OS: The Glass is Half-Empty

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OS: The Glass is Half-Empty

'So are you just going to drink all day from now on?'

Arnav looked up from the kitchen table and saw Khushi standing in the doorway holding groceries and looking at him somewhat scathingly.

Normally he would have leapt from his seat to help her but this wasn't normal. And so he just muttered 'It's not like there's anything else to do,' and turned his back to her.

Khushi shook her head and started putting the groceries away. She didn't know how to explain to Arnav what she was feeling. They'd barely spoken for nearly a month now. It wasn't as if he hadn't tried, he had. She just hadn't been willing to listen. She couldn't understand what he expected from her now, what they were supposed to do. If she could just get through the next month like she had this one then she would finally have the freedom he had promised her. Although she wasn't sure if she even wanted it anymore.

She looked over her shoulder to see Arnav pouring another glass of whisky. 'Arnavji, stop it now. It's nearly 1; Nani and everyone will be back soon.'
 
'Oh well. It's my house, what are they going to do, kick me out?' He laughed staring into his glass.

'Arnavji!' Khushi moved over to stand next to him and pulled the glass free from his grip before tipping its contents down the sink.
 
'You're right! I should just save time and drink straight from the bottle!' He picked up the bottle and raised it in mock salute to her before bringing it to his lips. Khushi could tell by the mocking look in his eyes that he wasn't nearly as drunk as he wanted her to believe and she moved to leave the kitchen but Arnav held onto her arm.

'Where are you going Khushi? This is the best conversation we've had all month. You can't leave now.'
 
'Arnavji, stop it,' she struggled to free her arm 'why are you doing this? Why are you acting like this?'

'Why? You mean you don't know why? Shall I tell you again?'
 
She'd managed to free her arm and walked through to the living room but Arnav merely followed her in.

'Well let's see. I believed some bas***d when he told me the girl I was in love with was cheating on me, I forced her to marry me, told her it would only be for 6 months and that she meant nothing to me, she found out and now she won't speak to me. Or touch me,' he paused to look at Khushi who was staring resolutely at the buttons on his shirt and continued in a much quieter and much more serious tone of voice. 'And she can't even bear to look at me anymore. I think that's a pretty good reason as any to drink at 12 in the afternoon.'
 
It was almost a minute before Khushi looked up at Arnav and spoke quietly, 'If you loved me why didn't you trust me?'

'I should have I know and I'm so sorry Khushi. If I could take it back I would. But I can't, all I can do now is apologise which I have been doing. All month! Please Khushi?'
 
Khushi shook her head and took a step away, 'you should go and get cleaned up before Di sees you like this. The stress isn't good for her baby.'