It was short gun marriage within few weeks and was a cover story for months minus the pregnancy part. Seriously this family had immense skills to hide skeletons in their closet. I didn't attend the wedding or any events in this family. Mom and dad never force me in such ostentatious shit.
                          
They know all elders were disdainful with my involvement. It was better as I don't have to sweet talk or have a fake conversation with unnecessary people. Also I can't tolerate too many people poking their nose in my life.
                          
She gritted her teeth while rest were silently fuming, that's all they could do. They glanced at dad, he was rather interested in his phone than their theatrics. Still feeling their expectant stare, he looked with eyes saying 'ask me to interfere and you won't like it.' 
                          
 They wordlessly resumed their breakfast.
                          
 That was the fun part, everyone has to keep their hatred to themselves as the sole command was owned by most beautiful parents that being mom and dad. They won't miss a beat to counter any sort of harsh words spoken to me. 
                          
They protected, loved, and bared all my baggage before even signing the official adoption documents. This is the reason my entire life is at their grace, they have every right to do whatever they want with me.
                          
I grabbed the glass of water to chug down the sudden knot of emotions in my throat. 
                          
"Stop drinking too much water before food, Arjun," Mom enters with a steaming bowl on a tray.
                          
The mouthwatering smell of Badam halwa* wafted my nose, I grinned despite her scolding. 
                          
My gaze was glued to the tray until it was set, everyone was being served by the maids. But only my plate was filled by mom personally, as she arranged three parathas and unsweetened curd. Just like the way I preferred, Dad shook his head probably feeling little jealous for being ignored by his wife.
                          
He narrowed his eyes when I smirked clearly enjoying her attention. Often we both would playfully banter over it. I missed those moments.
                          
I frowned not finding a big bowl of halwa in my plate. Guessing my question already, mom whispered her reply. "You'd only get it once you have finished the entire breakfast."
                          
She gave me her pointed look dismissing my objections further. Dramatically sighing,  I ditched the spoon and got down to complete it like a good obedient child. I was aware of the grimaced expressions from other group as I was not using fork or spoon and making appreciative noises with every bite.
                          
Of course the food was delicious, I was just exaggerating it. 
                          
In less than five minutes, I was almost done when the monster of this family walked in. Few days he'd join the family meals the other days he'd spend fasting in name of God. I shook my head at his pretense, I'm sure Gods by now have turned a deaf ears at him. 
                          
Day by day his downfall was making its appearance whether being in his business or whatever he performs few social acts. Still his useless pride doesn't waver.   
                          
His lips curl in disgust noticing my presence, "It honestly baffles me everyone else could digest their food in this awful ambience. So I was thinking spending few days in ashram* and offer ablations requesting God to cleanse such menace from our family." Saying this he kept glancing at dad.
                          
Obviously expecting some sort of assuring response like he was the elder brother or he is most rightful, caring person in family. Maybe also stop him. I mentally clicked my tongue, despite being own brothers he hardly knew anything about dad. 
                          
"Whatever you wish Bhai sahib*. I will see the arrangements are made quickly for your safe departure."   
                          
Hearing dad's nonchalant response made everyone shock while I was busy to swallow my laughter. Mom met my gaze gesturing with her eyes to keep quite. I knew she'd have joined me if not for the practiced solemn expression. One could never guess her true reactions.