, and you wouldn't be involved personally into anything beyond treating this person?" Mr. Gupta suddenly asked.

Minerva was surprised. Father was generally very easy going, with a cheery attitude. All the serious stuffs were thought and carried out by mother. But right now, it was father who was actually making sense. Dhriti, god knows for what reason was sulking. For ma, she could tell why she is so quiet. Though Minerva found it rather funny, but she dared not laugh or even smile now.

Riddhi smiled at his father. "You should know me better than that Baba. The deeper the problem is, the more I am going to get involved it."

"No" and this came from all the three members older than him.

"Riddhi, I didn't stop you from going to their house. Not since last February. But if you- what? Why are you looking like that? You think I wouldn't know? I obviously knew. I was just playing along, waiting until you come clean. I am you father." Mr. Gupta set his son down pretty well.

"You knew, and you didn't even slip once! And here I thought you were.."

"Ma stop it. It's just work."

"And you were supposed to complete your post doc. What the hell are you doing ? Are you even legally allowed to work? Dhriti look into it. Do psychologists need some type of licence to check patients? Does he have that? Now, I can't have my son do anything- "Ma you are not getting another word out of me. And dada you.- Riddhi looked at his brother-" Do not pry. I am the youngest here, I know, but do not for one second think that I will allow you guys to interfere. And for your sake, my job is almost done here. Just another session, and I will be done. So please, give me some peace and let me eat."

Everyone went silent. Never in a million years had anyone thought Riddhi could speak like that. In that tone, in that authority. But yes, it did work. Everyone started eating quietly.

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Dhriti looked at the packed trolley. What is it doing it here? After lunch, Minu went to her mother's place, and didn't return until before dinner. So who packed this and why?

Shaking his head he went to the cupboard to get a short. And whoa! Where are most of his clothes?

"Why are you staring at the cupboard?" Minerva asked entering their room.

Dhritiman pointed the trolley bag. She looked at him in surprise. He raised a brow in another surprise. She shrugged, took her phone and almost threw it at him.

His eyes went wide. "We are leaving tomorrow? My god, these seven days got over this soon!"

She agreed. Really, it seemed like just yesterday when they were planning to come here. And now it's time to leave.

"But you packed only my clothes. Where are your?"

"Dhriti.. I am thinking to stay back for a few days more."

"Whyyyyy?" Dhriti looked shocked beyond imagination. What the hell!

"Why means? I want to stay back. After that movie got cancelled, I didn't have time to think what's next. So.. just wanted to refresh my mind. And frankly, I want to stay away from my boutique to think clearly. With almost all orders clear, and no new order at hand... But going to Kolkata.. Dhriti please I want to stay back here for a few days more."

Dhritiman was looking straight at her. What the hell was she saying? He was not going back alone, leaving her here. Not when Tiya is around. Not when Riddhi is involving her in his stupid things, and this girl does everything for his brother out of friendship, without even questioning. And lastly, why would he go alone, when they came together? Why is she not looking at me? And what does she mean by she has to think about her boutique? She can think about that even staying at home! No! Hell no! Does this mean she doesn't want to stay with him! He felt like a punch in his gut at the thought.

But Dhriti couldn't ask her that yet! What if she gets offended? After all that she did for him, this question will really be so offensive. No, he has to find some other way to ask.

Walking to her, he gripped her shoulders lightly.

"Minerva, what's wrong? I know, the movie got cancelled. But you have so much more to do. Staying here, won't you only think of the movie?" He sat her on the edge of the bed.

She looked at him in confusion. How does he know about it? All she wanted as to stay sometime away from him. How was she going to solve a major problem, staying near him, it would only be a distraction! And a bad distraction. Also she was sick and tired of that tip toeing around the house. Hopefully that is going to change. But here their parents, Riddhi were the buffers. Without them, how they (she and Dhriti) are going to act?

"Minu.." Dhritiman nudged. She gulped. Now he was sure, though there might be some tension regarding her work, but the major reason to stay back here was him. And he didn't like it at all.

"Minu.. I don't have much idea about your work, but I am all ears. Please will you share?"

"Dhriti i- she sprang up to say something, but stopped suddenly. What was she going to tell him? But his words were just so comforting!

Dhritiman looked at her with so much concern. The concern in his eyes were so genuine. For the first time she felt like sharing something. But her habit of years of managing everything by herself came in between. May be one day... One day.. there would be no habit no barrier between them. But that day is not today. She concluded.

Dhriti understood some of it. But he can't wait for that 'one day'. He will have to bring that 'one day' soon.

Minerva was still standing and was lost. She didn't even notice when her husband had walked up to her.

Her trance broke with his touch. Un-fisting her palms with his he held them close, "Please come home Minerva Gupta."

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Minerva very well knew, she was going to regret this. What had made her say yes to him yesterday? Ugh! God knows how Dhriti managed the last minute ticket. And how is she going to solve her problems with him around!

"You aren't ready yet?" Dhriti was pacing with the entire luggage. "The cab has arrived Minu." But his wife was lost. What's wrong with her? Did she really want to stay here? No, he didn't want to go against her wish, but right now, he really couldn't leave her here. He can't even imagine that flat without Minu's face. The realisation made his stomach suddenly go empty. But this could wait. Nudging her again, he left.

Just get ready Minerva. Procrastinating will lead you nowhere. And in minutes she was ready.

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"Bye.."

"bye" and after some more 'byes' finally they entered the Chennai Airport. The boarding passes were already made, so after scanning their luggage they directly went to the terminal.

Dhritiman felt certain relief to have Minerva with him. Though she was lost, but at least she was with him. And without their parents around, and that monkey of his brother, who came barging into their bedroom anytime. May be when they are finally alone, this gap will reduce too. May be finally she would start opening up too.

"You want something to eat?" he asked good-naturedly. But Minerva looked at him in confusion. They had lunch just half an hour ago. This isn't the time to beat around the bush. Taking her hands in his, he gave a slight pat.

"What are you dreading about Minu? I am not really the person you married. I know I have been very, very bad to you. I have been a selfish bastard , and I regret it." She looked at their joint hands. He was rubbing them. "Minu, when I said I was us, this camaraderie, this friendship to remain, I really meant it. I promise I will be a better man. Just give me a chance. Please. I realise you don't want to go home with me, but our home is waiting. Your home, my home."

Minerva didn't know what to say. That place didn't feel like home at all. With all that tip toeing around, not getting into each other's way, that wasn't home at all. She never really relaxes there. To her, that house always felt like a situation she is into, and she will be out soonest. Until now, she never really gave a thought about all these. But with Dhriti suddenly going about 'us', 'home' and such words, she is completely at unease. But there was no point dallying about it.

"Dhriti, can I say something? Just don't get offended."

Dhriti gulped at the words. What was she going to say?

"Dhriti... I need some time off."

"Time off as in?"

"I can't explain. Just I can't right away start being a wife, as a wife should be."

"Minu, what are you talking about? Your are perfect!"

"No. I mean.." she bit her lips. A little something stirred inside him. He smiled.

"Let's start being friends first."

N.B: Hello! Happy Independence Day my dear friends. ( I assume most of my friends here are Indian).

I am sorry fro being late. I know this chapter is again nothing much, but a bridge for previous and up coming chapters. Hope you like it. Even if you don't, please feel free to say to. I am all ears.

Please please vote fort the chapter, and share your views with me in the comment section.

Thank you

All my love <3