Amavasya Ki Raat (Moonless Night)
Chapter 16
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Forced enthusiasm, trying to hide the hurt*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
😁 Here it is, Miss Chand! Your special tea, just the way you like it!
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Gently sets the tray down, attempting to mask the trembling of his hands*
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Looks at him*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Forces a weak smile, trying to appear nonchalant* What's with the look?
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
Why are you staring at me like that? *Tries to sound casual, but voice cracks slightly*
Chand Narayan (FL)
Your dad is home.
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Nervously chuckles* Oh, how did you know?
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Pierces him with a knowing gaze*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Smile falters* Let's just... leave it at that.
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
Here, I made your favorite tea, with spice just the way you like it. 😁😁
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Hands her the cup, his eyes avoiding hers*
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Takes the cup, sips the tea, eyes never leaving Yuvraj's face*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Tries to sound casual* So, how is it? Does it meet your approval?
Chand Narayan (FL)
It's sweet, just like you. Always so gentle, never raising your voice, even when the hate and venom of others tries to drown you.
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Hand freezes, cup hovering at his lips, feels a lump form in his throat*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Takes a sip, and stares into the cup, avoiding eye contact, emotions swirling*
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Frustration and concern etched on her face* How long are you going to keep taking this, Yuvraj?
Chand Narayan (FL)
You're not just a dependent, you're an earner too.
Chand Narayan (FL)
Does he have the right to belittle and insult you at every turn?
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Sheepishly* You heard it.
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Incredulous* His voice is deafening! It's a wonder the neighbors don't intervene. How can you tolerate this?
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Weakly attempts to placate her* Leave it, yaar...
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Firmly, her voice rising* How can I?!
Chand Narayan (FL)
He's not just broken you, he's shattered your self-respect and self-esteem.
Chand Narayan (FL)
You're scared to speak up, even in front of others.
Chand Narayan (FL)
This isn't right!
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Abruptly sets down the cup*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Trying to deflect the conversation* Your family must be waiting for you for dinner.
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
You should go. I don't want them to worry.
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Bitterly, voice trembling with anger* Yes, keep worrying about others, and forget about yourself.
Chand Narayan (FL)
That's all you're good for, right? *Slams down the cup, eyes blazing with tears*
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Storms out of the room*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Sigh, look up to the ceiling*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
Mom... I... Miss you...
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Closes his eyes for a moment*
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Bursts in, slamming the door behind her*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Flinches, turns around, startled* What's going on?
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Firmly* Pack your bags. Now. ❄️
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Confused, frowns* Huh? W-why? What's happening?
Chand Narayan (FL)
I don't like to repeat myself. Pack. Your. Bag. Now. ❄️
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
Just tell me what's—
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Walks over to the cupboard, pulls out a suitcase, and opens it*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Shocked*
Chand Narayan (FL)
Either you get your clothes out now, or I'll do it myself – your choice. ❄️
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Gulps, intimidated by her tone*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Nods, starts packing his clothes, hands shaking slightly*
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
But why do I have to pack? Where are we going?
Chand Narayan (FL)
*Curtly* We're going to my house.
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Straightens up, frowning* What! Your home! Why? No, no, no. I can't go there.
Chand Narayan (FL)
You'll be there for my wedding preparations. It's expected of you.
Chand Narayan (FL)
After all, you're my... brother.
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Sighs* The wedding date hasn't even been finalized yet.
Chand Narayan (FL)
You think that's an excuse to get out of this?
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
*Frustrated, throws up his hands* I don't even know your family, Chand!
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
And what's the point of me going there? I'll just be a spare part, an outsider.
Yuvraj Agarwal (FL Friend)
I'll have no idea what's going on or what's expected of me.
—Ten years of friendship, yet Yuvraj's crippling insecurity, forged by his father's relentless trauma, kept him from stepping into Chand's home—
—The weight of his father's venomous words had stifled his voice, sapped his confidence, and condemned him to a life of quiet despair—
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