Chapter 2 "Lustre Of Lies: Midnight Secrets In Siddharth's Domain"

• In the luxurious drawing room adorned with modern interior design, sleek furniture seamlessly blended with contemporary aesthetics. The walls showcased exquisite paintings, adding a touch of sophistication to the ambiance
• Sitting in this refined setting, Siddharth and his wife, Aruna, engaged in a conversation with Dr. Manu about their son Vikram. As they spoke, Aruna's worry painted a concern on her face. "I am very much worried about Vikram, Dr. Manu. Lately, he's been getting angry over small things. He's not the type of kid who shouts at anyone unnecessarily, but every day I hear him raising his voice at servants, growing increasingly irritated. He's becoming rude and arrogant day by day. This is not the way I raised my son; this is not the way I wish my son to be," she expressed with a touch of emotion.
• Siddharth, understanding his wife's concern, gently held her hand, providing a silent gesture of consolation in the face of their shared worries about Vikram's changing behaviour.
• Siddharth pondered, "Almost he is good with my mom, Devi, and also with his mom, but with me, I don't know why." The perplexity in his voice hinted at the frustration of not understanding the underlying reasons behind Vikram's changing behaviour"
• The maid entered the room, politely addressing Aruna, "Excuse me, Madam, as you said, I've arranged a candle light dinner in the lawn."
• Aruna inquired, "Did Vikram and his grandma go there?"
• "Yes, Madam, I've already invited them," the maid confirmed.
• Aruna instructed with a friendly tone, "You serve them; we'll be right there."
• ★★★
• As they strolled into the lawn, the ambient glow from lights hanging in the trees and the flickering candles on the table with chairs created a picturesque setting.
• Vikram and his grandmother, Devi, were already seated. Vikram, in a teasing tone, remarked, "You look so cute, Granny. You better maintain this cuteness because when I grow up, I will marry you."
• Granny Devi chuckled at Vikram's playful banter and affectionately pulled his cheeks, saying, "You're becoming quite naughty."
• they joined the gathering, Vikram greeted his mom and Dr. Manu with a genuine smile. However, when his father smiled at him, Vikram subtly ignored and turned his face in another direction. Though Siddharth felt the subtle shift, he chose to remain silent.
• The evening continued, and everyone enjoyed a delightful dinner amidst the enchanting ambiance of the lawn.
• ★★★
• The modern luxurious bedroom exuded an air of sophistication, adorned with sleek furnishings and a tasteful colour palette. The bed, with its plush bedding and elegant design, took centre stage, surrounded by contemporary nightstands. Soft ambient lighting created a cosy atmosphere, casting a warm glow across the room.
• Adjacent to the bed, a study chair sat gracefully at a sleek desk, offering a perfect nook for focused work or reading. The desk boasted clean lines and a smooth surface, providing an inviting space for productivity. A collection of carefully curated books adorned the shelves, forming a visual feast for any avid reader.
• A seating area in one corner of the room featured comfortable yet stylish chairs, perfect for relaxation or contemplation. The simple yet luxurious design elements created a harmonious blend of comfort and modern aesthetics, making the bedroom a retreat for both rest and intellectual pursuits.
• Vikram was diligently sitting at the study table, engrossed in his homework, when he heard a knock. "Come in," he called out.
• Dr. Manu entered, took a seat on the chair, and settled in the sitting area. Vikram closed his books, offering a warm smile to welcome him, and joined him on the sofa.
• Casually, Dr. Manu asked, "Are you studying?" Vikram nodded in affirmation, and for a brief moment, a thoughtful silence filled the room. As a psychologist, Dr. Manu observed Vikram's surroundings and noted his body language, aiming to understand more about the young boy's thoughts and emotions.
• Vikram maintained eye contact with Dr. Manu and straightforwardly stated, "Come to the point, Uncle. When I saw you and Dad at the school, I guessed you'd come home. I know why you're here, and I'm aware that Dad is listening to our conversation from behind the door."
• Dr. Manu, taken aback, looked at Vikram with surprise, while Siddharth, standing behind the door, was equally shocked. Siddharth quietly left the scene, realising that Vikram was not only perceptive but also assertive in addressing the unspoken dynamics within the room.
• Dr. Manu, acknowledging Vikram's perceptiveness, admitted, "I think, considering you're just 12 years old, I underestimated your ability and intelligence. Alright, as you said, let's get to the point directly. What's wrong with your behaviour towards your Dad?
• Vikram opened up, expressing, "I'm not sure how to explain, but one thing is clear: my Dad was my superhero, but now... I don't want to give an explanation. As a friend of my Dad, you can advise him to dismiss the personal secretary Niki"
• Concerned, Dr. Manu gently inquired, "What happened, Vikram?"
• Vikram hesitated and replied earnestly, "Please, Uncle, I don't want to say anything."
• After a thoughtful pause, Dr. Manu conceded, "Okay, I will do that. Will you talk to your father like before, with a smile?"
• Vikram's face lit up with a bright smile in response.
• Dr. Manu affectionately pecked his forehead and expressed, "I wish for a son like you—smart, intelligent."
• Vikram playfully raised his collar and added, "Handsome too."
• The room echoed with laughter as Dr. Manu joined in, high-fiving Vikram. "Good night, Uncle," Vikram said with a cheerful tone.
• "Good night," Dr. Manu responded before leaving the room, the air now lighter with the shared warmth of understanding between the two.
• Vikram walked to the attached balcony, folding his arms as he gazed at the stars, his mind drifting back to an incident from a month ago.
• In an attempt to surprise Siddharth, Vikram went to his father's office. However, the shock awaited him when he entered the room. Siddharth was not there, and as Vikram proceeded to his father's personal room, he was confronted with the heartbreaking sight of Siddharth and his father's secretary, Nikki, in an intimate and vulnerable posture. Nikki's moans echoed in the room, and Vikram, witnessing this scene, felt the shattering pain in his heart. His father, engrossed in the moment, remained unaware of Vikram's presence, and the noise of Vikram's broken heart went unnoticed. The pain and betrayal etched on Vikram's face narrated a silent tale of the anguish he had endured