𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 | 𝟏𝟖+

05. 𝐂𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞

Adaa's Penthouse,
New York.

I was mid-lip-gloss-application when my phone rang, shrill and insistent. I groaned, not wanting to be distracted from my getting-ready-for-New-York vibe.
But when I saw "Pagalon ka doctor" flashing on the screen, I couldn't help but grin. Reyaansh, my bestfriend and resident doctor extraordinaire, was calling to give me a piece of his mind, no doubt.

"Hey, Rey!" I answered, trying to sound innocent.

"Kookie, where are you?" he demanded, skipping the pleasantries. "You just vanished without a word!"

I winced, knowing I was in for a lecture. "Uh.., I'm in New York, Rey. I didn't want to bother you with the details."

"Bother me? You're my best friend, Kookie! I have a right to know when you're abandoning me for the Big Apple!"

I chuckled, loving how worked up he was getting. "Abandoning you? You're being dramatic, Rey."

I sighed, feeling a bit frustrated as Reyaansh's voice came through the phone, scolding me once again. "Kookie, I can't believe you! You're being so reckless and impulsive. What if something goes wrong? What if you get hurt?" he lectured, his voice firm but laced with worry.

I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn't see me. "Rey, stop being so overprotective! I'm not a child anymore. I can handle myself," I said, trying to sound firm but my voice was betraying a hint of amusement.

"That's exactly what worries me! You're not thinking about the consequences of your actions. You're just barreling ahead without a thought for your safety or well-being," he lectured, his voice firm but laced with a hint of worry.

I sighed, feeling a bit exasperated. "Rey I appreciate your concern, but you can't always be there to shield me from the world," I said, trying to reason with him.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I thought I'd finally gotten through to him. But then, he spoke up again.

"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. And don't think this means I'm not coming to visit you soon. I'll be there before you know it, and I'll make sure you're settling in okay," he said, his voice firm but laced with a hint of teasing.

I chuckled, feeling a bit relieved that the scolding was over. "I'm shaking in my boots, Doctor. But don't worry, I'll be good. I said, trying to lighten the mood.

His laughter came through the phone, and I could almost see his smile. "Only if you promise me, Kookie. And don't think this means I'm still not worried about you," he said, his voice softening.

"I know and I appreciate it. But I'll be fine. And I'll keep you updated on everything, so you can stop worrying," I said, feeling grateful for his unwavering support.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then he spoke up again. "Just be careful, okay? Please?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.