Agastya looked at Dushyant's retreating back with clenched fists but didn't stop him. The rational part of him knew that today's matters were probably not instigated by him. But the end result remained the same. First Avantka, now...
Under the Birch Tree
"How… how are you doing, Cousin? It's been so long since you returned to the residence. I… my aunt has almost forgotten how you look," Avantika was red-faced as she uttered these words shyly to Dushyant.
Dushyant was experiencing mixed feelings at the moment. The girl in front of him was one of the very few people in his life who had given him some warmth during his growing up phase.
Knowing that his future path was full of uncertainty, Dushyant was loath to drag another person along with, especially if it was someone who had been kind to him.
Moreover, she was also the reason why things had turned awkward between him and Agastya at such an early stage.
Over the past couple of years, Dushyant had deliberately distanced himself from the girl, even to the extent that he hardly returned home. Despite that she had somehow managed to spread the impression around about her singular affection for him to the people around him.
He didn't know if her behaviour was intentional or innocent. But these small tricks of a little girl didn't bother him much and hence, he hadn't taken the effort to clarify the matter ever.
Anyways, he didn't have too much attachment to the people present in his life. But this matter had already become a bone of contention between him and Agastya, which could become a trigger for bigger things in the future.
That's why he had asked Avantika to come and see him this afternoon.
"Avantika, I appreciate your attentiveness and affection shown towards me over the past many years. But now is the time for you to concentrate on the matters regarding your own marriage. As your cousin, I want the best for you. Hence, it's better if you don't go around galavanting all over the place and instead, start learning the necessary skills which will be useful for you in the future," he said solemnly.
Taken aback at the implied meaning behind his words, Avantika gaped at him in disbelief.
Instead of acting coy, she decided to speak bluntly. She knew that he hated when people played games with him.
Staring at him with eyes brimming with unshed tears, she said, "Cousin, don't you know who it is that I hold in my heart as my beloved? How can you draw a line between you and me so clearly today? From the time that I became sensible, there has only been one person in my heart. Why is it that you want to push me away so decisively? If you don't like me then… then, I will stay unmarried all through my life."
It was Dushyant's turn to be stunned.
He had not expected this young girl to be so firm and bold in her liking for him. Feeling a little warm in his heart, he took a moment to stabilize his emotions.
After a pause, he replied firmly. "It is not your choice to make. Your parents will be the one making the decision about whom you spend your life with. As for me, I have many years to go before I choose my partner and…"
Avantika interjected hastily and said, "I am willing to wait, I am willing to wait for you, no matter how long it takes. Just don't push me away, please."
Looking at her pleading, vulnerable expression, Dushyant exhaled in a resigned sigh. "I want you to go back to Sarvaan for now. Do not come seeking me whether it is here at the camp or at home. Do you understand? I… I will look for you myself, when I can."
She nodded like an obedient and docile pupil, making Dushyant reveal a helpless smile.
Few metres away, a person stood, half-hidden behind a pine tree. His hands were fisted tightly as he took in the bashful expression of the girl and the indulgent look of the guy.
"Since everyone is seeking the best for themselves, why shouldn't I be selfish for once?" With a snort, Agastya turned around and walked away.
Bali Mansion, Dima city
Dharitri had developed a nervous disposition ever since the episode regarding the dead groom, Ganak, had occurred. She became irritable and lost her calm quite often these days, mostly on the household staff. Gone was the legendary composure which the Eldest Miss of Bali clan was famous for.
Almost everyone in the family had noticed this anomaly. In fact, the third madam had even remarked upon it in front of her personal maids that eventually the apple hadn't fallen too far from the tree. She was alluding to the volatile nature of the eldest madam, Lilavati.
Even Lilavati, who was usually lost in her own problems, had realised that something was wrong with her usually sensible daughter.
Actually, Dharitri was plagued by the unknown. Neither did she know who fished out the dead body from the water nor was she aware of the person's purpose in doing so.
In so many days, no one had pointed fingers at her or at anyone else for that matter. The investigating officials had come and gone but no concrete result emerged from their findings, as well, making Dharitri sigh in nervous relief.
But she couldn't afford to be scatterbrained right now. It was her grandfather's birthday in a few days and the responsibility for organising the event was supposed to be on her parents, them being the eldest son and daughter-in-law.