Until The Very End

Chapter 18.

I had piles of assignments to submit yesterday, so couldn't update earlier. And the worst part is a couple of lecturers extended the dead line because some idiots couldn't complete their assignments on time.
And I'm super annoyed.😫😫😫
Anyways, thank you for reading my rant.

Now enjoy reading.💛💛💛

And do comment guys. There are quite less number of comments for the previous chapters. I feel a sense of satisfaction reading your comments and reviews. Do try to comment more.

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Rathore Mansion:
It was half past seven in the morning, when Narmada found Arpita and Sundar in the kitchen, packing some food.

Her eyes turned misty as she recalled the beautiful moments with her daughter in the past. Arpita had become aloof and reserved with her after Imlie and Aryan had left the house. She refused to speak with Narmada unless it was necessary.

Though, Sundar tried his best to be with Narmada whenever possible, it wasn't much as he was busy with work and with Arpita. While he completely understood what Arpita must be going through after her brother left the house, he also acknowledged Narmada's loneliness since Arpita refused to talk to her mother without giving a cold shoulder.

Narmada longed for some peaceful moments with her daughter. When they would talk for hours about anything and everything, when they used to plan and plot to bring Aryan and Imlie closer, when they would simply sit in the garden sipping their favourite Masala Chai, when they would eat Chaat hiding from Aryan and when they would tease him endlessly.

A tear rolled down her cheek, but she wiped it hastily and moved into the kitchen.

Sunder who saw her entering the kitchen asked, "Maa ji, mein aap ke liye chai bana dun?"

"Nahi beta." Narmada answered, her lips curving into a small smile.
She absolutely adored Sundar and was lucky to have him as a son, more than a son-in-law. In the past twenty days, he has always tried to spend more time with her, giving her company whenever possible.
She felt lonely without her children but Sundar's presence warmed her heart whenever she felt grief seeping into her heart.

Neela had also returned to her house along with Preeta soon after Aryan and Imlie had left the house. But she had always kept in touch through calls.

"Arpi, why are you packing the food? Are you going somewhere?" She asked, taking a glass of water.

Arpita, who was absorbed in assembling the Corn n' Cheese sandwiches, answered her without a second thought,
"Haan Maa. I'm going to meet Imlie. She had a nig-" But she stopped abruptly as she realised what she was saying.
And then continued, "It shouldn't be of your concern, Maa." She said curtly.

Though Arpita had not completed her previous sentence, Narmada clearly understood what she was going to say.

Imlie had a nightmare. Because of me!
She thought and felt a pang of guilt.

"Is she okay?" Narmada asked, her voice laced with guilt and shame.

"You shouldn't bother, Maa!" Arpita snapped at her, as she finished packing.

Narmada flinched at the bitterness in her voice and her eyes brimmed with tears.

Sundar intervened quickly to take over the control of the situation.
"Maa ji, Mohan is on leave today, so we have prepared sandwiches for breakfast. Please have them. We will be having breakfast with Imlie and then we will leave for work directly from there." He informed her.