8. The Dinner Demand

Author's POV

At 1 pm

Ishika received an email from the school where she had applied for a job. She immediately opened it and saw that her interview was scheduled for tomorrow at 10 am. She was instructed to bring her degree and CV. She was delighted.

Suddenly, she started missing her brother. It had been more than a week since she last called him. She had been caught up in her chaotic life, and he had been busy with his semester exams. She eagerly awaited the day he graduated and could finally start earning his own money, living life on his own terms, free from all this chaos. She couldn't wait to see him thrive. She decided to call him in the evening, as he must be taking his exam at college right now.

At Evening

She called him, and after two rings, his voice broke through the silence. "Hello, Di, how are you?"

"I'm fine. How are your exams going?" she asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Good! I'm sure I'll top the semester again," he replied with a confidence that made her smile.

But then, a shadow crossed her heart as he asked, "Why did you call after so long? Where have you been?"

"Just the usual, you know-house chores and all. I didn't want to disturb you while you were busy with your studies," she replied, trying to sound casual.

Suddenly, his brother chimed in, cutting through the moment. "Tell me, Di-he's not bothering you, is he? Because if he is, I'll have a word with him." His tone was protective, and she could sense his disapproval.

"I don't know what you see in him that you married that scumbag," he continued, his tone laced with disdain.

She took a breath, trying to keep things light. "You know how it is; I was just being cautious," she said, feeling the tension.

His brother scoffed, "I still don't get what you see in him. You deserve better."

Ishika sighed, feeling the weight of his concern. "I was foolish back then, but it's okay now. You don't have to worry about me," she said, her voice steady as she tried to ease the tension. There was a hint of regret, but also a determination to show that she could handle her choices. She smiled lightly, before changing their conversation to lighter topics.

Next day

Ishika walked through the towering school gates, her heart pounding louder with each step.Inside, the hallways were filled with the low hum of other candidates chatting-each of them seemed so calm and confident. Their easy smiles and polished looks made her feel even more out of place.

As she sat in the waiting area, gripping her bag tightly, her mind filled with doubts. What if I don't say the right thing? What if they ask me something I don't know?

The minutes felt like hours before the secretary called her name. With a deep breath that did little to calm her down, she walked into the principal's office. The room felt intimidating-the large desk, the shelves lined with books, and the principal's sharp gaze. She sat down, feeling small in the large leather chair, and tried to calm her nerves as the interview began.

The questions came quickly, and though she tried her best to answer them, her voice wavered. She could feel the weight of her inexperience, like it was written all over her face. The principal's expression was unreadable, and that only made Ishika more anxious. She could tell she wasn't doing as well as she'd hoped.

When the interview ended, she thanked the principal and walked out, her heart heavy. Outside, the other candidates still waited, chatting and laughing easily. Compared to them, Ishika felt defeated. Why would they pick me? she thought.

As Ishika walked out of the school, still feeling upset about the interview, her phone rang. It was her aunt calling. She sighed and answered, trying to keep her voice calm.

"Ishika! I was thinking you and Sahil should come over for dinner tonight. I've made your favorite dishes!" her aunt said cheerfully.

At the mention of Sahil, a knot twisted in Ishika's chest. Her mood darkened instantly. The last thing she wanted was to pretend everything was perfect with Sahil, especially after the weight of the day. She clenched her jaw. Dinner? With Sahil? It felt like too much to bear.

"I... I can't, Aunty. Sahil's busy with work," she said, her voice sharper than she intended.

"But dear, you both could use a break, some time together-"

"I said he's busy!" Ishika snapped, cutting her aunt off. Before she could hear any more, she hung up, her hand trembling slightly as she shoved the phone back into her bag.

The thought of sitting across from Sahil, pretending like everything was fine, made her feel even worse than the interview had. She couldn't deal with it-not now.

As Ishika reached Aditi's apartment, her phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was her uncle. Bracing herself, she answered, only to be met with an angry voice on the other end. Her uncle berated her for the way she had spoken to her aunt earlier, his words sharp and unforgiving. But that wasn't all. He demanded she come over for dinner-and, to her shock, insisted she bring Sahil with her.

As she listened to her uncle's demand, she tried to make excuses for why she couldn't attend, but he remained adamant. He even threatened not to pay her brother's college tuition fees if she didn't bring Sahil with her. The threat hung in the air like a heavy cloud.

Ishika froze, her breath catching. She hated being controlled like this, but what choice did she have? Her brother's future was on the line. After a long, painful silence, she forced herself to agree, her voice barely above a whisper, "Okay, Uncle... I'll bring him."

_________________________________________

End of the Chapter.

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