Chapter - 39: I'll be back.

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Kaira's POV:

Slap.

My mother slapped me.

And I don't know the reason.

Slowly my hand went up to my burning cheek, unknowingly my eyes get moist as I look up to meet my mother's furious ones.

"Badi ma!" "Ananya...!" "Aunty?" Milkshake, Sidharth's parents and sister exclaimed in surprise.

"You are never home, Kaira, never with us. Either you are out with Abhi and Ritik, or out for some work or that's just an excuse. Or you will be in your room doing what not. Or in that badminton court of yours! What pleasure do you even find in there!?" She snapped. There was on drop silence as my mother continues her monologue.

"What? Why do you need those reasons!? Why won't you stay at home? Why won't you spent time with your in laws? Have I taught you to discard family like that?! It's hardly 3-4 times I've seen you mixing up with Rachel and her daughter. Do you even see Sidharth sometimes? Or are you always arguing and fighting with him to get his interest out of you?" Mom continued.

I don't even seem to have voice in my throat.

"And Abhi..! Why are you dragging that poor soul in your personal matters! Why are you getting yourself into his?! Why do you need to go to pick him up, doesn't he has his friends to do that for him!? Why do you need to be his assistant? Can he not find someone more skilled and experienced for his career? Why do you have to do everything that you can't handle? One family you can't act responsible towards and-"

"What is going on here!?" Sidharth's voice tears through my mother's like sword.

"Sidharth son, you don't have to save her-" My mother uses her sweet voice.

"Oh no, aunty, I do. What are you doing? What are you accusing her of now?" Sidharth's footsteps come closer towards us. When I dared to peek a glance at him, his eyes were emotionless as he looks at my mother.

"You know nothing of it son-"

"If it's about Kaira, I know it. It's you who doesn't know things about her own daughter, aunty." Sidharth interrupts "What do you know about Abhi and Kaira? What have you seen from last 10 years? What do you know about either of their careers? What do you know about her management skills? What do you know about her spending time with my family?"

Before my mother responds to it, his mother says "Sid, I've not taught you to speak with your elders like that!"

"Sorry mom, but you taught me to take my wife's side everytime and I'm not going to let anybody insult her like that, be it her mother." Sidharth looks above my mother head to meet eyes with his.

"You think you know her more than I do? Then why don't you ask her where was she last night, sure she wasn't in her room." My mother taunts.

"I don't need to." Sidharth crosses his arms across his chest "I know where she was."

"Sure, she must have told you why would she try to sneak in Abhi's home at night!" My mother just glares at me.

Wait, how does she knows I jumped over the wall to get in his driveway?

Everyone's eyes were on him, in question as well as surprise as he says "Actually, aunty, She was with me. She tried to sneak in my home last night."

Here goes nothing. All that trouble that I took last night was waste. Could he not avoid telling them that? What would they be thinking of me now?

'At least better than what they thought a few mins ago, Kaira.' My conscience scolded.

"You?" Came their chorus question.

"Yes me. She didn't want to trouble any of you that's why I helped her out in the morning. Yes mom, we were racing through the living room in morning." Sidharth explains and I see a small smile on his mother's face.

"What? Is it that wrong to be with me? Weren't you asking her to spend time with me more often?" Sidharth asks my mother when he sees her trying to object "Or is it that you don't trust me?"

Turning to me he asked softly "Weren't you wearing your fluffy black jacket last night? Did you carry it back this morning?"

My mind clicks and I shake my head slowly. Gifting me a small smile he says "I brought it with me."

Both of our dads were quiet as rock, none said a thing. Looking around I saw Aditya's smirk falling off and I knew all this drama is his creation.

Oh this ass! I swear I should have kicked him out the moment I saw him!

"What problem do you guys have with Kaira working with Abhi that I don't?" Sidharth asks once again.

"Um- Sid bro... you were mad last week about it-" Aditya immediately supports.

I could feel Sidharth's eyes burning holes in his head as he understands where this drama came from. He shrugged "I changed my mind after Kaira came over at office. Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, bro. Of course not, what problem would I have-" Aditya laughs nervously "But bro, are you sure? I mean- do you really think you can trust her with her best friend-"

Sidharth groaned "This again. Say clearly what you want to say Adi! Don't test my patience."

Aditya instantly came over to us with his phone "Sid bro, that day in club-" he trails off swiping across the screen as if showing pictures "...you were tipsy and this-"

Sidharth took his cousin's phone in his hand and swiped himself with emotionless face. I couldn't read him at all!

What is all that about?

Then Sidharth looks up towards our parents and says "Mom, weren't we searching a camera man for our wedding? Let's hire Adi instead. So perfect clicks, even in dim lighting of club, wow. Adi I really appreciate you clicking these, do send me before you delete and I'm serious you have to delete them."

Once again everyone had their eyes on Sidharth's smiling face in astonishment.

"Sid bro-"

"And you Adi!" Sidharth swings his arm across his neck and pulled closer, suspiciously looking like choking him "Don't you think before doing this shit? Who clicks their brother and bhabhi's intimate pictures? Leave at least so much privacy, bro. Can I not kiss her without getting a picture of us?"

What!? Us? Intimate? Kiss?

"But bro- you were drunk and this..."

"What? You think with adding Abhi at start and last I won't be able to distinguish between us? Come on Adi, I hadn't even taken a beer, how was I even drunk? My eyes never left her from the moment she came in until she left with Abhi." Sidharth told him with dangerously calm voice.

What the fuck!?

So this is the thing that got everyone on their toes!?

"What are you both talking about Sid? Those pictures are not of Abhi and Kaira?" Mom asks from her place.

Sidharth laughed letting Aditya go and ignoring his coughing "Of course not mom. Yes, Kaira did come to club to pick up Abhi as drink and drive is illegal, but we met and solved a little misunderstanding. We even kissed to close the topic, it was our private moment, I don't know why Adi thought he should click pictures of it."

Walking over towards them Sidharth continued "Come on mom, we know Abhi from 7 years, he may be flirting with many girls but his behavioral change with Kaira shines out so much. I don't know how all of you are doubting them suddenly."

From the corner of my eyes I notice Aditya's face flushed at Sidharth's confession.

I couldn't even smile at his pale face. I couldn't even smile at Sidharth's explanation to save me. I was numb.

Was it my mother's slap? Or was it her words? I still don't know.

Looking at everyone talking and laughing I understood Sidharth has solved whatever misunderstanding his cousin created. My best friend also joined them and they seemed to forget what happened.

I felt like a robot as I make my way up the stairs to my bedroom, locking the door behind me.

Looking at myself in the mirror I immediately notice the difference, my face almost looked frozen, eyes were neutral, slight redness was growing on my cheek. I looked like I felt, numb.

My mother's words do their magic like everytime, not leaving my mind for even a second. I sprint into the washroom to splash water on my face, wanting to wash off the thoughts.

No use. They multiply like bacteria.

Just like always, my physical need to let out my anger is larger and I end up punching the cabinet beside me.

Once. Twice. Then again.

Leaning against it a min later, I was glad my thoughts took a break. Faintly I heard a knock far away.

Swiftly wiping away the water droplets, I open my bedroom door for Sidharth to join me.

"I'm sorry!" Was the first thing he said hugging me.

I sighed. This is not his fault. I had anticipated Aditya would do something or other and my mother's reaction was something I should have been prepared for.

Leaning my head against his chest I let his heartbeats calm my nerves as I whisper "Its not your fault. You should stop taking everything on you."

"It is. I shouldn't have left Adi alone with our family with his bullshit." Sidharth snorts above me as his hold on me tightens "He started it tonight, let's end it full and final."

I couldn't stop the small tug on my lips as he places a kiss on my forehead before backing off.

"You go and carry out your strike 3, I want some time-" I tell him as I sit on my bed.

"To overthink." He completes striding over to the bed and dumps down beside me, pulling my right hand in his and caressing the knuckles "Not a chance."

"What are you thinking, sweetheart?" He whispers after a peaceful while, spent in silence.

My breath hitched "Do I- do I really don't act responsible towards-"

"No." Sidharth interrupts, his eyes reflecting annoyance "No, Kaira. You are not doubting yourself on anything like that."

My heart thunders against the ribcage as our eyes meet "I've seen you being the most responsible when it comes to family and health, yes of course, except your health. You take care of everyone but yourself, just like mothers- hm, maybe we should exclude yours. But Kaira, I've hardly seen girls being as mature as you in so many things, especially family. I don't remember a single time you said anything against family. Heck! You would rather spend your life with my family than me. I have no idea from where your parents get chances to call you immature and irresponsible."

By now I was smiling at his frown. Our eyes meet again and his frown changes to smile as he teases "Anything else?"

"Milkshake-"

His groan interrupted me "No way are we discussing it again after that 2 day drama. I don't care what your mother thinks of your friendship. I'm sorry, but if she can't open her eyes and see then I can't do anything." He snorted "But there's one thing, you are not going to look for an assistant for Abhi just because some people assume you incapable, you can look for one after sometime when your career is taking a flight."

I smiled, shifting my gaze to our intertwined fingers then looking up once again as I whisper "And you? Are you loosing interest in me yet?"

"Me? I'd rather show you how much this fire of interest in you is burning inside me." He smirks leaning dangerously close.

I giggled pushing his shoulder slightly with my free hand "You should not be here, telling me all this."

He mocked his amused eyebrows "Why?"

"You'll make me fall in love with you." I say meeting his amazing dark eyes.

He grinned tugging on my hand in his to pull me in closer and whispered "That's the plan!"

My traitor heart fluttered happily.

Just like that, we were smiling at each other without a care in the world. Another tug on my fingers and I slipped out of the trance.

"Let's go and strike, it's time, if we don't do anything now, he will think of something to get back at you again." Sidharth's eyes held a mischievous glint which amused me to core.

He really liked kicking his cousin's ass, be it just metaphorically.

As soon as I was up on my feet, he stepped closer and in a blink, so fast I doubted it happened, he pecked my lips softly.

With a silly smile stuck to my face, I let a smiling excitedly Sidharth lead us down for the final strike to Aditya's ego.

●●●●

Dumping down on couch, I groaned. It's been 4 days and my mother has not left me alone!

Yes, that day's drama went into her head and she took her promise quite literally and kept me bound to house, making me do anything and everything.

From cleaning to cooking, from mending a spoon to mending a curtain, from washing yellow to white, I've mastered all the skills in these days.

Hey, doesn't mean I didn't know anything before!

But I needed to go out! It feels like I haven't seen the sun for weeks!

Exaggeration, I know but I need to feel the natural wind in my hair and not this stupid fan's in my sweaty face.

And it wasn't even lunch time yet! On one side I'm glad it isn't, lunch times with mom were like torture lectures of her ancient times rambles.

I need an ESCAPE!

OH GOD, please listen to my prayers, give me some work to do out of this house, out of my mother's sharp gaze.

My mother had banned milkshake temporarily from my house and me to even call him to pass my time. Wait I said him? Scratch that!

I wasn't allowed to touch my phone until night privacy in my room! It's like they grounded me! For nothing of my fault!

Okay- that might be somewhere wrong.

Once we, Sidharth and I, were coming closer to hitting a hard strike, my parents had me down 6 feet with their eyes alone.

That could be one reason they started torturing me like this.

But do I really deserve this?

You see my innocent puppy dog face? Do I look like I deserve this severe punishment? You tell me!

Should I try running away?

But damn, mom has my phone. I could call-

The ringing of landline on my right almost made me jump out of my skin. Excited to pass my time I picked up.

"Cheeky, why aren't you picking up your phone! I'm trying from past 20 mins!" Arav bhai yelled through the receiver.

Ouch, thanks bhai.

"Oh please, you think this devil let's me even see it? I bet she keeps it in her locker-"

"Mom again?" He interrupted "I'll talk to her when I come back. Now I need you to do a thing for me."

"Outside this jail?" I whispered the code words secretly.

You never know, my mother could be hiding behind this couch and eavesdropping.

"Of course, cheeky. I need you to go for another area inspection. I need full details of-"

"Yes, yes bhai, done. I'll do my best like everytime sir!" I mocked a salute "But bhai- do something and get me out of this jail. Mom doesn't let me out of her sight, look even now she is keeping her eagle eyes on me from dinning table."

He laughed. I wish I could too, but my condition was so grave I could hardly move my muscles from a frown.

On his demand I lazily got up to pass the reciever to my dearest mother. She looked at me skeptically as she listens to my brother on other side.

"Why do you need her to do it? Don't you hire people for it?" She asks probably interrupting him "Important? Then more reasons for sending your better employee."

She frowns at his answer and I smile secretly, knowing my brother would have rather praised my skills.

"Fine, I'll talk to her." She finally says. Sliding the phone to the dining table she snapped me to attention with her eyes.

"How long will you be gone?"

"3-4 hours mom-"

"That long! Are you going to spend your life there that it will take you so long to examine?"

You don't examine things you'll spend your life with, in 4 hours mom.

Mentally rolling my eyes I explained "Mom, come on, I'll have to check out such a large area, plus the quality and-"

"Fine. Get your things and be home by evening. If I don't see you inside after that, mind you, you will work under me till you get married and off to your in laws!" My mother snapped.

One month under her torture?! No way!

"Yes mom, I'll be back. Can I get my phone? Bhai said he'll send me the location and I'll have to report to him every half an hour."

Snorting my mother went off to her room and I stuck out my tongue.

Of course I don't have to report to bhai every half an hour, I just have to submit a detailed report once I'm done.

As soon as I get my phone, I pack my spiral notebook and a pen along with a bunch of other things needed. Hurrying out of my house I took a deep breath as soon as I was standing on the road.

I love you bhai! Thank you for getting me out of there!

I thought as the mid day wind played with my hair. Vibration of my phone brought me back to the work at hand and quickly hired a cab.

Plugging in my earphones, I enjoy the wind in my hair with sweet music in my ears. Half an later I was in outskirts closer to the area bhai wanted me to go.

10 mins later I step out the cab with my portable cap on my head saving me from the terrible sun rays.

Yup, things I've do for my brother.

Looking around I noticed the 2 landmarks which indicated a boundary. Making my way over to one, I started taking steady steps towards the other, counting with my feet.

As soon as I reached the 2nd landmark, I saw the third and kept walking. Mind you, there were almost 8 feet high gravel dunes keeping the middle area covered, as much, you can't just look across the area to find your coordinates.

Once I covered the area with my steps, I pulled out my notepad and started calculating.

"Hey! Excuse me miss! Are you-" Turning to the voice behind me, my eyes met with the person's red chief's leather shoes, slowly looking up his fancy blue jeans, over his overpriced leather belt to his bloodshot red shirt, finally stopping to the guy's face only to let my jaw drop.

Seriously? This guy? Now? Here?

Come on bhai!

Why do you need this show off money bank asshole?

As I was cursing him in my mind, I could see his facial expressions changing from excited to frown then angry then as if something clicked in his grain sized brain his lips tug into smile that tries to hide his smirk.

"Miss shetty, long time no see? How are you doing? I hope not going around kicking people for no reason?" He smiles extending his hand for a shake.

I eye his hand for a second longer before looking in his eyes and saying "Only the people deserving, Mr. Chatterjee."

"Ah, your sweet voice, almost makes me stop from showing you how much I appreciate it. Unfortunately, my elder brother Vikram has sent me to investigate this plot for our new project with- oh but why am I telling you this? Of course you know it, Ms. Smart!" He mocked.

I rolled my eyes "Are you here to do some work or ramble unnecessarily? Do whatever you need to and leave me alone."

Taking a U turn I walked a few steps ahead to continue my inspection. 20 mins were silent as we work in our

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