Rishabh's pov

"Come over the couch so that we can talk" I called her and she nodded

She came and sat close to me which was I know her gesture to tell me that she's there for me.

"Well for the starters my dad wanted me to take over his business after me which I didn't neither did my sister so it is kind of a sensitive spot for them. But that isn't the reason exactly, if I'm being honest it isn't the reason at all. During my divorce, the settlement money which she asked for was alot than I expected and naturally at that time I had none. It was hard for me to arrange that kind of money but obviously she wouldn't give up. She came up with stories and protrayed herself as so needy that the amount won't decrease at all. I had no choice but to turn to my dad for help. Even though Chhaya humiliated my family and spoiled our reputation with accusions my dad didn't back off. He helped me and I'm forever grateful for that. I know how hard that time was and I'm glad my parents didn't give up on me"

"I'm sorry about that" I shook my head. "But it doesn't explain why wouldn't you visit them? You obviously love them"

"Obviously I love them alot but it's just I'm extremely guilty. Somewhere I feel that I've disappointed them. I've given them the pain that they don't deserve. It wasn't easy for them so see how miserable their son was or how broken he felt. It just became simpler to distance myself. I don't want them to know how cold and distant their son has become or what a heartless jerk he is. I wish I could take everything back and give them the life they deserve but I couldn't so it's just better not be a part of it. Arjun is there who keeps the connected and that's more than I could ask for."

She kept her head on my shoulder and started drawing circles on my palm. I had no idea what she was doing but it was calming and weirdly intimate. Not that I'm complaining because I was enjoying it too much.

"I was five years old when I had a recitation competition in my school. I was really nervous because both mom and dad were coming to watch me recite. I practiced the whole week day and night just to make sure I could see my parents smile with pride. I was five but it was still important to get a validation from my parents that they cared. So I went onto the stage confidently but when I saw everyone in the audience I just freaked out. I couldn't recite more than three lines and forgot the rest. I stood on the stage frozen not knowing what to do. I looked at Dad's eyes and I just couldn't face it. Even at the age of five where we're allowed to make mistakes I felt ashamed of making one in front of my parents. But you know what? He didn't care if I just recited three lines. He took me off the stage and kissed me saying 'I've never been more proud' and then took me to eat ice cream. That's one of the sweetest memory of my dad before everything changed. I couldn't control the change though but I know one thing, we don't need to seek validation from our parents or hide the mistakes from them. No matter what you do, they've given birth to you. They've seen you grow. If anything you should just be honest with them. It might not be pleasant but it gets better. Family isn't going to judge you on your flaws as a person, they've learned to embrace them because they love you. You love them, you shouldn't run away from them instead you should run to them everytime you've a problem. No matter how messed up your life is, your parents are always your safest escape."

I didn't know how to respond to it. It was so much to take in together but I knew she was right. I've always been a coward. Always seeking escapism to cope up with things in life. Even for the smallest of things in life, I don't have the courage. I've always known how much my parents love me but it isn't until a little push that I acknowledge the fact that I kept ignoring. It is strange mechanism but that's just how I work.

"Oh! How come I've never met or heard much about your sister?" Radhika broke my thoughts

"She's a social worker and a psychiatrist. She deals with rape victims, child abuse victims, etc all over India so she's rarely home. The last time I met her when Arjun called her because I was a pretty bad condition and wouldn't agree to go to any therapy. So she had to come and take care of me."

"Oh. I would love to meet her someday"

"Me too. Also I'm sure you guys will get along great if you ever meet her."

"I'm sure. I believe I'm quite likable" she smriked

"I can't fight that now. Can I?" I chuckled and she shrugged.