Page 14 of Love Locked
They locked eyes as if they were playing against each other in an inside battle. It was both amusing and annoying at the same time. Without saying another word, Kyra turned toward the waiting elevators, muttering ‘jerk’ her breath.
Kabir sat in his car, squeezing the life out of the steering wheel as if it were the only thing keeping him from losing his cool. He reluctantly got out and went upstairs to join the others.
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The moment Kabir walked into Adil’s home, he was greeted by his super excited niece. Amaya was Adil and Mira’s two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. The apple of everyone’s eye. She and Kabir were inseparable.
“Kabi Chachu, you came…” Amaya waddled towards him.
“Yes, sunshine. How could I not come to see my favourite niece?” He bent down on his knees and lifted her up.
“You mean your only niece?” Adil smirked as he strolled toward him leisurely.
“Well, she’s my forever favourite niece.” He smiled as Adil took Amaya.
“What’s with the wet clothes? Even Kyra came home looking like a wet rag doll.” Adil frowned.
“Nothing. My car battery died, and the rest is a long story.” Kabir rubbed his wet hair.
Vaayu sauntered towards them, Ritik and Deven following right behind. “We have plenty of time, if not all night, Bira. You can certainly fill us in on your story.”
Kabir fought a smile. Ritik’s face lit with a grin as he said, “Kabir never has anything interesting to tell us.”
“Why do I have the feeling that things are about to change tonight?” Vaayu looked smug.
“We’ll see that later. Now, I have to go and change—” Kabir was interrupted by Adil.
“It’s already late, dude. Everyone was waiting for you and Kyra. You can change into my clothes.”
“No, Adi, I have to take Woofer out...”
“I took him to the dog park in the evening as you weren’t back from Lonavala. He is inside, probably munching on the treats Mira brought him.” Adil rolled his eyes.
“Thanks a lot, bro. You’re so fucking thoughtful. He is going to get spoilt if Mimi keeps giving him those treats.” Kabir hugged Adil sideways.
“It’s not a big deal, Bira. The poor boy was probably bored to death being by himself all day. And he’s your dog. Means he’s our dog. And now, enough of this touchy-feely shit. C’mon, let’s get you changed. You’re getting me all wet.” Adil gestured him to the guest bedroom.
“That’s what she said.” Kabir winked, and they all laughed.
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“I don’t think I would be able to walk into a room full of people in this dress.” Kyra groaned as she took in her reflection.
“What’s wrong with the dress?” Mira and Ruhi asked simultaneously. Kyra and Nitya looked at them as if they were possessed.
“Everything.…and you both are so weird.” Kyra examined herself.
Her face looked make-up-free, her hair was blow-dried by Ruhi, and she looked flushed from all the hot air blowing on her face. Another thing that she didn’t want to think about was the dress she was wearing. It was a tight, yellow short-sleeved top with a broad, deep square neck over a red flowy georgette skirt. While there was nothing controversial about it, it was too preppy for a casual dinner and she felt a little vulnerable because Kabir was there with everyone.
“What happened, Kyra? Are you nervous?” Ruhi asked.
“No, why would I be nervous?” She adjusted the neck of the top so her cleavage was covered. Mira swatted her hand away.
“Because you came with Kabir, and both of you were drenched in the rain.” Ruhi sighed, and Nitya cleared her throat. “No, Tiya, she has to know.”
“What do I need to know?” Kyra scowled.
“That we know about your crush on Kabir,” Mira announced.
