Imisha

x. i missed you

~3rd person pov~

"Tanmay just shut up," Kartik said in an alarmingly demanding stern tone.

The thing was, he or either of the Ahujas had not thought about what they were going to say. How would they start?

So, Kartik got a random call from London police saying they have Imisha -who the strongest mafia and the best police force have been finding for a decade- and we suddenly got her back. By the way, she's nothing like before so let's welcome her!

Bad idea.

"Kartik, what's the matter? Can someone please explain?" Arjan spoke loudly and clearly for everyone to hear in an authoritative tone for the second time that night.

"Everyone shut your mouths," Kartik spoke authoritatively which immediately quietened the noise around the table. No one would ever dare to disobey him. He turned towards the Kapoor family and started explaining.

"So uncle, Aunty, and Aditya, a few days ago I got a call from London polic-" his firm and loud voice was interrupted by another loud voice.

"Uh, do you mind if I explain?" Imisha asked boldly as she looked into Kartik's eyes. 

This was her way of confronting her new life and discovering how the people around her would react. Would they listen to her, or would they dismiss her like she had always experienced in the past? She felt as though she was walking on thin ice. Unbeknownst to her, she was subtly pulling at the heartstrings of everyone at the table.

There was a warmth in the way Ikshit and Aditya adored her, feeling a sense of protectiveness and love due to their close age. Their childhood together had been a beautiful journey, filled with laughter and the innocent chaos that only children can create. They were messy and loud, yet every bit of their playful antics seemed to radiate joy, reminding everyone of the simple pleasures of youth. The older siblings and parents watched on lovingly, their hearts swelling with pride and nostalgia as they witnessed the bond between the three. It was a perfect picture of harmony and connection, a fleeting moment of happiness that felt like it would last forever. But, deep down, everyone knew that as time moved forward, change was inevitable, bringing with it a sense of bittersweet longing for those cherished days.

Little did they know, an unexpected change was just around the corner, ready to turn their world upside down. But that is a story for another time.

The brothers were genuinely surprised, and Ikshit felt a warm sense of pride. He realized that the encouragement he had offered her may have played a part in helping her break free from her shell.

"Of course, Imisha, feel free to explain," Kartik said gently, his tone firm but kind. For just a moment, his eyes softened, revealing a glimpse of understanding beneath his composed exterior.

"I used to live with my mom, as many of you might know. She struggled with mental health issues, and eventually, things became difficult enough that she needed to be taken to a hospital or treatment center. Honestly, I'm not completely sure what happened next; Kartik bhaiya can fill in the details if you need. With no guardian available, I was put through a DNA test, and that's how I came to be here. It's nice to meet all of you." Imisha's voice was steady, but her eyes reflected a deep, lingering sadness, lacking the innocence they held 12 years ago, as her smile felt just a bit hollow.

Even though no one expressed it verbally, there was a shared admiration for her remarkable strength and the depth of experience she had gained from a harsh world. She was typically seen as the most cherished and innocent individual, yet fate had other ideas. Everyone felt a sense of pride in her resilience and unwavering demeanor while she spoke.