Broken But Beautiful

25. Agony of Her Reality

Nandini

"- Then I went to the shopkeeper, pulled out of my phone, opened google and actually started to translate words after words for him! Can you believe this?"

My parents laughed at one of the funny incidents Madhav described to them of his journey to Europe. Apparently that is where he was the first two months of his journey- the last month was spent in Goa, where he fancies to open a new hospital, and expand his business. My parents was fondly listening to his proud moments, while I stared out of the window in the dark starry night, with the moon almost round like a silver illuminated plate. Seems like it was going to be full moon tomorrow, because last night it wasn't. Last night, in the beach, it was even less full than today's-

I gulped down the spoonful of soup rather hastily and coughed. For the last time, Nandini Murthy- do not think about last night. Don't.

Then, I wish it was as easy to obey as to command, a small echo came within inside me. I sipped water, trying to pretend the echo wasn't there.

But it was. And it just won't stop repeating-

"Nandini!"

"Yes?" I looked around at my mother, "Amma?"

She frowned at me, though her lips were still widen in a well practised smile, "Where is your mind, Nandini? We've been calling you,"

I apologized, "Sorry, just thinking about the surgery. You were saying something?"

I smiled at the disapproving look of my parents' face, who were sitting opposite me in the massive dining table of their massive house. On my left was Madhav, who I, as always chose to ignore with all my might- but was hardly possible thanks to my parents. 

"So you were telling us about a course you wanted to complete, when we met last time?" Amma asked me, "You said you needed to travel?"

"Oh, yes," I nodded, feeling Madhav's eyes turn at me with interest, "Yes, it's a three months course and it's in London. I'll leave shortly after Alya's wedding,"

"Well, have you discussed it with Madhav?" Appa asked, eyeing me beneath his glasses. Before I could answer, however, Madhav spoke from beside me, "But Nandini, I just came back. I need to see business here, plus I've already settled some appointments worth months. It's really impossible for me to leave just now,"

"First of all, Appa," I looked at my father, "I'm an adult, so I can take my own decisions. I don't think I need to discuss it with anyone. But I think you meant actually taking permission from him? And secondly, Madhav," I looked beside me, "Again, I'm an adult. I can perfectly travel and stay alone. I don't understand why you'll come with me,"

He smiled, which in human language is called 'sweetly', "Nandini, didn't I mention earlier today that I intend to spend time with you?"

"Well, I don't intend to, not at all," I smiled back as sweetly, "So I'm very much looking forward to go alone. Now, if you want to come, that's your lookout- I won't be your partner,"

I heard my mother say, "You're not going anywhere without Madhav's consent, Nandini,"

I snickered, "I think we all will agree that I agreed to marry Madhav at some point of my life, I didn't agree to become his 24/7 puppet. Isn't it, Madhav?"

His eyes sharpened in an instant, the smile intact. I hoped I had sharpened my eyes on the same level as he, if not higher.

"Don't go too far just because you can see free reign, Nandini," Appa's voice rang into my ears. I turned at his furious face, "I think I'm smart enough not to regard my rights as some delusional free reign, Appa. Thank you for the polite reminder,"