Spies & Spice - A Web Of Lies (Completed)

Carpe Diem

9 PM

Dhuala Kuan 

Loki walked in briskly without bothering to wait for DJ, who followed him with his slow tread. He didn't know why, or may be he did, but wasn't keen to acknowledge the suffocating feeling that was gnawing him, ever since he got that call from his brother summoning him back to Delhi... He didn't want to be back in his big brother's mansion where he would be forced to follow the commands of "DJ the great" anymore! In fact everything about this house and its surroundings, his "fake" family and his brother's cronies were irritating him. All he wanted to was crash into Zoya's arms and comfort himself. His eyes eagerly scanned the house  as he approached the dining area where a smiling Suraj Chacha was standing reverently next to his mother who was busy adjusting the dishes on the dining table.

At least he had one friend in the family, no matter what happened.

"Where's Zoya?" He didn't realize how loud and irritated he sounded till he watched the smile evaporate on Suraj Chacha's face, and his mother turned sharply to look at him.

An apology came to his lips as automatically but he held it back, as he got inexplicable satisfaction to see the grim expression on his mother's face.

"We were just about to call her to join us for dinner Loki! Let me go and fetch her now." Suraj Chacha began to move towards the stairs but stopped, as they heard Zoya's voice behind them.

"Don't worry Chacha, I know the protocols of this house too well and no matter what the situation is, everyone has to be at the dinner table as per military precision, so here I am!" Zoya giggled loudly drawing nervous chuckles from DJ's men who followed him.

Loki hugged her lightly and could sense the tension and anger in her body, but as he noticed her slightly dilated pupils, his  lingering doubts became confirmed. Zoya was high and it generally meant she was either pissed off or bored and considering the situation, he knew it was mostly likely the former. Perhaps she had a tiff with DJ or no one bothered about Zoya while he was away!!

"It is nothing to do with rules, military or otherwise Zoya! Just a habit born out of affection and concern for other family members who have put in so much effort to prepare the meals or might be waiting for us hungrily." DJ's deep voice cut in like thick ice as Zoya drew away from him and turned to face his brother with a defiant face.

"Bhai, Zoya is a member of this family too right? Wonder why no one bothered.." Loki stopped as Zoya pressed her hand around his arm warningly.

A involuntary shiver ran down Loki's back as he watched DJ's flushed face and reddened eyes as he seemed ready to give an angry retort. Would he ever be brave enough to defy his brother and make his own....

His thoughts were arrested as he heard his mother's soothing but firm voice.

"All of you!! Can you stop arguing and come eat your dinner before it gets cold?"

DJ walked around Loki and reached his mother with an apologetic smile.

"Sorry Maa. Please sit down. Why are you troubling yourself when you are down with fever?"

As he saw  DJ drew a chair for her to sit, Loki's heart filled with guilt as he recalled his earlier conversation with DJ about their mother being unwell. But he cant tolerate if someone mistreated Zoya.. He carefully led Zoya and drew a chair for her as she reciprocated with a smile. Feeling relieved, he hurried towards his mother and hugged her lightly.

"Maa, I am sorry. I completely forgot you were not feeling well. There are too many things going on and I am so angry that..."

Suman got up slowly and cupped his cheek with her withered hand.