LOVERS FOREVER

Chapter 24 - The Morning Storm

The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the sleeping couple. Ahaan, his arms wrapped protectively around Ishqi, stirred awake, a soft smile playing on his lips. He turned his head, his gaze falling upon Ishqi's peaceful face. A gentle finger traced the line of her jaw, his touch feather-light.

"Good morning, jaan," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. The sound of his voice broke through her slumber, and Ishqi stirred, her eyes fluttering open.

A blush crept up her cheeks as she met his gaze. "Good morning," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

Ahaan hovered over her, his eyes sparkling with a playful glint. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her neck, a gentle exploration that sent shivers down her spine. Their morning romance continued, a slow, sensual dance of touch and stolen kisses.

However, their intimate moment was interrupted by a familiar voice echoing from downstairs.

"Sonu, kaha thi tu?" 

Ishqi and Ahaan exchanged a puzzled glance. They had been so engrossed in their own world, they hadn't noticed Sonu's absence.

Sonu, caught off guard, scrambled to find an excuse. "Woh... friend ke ghar thi..."  she replied, her voice a mixture of nervousness and defiance.

Savitri, her eyes narrowing, pressed on. "wo ladka kon tha? Jo tujhe chodne aaya abhi?" 

Sonu's heart pounded in her chest. She knew she couldn't maintain the lie, but the thought of revealing her relationship with her boyfriend filled her with dread.

"Friend hai mera," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

Savitri, her gaze unwavering, saw through the deception. She had seen the two of them hugging, and the way he had kissed Sonu goodbye. It was clear to her that they were more than just friends.

"Jhoot mat bol Sonu," Savitri said, her voice stern. "Dekha tha maine tum dono ko... aur kal puri raat tu uske saath thi?" 

The accusation hung heavy in the air. Sonu's face paled, her eyes wide with fear. She knew she was caught, and the consequences would be dire.

Ahaan and Ishqi, their initial morning bliss shattered, scrambled out of bed and hurried downstairs. The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unspoken emotions.

"Was Sonu dating someone? Why didn't she tell anyone about it?" Ahaan thought, his mind racing with questions. He and Ishqi had been so focused on their own issues, they hadn't noticed the signs.

Savitri's words hung in the air, a silent accusation that cut through the silence. The family, caught in the crossfire of Sonu's deception, was stunned. The once peaceful morning had taken a dramatic turn, revealing a hidden secret that threatened to tear them apart.

"Sonu, what's going on?" Ahaan asked, his voice laced with concern.

Sonu, her eyes filled with tears, remained silent. The truth was a heavy burden to bear, and she couldn't bring herself to reveal it.

Savitri, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and disappointment, turned to Ahaan. "ab tu hi puch is se.. kal raat se nahi thi ghar pe.. aur subah dekha toh koi ladka aaya tha drop karne.. aur mai jaanti hu wo koi friend nahi hai iska.. puch Ahaan.. puch us se.." she trailed off, her voice filled with concern.

Sonu, unable to contain her emotions anymore, burst out, "Maa, I'm an adult... aur ha date kar rahi hu use toh ismein galat kya hai...?" 

Savitri was taken aback by Sonu's boldness. "Sonu tu..." she began, but Ahaan intervened, his voice firm yet gentle. "Maa, let's talk about this later... I'll talk to Sonu... aap baitho yaha...