Transcendental Love

Part 32

"You must be so happy no?"

Ratna's hand, which were expertly mixing the turmeric paste for Arnav's Haldi ceremony, froze momentarily.

"Of course, I'm happy. It's my son's wedding.", she turned around taking a deep breath to compose herself.

"It must make you so happy that you've deprived me of the basic pleasure of having a family.", Anandita commented snidely.

"Excuse me?", an incredulous Ratna asked.

"Are you mad?", Anjali asked coming into the picture.

She had seen Anandita throwing dirty glances at Ratna in the functions. Now sneaking in and passing hurtful comments to her mother was the limit. Did this woman forget that she was here only to keep up a pretence!

"YOU are the one who intruded into our happy family Anandita. YOU are the one who took away our chance at a happy family.", the ever so docile Anjali snapped.

"It's not my fault girl if your father doesn't love your mother.", Anandita turned on her full force on Anjali.

"ENOUGH!"

"Chotte, Anjali there is no need to...", Ratna intervened.

"Stay out of it Maa.", a fuming Arnav showed his hand to Ratna.

"How dare you stand on OUR property, in OUR house, amidst MY family and talk to my mother and sister like this?", ASR asked.

"Let me remind you Arnav that your Dadi invited me to stay.", Anandita smirked.

"Listen to me very carefully for I will not repeat myself. If I had my way, I would throw you and Mr. Raizada out this very instance. The only reason you are here is because I need to maintain the happy family façade in society.", Arnav said with clenched teeth.

"I can come clean if it's such a trouble..."

"Don't even mistake yourself into thinking that this is for the society. I don't give a damn about what people think Anandita. My mother has done nothing to deserve the taunts that I know society will throw at her. So, you will smile, pose and do whatever the fuck it is to maintain the image till my wedding. After that you and your partner can go rot in whatever hole you live in. But know this – if ever you try to hurt my family, you will not know what befalls you."