➥𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 (𝟏𝟖+)

- FIVE -

" Espresso by sabrina "

Suman's Pov :

A low groan escaped my lips as I sat up on my bed, clutching my throbbing head. I tossed the comforter aside, only to gasp when my eyes landed on my grandma, standing in her signature pose-hands on her waist, her gaze stern, and her aura exuding authority.

“Das minute ke andar neeche aa ja.” (Come downstairs in ten minutes.)

I nodded meekly, watching her leave with an air of finality. Just as the door clicked shut, Tina walked in, her face twisted with a mix of annoyane and exhaustion.

"I swear, I’m never playing truth or dare with you drunkards again," she whined, collapsing onto the chair in the corner of the room.

A chuckle escaped me as I extended my hand oward her. “Okay, okay, help me up.”

Muttering something under her breath, she hauled me to my feet and guided me to the washroom. “Hurry up,” she grumbled, sitting on the bed while I went inside for a shower.

When I came out, refreshed but still drained, Tina was scrolling through her phone, clearly trying to distract herself from the memory of last night. I noticed the fresh clothes she had picked out for,me-a loose t-shirt and comfy shorts-and gave her a soft mile. “You’re the best,” I mumbled, quickly changing into them.

By the time I finished a bit of skincare and tied my hair into a loose bun, my head still felt heavy from the remnants of last night’s chaos. I snapped a quick photo of myelf in the mirror, smirking as flashes of last night were replayed in my mind. Shaking my head, I headed downstairs.

At the dining table, Tina sat beside my grandma, both of them sippng their tea. The moment Tina caught sight of me, she pressed her lips together, stifling a laugh that made me narrow my eyes at her.

“Good morning, Madhu!” I greeted my grandma in the sweetest tone I could muster, hoping to soften the lecture that was undoubtedly coming my way.

Her glare was sharp and unwavering. “What exactly happened last night?” she demanded, folding er arms across her chest.

Tina and I exchanged quick glances, silently crafting our alibi.
Flashback

I had my head resting against the car window, staring at the moonlit sky, while Tina was on a call with Kartik. “Yeah, yeah, bye,” she muttered before hanging up.

I adjusted myself in the seat, my hands absentmindedly clutching the oversized shirt I was still wearing. The faint scent of the man’s cologne lingered, oddly comforting, though I refused to acknowledge the thoughts it stirred in me

Tina sighed deeply, her gaze shifting toward me after a long silence.

“How are you feeling now?” she asked softly.

“Like I’m carrying the weight of a hundred bricks on my head” I replied, clutching my temples.

She hesitated for a moment before asking, “What if I hadn’t found you on time?”

I turned to look at her, knowing exactly what she meant. But instead of answering, I feigned ignorance. “Hmm? What did you say?

Rolling her eyes, she repeated, “What if I didn’t find you on time?”

I smirked, trying to mask the unease bubbling within me. “Then I guess I’d have lost my virginity to that ridiculously sexy man,” I quipped. “Honstly, Tina, you ruined my plan. He was so hot!”

Tina glared at me. “Once a bitch, always a bitch,” she hissed.

I grinned mischievously. “You know it!”

But my playful tone faltered as memories of his intene gaze resurfaced. I leaned against her shoulder, whispering, “I lost control, Tina. I don’t know why, but the way he looked at me...it was different.”

She planted a soft kiss on the side of my head. “You’re not hurt anywhere, right?”

I shook my head, murmuring my assurance before succumbing to a deep, dreamless sleep

Flashback Ends

Tina nudged me, snapping me back to reality. I found Madhu’s piercing gaze locked onto me, waiting for an explanation. Scrambling for words, I pieced together a half-believable story.
“We were playing truth or dare, and Ruhi dared me to chug a whole bottle of alcohol,” I began, avoiding her eyes. “I blacked out after that, and Tina took care of me.”

Madhu’s glare didn’t wavr. “You’re turning into such a brat, Suman. This is the eighth time you’ve pulled something ridiculous!”

I pouted, clasping my hands together in mock innocence. “I’m sorry, Madhu. I promise I won’t do it again!”

She scoffed, clearly unimpressed. “Nahi. Bar bar maaf kar deti hoon, aur tu phir wahi karti hai. Iss baar main maaf nahi karungi.” (No. I forgive you every time, and you just repeat the same mistakes. This time, I won’t frgive you.)

Tina interjected, trying to lighten the mood. “Dadi, forgive her, or she might start crying!”

I chimed in, seizing the opportunity. “Yes, Madhu, please! I’ll even buy you your favorite chocolate ice cream.”

Madhu’s stern expression faltered slightly, her eyes lighting up at the mention of ice cream. “Pakka?” (Are you sure?)

“Hundreds of percent!” I exclaimed, grinning.

“Fine. But only because of the ice cream,” she relented, her tone softening.

Tina and I burst into laughter, marveling at how quicly her mood shifted. This time, I vowed to keep my promise-at least for a little while.

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•Let me know how suman's dadi is ? And did you enjoy reading it ??

• We'll met after someday, till then bye.

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