Queen of the Beast (CEO's Possession)

22| Honeymoon on Business trip

Advika's POV

'Billo Bagge Billeyan Da Ki Karengi,

Bagge- Bagge Billeyan Da Ki Karengi,'

Oh God Adu, just shut up!

I scolded my inner self, closing my eyes in an attempt to stop my brain from playing that one line on repeat.

It's like my brain malfunctions during serious situations. Whether it's exams or something like this, it always starts singing random songs. And right now, the lines looping in my head are a lovely parting gift from my devil of a brother, Garvit. He spent the entire day singing Billo Bagge Billeyan Da Ki Karengi, instead of helping me clean the house, and now, as I sit in front of Shravan's parents, that's all I can think about.

"Where is your father Advika?"

Mr. Singhania's question caught me completely off guard. Mom and I exchanged glances, and Garvit looked at us, too. We'd completely overlooked that they might ask about Dad. None of us were prepared for this.

Mom closed her eyes, nodding slightly to let us know she'd handle it.

"Actually, he's busy," she said, turning politely to Mr. Singhania. "He'd have loved to be here, but he'll definitely meet you after-"

"He doesn't live with us," I interrupted, taking everyone, especially Mom, by surprise. I couldn't hold back. I knew she'd be mad, and it might not give the best impression to Shravan's parents, but I couldn't stay silent.

"I want to be honest with you because we're about to be family." I took a deep breath, steadying myself before I continued. "Our father doesn't live with us. He left years ago. It's just been the three of us, for each other, through everything."

I looked down, fiddling nervously with my fingers, and a long silence followed my words. Shravan, sitting beside me, looked completely unbothered.

"I appreciate your honesty, Advika," Mr. Singhania said finally, breaking the silence. "I respect that you didn't hide the truth about your father when it would have been easy to do so. We'd never force you to discuss anything you're uncomfortable with."

His words made me look up at him, and a smile crept onto my face. I didn't understand why Shravan had such a strained relationship with his father; he seemed like such a gentleman.

"And let me tell you something: never think you're without the support of a father. From now on, you have me."

My smile widened. It felt like the first genuine smile I'd had all day. Mr. and Mrs. Singhania-and even Arya-were all so wonderful. I couldn't understand how Shravan turned out so... distant.

Mrs. Singhania, looking excited, chimed in, "It feels like we've found our lost..."

But before she could finish, Mr. Singhania gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Shravan appeared lost in his own world, perhaps not noticing his parents' exchange, but I did.

"...we have gained one more daughter, which I've always wanted," she added, her smile a little forced for some reason.

"By the way, you two haven't told us how you first met," Arya asked, clearly trying to change the topic.

"Four years ago," Shravan said at the exact moment I replied, "Three years back."

I bit my tongue in embarrassment as we realized our answers didn't match. Before I could even react, Shravan stomped on my foot under the table, his expression unreadable. It wasn't entirely my fault, though-he got it wrong too! The moment he lifted his foot, I kicked him back in irritation.