"So how it did go?"

"Disastrous".

"Oh! Was he angry?"

"No! I meant the movie was terrible".

"Who cares about the movie? Did you guys have great time together?"

"Um...yeah..we..talked".

"Talked? I selected a corner seat for you and you just talked?"

"Well! We couldn't bear to sit there till the end, we came out during the interval".

"And?"

"We had cheeseburgers!"

Lekha stared at her sister in law with mock anger "seriously?" She hit her head softly "of all the things I expected!"

Anya grinned heartily, but Lekha wasn't happy about it; they were seated on her bedroom, where she was studying for her entrance test but in reality, chatting away happily.

"It was clever of you, to ditch us last moment" Anya snorted. Lekha pretended to ignore that "I just wanted my brother to forget that bitch and fall in love with you instead, I wanted him to be happy" she said, this time, serious "I wanted to help him...forget".

Anya was touched by the love she had for her brother. But Lekha was childish and immature, thought Anya; she didn't understand the ways of life. You can't just forget someone you loved so easily, Anya knew.

"It doesn't work like that" she said slowly "and besides you should concentrate on your exam rather than mischief".

Lekha didn't reply, instead frowned. "I really appreciate what you're trying to do, but don't you think he needs time to sort things out?" Anya explained "circumstances of our marriage hasn't been normal you know that".

As she said that, Anya realized he was still in love with Riya. After they'd gone to Wimpy's, she'd noticed he was far off, and didn't speak much. They had their burgers in silence and came back home, Laksh having retired to bed without a word. Sometimes he surprised her.

He still loved her, even when she broke off their relationship he still cared, she thought ruefully. Anya wondered what was going to happen to their marriage, will they survive it?

"Anya?" She turned to look at her sister in law "where have you travelled?" Lekha teased. Anya smiled "so how's your studies going on?"
Lekha pursed her lips "no comments please!"

"You  need to prioritize your goals. Don't waste away your talent" Anya said solemnly, rather to herself. "I know!" Lekha swore "but I don't want to become a doctor" she frowned "or any other health care professional for that matter".

Anya stared at her "then study something which you really want to". Lekha shook her head in despair "you know my mom, she's really has high stakes on me, she's already enrolled me in St claire's institute of medical sciences, it's only a matter of time before I clear my exams and join there" there was a bitterness to her tone which Anya couldn't miss.

"Why don't you tell her you don't want to pursue this career?" Anya urged. "Please!" Lekha snorted derisively "as if it's easy to persuade my mother!"

"Talk to your dad then" Anya couldn't understand what was the big deal here. "He supports my mom in whatever decision she makes, it's a waste of time anyway" Lekha kept twisting her pen as if irritated.

Anya remembered how her mother in law had taken the decision of their so swiftly. Laksh had agreed immediately, so did the others.

"What's your dream then Lekha?"she asked, not wanting to see her dreams getting destroyed.

"Fashion designing" Lekha said simply. Anya smiled at her innocence. "I have a plan" Lekha suddenly jumped out of the bed "I think it might work out!"

"What is it?" Anya asked, suddenly curious. "Why don't you try talking her out of it? I'm sure she won't say no to you, please!"she looked so naive that Anya couldn't refuse even though it wasn't easy for her. She found herself saying yes.

          ◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
Minakshi came back to her room, after attending a meeting in their ladies club. The topic of discussion was cancer awareness.

She kept her crocodile skin leather bag on the top shelf, and sat on the arm chair, exhausted. It was a lengthy topic and she had a lot to cover. But the meetings like this kept her occupied and busy.

On the top of the shelf was a huge canvas portrait of her family, which they and got it done in Spain, one of their many summer vacations. It was Lekha's idea of course, Minakshi remembered, smiling to herself.

On the very center, sat her husband holding her hand and behind them with beaming faces stood her son and daughter. My son, she thought proudly; my pride. She had endured a lot to have a family; she shuddered slightly as if it had happened yesterday. She could clearly see the picture in her mind.

No! I shouldn't think of it now, she decided firmly. What had happened long back had been buried; it shouldn't be opened again, ever.

"May I come in?" Startled, she stepped back from the shelf and turned to see Anya standing near the door.

"Yeah sure" she forced a smile "you don't need to ask permission". Anya nodded and entered "did I disturb you?"she asked.

"Oh no!" Minakshi said "I just came back from an important meeting". Anya sat next to her "is it? What was it about?"

"Breast cancer awareness" Minakshi explained "we ever decided to make a fundraiser, for the underprivileged". Anya nodded, impressed "sounds interesting".

"Yeah, you should join us sometime" Minakshi said. "I would love to" Anya beamed, watching the room with awe.

"So..is there something you wanted to see me about?" Minakshi came to the point. "Yeah..actually I do have something to discuss with you" Anya sounded worried.

Minakshi stared at her, as much as she avoided socializing with her daughter in law, she couldn't find any flaw in her. Anya had been friendly with Lekha, she had observed the two of them getting very close.

She couldn't say the same about Laksh. She knew things were not fine between them but she wasn't ready to ask him yet. Maybe I'll give him a little more time, she had decided.

Now as Anya was fiddling with her shawl looking nervous, Minakshi wondered what she was upto. "It's about Lekha" Anya said slowly.

"What about her?" Minakshi asked curiously. "She confided in me she's interested in fashion designing, and she doesn't want to pursue medical profession" Anya went on "she really has a lot of potential. I think we should just let her..".

She couldn't get to finish the sentence "she told you I'm stopping her?" Minakshi wasn't smiling anymore. Anya looked at her "no, she doesn't want to upset you, I was just.."

"I know you're trying to help" Minakshi nodded "but you don't know my daughter like I do. Last year she wanted to persue art, and before that she wanted to be a jewelry designer" Anya gulped for breath.

"Lekha is inconsistent. Of course, when you have so many options and facilities to choose from, you get carried away, she too" Minakshi sighed "I don't expect you, who'd failed to graduate would understand".

Anya stared at her in shock, wondering how she'd known. "Your aunt told me about you" she said, as if answering her question "and your background too, it's not surprising. When you cannot fulfill your dreams, you become vacant and find ways to acquire it".

Anya was sure she'd misunderstood, "I didn't mean to..I was just.." she knew this was a bad idea. Minakshi gave a stern smile "but since you brought this topic, I'll think about it" she said suddenly.

Anya could hardly believe it! "You will?"she asked, feeling light. "Yeah, but I can't promise anything" Minakshi admitted. Anya nodded, feeling better "I..thank you for considering.. I should get back..I've taken too much of your time".

Minakshi watched her go, I was wrong, she thought as sudden feeling of insecurity crept over her; she's trying to interfere in our perfect family. A family which I have worked hard to build, she thought.

I have to get rid of her, but in a discreet way. She knew just a perfect plan.

HELLO EVERYONE!!
HOW Y'ALL BEEN?

SORRY FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER..
WILL MAKE IT UP FOR THE NEXT ONE..
HAVE A GREAT DAY AHEAD...
PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT..