𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 (Under Editing)

CHAPTER 23

VOTE TARGET 🎯:60

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Kiara's Pov:

"Why are you so wet, Kiara?" Mama asked as soon as I stepped inside the house, her brows furrowed with concern. She was sitting in the living room itself but why!!! 😞

"Mama, woh actually, Eshani came on her scooty today," I explained, my voice trembling slightly. "She offered to pick me up for college, and I went with her. But on our way back, it suddenly started raining, and we both got soaked." I looked down, feeling the cold water dripping from my clothes, and added softly, "I’m sorry, Mama. I didn’t mean to worry you."

Mama’s expression softened as she saw the discomfort in my eyes, and she pulled me into a warm embrace, her concern giving way to motherly love. "It’s okay, beta," she whispered, gently brushing the wet strands of hair from my face. "I’m just glad you’re home safe."

"I hope you’re not hiding anything from me, are you?" Mama asked, her voice gentle but her eyes searching mine for any hint of hesitation.

I shook my head quickly, trying to reassure her, but the weight of her gaze made my heart race a little faster. "No, Mama," I said softly, forcing a small smile. "I promise, there's nothing else."

"Okay, stop this interrogation session of yours, Ahana. Let her change her clothes," Dadda intervened, his voice calm yet firm as he stepped into the living room.

Mama sighed, giving me one last searching look before nodding. "Fine, go on, Kiara," she said softly. "But make sure to dry off properly."

I nodded gratefully, shooting Dadda a quick, appreciative glance before heading to my room.

I freshened up and headed downstairs, but not before quickly texting Ansh to ask if he had reached home safely. A few moments later, my phone buzzed with his reply: "I reached, don’t worry. I’ll call you later."

Feeling a bit more at ease, I put my phone away and made my way to the living room, where the comforting sounds of family filled the air.

We all headed towards the dining room when Maya called for dinner. After settling into our respective seats, Mama suddenly spoke up, her voice calm yet carrying an unexpected announcement.

"I’m going for a business meeting for 2-4 days," she said, casually as if it were just another detail in the day's events.

Dadda and I exchanged a quick glance, and despite trying to keep our reactions in check, the excitement was hard to hide.

"Really... I mean, why?" we both asked in unison, though quickly trying to compose ourselves, our curiosity and delight barely concealed.

"I see you both are so happy, hmm?" Mama said, narrowing her eyes at us, clearly not buying our feigned innocence.

"Aahhh... it's nothing like that, darling," Dadda quickly responded, slipping into his charming tone. "You know I’ll miss you." He added a playful wink, for which I gave him a side-eye, trying not to laugh.

"Yes—I mean no, Mama. I’ll also miss you," I chimed in, trying to sound as sincere as possible. Why should Dadda have all the fun? Hehe.

"Both of you, stop your drama," Mama said, shaking her head but unable to hide a small smile. "I know you two very well, so don’t try to butter me up, okay? But mind you, I’m keeping Lakshay with you, Kiara. He’ll keep an eye on both of you. And if I hear of any mischievous behavior from either of you..." She let the threat hang in the air, her tone half-serious, half-amused.