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This chap is affectionately dedicated to RupalShah774 -
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"A stumble is still a step......................"
 

The weekend arrived faster than Vatsal had anticipated. He packed his bag with a mix of reluctance and determination, knowing he had to face his family and confront the underlying issues with Shubhita. He left his apartment early, catching a train to his hometown, the rhythmic chugging of the train offering a semblance of calm to his anxious mind.

As he approached his family home, Vatsal’s heart pounded in his chest. The house stood tall and familiar, yet he felt a strange sense of alienation. He took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.

Vishal opened the door, his face lighting up with a warm smile. “Vasu, it’s good to see you. Come in, come in.”

Kuhu and Krish excitedly rushed to the door to greet their Chachu. “Chachu! Chachu!” they yelled in unison, their faces beaming with joy. They hugged Vatsal’s legs tightly, their excitement palpable.

Mrs. Kashyap came out of the kitchen in a hurry, her face lighting up. “Vasu, my dear!” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. “The train took too long. I’ve been waiting for you since morning.”

There were happy faces all around but there was one person who showed nothing on her face. Shubhita kept on doing what she was doing in the kitchen, following her mother-in-law’s instructions. She had no heart to meet Vatsal. Who was she to him after all? He married her just for his parents’ sake, as if it was a task. And he had to tick mark that.

Jeevika noticed her but didn’t say anything, quietly walking out of the kitchen to join the others in welcoming Vatsal.

Near the balcony, Mr. Kashyap was seated with a newspaper in hand. He spared a glance at the door and saw his wife hugging their son. Then his eyes switched back to the kitchen where Shubhita was working without any emotion on her face. He sighed, a flicker of concern crossing his features before he returned to his reading.

“Come inside, Vasu,” Mrs Kashyap said, ushering him into the living room. “You must be tired from the journey.”

“Yes, a bit,” Vatsal replied, trying to keep his tone light despite the tension he felt when he met his father’s eyes. His father looked away almost immediately, as if he had nothing to tell him. Disappointed but not surprised, Vatsal glanced around, his eyes searching for Shubhita.

Krish tugged at his sleeve. “Chachu, come see our my new sports car!” he demanded, pulling him towards the living room.

Vatsal let himself be led, casting a final glance towards the kitchen. He caught a glimpse of Shubhita’s back as she moved mechanically, her shoulders hunched with a kind of resigned fatigue. The sight made his heart ill at ease, but he pushed the feeling aside for now.

He spent some time with Kuhu and Krish, listening to their animated chatter about their new toys. The children’s infectious energy temporarily distracted him from the heaviness in his chest.

After a while, Mrs. Kashyap called from the kitchen. “Vasu, I made your favorite dishes. Freshen up and be back in five minutes to join us all.”

He nodded, getting up from the floor. He looked at Kuhu and Krish, giving them a warm smile. “I’ll play with you more after lunch, okay?”

“Okay, Chachu!” they chorused, their faces lighting up with excitement.

Vatsal made his way to the dining room, his steps slowing as he passed by the kitchen. He could see Shubhita setting the table, her movements slow and deliberate. He hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke.

“Listen,” he said softly, trying to catch her eye. “Shubh...”

She glanced up briefly, her expression unreadable. “Lunch is ready,” she interrupted simply, then turned back to her task.

Vatsal felt a pang of guilt but knew this wasn’t the time or place to discuss their issues. He joined his family at the table, the atmosphere a mix of casual chatter and underlying tension.

Throughout the meal, Vatsal noticed the way she avoided his gaze, her silence more telling than any words. So did his father. He realized that the weekend would be more challenging than he had anticipated.

As lunch came to an end, Vatsal’s father put down his spoon and cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Vishal,” he said, looking directly at his elder son. “Tell your brother that whatever he wanted to do for himself—whether fruitful or unfruitful—he has done. But this can’t keep going any longer. This carelessness won’t be tolerated now. Make him understand this properly.”

The words hung heavily in the air. Mr. Kashyap then rose from his seat, casting a sympathetic glance at Shubhita, who looked back at him equally stunned as Vatsal. Her eyes widened, and she quickly averted her gaze, focusing on the plates she was gathering.

Vatsal clenched his jaw, suppressing his frustration. He felt a wave of emotions—guilt, anger, confusion—crash over him. He wanted to defend himself, to explain that he was trying his best, but the weight of his father’s words left him momentarily speechless.

Vishal sighed and placed a hand on Vatsal’s shoulder. “Let’s talk, Vasu. Come to my room...”

“Afterwards, I’m tired. I feel sleepy.” Vatsal cut Vishal off irritably.

“Didnt you hear what I said? Come immediately.” Vishal responded in the same tone making Vatsal huff. His mother offered him an encouraging look before leaving for her room to get to know what her husband was up to now. Her child had just returned, couldn’t that man understand at least that much?

The room fell silent as the two brothers walked to a quieter part of the house. Vatsal glanced back at the table, catching a final glimpse of Shubhita’s downcast face before they turned the corner.

In the living room, Vishal faced his brother, his expression a mix of concern and resolve. “Vatsal, I know things haven’t been easy for you. But Dad’s right. You can’t keep going like this. It’s affecting everyone, especially Shubhita.”

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_

As the brothers talked, Vatsal's frustration grew evident. “He always does what he wants and says I’m stubborn,” he muttered, his voice laced with irritation. “Well, whatever. I need some fresh air, I can’t stay in this house any longer.”

Vishal reached out, trying to keep the conversation calm. “Vasu, you can’t leave like this. Do you get that?”

“Don’t be worried. Ain’t running from this house, will be back by the evening,” Vatsal snapped back, already turning towards the door.

“But, Vasu. Try to understand. I can’t...” Vishal started, but Vatsal interrupted him.

“Please, Bhai. Please,” he pleaded, his tone softening slightly.

Vishal sighed, recognizing the desperation in his brother’s voice. “Alright! Take the car’s keys then.”

“No. Leave it. Mr. Kashyap would be annoyed if he gets to know that I’m taking the car,” Vatsal replied, shaking his head.

“I’ll handle everything. Just be back soon,” Vishal insisted, pressing the keys into Vatsal’s hand.

Just as Vatsal was about to leave, they both noticed Jeevika standing at the doorway, having overheard their conversation. Her expression was a mix of concern and disapproval. Vatsal met her gaze briefly but said nothing, pushing past her and heading out the door.

As the door closed behind Vatsal, Jeevika turned to Vishal, her eyes narrowing. “You’re very lenient with him,” she said, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Vishal ran a hand through his hair, looking weary. “If I’m strict with him too, Jeevika, then he might distance himself entirely. He’s already struggling. Pushing him harder won’t help.”

Jeevika sighed, crossing her arms. “I know you care about him, but this is not right.”

Vishal nodded, understanding her perspective but still holding firm. “I get that. But right now, he needs support more than anything. We have to find a balance.”

Jeevika softened, reaching out to touch her husband’s arm. “I just hope he realizes how much you’re doing for him.”

“I hope so too,” Vishal replied, his voice tinged with worry. “But we can’t give up on him like Dad. He’s family.”

Meanwhile, outside, Vatsal walked briskly down the street, his mind racing. The cool air did little to calm his turbulent thoughts.

_

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_

As Vatsal entered the house late in the evening, the dim lights cast long shadows in the hallway. He could hear the faint clatter of dishes being put away and the murmur of conversation from the dining area. His father had already eaten dinner and retired for the night, leaving his mother waiting for him in the living room.

Her eyes reflecting both relief and concern as she saw him walk in. “Vasu, you’re late,” she said gently, standing up to greet him.

“I know, Maa. And I’m sorry!” Vatsal replied, giving her a brief hug. He felt a pang of guilt for worrying her but was grateful for her understanding.

“You know how your father feels about punctuality.” His mother said, her tone a mix of exhaustion and mild reproach.

“Your husband feels too much about anything. Let alone punctuality.” Vatsal responded only to earn a playful glare from his mother.

At the dinner table, Shubhita was helping Jeevika feed the twins. Kuhu and Krish sat at the dining table, chattering away about their day, their new toys, and the little adventures they had. Jeevika glanced up as Vatsal entered, her expression unreadable. The sight of Vatsal entering the house caught her eye, but she quickly turned her attention back to Kuhu, trying to avoid any confrontation.

“Where’s Bhai?” Vatsal asked, trying to sound casual as he walked over to where they were sitting.

“Having a work call,” Jeevika replied shortly, her attention on Krish who was playfully trying to avoid eating her vegetables.

“Have you eaten?” his mother asked, breaking the silence that had settled over the room.

“No, not yet,” Vatsal admitted.

“I’ll fix you a plate,” his mother said, heading towards the kitchen. As she prepared his dinner, Vatsal took a seat at the table, watching his niece and nephew with a faint smile. “You both seem to have had a busy day,” he commented, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yes, Chachu! We studied a lot!” Krish exclaimed, slightly displeased.

“We covered our new books too today! Chachi wrote my name on the name slips with pink glitter pen.” Kuhu added, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“And mine with blue glitter pen.” Krish too stated excitedly. Shubhita didn’t say anything, remained focused on the task at hand, her face carefully blank.

“That sounds wonderful,” Vatsal said, genuinely pleased to see their excited faces.

His mother returned with a plate of food, placing it in front of him. “Eat up. You need to take care of yourself,” she said softly, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

As Vatsal began to eat, he stole glances at Shubhita, the distance between them felt more pronounced than ever.

Vatsal’s mother’s gaze followed her son’s. Both were now looking at Shubhita. She said, her voice taking on a slightly pointed edge. “It was you who had already informed before leaving . Otherwise, these days some people seem to think they can just come and go as they please.”

Shubhita’s hand faltered slightly, but she remained silent, focusing on feeding Kuhu. Jeevika noticed the tension and but didn’t dare to interject.

Vatsal couldn’t help but sigh, “Maa, I’ve had a long day. Can we not do this right now?”

His mother sighed, clearly displeased. “I’m just saying, Vatsal. It’s for your own good afterall.”

Vatsal shook his head in displeasure, his eyes flicking to Shubhita, who continued her task with a stoic expression. He could see the toll the situation was taking on her, and it only added to his guilt.

Feeling cornered, Vatsal decided it was best to withdraw for the moment. “I’ll go wash up,” he said quietly, avoiding further confrontation.

As he moved towards the washroom, he passed by Shubhita. She barely glanced at him, her face a mask of indifference.

Once he was out of earshot, Vatsal’s mother turned to Shubhita, her voice laced with disdain. “He had a long journey and then he’s been out all day. If only you managed things better, maybe he wouldn’t feel the need to escape.”

Shubhita bit her lip, her eyes downcast as she resumed her work. The words stung, but she knew better than to respond. Her mind swirling with a mix of anger and sadness.

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This is it for now. Hope you liked it. I am sorry for the mistakes.

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