I rang the doorbell of Kathir's house, heart a little heavier than usual. This time, it was Maya who opened the door. Her face lit up with a soft smile as she stepped aside to let me in.
As I walked in, my eyes instantly landed on grandma and Kathir sitting at the dining table, coffee cups in their hands. Kathir didn't look surprised. His eyes trailed over me—up and down—as if analyzing every inch like I was part of some mystery he had to solve with every sip he took.
Grandma offered me her signature warm smile.
"Good morning, Vidya! Come, let's have some coffee."
I smiled back, politely.
"Good morning, grandma. Thanks for offering, but I already had my breakfast. I'm going to check on Renuka aunty."
She nodded, and I turned toward the stairs.
Just as I was about to grasp the room handle, a sudden grip clamped down on my wrist, sending a jolt of shock through me. My breath hitched, and I spun around—Kathir.
His eyes pierced into mine, firm and unreadable. I let out a tiny sigh, trying not to show how startled I was.
"Listen," he said in a tone laced with command. His grip on my wrist tightened.
"Maya and grandma are here—"
I narrowed my eyes. "Yeah, I know. Now what do you want me to do? Behave like a good girl? Or am I supposed to play servant for them too?" I snapped, sarcasm laced in my words.
He didn't flinch. Just clenched his jaw and rolled his eyes before continuing.
"As long as grandma and Maya are here, Charan will try to show up. It's your responsibility not to let him in. No matter what happens."
Charan? That name hit a chord. I furrowed my brows in confusion.
"My father," he clarified quickly.
Oh. Right. His father—Charan. How could I forget? But... wait. Did he just ask me to stop his father from entering Kathir's house?
My mouth fell slightly open, disbelief flooding my system. My stomach twisted. That's not just difficult. That's insane.
"Just do what I say," he added sharply, "or else."
He released my wrist, and I instinctively pulled it back. My confusion didn't get a moment to breathe before he reached toward my hair. I stepped away, but not fast enough. His fingers brushed through and plucked something—then held it in front of me.
A dead fly.
"Or else you'll end up like this. Understand?"
Was he seriously threatening me… with a fly?
I clenched my jaw, ready to fire back, but he already turned on his heel and walked down the stairs like he hadn't just declared war in the weirdest way possible.
I rolled my eyes so hard they nearly stayed that way.
What does he think I am? Security guard? Caretaker? Psychologist? How does he expect me to stop his dad if he decides to show up? Handcuff him? Build a wall?
With my frustration bubbling, I walked into Renuka aunty's room. She was lying on the bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling. I walked over and gently adjusted the head of the bed to help her sit more comfortably.
"Am I a nutritionist or security?" I grumbled under my breath. "How can I stop someone from meeting their family members? Ugh, this man is really getting on my nerves."
I bit my bottom lip, realizing too late I was ranting right in front of his mother. Hopefully, she wouldn't take it personally.
I carefully helped her from the bed and sat her in the wheelchair before wheeling her into the bathroom. After freshening her up, I brought her in front of the mirror and began combing her hair. A touch of simple makeup followed—just enough to brighten her face and maybe her mood too.
When I was done, I smiled. "There we go. Let's go meet your daughter and… your mother-in-law?"
I paused, unsure. Was grandma her mother or mother-in-law?
"Umm… maybe your mom?" I mumbled, rolling my eyes at my own confusion.
I looked at her through the mirror and smiled teasingly.
"Blink once if she's your mother. Blink twice if she's your mother-in-law."
She blinked… thrice.
I stared. "Wait—did you just blink three times?"
"Aunty, come on… don't tease me now!" I pouted, and sure enough, her eyes sparkled with mischief. She was clearly amused.
Then she blinked twice, and I nodded in understanding.
"Aha! Mother-in-law! Got it." I giggled and patted both her cheeks gently. "These days, you've started teasing me, huh?"
We reached the lift, and as the doors opened, Winston trotted past us with a snack packet in his mouth—spreading crumbs like confetti. Of course.
I clenched my jaw.
"Oh no, Winston! You're seriously getting on my nerves. Is this what your big bro taught you?"
And just as I said it, I noticed Maya and grandma looking straight at me. Embarrassed, I quickly offered them a sheepish smile. Thankfully, they smiled back.
Relieved, I guided the wheelchair into the living room where Maya and grandma were seated.
"I'm going to cook for Renuka aunty," I said.
Maya nodded with a kind smile.
I made my way to the kitchen, my mind still lingering on Kathir's ridiculous demand and that fly in his hand.