ISHQ IBAADAT 💗

19. A CONFESSION ❤️

Author POV

Everyone at home was sitting and planning Dadi's birthday party. The atmosphere was warm and buzzing with excitement. Dadi and Dadaji were resting peacefully in their bedroom, completely unaware of the grand surprise in the making. The living room echoed with soft laughter, the clinking of teacups, and casual chatter. Cushions were scattered around as everyone lounged together like a close-knit unit.

“Adhrika Bhabhi…” Reyansh called out suddenly, his voice cutting through the hum of conversation. He was sprawled lazily across the couch, eyes dancing with mischief.

“Yes, Reyansh, bolo…” Adhrika looked up from the notepad she was scribbling ideas into, raising a curious brow.

“Can we throw a really big birthday party for Dadi tomorrow?” he asked, leaning forward, barely containing his excitement.

Adhrika’s eyes lit up with instant agreement, her lips curling into a warm smile. “Of course! Why not! She deserves nothing but the best.”

Reyansh grinned, clapping like a child who had just been handed a toy. “And Shridha Bhabhi… you have to choose the decoration theme! Let’s make everyone wear clothes of the same colour too—it should feel magical!”

Shridha, sitting cross-legged on the floor with a cup of green tea in hand, tilted her head and smiled. “Done! I already have something in mind,” she said, her imagination visibly running wild with colours and lights.

Everything felt perfect, until the clock struck 11 PM.

The mood slightly dipped. A few cousins yawned, some retired to their rooms, while others continued talking in low voices.

Suddenly, Adhrika’s phone vibrated on the table. She picked it up absentmindedly, her smile faltering as she read the name.

Ridhu.

Her brows furrowed.

“Ridhu? Why is she calling this late?” she murmured, her fingers already sliding to answer.

“Kya hua, Di?” Shridha asked, catching the uneasiness in her tone.

“I don’t know… something feels off. It’s unusual for her to call at this hour.”

“Chalo, side mein chalte hain,” Shridha said gently, already rising to walk with her.

The two moved toward the side hallway, their footsteps light but hurried. Adhrika tapped the answer button and brought the phone to her ear.

“Hello Dii…” Ridhanvi’s voice came out low and tense.

“Yes, Ridhu… what happened?” Adhrika’s body tensed as she listened.

“Dii… Adhya di hasn’t come home yet…”

Adhrika froze. She blinked and glanced at the wall clock again as if confirming what she already feared.

“What? Are you serious?”

“Yes, Di… it’s 11 already and she’s still not back… café closed at 9…”

Shridha, who was leaning closer to listen, gasped softly. “But café shuts at 9… where could she be?”

“That’s what I’m scared of, Di… and her phone is switched off too,” Ridhanvi’s voice now trembled with growing panic.

Adhrika’s mind raced. “Wait… Ridhu… don’t worry. I’ll call Agastya and ask if he knows anything—”

Her words stopped mid-sentence.