Limits: love & Hate

✓PRINCE CHARMING

*SHREYA'S P.O.V*

It had been years since I last saw Maira in person; we only kept in touch through phone calls or video chats. "I missed her so much, and here she is, not even bothering to tell me she's coming. I’m going to give her a piece of my mind today," I whispered to myself, glancing at my watch, which showed 8:30 AM. Just then, I heard footsteps approaching. My eyes followed the sound, and a familiar figure appeared before me.

"Wow... Just look at you in this pretty blue dress. How can you be so gorgeous? That's totally unfair—I missed you so much," she said, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.

"Shut up, you liar... If I hadn’t accidentally overheard my parents talking, I wouldn’t have even known you were here," I replied, pushing her away playfully, making her look shocked.

"You’re that upset? I was trying to surprise you!" she pouted, blinking her puppy-dog eyes.

"It’s not working on me this time," I stated, folding my arms over my chest. She always thinks she can win me over with that look—not happening anymore.

"You know, I didn’t even eat anything last night... I’m super hungry, and now I have to fill my belly with your scolding," she said, rubbing her belly and giving me a hopeful look.

I take that back—she’s a smooth sweet-talker. I can't win. "Fine, let’s eat something first, but you’re not forgiven yet," I sighed.

"I know, I know. I’ll make it up to you, I promise," she replied as we walked toward my car, parked in front of the gate.

We made our way to the nearby Starbucks, where I ordered a Caramel Frappuccino and a Tandoori Chicken Panini for myself and a Blueberry Smoothie and a Roasted Tomato with Mozzarella sandwich for her—she’s not into caffeine, which totally doesn’t match her personality.

"I know why you’re here, but don’t you think it’s inconvenient to live in that hostel? You can stay with us, or just ask Uncle to get you a new flat here," I said, voicing my obvious concern. Maira had never been to a place like that, being the daughter of one of the richest people in India. "How do you plan to survive there?"

"Relax, yaar... Why does everyone have to make a big deal out of it? I got my survival lessons from Sulu, remember? Besides, I want to enjoy some normalcy where I don’t have to hide from the media, who are just dying to catch a glimpse of me. And you’re here too, so I won’t be alone. It was boring as hell."

"How do you know hell is boring? Have you been there already?" I chuckled.

"Oh, shoot, did I just reveal that? Lucifer is not going to forgive me," she said, covering her mouth with her hand—such a cartoon.

"I’m being serious here. But it’s a good thing you came; it’ll be fun. I’ll introduce you to my friends."

She smiled. "Yeah... but please remember, I’m not your cousin here, okay?"

"Don’t worry, I know that already." Uncle has always been very protective of her identity because she’d be in bizarre trouble if people found out, especially other gangs who’d be after her for something she didn’t even do.

Nineteen years ago, after Maya Aunty's death, the Black Rose gang went into hiding after a mutual agreement among its members. Without a strong leader, they knew they wouldn’t survive. Sulu Aunty left the gang to keep Maira safe, knowing that after Maya Aunty killed the Dragon Gang's leader, chaos ensued. They were after her husband and daughter, especially after they learned of Maya Aunty's death. Numerous attacks on Uncle were thwarted by Sulu Aunty, and they both decided to keep Maira hidden until they could ensure her safety.