𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐒: Reunited | Part 1

40. Kito.

Driti:

As I walked toward the car garage, a grin spread across my face, childish and carefree. Today, I have the opportunity to drive the car, I thought to myself, the excitement bubbling up. It was a small win, but for a moment, it felt like freedom-something I desperately craved.

Niam was walking beside me, his youthful appearance giving him the look of a 23- or 24-year-old. He reminded me a bit of Druv with his sharp features and the quiet intensity in his eyes. Neil, on the other hand, looked a few years older, probably around 25 or 26. He had a certain seriousness to him that made him resemble Aryaan, though a bit more reserved, less flashy.

Thinking about Aryaan, Zora, Riya, and the others made a pang of longing hit my chest. I miss them. We had built a good relationship-one that felt real, unlike... their brother. They were better. Just like me. We understood each other in ways I couldn't explain.

But Zora... I missed her the most. I'm going to call her when I meet Avni, I decided, feeling a small comfort in the thought of reconnecting with her. At least with her, I didn't have to pretend.

Neil pulled out the car, his movements smooth and practiced, as if he'd done it a thousand times.

"Are you driving?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, suddenly wishing I could have the reins for once.

"Yes, ma'am," he answered politely, his expression neutral.

"No, no, no, please let me drive," I pleaded, my voice taking on the tone of a five-year-old who hadn't gotten their way. My hands clasped together, and I couldn't help but feel a bit ridiculous, but I had to try.

They both shook their heads in unison, like synchronized robots.

"You are not allowed, ma'am," Neil said, his tone firm. "It's our duty."

I let out a frustrated sigh, crossing my arms tightly over my chest. "Who said that? Your boss?" I asked, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

The fact that I was already stuck with these two bodyguards, following me around like shadows, was irritating. No. This isn't happening.

To be honest, they both looked like the kind of masculine men who were too serious for their own good, too rigid, and I hated how easily they fit into their roles.

"Please," I asked again, my tone softer this time, almost pleading, as I stepped closer to the car, hoping for some change of heart.

But they shook their heads again, their expressions unchanged, as if my words didn't even make a dent.

"We can't, ma'am," Neil said, his voice unwavering.

It was like I was talking to a wall. Their loyalty to Vyaan-or whatever invisible code they followed-was absolute. I wasn't going to win this.

A sigh escaped me, the frustration pooling deep inside. Fine. Let them have it, I thought bitterly, stepping back and resigning myself to the fact that I was just another passenger in this damn game.

I stomped my feet in annoyance, the frustration simmering just below the surface. As Niam reached for the door, I held up my hand, a silent command to stop. I wasn't going to let them have the satisfaction of seeing me completely defeated.

With a huff, I opened the door myself, slamming it slightly harder than necessary to let them know exactly how irritated I was. The sound of the door hitting the frame echoed in the quiet, a sharp punctuation to my frustration.

But they didn't flinch. Of course, they wouldn't. They were trained for this. My anger, my defiance-it meant nothing to them. They were as immovable as the walls around us.