"What? You said you are going out with your wife. And I was waiting to follow you from the market corner!" with that she tweaked his nose.

Minerva blinked at Tiya's sudden stance. Dhritiman was shocked beyond limit. For the first time he didn't like it. Surprisingly this has been his favourite gesture once. Even six months back when they last met before marriage, this had been his favourite. Suddenly he remembered, during their last date how he was craving for her to tweak his nose, but she didn't do. For once! Why now? What does she want?

"What do you want Tiya?" He gritted in low tone.

Tiya looked at Minerva instead. And for the first time in many years, Minerva didn't know what to do. Should she stay? Or should she.. Oh god, why is it so difficult to act cool when at the hour of need? And moreover why is she minding Tiya's sudden visit? Isn't this the reason they flew all the way from Kolkata? Well.. Is it because finally Dhritiman was not grumbling and finally smiling, and Tiya's visit will start that all over again. And she (Minerva) can't do with such grumps anymore. Yes! That must be the reason. Assuring herself she got up and announced, "You guys will need some privacy. I am waiting in the parking lot."

To her utter surprise, Dhritiman almost jumped across the table and pushed her back onto the chair. "If someone has to go, it is she-He looked sharply at his ex-girlfriend, and the looking back at his wife he continued briskly, "It is us, who needs privacy."

Minerva's eyes almost came out the sockets. What the hell is wrong with him? She had never seen this side of him. If this was his attitude during their relationship, no wonder... Stop right there. You have no right to judge. Scolding herself she adjusted the chair. Dhriti's sudden push had left her almost sprawling on the chair. Bloody idiot. She had this once chance to rub her grace on his ex girlfriend's face, but no! Again, why am I bothering? Ugh!

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Minerva had never seen such animosity in Dhriti. Not when his mother had announced their wedding, not even then when he had shouted and barred her from entering his bedroom. What happened now? And then a thought suddenly struck her.

Dhriti must be trying to make Tiya jealous! Yes that must be it. And the thought somehow pricked her like a needle. Buckle up Minerva! This was to happen. Play along Dhriti. Everyone deserves happiness.

But being her, she will have to do it in her own style. So before the other two could speak, she started. "Tiya, why are you doing this?" She spoke so softly, that Dhriti could barely hear. But he did, and he was astounded. Why the hell is she talking to Tiya. She doesn't even know what venom Tiya spat about her in the market!

And not just Dhritiman, even Tiya was shocked. She didn't expect such a calm tone. Why the girl is acting so poised? It didn't take her fifteen days entrap Dhriti, and here look at her. So naive, so innocent! But I know the type. Tiya decided. Well, everyone in the neighbourhood knew how this little cat had started showing her claws in childhood, and was hell bent to go a bigger city and she did go. And now, just one chance she snatched her Dhriti! She (Minerva) was never interested in him. Then, why now? Because he is a IPS officer now? The social climber! Wait and watch.

Tiya smirked at her but turned to Dhritiman. "Dhriti, I am sorry for what I did to you. I guess it was those marriage jitters that make me take those drastic steps. I regret it. Every moment. Believe me. You were so domineering. Always right about everything. I feared I will be like those "Yes Sir" wife to you. Which I didn't want. I never got around to tell you that. And frankly you never gave me the chance." She paused. Biting her lower lip she batted her eyes at him

And it stuck Minerva. Why was Tiya so familiar! It took her back those boring dance classes. If something that Minerva really can't do, is dancing. She is real bad at it. Since childhood. And Tiya was marvellous at classical dancing. And was good at poking fun! She clearly remembers, once they were preparing for the foundation day of their dance school. Tiya was to play the role of the queen in a dance drama. And Minerva's lack of skills has led their teacher to give her role of a soldier in a group of six-seven soldiers. That too in the back line. How Tiya had mocked her! Playing nasty jokes on those group of soldiers, she used to bite her lips and bat her eyes at the teacher exactly like this. My god! Dhriti loved this girl! No wonder she wasn't honest about her feelings with Dhriti. During childhood she really didn't understand why Tiya made fun of her. Well, her dress in Dhoti, kurta, turban and sword was definitely a lot more interesting than the ghagra and jewellery Tiya wore. Atleast she thought so. Whatever, I shall have to talk to Dhriti about it. Before taking any decision, he should know everything.

Tiya started again, "Dhriti, baby, can we not give a second chance to us?" She did ask this, but the smug look said she knew Dhriti would come running to her once she flicked her finger.

Dhriti was shocked beyond imagination at her confidence.

"Who the hell do you think you are? You lost your chance. I am happy with my wife Minerva." With that he held his wife's palm across the table

"What!" Both Tiya and Minerva exclaimed together.

Is Dhriti speaking the truth? Minerva blinked.

How can do that to me? In front of that social climber who is using Dhriti! Tiya thought to herself. Well, well...

"How can you say so baby? When you facebook profile still says, 'In a relationship with Tiya B.' And your brother posts pictures with her-pointing Minerva- saying best boudi (Bhabhi/ sister-in-law) one can have? Isn't that very pervert of you?"

Holy shit! Dhritiman hadn't used facebook since their wedding. Initially he was so very sad, and then it wasn't really important. And he had been busy. Who knew, his ignorance would be rubbed off his face like that. And trust Riddhi to make every post public! Cursing himself and his brother he looked at her, took out his phone and kept it on the middle of the table.

"Watch me." he said briskly. Minerva and Tiya both looked at his phone. He, without looking at the girls, he opened his facebook. And then a little shock came to him. Which his face didn't show. His wife wasn't in his friend's list. Well that was very obvious in previous situation. Typing her name in the search button, he sent Minerva request. "Accept it. Now." Minerva couldn't ignore the command right now. Something in his voice didn't allow her to do so. She took out her phone and did so. An then before anyone could gauge, Dhriti changed his relationship status to married but the request went to Minerva. "Accept it." He quipped again. She did. And now both their profiles said Married to Minerva Roy/ Dhritman Gupta!

"What does my phone show now?" He almost flunked the phone at Tiya.

Tiya couldn't believe what was happening. There was this one thread holding them, and now its gone. Summing her courage she went on, "You are preferring this social climber over me? Who didn't give a damn about you previously, and now that you are IPS- Shut up" Dhriti barked.

Minerva's face went red. Is that so? Social climber?

But Tiya, oblivious to Dhriti's rage continued, "I will tell everyone in the restaurant here. Just see." With that she stood and turned.

"Ladies and gentlemen..- Don't you dare." Came a female voice. The trio turned. Dhriti and Tiya recognised her immediately. She looked very familiar to Minerva.

"Savita Auntie.." Tiya again batted her eyes.

"I was at the table, right behind this pillar. And I heard everything. I wouldn't have interfered, had you started this publicly. You cheat. You lair. If you dare to spread one more lie about this boy and his wife, I will tell your parents what you did here. And they won't be proud of you. I can't believe how such lovely parents have such deceitful child! Its better you get out of here, before I call your mother."

Tiya looked at her blankly. And she looked around. Other customers were staring at her, some curiously, some as if annoyed. She was about to open her mouth when Savita Auntie hollered, " Waiter.. please see to it that she is out. She spoiled my party today." The waiter came running with a bouncer.

"Mam please." The bouncer said.

Tiya turned to go. But, "This is not the end." With that she left.

N.B: Hello!  Sorry for being late. Actually writing long chapters aren't really my cup, but I am trying too. So, what do you think of it? Is this going too dramatic? If you think so, please feel free to say so. I am all ears for your critisism just as for your love.

The character of Savita Auntie is what people call cameo roles in movies! Huh! My audacity of explaining it with help of move! I will explain the next chapter, who is she. 

So, tell me how is the chapter. What do you think of it, in the comment section. Please please vote for it. I really look forward to it. 

Thank you

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