By your side

Some decisions are hard

Ishaan sat engrossed in his laptop, his fingers tapping away in a frenzy. The impending flight to New York loomed on the horizon. Every day spent in this city felt like an agonising ordeal.

"Hello, bhaiya," Rishika suddenly plopped herself onto the chaise next to him.

"Hi," he replied tersely, not bothering to divert his gaze from the screen.

"It's been quite a while," she remarked, trying to strike up a conversation.

"Hmm," he responded with a nonchalant hum, still refusing to look her way.

"We met just a few months ago at Amit's birthday party," he pointed out.

"True," she conceded. "It's been months. You never visit me in LA."

"I've been busy with work," he explained, finally tearing his eyes away from the screen. "You have anything to say?"

"You should've married Amisha; she was the perfect match for you," he remarked casually.

Frustration crept into his tone as he finally tore his eyes away from the laptop screen. His expression was akin to a tempest brewing within.

"What's bothering you, Rishika?" Ishaan asked, his patience wearing thin. He couldn't help but wonder if they were truly twins.

"It's you, bhaiya. You immerse yourself in your gaming world, showing no regard for our family. I have well-connected friends who would love to date you, but you couldn't care less." It's becoming increasingly difficult to face my in-laws. Rishika's words spilt forth, laced with exasperation.

"Are you finished, Rishika?" Ishaan interrupted; his annoyance was palpable.

"Yes," she hissed.

"Good, because I have more important matters to attend to than listening to your complaints."

Just as the twins' quarrel reached its peak, Ira appeared on the scene, timing her entrance perfectly.

"What's going on here?" she inquired, her presence defusing the tension.

"Nothing, Mum. I have something important to take care of," Ishaan responded curtly, eager to withdraw from the brewing storm.

"Where have you been, Mum?" Rishika inquired; her curiosity piqued.

"Bangalore," Ira revealed in a hushed tone.

"What were you doing in Bangalore?"

Rishika's jaw dropped in astonishment, and even Ishaan stopped working and stared at his mother.

"I went to meet Aadya." Ira replied casually.

"Why did you meet her?" Rishika asked, bewildered.

"I had to apologise," Ira explained quietly.

"Why did you go to see her mum? She's caused enough trouble already," Rishika exclaimed, frustration clear in her voice. Ira sighed, realising that explaining her reasons would only further complicate the situation.

"Everyone carries their share of guilt. I wanted to unburden myself," Ira clarified.

"Wow! I don't understand what's with that girl. First, it was Ishaan, and now you. Why is everyone bending over backwards for her?" Rishika remarked, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Ira responded with a steely resolve, "There are more significant things in life than status and designer brands. People's actions and choices are not always driven by materialistic desires. Sometimes, it's about finding peace within oneself and making amends for past mistakes."

"But why, after all these years?" Rishika then looked at Ishaan, realising it was dawning on her.

"Is that why you were in Bangalore? She found you after all these years?"

"I found " Ishaan corrected her.

Rishika appeared surprised. "Is that why you've refused to date the girls I suggested? Is Dad aware of this? Ishaan, how do you do this? Are you concerned about our reputation? I won't be able to face people if you marry a girl like her." Rishika's voice was trembling with worry.

"Enough, Rishika!" Ira admonished her. "Let Ishaan make his own choices. It's not about reputation; it's about love and happiness. We should support him instead of worrying about what others think."

"But mum......"

Ira's raised hand stopped Rishika. "This is no longer your family. Return to Los Angeles and focus on your life. You don't have to be concerned about our reputation."

Ishaan gasped in horror, taken aback by the harshness of his mother's words.

Rishika's eyes welled up with anger and tears, and her teeth clenched in frustration as she stormed out of the room. Ira watched Rishika leave, her heart heavy with regret. She knew her words had struck a nerve, but she couldn't help but feel that it was time for Rishika to face the truth.

Ishaan's gaze followed her departure, his concern clear.

"Mum, you were too hard on her," he remarked.

"I know. She needs a reality check. Not everything can revolve around her," Ira replied solemnly.

Then Ira turned her attention to Ishaan.

"Go back to New York, Ishaan. You don't deserve this pain. We don't deserve you," she said with a tinge of sadness.

Kneeling in front of her, Ishaan gently squeezed her hand, silently expressing his love and understanding.