ch 51

Advay looked at chandhini, she seemed to be in a strange mood. He had thought she would be happy now that veer was talking to her. But she seemed sad.

He flipped the magazine pages watching her play xbox,''you patched up with Veer?''

Chandhini,''he didn't gave you the report?''

Advay closed the magazine and said,''Maybe. But I want to hear your version.''

Chandhini pretended to focus on game and said,'' None of your business. It's over.''

Advay stared at her face, 'He still didn't listen to what you wanted to say?''

Chandhini was angry at herself, was she a broadcasting machine, why her face showed everything she felt?

Advay smiled a triumphant smile.

Chandhini threw the remote away,'' I don't like this game. It's stupid.''

Advay said softly, 'which game, real or reel?''

Chandhini stood there rooted to floor, was he mocking her? Enjoying her pain?

Advay,'' it makes me so happy when I see you like this. What did you expect?''

He was expecting a come back but she just stood there staring at him.

Advay,''Cat got your tongue?''

Chandhini,'' I need to study, my exams are coming.'' She said and quietly left. 

Advay watched her go with a smile on his face.

...

Next day

Chandhini felt something hit her cheek, she picked it up, it was a popcorn. She looked up and a smile spread on her face,''Gauri.''

Gauri came over and sat down next to her. Chandhini was sitting on grass in one of the college grounds. Gauri had been really sorry about her meeting with Advay. Chandhini hadn't said anything. It was her bad luck. She had forgiven Gauri already especially since she found out through Pratham that commissioner never paid the tuition fee and it was Gauri who had given her own money. She had tried to return it to gauri but gauri won't listen. There were some  really good people in this world like her baba and Gauri

Chandhini,''you finished with your tuition for the day?''

Gauri nodded,''Yeah, I can attend noon classes in peace now, what about you, how is everything going?''

Chandhini,''first class. Pratham is a real sweetheart, he helps so much at academy, I don't know what I would do without him.''

Gauri smiled,''he better take care of my friend or he would need to answer me.''

Chandhini smiled at her,'' I am really blessed to have a friend like you but honestly I wish you would take that tuition money back. I feel guilty.''

Gauri,'' money is not everything. I had it and you needed it, so I gave it to you. Simple.''

Chandhini felt bit teary hearing her words.

Chandhini,''let's suppose gauri I was a bad person, will you still help me?''

Gauri,''may be. I only know you and you are a good person.''

Chandhini,''I am a bad person. I did something terrible and it hurt someone's emotions.''

Gauri,'' did you knew it was going to hurt that person badly?''

Chandhini,''No.''

Gauri,'' Then, leave it. You can't live in guilt. What happened, happened.''

Chandhini looked at her face and wished it was so simple.

...

Advay checked the different bank statements from his accounts. He sipped coffee as he did a quick scan. Everything seemed in order. He picked up next file, it was bank statement from chandhini's bank account. It's been two months, she still haven't used any cash. He closed the file and put it on table a frown marring his forehead.

...

Chandhini bent and tied the knot properly. Then, she straightened and stepped away. Advay got up from sofa. Chandhini handed him his watch. He put it on. Advay took an envelope out of his pocket and gave it to chandhini. 

Chandhini put it on table without opening. Advay picked up his mobile and looked at chandhini,'' you are not using your bank account, you are not taking the cash I am giving, how are you managing it?''

Chandhini looked at his face for a sign of care but found none.

Chandhini,''I am using my money from academy. It is more than enough for my needs.''

Advay looked at her face closely, was she saying the truth or lying? Was ayi helping her?

Chandhini looked at time, ' you are getting late.''

Advay gave her another of his assessing looks and then left.

...............

Megha was trying to call chandhini for many days and finally today she got hold of her,'' where are you? I have been calling you for many days.''

chandhini,'' sorry di. I was bit busy.''

Megha,'' Your friend archna called me the other day, she said you are out of touch with your whole group. what is going on?''

chandhini had stopped talking with her friends because there was nothing to talk. she could not go with them to latest fashion shows, she could no longer afford to buy the latest designer clothes and accessories. she couldn't discuss anything about Advay, it was hard to be part of a social circle when you were no longer able to join in the activities expected. she was afraid that the more she kept in touch with her friends the more chances were there that one of them will guess her financial condition or nature of her relationship with advay. 

Also, to be honest she was jealous of her friends. one by one they were getting engaged and married and she could hear there happiness, the way their husbands dotted on them. she felt like she could no longer relate to anything with the girls she grew up.

megha,'' chandhini?''

chandhini,'' di, I will contact her.''

megha,'' chandhini, everything is alright? is there any problem?''

chandhini tried to control her tears,'' No, di. I am happy.''

she had  made a mistake in hurting Advay, now she will have to bear his anger without involving anyone else.

Megha,'' lakme fashion week is next month. did you get the invitation yet?''

chandhini,'' I am here in Delhi di. ayi would have it.''

Megha,'' okay, be prepared, I am coming next month, we will go together and join. do you want anything from here. I have just used the concealer from a Korean company, its so good. Want me to get one for you.''

chandhini closed her eyes,'' I have so many already di. it will be wasted.''

Megha pouted,'' I am still sending it. Try and let me know if you liked it.''

chandhini nodded,''okay di as you wish. 

...........................................