Page 63 of Love Locked
Angry? Sad? Happy?
She had no idea. But she knew she tended to be overly protective when it came to her friends and family. She won’t let Kabir be affected by the evil woman who claimed to be his baby mama. She also vowed not to let the bitch ruin her sister’s reputation.
She decided then and there to break up with Kabir for his own good. He was there for everyone when they were in trouble. This time, she was going to be there for him when he needed someone to look out for him. She loved him. She truly did. Whatever their fate was, she was determined to do everything in her power to protect him, even at the cost of her own happiness.
TWENTY-ONE
Family meals were therapeutic. Especially the ones with his brothers, who were more like his buddies. Even though these dinners were nothing new, tonight was special because Kabir and Kyra were free to express their love for one another without the fear of getting caught. The fact that he was dating Kyra gave their siblings extra reason to celebrate.
Everyone was anticipating their next move, and his brothers were no exception. Kabir never thought he would be so happy and involved in a relationship. Kyra had turned his life upside down, and he finally understood what it meant to fall head over heels in love.
He just needed to give some space to Kyra before he confessed his love for her, as she appeared to be a little lost the past few days. He couldn’t understand the reason behind her recent change in behaviour as everything was going so well. He had overlooked it till now, thinking she might be adjusting to being in a relationship.
Even so, Kyra seemed distant, and that was making him nervous. He had decided to question her about it while dropping her home. All he wanted was for her to be open with him and let him know what she was really feeling.
Kabir sat with everyone in the opulent lounge room of Adil’s luxurious penthouse. He sat back on the couch and motioned for Kyra to join him. Just then, Ruhi and Adil walked out of the kitchen, debating whether plain cream cheese was better than herbed cream cheese.
It felt strange to see Adil engaging in matters other than business. He had changed, and Kabir was pleased to see him live so freely. He walked towards the centre table, helping Ruhi bring the charcuterie board.
Mira and Kyra were engrossed in Vaayu’s rambling while he was raving over the type of wine he was pouring. The background music added a vibe to the atmosphere. In addition, little Amaya shrieked as she ran around the home, rebuffing her nanny’s attempts to soothe her. Kabir shook his head and mused about what a dynamo his little niece was. He felt contented…at peace and could sense the cheerful energy around him.
“Thanks for the delicious dinner, Mira. It was awesome.” Kabir sipped his wine as he drew Kyra close to him.
“It was my pleasure. If I could, I would have you two around for meals every day.” Mira hugged Adil tightly as they cuddled up on a couch.
“And fill us with such good food, making us fat.” Kyra scrunched her nose and nestled close to Kabir’s side. She felt safe in his arms for the moment, but Raina’s words echoed in her mind. And she knew she needed to act on her plan soon.
“We are not done, Ky. We still have to guzzle this delicious, chilled wine and enjoy Ruhi’s legendary charcuterie board,” Vaayu muttered as he pulled Ruhi onto his lap.
“Speaking of enjoying, I hope you had a lot of fun in Shimla. Stuck in a cabin, snow all around, no one in the vicinity. It seems like a perfect romantic book set-up.” Ruhi sighed, looking at Kabir and Kyra.
“Yeah, it was a lot of fun, I must say,” Kabir smirked, rubbing his palm up and down Kyra’s arm.
“We were on a work trip, Roo,” Kyra said defensively. “It wasn’t all fun and frolics when we were there. There was a massive snowstorm going on.” Kyra lost it. Kabir squeezed her hand, taking in her distressed face.
“Ky, Ruhi was just joking,” Mira spoke calmly. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine, Di,” Kyra told Mira. She cleared her throat and finally met Kabir’s gaze. “I’m totally fine, Bir. I just got carried away. You know how intense that trip was.”
“Sorry, Kyra. I just…” Ruhi sputtered.
“You were joking, Roo, but I’m not,” Kyra said, looking upset.
Adil and Mira shared a look before they asked together, “So, Kabir, when are you guys going to tell our parents about your relationship?”
“Not this year.”
“Very soon.”
Kyra and Kabir spoke at the same time.
There was an awkward pause. Kabir straightened in his seat as Kyra stared into her wine glass as if the answers might pop up from there. For over a minute, no one said a word. Kabir wanted to say something, but he wasn’t sure he should, given Kyra’s recent answer. It disturbed him to no end. He didn’t know what to make of it. He thought they both were on the same page.
Kabir found Mira scowling at him, mentally conveying something to him, but he was clearly not a psychic. He couldn’t understand what she was saying. She was the only person in the room who realised Kyra was acting strangely. She was her big sister and could tell if something was wrong with her. Kyra was distracted, and something felt off. The proof was the way she fiddled with her hands. Her body language was so fucking tense. He was cent percent sure Mira was onto his thoughts.
“That’s romantic. Vaayu, see how romantic Kabir is. Learn something from him.” Ruhi’s words shattered the tense silence, causing everyone to laugh.
“Well, darling, I’m willing to learn anything for your sake, even from this idiot. Though everyone knows I am the expert on everything romantic,” Vaayu gave Ruhi a firm kiss in front of everyone, causing her to blush hard.
