Mafia

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Anish came to the party Behind him, her mother, Mrs

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Anish came to the party Behind him, her mother, Mrs. Malhotra, entered, smiling warmly at her daughter. But the man who followed—a man I instantly recognized as Saanvi’s stepfather—made Saanvi’s entire demeanor stiffen.

The room felt different as soon as they entered. Saanvi’s hand clutched the edge of her lehenga, and her smile faded, replaced with a forced expression of politeness. I noticed the way her eyes barely flicked toward her step dad, not even meeting his gaze.

I stayed where I was, observing. This was Saanvi’s moment, her family, and as much as I wanted to step in and shield her from whatever was making her uncomfortable, I stayed silent.

 This was Saanvi’s moment, her family, and as much as I wanted to step in and shield her from whatever was making her uncomfortable, I stayed silent

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The moment my eyes landed on my step dad, I felt the familiar wave of discomfort hit me. ignoring him I went to meet my mom and bhai

I smiled as I walked over to greet her. “Maa,” I said, embracing her. “I didn’t know you’d be coming.”

“Well, Anish insisted, and I wanted to see my daughter,” she replied, her smile genuine.

My step dad stepped closer, his smile never reaching his eyes. “Saanvi, looking beautiful as always,” he said, his voice smooth but dripping with that familiar condescension.

“Thank you,” I replied stiffly, stepping back just enough to create distance. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

Anish caught my eye, and I could see the unspoken message in his gaze. He needed to talk to me. Alone.

“I’ll be right back,” I said, excusing myself from the group. “I’m just going to get some drinks.”

I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away, and the farther I got, the more I could breathe again.

I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away, and the farther I got, the more I could breathe again

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