11.
{Third person's pov}
Kiara and Ekansh walked downstairs, already to leave for his maternal grandmother's village. All of the family members stared at them.
"Are you guys heading somewhere?" His father asked while looking at the luggage which was held by the servants.
"We are visiting nani, and we will stay there for a week." He said and looked at Kiara who stood behind him.
"You should have told us earlier." His step mother said, "why?" He asked, his face stoic.
He turned to look at Kiara who was already looking at him, "let's go,"
She nodded and noth of them walked towards his car, He Opened the door for her and she settled inside.
He started the Engine driving towards their destination, "Ekansh?"
He kept his eyes on the road as he answered, his voice tinged with a hint of fatigue.
"Yeah?" He looked at her, taking in her soft features in the shadows of the car. She looked like an angel in the dim light, and he found himself suddenly glad that she was there with him.
"When can I bring Rookie from my parents' house?" She asked, referring to her pet dog.
He chuckled softly,"Soon," he said, his tone gentle. "We'll get Rookie as soon as we're back."
She nodded, "as soon as we are back." They continued driving in comfortable silence, the hours passing by as the city lights turned into the country roads and then into the quaint streets of his grandmother's village.
As the car pulled up in front of a small but charming house, he glanced at her. She seemed excited yet nervous, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of affection for her.
She was dressed in a saree, as he pulled the car and walked towards her side and opened the door. She stepped outside and covered her head with the pallu of her saree.
He made his way inside with her, Kiara witnessed a few ladies standing at the front door with aarti ki thal.
They both stood at the entrance and his nani did their Aarti. They both bent down and touched her feet to take her greetings.
His nani looked at him, and then towards Kiara, "have to say it Ekansh, she is so gorgeous."
He chuckled, his eyes landing on Kiara. She was radiant in the traditional saree and the way she was shyly touching his grandmother's feet was endearing.
"I know," he said, unable to hide the pride in his voice.
His grandmother smiled, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Such a sweet girl," she said, patting Kiara on the cheeks. "She's perfect for you."
"Come inside, you guys must be tired." His grandmother guided them and they walked inside, her house was in the village but it has facilities like a city.
"It isn't as big as your husband's mansion, just a small home of mine." His grandmother said and Kiara smiled, "I like this place," Kiara smiled.
He watched as Kiara took in their surroundings, her eyes wide with curiosity and appreciation. He could see the genuine interest she had for his grandmother and the simple, yet beautiful home he had basically grown up in.
His grandmother beamed, clearly pleased by Kiara's reaction. "You're so sweet, child," she said, patting Kiara on the head. "I like you already."
Kiara smiled, "I will serve lunch for you both," his grandmother said, "I will help you Nani." She said and followed her inside the kitchen.
He smirked slightly, watching as Kiara and his grandmother headed into the kitchen. He knew his grandmother could be quite demanding when it came to cooking, but he also had a feeling that Kiara wouldn't mind helping out.
He settled down on the living room couch, taking a moment to stretch his legs. The drive had been long and tiring, and he could feel the exhaustion setting in.
Kiara looked at the kitchen, which was more like a traditional village-like kitchen, "you find it Weird?" His grandmother asked and looked at her.
"I find it unique, this is beautiful." She smiled and helped her in serving the lunch for herself, Ekansh and nani.
They both came back with plates in their hands, she placed the plate in front of Ekansh.
He looked up as she placed the plate in front of him, the aroma of the food making his stomach grumble. He looked at the plate, appreciating the fact that she had taken the time to serve him.
He gently grasped her arm, pulling her down onto the seat next to him, their thighs touching subtly.
She looked at him with wide eyes, her heart beat fastened, her cheeks heating up. She looked at Nani who was not looking at them and she sighed in relief.
A small smirk played on his lips as he felt her body stiffen next to him. He knew the effect he had on her, and it amused him.
He leaned towards her, lowering his voice to a whisper. "Relax," he said, the word sounding more like an intimate command than a request.
............
"I heard someone is back in the town." They heard a manly voice and looked at the source, just to witness Ekansh's childhood friend Anant.
Ekansh stood up and Anant immediately Hugged him, "it's been so long, you have grown up man."
He was taken aback by the sudden appearance of Anant, but he quickly recovered and returned his friend's embrace.
"Hey man," he greeted, clapping him on the back. "It really has been a long time."
"Heard you got married." Anant raised an eyebrow and Ekansh looked at Kiara who was standing at a distance.
"So this is my bhabhi? Pranam bhabhi, I am his childhood friend." Anant smiled and touched her feet making her shocked.
"This is our culture Kiara and Bhabhi are like mothers." Ekansh's grandmother said and Kiara smiled.
"Let's go meet everyone in the village, they will be pleased to see you." Anant dragged Ekansh with him, leaving Kiara and his Grandmother alone.
"Kiara?" His grandmother called out and she turned around, "ji nani?"
"How does he treat you? Is he that Distant brat?" She smiled and sat with kiara next to her on the old wooden sink.
"Well I know he has faced a lot, and he treats me better than everyone in that house." Her grandmother smiled.
"That's great, I hope he will forget everything and will be happy again." She smiled and Kiara nodded, "I will do my best too," she whispered, more to herself than to his grandmother. "I want him to be happy."
"I heard Ekansh is back dadi?" A young girl, a little older than Kiara came inside.
"You are fast Anjali, yes he came to visit me." His grandmother replied and Kiara looked at them.
"Meet her, she is Ekansh's wife." Grandmother introduced Kiara, and the smile from Anjali's face faded.
"Wife?" She whispered and Kiara smiled, "Hi, I am Kiara," she smiled but Anjali didn't smile back, she just nodded.
"We are back," Anant shouted and Kiara looked at Ekansh who came inside. He looked at Kiara and then towards Anjali.
"Ekansh!" Anjali said and walked towards him, "you have become more handsome." Anjali complimented, Kiara stared at them, she could feel something was off.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as she watched Anjali's admiring gaze on her husband.
"Thanks," he replied to Anjali's compliment, his expression neutral. He could feel Kiara's gaze on him, and he knew she was observant enough to pick up on the tension between him and Anjali.
"Kiara, Anjali and Ekansh were close friends when they were kids, he used to be grumpy and she used to tease him." Grandmother explained and she nodded, "I see,"
As Ekansh and the others headed out again, "Nani, can I ask you something?" Kiara finally spoke up.
His grandmother looked at her, noticing the concern in her eyes. She nodded, a slight smile on her lips. "Of course, my child. Ask away."
Kiara took a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "Were Ekansh and Anjali just friends, or was there something more between them?"
His grandmother chuckled softly, appreciating Kiara's inquisitiveness. She knew all too well the complexities of human relationships, especially between young boys and girls.
"They were young and innocent," she began. "And they were close, very close. But as far as I know, they were never anything more than just friends."
................