My eyes narrow. His narrow right back. Neither of us blinks or backs down. Mom watches the silent war between us for about three seconds before deciding she’s had enough drama for one day.
“Siya.”
I turn towards her.
“I think Raghav is right.”
My jaw drops. But Mom ignores my expression and continues calmly. “The weather has been unpredictable lately. If you’re going, go with him.”
“But Mom—”
“No arguments.”
I stare at her in disbelief, feeling betrayed, while she simply pats my hand and smiles.Wonderful. Now who’s switching sides? With a frustrated sigh, I finally give in. But going shopping with Raghav? Does he even know shopping involves things other than weapons, security systems, and luxury cars?
Urgh! Honestly, the idea alone is enough to make me reconsider the entire Mumbai trip.
CHAPTER 32
RAGHAV
Late Evening – Market
The boot of my black Mercedes is stuffed to the brim by the time we’re done with the shopping. Between Meher, Ayaan, Baba, and the twins, Siya has somehow managed to buy enough gifts to fill a small store.Not that I’m complaining.
Watching her move through the market, arguing over colours, rejecting dozens of options before choosing the perfect ones, has been strangely entertaining.
As I shut the boot door, a cold gust of wind hits us. I look up at the sky. The clouds that had been hanging lazily above the mountains all evening have turned darker.
My phone vibrates.
“Where are you?” Haider asks the moment I answer.
“We’re still at the market.”
“The weather department just issued a warning. Heavy rainfall is moving towards your side faster than expected.”
I glance at Siya, who is already sliding into the passenger seat.
“How long until you get back?” Haider still sounds anxious. The man practically stops breathing if he isn’t shadowing me.
“An hour, maybe.”
“That’s cutting it close.”
I look at the darkening horizon again.Maybe.
“We’ll take the eastern route,” I reply, getting inside the car. “That will have less traffic.”
“And more mountain bends,” Haider argues.
I smirk. “Relax, Haider. The weather isn’t that bad enough yet. We’ll be back before the storm hits.”
With a resigned sigh, he disconnects. When I get behind the wheel, I catch Siya staring out the windshield. She heard every word, but she doesn’t comment.Not surprising.
I start the engine and pull out of the market parking lot. For the first twenty minutes, everything seems normal. The roads are relatively empty, and the rain hasn’t started yet. But then, the first drop hits the windshield. Within minutes, the drizzle turns into a steady rainfall. The wipers begin moving back and forth across the glass as the road ahead gradually grows darker.
“Looks like your shortcut wasn’t such a brilliant idea,” Siya mocks, glancing towards the window.
