13. Laugh

                                    

                                          
Author's POV
Advika drove her car in a minimal speed.
A bitter smile curved her lips.
We survive the living in such a fake knit. Perhaps we rarely remove the veil due to the reactions it could unveil.
She let out a sigh.
Her thoughts weighed on her mind. Suddenly, she was brought back to reality as a sudden loud honk came from behind her. Startled, she checked the rearview mirror to find a car tailgating her. 
Taking a deep breath, she signalled and pulled over to the roadside. The car zoomed past her, the driver glaring at her through the window. Advika chuckled quietly.
She glanced at her wristwatch. It was almost 8pm.
With a final deep breath, Advika restarted her car and cautiously turned back onto the road. She navigated through the familiar roads leading to Rawat Mansion.
She reached the gates of the mansion.
She parked her car and got out, taking a moment to steady her nerves. She had changed into a yellow sari, the soft fabric accentuating her form.
As she entered the main hall, the first thing she noticed was the lively conversation between Dev and Neeta.
They noticed her presence "Advika beta, Kahan thi aap?" asked Neeta
Advika smiled at them, "Bas kuch snacks khareedne gayi thi.. aur bohot traffic bhi tha..so got a bit late" she replied as she made her way closer to them.
Just then, the main door opened and Daksh entered into the mansion after ages..
Advika turned to look at the doorway as Daksh sauntered in, a goofy, wide grin on his face. He was as lively as ever.
"Daksh, where have you been?" Neeta exclaimed, as she hurriedly walked towards him.
Daksh chuckled. "Just some work, Mom.." he said, waving a hand casually. He then noticed Advika standing nearby and grinned. "Sup, bhabhi?"
Advika rolled her eyes at his typical carefree demeanour, but her lips twitched with a smile. "What 'work' kept you out so long?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Oh, you know, just some important meetings, business deals..." Daksh replied, his tone nonchalant. But Neeta cut in with a disapproving huff.
"Important meetings? accha beta! You were just out with your friends, weren't you?" she chided, her arms folded.
Daksh feigned a look of innocence, "Me? Enjoying carelessly with friends? Mein bohot mehnati hu maa" he said dramatically, clutching his chest somewhat portraying the scene of Hritik Roshan from Koi Mil Gaya movie.
Advika burst into laughter along with Dev, but Neeta wasn't amused. "Kaafi dramebaaz nahi ho gaye ho tum beta?" she said sternly, but a reluctant smile tugged at her lips as well.
"Am serious Mom!" Daksh said, pretending to be hurt. He then turned to Advika, mischievousness clear in his eyes. "Bhabhi, tell her am the most smart, intelligent, responsible and handsome person in this house."
Right at that moment, Aadarsh entered the scene, a stern look on his face. "Dakkksssh," the enlargement of the name radiated how sarcastic he was being. He then reached out and pinched Daksh's ear. "Tera bhai urf tabhai is yet to live a long life"
This caused Daksh to let out an exaggerated cry of pain, even though the pinch was most likely painless.
"Arree bhai, chod do na!" he protested, trying to wriggle out of Aadarsh's grip.