Beneath The Storm (Completed)

Chapter-10: Of Masks & Moments

Happy Diwali
🪔

The next day after their first argument, Inaara stood before the large whiteboard in her office, lost in the lines of the sketch she was drawing.

Her delicate fingers moved with precision, but her mind wandered back to the heated exchange from the previous day.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen, her brow furrowing in confusion. It was Anjana bua, someone she didn’t expect to hear from.

Hesitant but polite, Inaara answered, “Namaste, bua ji.”

Anjana’s voice was unexpectedly warm. “Hyy Inaara, how are you?”

"I'm good, bua ji," Inaara replied, unsure where this conversation was heading.

"If you're not too busy today, why don't we meet for lunch?" Anjana suggested. “I’ll send you the address.”

Inaara blinked in surprise, the invitation catching her off guard. “Of course, bua ji. I’m free today.”

By noon, Inaara found herself walking into a sleek, seven-star Chinese restaurant, the kind of place that exuded luxury.

She spotted Anjana waiting near the entrance, and with a respectful smile, Inaara bent down to touch her feet.

But before she could straighten, Anjana enveloped her in a sudden, affectionate hug.

Inaara’s eyes widened, shocked by the unexpected warmth from someone as aloof as Anjana.

Her arms stiffened before she slowly hugged her back, trying to mask her surprise. This wasn’t the same distant woman she remembered from the wedding.

“Let’s go inside,” Anjana said cheerfully, leading her to their reserved table.

They settled in, and Inaara glanced around, taking in the opulent surroundings.

Everything sparkled — from the chandeliers above to the meticulously arranged table settings. The air smelled of exotic spices, a blend of aromas Inaara wasn’t familiar with.

Inaara broke the silence, her voice soft but curious. “Bua ji, you called me here... Is there something specific you wanted to talk about?”

Anjana smiled, her tone casual. “No, no. I just wanted to spend some time with you. We didn’t really get a chance to talk during the wedding, and I thought it’s a good opportunity to know you better.
Plus, with the media keeping an eye on everything, it’s important they see that you’re mingling well with the family.”

At this, Inaara’s expression faltered slightly. So, it was for the media after all. Everything in this family seemed to revolve around public appearances.

She had hoped Anjana genuinely wanted to connect, but it seemed even this lunch had ulterior motives.

Before she could dwell on it, Anjana interrupted her thoughts.

“Go ahead, order whatever you like,” Anjana urged, waving toward the menu.

Inaara picked it up, her face dropping as she scanned the unfamiliar names of dishes.