BeHir SS - Justifying emotions.

Justifying Emotions - Part 2

(Not proof-read)

Mahir was so lost in his thoughts, he hadn't heard Bela enter the room. He snapped out of it, when she was near the bed to collect her night clothes. He stared at her and he could see she was uncomfortable, but he couldn't get why. She looked down and was about to make her way to the bathroom, when he decided to ask her about what was bothering him.

‘‘Bela. How do you know Rehaan?’’ he asked bluntly, making her face him, confused.

‘‘What?  What do you mean? ’’

“Bela. It is neither a hard nor a trick question. It's a simple one. How do you know Rehaan? ”

“Why do you want to know that?” Bela couldn't  understand why he wanted to know that.

“Because you seem to be very comfortable with him.” Mahir replied as quick as a flash. “Did you meet him when you were with Yuvi? Is that how you got acquainted to him?”

He could see the anger in her eyes, but he needed to know, or else this would haunt his mind.

“First of all Mahirji, I would be way more comfortable if you could please put your t-shirt on.”

He then realized why she was uncomfortable when she entered the room. He apologized while putting on this t-shirt.

‘‘Secondly Mahirji, Yuvi and I have never been together.’’ she emphasised on the never. ‘‘I am not very comfortable with Rehaan, but just normally comfortable because he is my friend. How we become friends is none of your concerns.’’

Bela was annoyed by his questions and comments, but she knew she'd been too harsh on him. His eyes clearly showed, he was hurt. She made her way to the bathroom to change, leaving an abashed Mahir behind.  While changing, Bela wondered howshe would apologized to him. When she came out of the bathroom, all the lights were switched off and Mahir had already takwn his place on the couch, with his eyes closed. Bela knew he wasn't sleeping but decided against saying anything. Sighing, she lied down in the bed and called it a night.

*****

The next morning, Mahir was grumpy. Bela had already gone down when he woke up. He wanted to talk to her again about what happened last night because he was not at all satisfied with her answer.
While getting dressed, he thought of different ways to bring up the subject again, in vain. This mood worsened when he reached the living room. Bela was setting the table for breakfast and she wasn't alone. Rehaan was next to her and they were both laughingto something he said. He felt his anger rise up on the spot. Bela stopped when she noticed him at the foot of the stairs, but before he could say anything, all the family members took their place around the table and greeted everybody.

“Rehaan beta, how is everyone home?” Sumitra asked. ‘‘We haven't heard of them since Mahir's and Bela's wedding. It's a good thing Andy met you yesterday and forced you to come stay here. I can't believe you'd come in town and rather go stay in a hotel than here. I didn't expect this from you. It's like your home here.’’

‘‘I'm sorry aunty but I didn't want to bother you. I know I'm always welcome here, thank you. Everyone is fine back home. Dad as always is busy with work. Anu will be coming here too tomorrow. She had to take care of somw things back home, so we couldn't come at the same time.’’

‘‘Oh really ?! You tell her to come stay here too, and I'm not taking a no for an answer.’’ Sumitra said.

Rehaan had no choice but to agree, and told her he would tell Anu about it. Bela wasn't so please about this because Anu made it clear she didn't like her.

When Mahir decided to get married to her, Anu had been the only one to be upset about it.  Kuhu had then told her, Anu who was her best friend, had always been in love with Mahir but this latter never even spared her a glance. Well how was it even her fault Mahir had come up with this proposition? Bela had decided not to pay her any attention. She was only worried about how Kuhu will treat her, but with Anu gone, she had been really cordial with her. Bela's thoughts were interrupted by Andy's voice. She had just finished serving Rehaan and moved toward Mahir to serve him his breakfast.

“Okay! If Anu is coming tomorrow, why don't we go out a little? It will do us some good. Why don't we go to the restaurant tomorrow? What do you say Sumitra?”

Bela wasn't paying attention anymore because she was shocked. Mahir had snatched the juice jug from her and poured it himself. She stood still and just stared at him.

‘‘Yes, Andy. It is a great idea. Mahir beta, can you book a table at the restaurant for tomorrow?’’

“Yes, but I won't be able to come. I have lots of works I need to attend.”

‘‘Oh no. That's too bad Mahir,’’ Rehaan said, “don't worry, we'll do it again another time when you are free. Bela will be here to represent you. It will be fun, right Bela?”

“Yeah right. Definitely it will be. She really missed you. You are friend right? You will have a lot of time to catch up.” Mahir spat at him, making Bela freeze at his comment. “Mom I'll do the booking. I'll leave for work now. See you tomorrow.”

“Beta, have your breakfast before going.”

‘‘No ma, I'm not hungry anymore.’’

“Mahirji, atleast…”

‘‘Leave it Bela. You take care of Rehaan instead. Have a nice day everyone. See you tonight.’’

With that, Mahir grabbed his keys and made his way out with a pokerface. Bela was bewildered by his behaviour. Judging his questioning last night and this little scene today, Bela was now sure her husband didn't like her interacting with Rehaan. She had a doubt he was jealous of Rehaan, and she didn't know to react to this new development in their relationship.