Nothing but Lies

BETWEEN THEM
Part 59

She waited. It was like the calm before the storm, in usual words.

Kamala cleared her throat. But it was her father who spoke up.

"What is the problem Shriya?"

"Nothing, actually. I er.... just felt lonely, and you know, could not even cook up a proper meal for myself," she managed a laugh, but it seemed echoed in the silence there.

Her mother was looking at her strangely.... so was her father.... And so was everyone.... except Shradha..... She was still staring at the floor.

They knew?

Anger surged with her.... so did despair.... How would she ever explain.....

At that moment, in blind fury, the only person who was responsible for this whole mess that she had gotten herself into was Krish.... And he was the one who was out of it....

She stared at Shradha....


A pause....

"Krish is my grandson, the younger one..... They were classmates once.... In school.... He told me everything. I hope you don't mistake, but I think that this is a case of classic confusion between the two. They really like each other and there is so much respect mutually. Only, they are egoistic."

Shriya was silent. She just wished she wasn't growing this uneasy, and wished away her tears.

"We were told about Krish..... In fact, Shradha told us that it was mostly lopsided, on Shriya's part.... might have been mere infatuation.... but from what you say...... I guess there was more to it...."

The conversation continued. Shradha was beyond repent now. She looked at Shriya, into her eyes, as steadily as she could. It was like she was willing her strength.

"Shriya?"

It was like she had been pulled out of which ever world she had been walking in.

Her eyes were unfocused with unshed tears. She kept trying to look up at her parents, but could not get herself to.

"Shriya? Do you agree? Of course, this is just for a verbal affirmation. We know...."

They were all smiling at her.... She realized it had been about marriage.

"No.... I am not.... I mean I don't want to.... Please....," she stiffened,"I guess it was just infatuation.... nothing more... I realized it over the last few days.... He means nothing to me... And am serious."

She paused and then looked at Kamala, her eyes firm yet with more gentleness than what she felt she was just then capable of giving anyone....

"I am sorry.... really.... Just tell him...."

If they were looking at her in shock, it was nothing to the stare that Shradha was giving her....