When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 53. Love, Lies and Rose

Ishana's voice trembled with a mix of anger and worry as she confronted Annika. "Annika, how could you be so irresponsible? You're an adult, and I expected better from you. We were frantic with worry about your safety."

Annika's expression transformed from apologetic to perplexed. "Ishana, what's going on? What chaos are you talking about?" She took a step back, her eyes scanning Ishana's face for clues.

Ishana's frustration boiled over. "Don't you remember? The protest near the chowk? Sneha called, asking if you'd reached home safely. I had to lie to her, telling her you were fine, but deep down, I was terrified. We tried calling you multiple times, but your phone was unreachable."
Annika, how could you be so irresponsible? You're an adult, and I expected better from you. We were frantic with worry about your safety."

Annika's confusion deepened. "Protest? Sneha's call? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ishana's expression turned incredulous. "Annika, how could you possibly not know about the protest at the chowk? You drive through that area every day to get to our place. And didn't you tell me earlier that you went to get your punctured tire fixed?"

Ishana's eyes sparkled with skepticism. "As I recall, the mechanic shops are located right in the heart of the chowk, where the protest was happening. Are you saying you didn't notice anything unusual?"

Annika's mind raced as she struggled to craft a response. She recalled crossing the chowk earlier, when there was no sign of protest. Later, when she was with Shivay at Marine Drive, they had taken a different route, avoiding the chowk altogether.

As Annika's silence stretched, Ishana's concern deepened. "Annika, why are you so quiet?" Ishana asked, her voice laced with a mix of worry and suspicion. "Did you hide something from me? You're not telling me the whole truth, are you?"

Ishana's eyes locked onto Annika's, searching for answers. "What's going on, Annika? You're starting to scare me. Did something happen at the chowk that you're not willing to share?"

Annika's cheeks flushed as she fidgeted with her hands, buying time to concoct a convincing story. She knew Ishana wouldn't relent until she revealed the truth. Taking a deep breath, Annika dramatically sat down in the chair, joined her hands in prayer, and exclaimed, "Thank God I made the right decision!"

Ishana's curiosity was piqued. "What decision?" she asked, her eyes narrowing.

Annika launched into her fabricated tale, trying to sound as genuine as possible. "I didn't come home via the chowk, Ishana. I met my old school friend, Rhea, and she insisted I meet her family. They were at Marine Drive, so I went there to visit them. After spending time with them, I was heading back when my tire got punctured. Luckily, I found a mechanic shop nearby and got it fixed."

Annika paused, hoping her story sounded plausible. "You know, Marine Drive is in the opposite direction of the chowk, so I didn't encounter the protest at all."

Ishana's expression remained skeptical, her eyes searching for any cracks in Annika's story.

Her expression softened slightly, and she nodded, seemingly convinced by Annika's explanation. "Okay, I believe you. I was worried sick about you, but I'm glad you're safe."

Annika breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. She hadn't expected Ishana to buy her story so easily.

Ishana smiled warmly. "Next time, just let me know if you're going to be late or change plans, okay? I was imagining the worst."