Crush - KarEena

Chapter 3

"Karu Masi!"

"Karu Masi!"

The two little girls rushed to her like lost children to their mother in an exhibition, their Masi has been their hero since they were born, and every bed story should always end with their Karu Masi kicking the bad guys.

"We've missed you so much Karu Masi" They both lunged at her, resulting in everyone landing on the couch, holding each other

"I've missed y'all, too. Look at you. Will you please stop growing? You're going to get as tall as me."

"I want to be like you when I grow up" Sachi kissed her cheek

"Mee too Masi" Cherry kissed her other cheek

"Of course, my darlings, you both can be Karishma Singhs"

The younger, Cherry, announced, "Mom finally let me get my ears pierced," and she proudly showed them off.

"Finally, your mother did something sensible" Karishma rolled her eyes

They thought that was hilarious.

"I made it into the Junior Football team" Sachi announced

"So, I heard" She high-fived her and continued "Save a seat for me at one of the games"

"But Papa said I can only play if I get good marks" Sachi pouted

"That's right, I did" Cheeta joined them at the front door. Moving his daughters aside, he hugged Karishma tightly.

When he released her, she whined, "Cheeta, why won't you run away with me?"

"Because I'm a one-woman-man kind of a man" Cheeta chuckled

"Come on yar, Cheeta, I am an excellent woman"

"Sorry, still can't."

"Why not?" Karishma frowned

"Because Santosh would hunt you down and shoot you dead!"

"Oh, yeah," she grumbled, "Her"

"And also, you are not straight" Cheeta chuckled

"Oh, yeah! That too" Karishma rolled her eyes

The girls shrieked with laughter. Over their protests, Cheeta shooed them upstairs, where chores awaited them.

"How's Goa?"

"Hot. Sticky. Sandy."

"Are you liking it?"

"I'm loving being a beach bum. Where's your old lady?"

"On the phone, but she shouldn't be much longer. Have you eaten?" Cheeta asked but before she could answer, he said "There's chocolate pudding in the fridge."

"I'd settle for a glass of your iced tea" Karishma said leaning into the couch

"Sweetened?"

"Is there any other kind?"

"Coming up. Make yourself comfortable" Before leaving he turned back, "It is good to have you back"

"Thanks"

She didn't correct him. She wasn't back yet and didn't know if she was coming back. She had only consented to think about it. Santosh had an interesting case cooking. She had asked for Karishma's professional opinion. She was here to help out her friend. That was all. She'd yet to visit the headquarters, and she didn't intend to. She hadn't even driven past it or felt a nostalgic yearning to do so. She was here as a favour to Santosh. Period.