Dhritiman woke up next day, when the sun was barely up. He prided over the 'talent' he had of waking up any time he wanted and feel fresh. It didn't matter if he had slept for twelve hours straight or only for a couple of hours. If he had plans, he could easily up and about. Well, at least he considered it a talent. And true enough how many us can do that? Not many!

He looked at his wife, who was sound asleep, taking deep breaths. No point of awakening her. The sun beam fell on her hair, dazzling up the golden and red streaks. She looked beautiful. Perhaps it was one of those rare moments when she us un-groomed. Well, ninety percent of the time, she remains impeccably groomed, with not one hair out of place, or a scarf going out of the way. Though even with make-up she looked so natural, but still, seeing her like this, holds a very different appeal. Dhritiman smiled at himself. How stereotypical he was! He had never understood the concept of cosmetics. Never gave a thought to it. Brought up in a household with only boys, had never seen his mother so tip top every time. And then cam Tiya, who was always very casual, the only times he saw her dressed up or attired was on special occasion. She had somehow led him to think those who did make up were really very free people with ample of time in their hands and she was a very good girl who didn't waste her own or her father's money on such a useless thing! Right now, he felt her hurling at Minu to show what really meant to be busy, that make up has nothing to do with a person's heart! Stop it Dhriti. You don't need to spoil your mood by thinking of her. Taking on last at his wife, he got down from the bed.

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"Good morning ma.." Minu entered the kitchen greeting her mother-in-law. Mrs. Gupta hadn't started anything yet. She was just looking at the vegetables stocks, when Minerva entered. She smiled, greeting her back.

"Your father is wanting something new, and I have no idea of what new." She grumped. Minerva smiled amusingly. She had never seen a couple more funny and more complaining about each other than her in-laws. But the love in them was also very transparent to the world. Not even her parents were like this.

"I can make some sandwiches." She suggested.

"That's not new Minu."

"What about homemade bread sandwiches, or a stuffed homemade bread. Even better!"

Mrs. Gupta eyes's sparkled and agreed. And soon Minerva was into action. She instructed her mother-in-law to make the morning for everyone, and she herself started dishing out some eggs and veggies. "Once I am done with these, I will start making the dough. Could you please measure the flour, baking soda, baking powder .."and she went on..Mrs. Gupta had no qualms extending the reins of the kitchen to her daughter-in-law. In fact she liked it and when on working as she (Minerva) instructed.

Suddenly Minerva eyes went to the cups. "Ma, you took four cups!"

Mrs. Gupta looked at her in surprise, and then realised what she meant. "Dhriti is out already." Her (Minerva's) face told she didn't know. "He didn't tell you?" She asked. Minerva shook her head in negation. "Didn't leave a.. what do you tell them.. right, a sticky note even?"

Suddenly Minerva's face crumbled. 

"What happened babu?"

"Ma, yesterday he telling about going to Tiya's house and give a fair warning. I told him, I wanted to go with him, but he said no. And now he went there so early! I am not liking it!"

"What??" Mrs. Gupta was shell shocked. "He told me he went to the community pool to swim!" Her face changed suddenly. "My god, why didn't it click to me! That pool... we had talked to our ward Councillor to use it for our reception party. Tiya wanted some sort of pool reception party. But obviously he didn't allow it, because it is used to train kids, and one party would ruin the water and the whole campus for a week. Tiya had wanted to use Dhriti's IPS identity to get it. But he had refused. She was furious."

Minerva kept looking at her mother-in-law. She (Mrs. Gupta) looked hell angry. She seemed to burst on Dhritiman the moment he returned. A sudden urge to protect her husband from his mother's rage came upon her. Though she herself was very angry with him. He did tell her his plans, but hadn't bothered to tell her that he would be executing them this soon. They would be here for another two days. Composing herself, she calmed her mother-in-law down. "I am sure, he will be doing fine."

"You still have faith on that idiot?"

Minerva couldn't stop herself from smiling. Seeing her, her mother-in-law smiled too. "Dhriti is lucky to have you. In fact we all are."

"Ma, you are embarrassing me!" They both started working again.

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"This is yummmmm...." Mr. Gupta spoke with his mouth full. His wife was about to say something when their elder son entered. Looking at the face of her mother in law, Minerva began the countdown.

"Dhriti... what did I hear?"

"What?" he seemed surprised. Which surprised others.

"Why did you go to the pool? After that girl put you in so much of trouble?"

Dhritiman kept looking at her mother, and then realised what she was saying.

"Why are you quiet? Don't you have any brains? Or even heart? Don't you think you should have told atleast Minu about it? Don't you-

"Ma!"-

"what, how dare you glare at me? Don't forget I am your mother. I can still thrash you. I can stii-

"Ma! Quiet. Not one more word now."

The banter came to a stop suddenly. Huffing Dhritiman said, "I went for a plain swim! You remember so many things, but not this that I love to swim specially just at dawn!"

Mrs. Gupta blinked a few times. "So, your plan about going to Tiya's house?"

Now, it was Minerva's turn to be glared at. She looked away before he could say anything.

"I will take a shower before I have my breakfast. Minerva please come to help me with my clothes." He said in authority Minerva had never heard. She started following him. But was stopped by her mother-in-law.

"You are a old enough boy to know which clothes you would wear. Minu has work here." Mrs. Gupta spoke in the same tone her son spoke in just now. Dhritiman glared at his mother. His mother glared back at him.

"Dhriti, my boy, by this age, you should know when to listen to a woman." His father spoke, now that finally he was done with his food.

Sighing, Dhriti left, leaving a look on Minerva.

"What work do I have ma? Reheat the sandwiches?" Minerva asked as her husband left.

Mrs. Gupta looked at her and smiled. "You silly girl! Such a wonderful businesswoman you are, but yet so naive about these things. Listen Minu, very carefully. Dhriti didn't like you telling me about his plans to go that girl's house. He wanted to vent on you, so he was taking you to the room. That's what that bellowing tone of his meant. Don't give him an inch. It wouldn't take him much long to walk all over you."

Minerva gawked at her mother-in-law as if she was giving some lecture on rocket science. Well, to Minerva, this was no less than rocket science.

Dhritiman came back at the breakfast table within minutes. Who showers that fast? His wet hair dripping, tee wet at spots. He didn't have the time to dry himself even. What's the hurry! Look at the way he is gobbling! Ugh! Feeling annoyed, she concentrated on her food.

"That was lovely ma. Didn't eat anything this tasty in a long time. You have excelled yourself."

"And who does the baking here, in this house?" Mrs. Gupta quipped sarcastically.

Dhritiman bit his tongue immediately. Smiling he looked at his wife. "Thank you Minu. This is best." She simply nodded.

They were all still at the table, when he left with his plans.

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It was past lunch, and Dhritiman didn't return yet. Where the hell is he?

"Ma.. you two come at the table. I am serving you. I will wait for both of them. Riddhi said he would come for lunch today." Minerva suggested. But the parents denied.

She was about to say something more, when Dhritiman returned. He looked grim. What's up with him?

"Why are you so late?" Mrs. Gupta charged him losing no time.

"Can we just eat first? I am starving." Dhritman asked. His mother was about to say something, but Minerva decided to jump in.

"Ma.. let's start. Riddhi will come soon. He just texted. We can hear this after lunch." Both father and son agreed readily.

Riddhi came in as they were starting.

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They all settled at their parents' bedroom, as their father wanted to have a nice stretch while the discussion went. 'I am sure, my son hasn't done anything stupid. I know it will be nice whatever he has to say.' Mr. Gupta had said promptly.

As if I am the only one creating problems. Anyway, let's begin. Dhritiman started,

"As expected, when I went to Tiya's house, her parents were surprised. They were very nervous all the time I was there. I told them what the police told me about what would happen if Tiya tried to create any further nuisance. They promised she won't. As she was being sent to their relative's house. This time, in France."

"Do all her family live abroad?" One of them interrupted.

"Mostly." Dhritman nodded. "In fact that is the reason she is like this. All the time thinking how happy they are in abroad. She sees all the luxury but failed to see their hard work. Anyway, she is leaving as soon as she gets the Visa. They are going to apply for it tomorrow."

Everyone breathed a breath of relief. Minerva suddenly asked, "What did Tiya have to say about this?"

Dhritiman looked at her straight. "I don't know. I didn't see her."

"What? You were at her house and you didn't see her?"

"None of my concern anymore. May be she doesn't want to see me. Or may be her parents gave her a good lesson. Or just she can be locked in."

Minerva gasped. Who locks in their daughter? But then again, what she did yesterday.. And that's just what Dhriti is guessing. Then another thought came to her mind.

"What will she be doing in France? Higher studies? Job?"

Dhritiman seemed irritated at her question. "As I already said, that's none of my concern anymore."

Mrs. and Mr. Gupta seemed greatly relieved. Riddhi went on to pat his brother's shoulders. Dhritiman scowled at him. What the hell?

"But then if this is good news to you, and you really don't care, why are frowning like that?" Minerva asked unable to fathom her husband.

Dhritiman looked at her, but didn't answer her right them. He next looked at his mother. And then, pointing towards Riddhi he asked his mother and his wife,

"Why don't you ask him where did he go today? Or rather everyday, during his stay here?" 

N.B: Hello my dear friends. I am sorry for being so late. Actually.. Well, I need a very personal help from you guys. I hope you all will. Anyway, let's come back to this chapter first. How did you like it? Is it okay so much of family time? Tell me, give me your precious views in the comment section and please do vote.

Now coming to the help. I don't know if this is allowed here or not. This is the only time I will be writing and ask you all for such help. 

Recently  due to some personal reason, I started working back on my youtube dance channel again. other than job, I am classical dancer. I had this channel long ago. But rarely I did anything other than pure classical, so hardly updated. I have taken up the channel again. My request to you is to please subscribe my channel. and follow my every video. I will post once in 10 days. It will take hardly 5-6 minutes  of your time in 10 days. Please please, I request you to subscribe to my channel and give likes to the videos there. Just like here, I am open to any critisism there. I promise, my writing wouldnt hamper. But I can't work for my channel, until I get all of your support. Please. My channel is in the same name. Please go and check out the latest video i updates today. 

I hope you all will keep my request.

Thanks in advance.

All my love <3