Second Chance (Vol.1) Squandered

97: Scapegoats

The hexagonal carrom board was a hit.

The girls and Arjun were enjoying the novelty. This was the exact merriment Noor wanted in the game when Appi played.

Adi and Pa were in deep conversation on the terrace; occasionally glancing at the group below when the noise levels rose.

Zoya kept looking at the two men when not absorbed in the merriment around her; happy to see them casually spend time together.

And every time Uncle caught her eye and smiled, she felt an ache, she did not understand; a tight fist clutched her heart. A feeling she was about to lose something precious which would leave a vacuum that would never go away...

Then Pa insisted Adi join the younger crowd. Adi almost climbed across the railing to jump down when Pa caught him and marched him to the door. Clunatism was infectious and contagious.

Flu gave her place to Adi and just turned to look for another chair/stool when the rise in friendly vibes in the group washed over her. Adi meant so much to everyone in this group; his presence had instantly upped the mood. She shut her eyes; just beginning to soak in the rich positivity when suddenly it disappeared. She snapped open her eyes and turned.

Waseem and Arshad stopped by. Maybe they missed hearing Kapur Uncle's invitation to join their seniors group playing on the regular board which everyone else clearly heard.

Waseem: (to Adi) Ek match ho jaye on regular board?

Zoya tensed.

Noor: (to herself) Ouch! Royal humiliation in store for Abbu and Arshad if Adi and Arjun/Uncle team up unless they play to concede!

Harsh: (to himself, fervently) Adi no. Please no.

Adi: Thank you Sir! I am already enjoying myself immensely… with my friends... here...

Waseem: (taunting) I will see to it… you enjoy more with me. Don't worry.

Adi: Sorry Sir! But my friends will not enjoy without me...