APPLE OF OUR EYES

2. KARTHIK GOENKA NEEDS NO WORDS!!!

Like the obedient wife and child they were, they stepped into the car in which Karthik was already waiting for them. He definitely looked very angry and annoyed! All their phones pinged at once with a Zomato notification. Naira's heart warmed as she went through the ordered dishes while Abhimanyu was too concerned to get his father out of his angry mode.

"Dad..." Abhimanyu tried because he definitely didn't like his father in that mood. He could handle his mother's anger just fine but when it comes to his father, he can handle nothing. He isn't used to it and he is not even looking forward to getting used to it.

"Hmm.." Karthik responded and the tone itself didn't encourage Abhimanyu to speak anything, especially now because his father is driving the car as well.

Naira felt guilty looking at her son's predicament. The boy fought with her as if it meant nothing but a slight change of mood from his father affects him like anything. She found that trait very very cute and adorable, and even more now because the boy is 20 and yet behaved like a toddler at times. She is actually grateful to God that they could keep his childishness intact. A soft smile danced on her lips as memories took her back in time.

****

"I didn't want this Mumma!!" 14 Year Old Abhimanyu almost yelled at his mother in frustration. His mother wasn't at all understanding him and that frustrated him to no end.

"Abhi.." Naira tried to explain him but the boy was having none of it "Aap yeh return kardo. Aur jo mujhe chahiye, vo leke aao! I don't want this." He was stubborn.

"Teek hai. We will buy that one also in addition to this.." Karthik suggested but Abhimanyu stopped him "That's not the point Dad. Why can't she let me decide what I want? Doesn't my opinion matter?"

For a 14 year old, Abhimanyu was too particular about his badminton equipment. When he was asked to choose something for his birthday gift, he gave his choice. He wanted a particular version of Shuttle Feeder, with some certain specifics.

But Naira being the Mother hen, chose another version, of highest quality she could ever get.

And Abhimanyu, though was grateful and touched by the gesture, explained his mother that he didn't want it. He asked to return it and get a new one for him but when his mother tried to convince him, he lost it. He is offended that his opinions aren't mattered. He concluded that his mother isn't bothered about his choice.

His choice of words pinched Naira "I can say the same about my feelings, Abhi. Don't you value them?" She started on a higher pitch but softened as she continued "Don't use it beta but atleast understand that I didn't mean to undermine your choice."

Karthik intervened, not wanting to drag it anymore. He didn't want either of them hurt "Don't drag this anymore. He wants that and he will get that. No more explanations Naira!" His voice was firm enough for the duo to stay silent.

Karthik turned to his son "Your Mom values your opinion, Abhi and that's exactly why she asked you for it. She is the one who came to you with this idea, didn't she?" He asked and Abhimanyu nodded. Karthik continued "Just because she differs, it doesn't imply that she doesn't care. Get that straight."

Abhimanyu's face fell at his stern tone and the point is driven home successfully. He never liked it when he was the end of his father's reprimanding. For some reason, it affected him much more than anything that could affect him.

As soon as Naira saw his face fall, she melted faster than ice and hugged him to heart. She knew how exactly her husband's slightest anger can affect their son. Karthik can make or spoil Abhimanyu's day within seconds and Naira didn't want him to tell their son off, which was sure to follow if this went on any longer. That would make Abhi really sad. She didn't want that, especially on his birthday