Chapter Three.
Ira moved quietly around the kitchen, her slender hands working swiftly as she chopped and stirred.
The faint hiss of the stove filled the kitchen silence, until the sound of the front door unlocking made her freeze mid-motion.
She quickly turned off the flame, wiped her hands on a napkin, and stepped out of the kitchen.
Her mother had just walked in, arms weighed down with several heavy grocery bags.
"Ma..." Ira sighed, rushing to her side. She immediately took the bags from her mother's hands, her brows knitting.
"Why are you carrying all of this alone? I told you...call me when you need to go shopping. I would've come with you."
Her mother let out a small grunt, exhausted, as Ira carried the bags back into the kitchen one by one.
"Beta, I don't want to trouble you. That lazy bamboo of a brother of yours was supposed to come along, but as always, he slipped away and left me to it. Wait till he gets home, I'll deal with him.." she muttered irritably.
Ira chuckled softly at her mother's rant, placing the last bag on the counter before returning with a glass of water.
She handed it to her mother, who had already sunk into the couch with a weary sigh.
"You seem really tired, Ma.." Ira said gently.
Her mother took the water gratefully, gulping a few sips before nodding.
"Forget about me, Beta. Tell me about the job you went for today. How did it go?"
Ira lowered herself onto the arm of the couch, her expression shadowed by hesitation.
"It went... good. It went well, actually. I got the job."
Her mother's tired face brightened instantly, pride flooding her eyes. "Oh, my daughter. I knew you would! I knew it."
Ira's smile was small, "But... Ma... it's not exactly what you think. It's not a caretaker position..it's a caregiver one."
Her mother blinked, confusion setting in. "Caregiver? Caretaker? What's the difference?"
Ira exhaled, twisting her fingers in her lap. "It means... I'm not assigned to handle household chores or the running of the house. I've been... assigned to someone."
Her mother leaned forward, frowning. "Assigned to someone? Huh? Who?"
Ira hesitated, her throat tightening. Finally, she forced the words out.
"To take care of...someone and that person is Devraj Singh Rathore."
The glass almost slipped from her mother's hand. Her eyes went wide, her face drained of color.
"What?" she whispered, her voice laced with shock and fear.
"Ira? Wait... the place you went to... was the Rathore residence??" she asked, her voice trembling.
Ira hesitated but nodded once.
Her mother's breath hitched sharply, her hands pressing against her chest as if she were steadying her own heart.
"Ira!" she burst out, panicking "Do you want to get yourself killed? That-" she broke off, her hand trembling as she set the glass of water down before it slipped from her grip.
"That family is dangerous. Everyone in this city knows it! Are you out of your mind?"
"Ma-"
"No!" her mother cut her off, rising to her feet , She began pacing the small room, her face pale, her voice quick.
"You are not going to work there. No, no, absolutely not. Oh, my God, what will your father say if he finds out? He will lose his mind! Ira, why didn't you tell me before you even set foot in that place?"
"Ma, listen to me." Ira moved quickly, placing her hands on her mother's arms, forcing her to stop her frantic pacing.
She guided her back to the couch, easing her down beside her. Her mother's eyes were still wild with fear.
"No, Ira, you listen!" her mother snapped, her voice breaking. "What were you thinking? To walk into that family's house...those people?? For work?-"
"Ma, we need the money!" Ira burst out, her tone snapped this time. She was frustrated too.
Her mother froze, staring at her daughter as if the words had cut her legs out from under her.
Ira's shoulders dropped as she exhaled shakily. "We need...the money, Ma." she repeated softly, her voice steadier now. She gripped her mother's hands tightly.
"We have to clear Papa's debts, Ma. You know how those men keep coming, threatening him and how papa is fighting for his health too.
.. you know one day they'll actually follow through if we can't pay.
I can't sit back and watch it happen. I know it's a risk, but I'm fine, Ma, okay?
I went there today, nothing happened. Nothing. "
Her mother's lips trembled, tears pooling in her eyes. "Ira, your father and I will figure the debts out. We always do. You don't have to-"
"That's the problem.." Ira interrupted softly. "You and Papa can't keep doing this alone. It's bigger than both of you now. You need all the help, the interest will keep piling up.."
"This is all your father's fault."
Her mother's face weakened, the fight draining out of her as Ira's words settled.
Her fingers clutched her daughter's hand.
"I know you're trying to help, Ira... but I'm scared." she whispered, her voice breaking.
Ira leaned forward and hugged her tightly, resting her chin on her mother's shoulder. "Trust me. I'll be fine. We'll get the money, Ma. We'll pay them off, and Papa won't have to live under that shadow anymore."
Her mother pulled back just enough to cup Ira's face in her hands.
Her eyes glistened with worry. "But promise me... if you feel even the slightest danger in that place, you'll leave that place. You'll come home."
Ira nodded, giving her a reassuring smile, though her heart thudded uncomfortably in her chest.
"I will, Ma. I promise." She rested her head gently on her mother's shoulder, the moment tender.
After a few moments of quiet, Ira lifted her head again. "But now... I need your help."
Her mother frowned. "On what?"
Ira's lips curved into a small, mischievous smile. "To convince your husband."
Her mother blinked, then let out an incredulous laugh, swatting Ira lightly on the arm. "You crazy girl."
Ira chuckled, relieved to see the tension ease, if only for a moment.
The front door opened.
A tall figure entered, broad-shouldered yet lean, with wavy dark hair falling carelessly over his forehead. His striking green eyes softened the moment they landed on Ira.
"Hey Raghav!" Ira smiled..
"Well, well, look who finally decided to show up.." their mother said sharply, standing with her hands on her hips as she glared at him.
Raghav winced sheepishly. "Ma... Papa called me from the shop. I had to go meet him. I'm sorry."
Her mother's glare deepened, though Ira couldn't help but laugh softly at the scene, the familiar rhythm of home, with all its chaos and warmth..
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Devraj was on his wheelchair, his broad frame silhouetted against the soft glow of the moonlight.
The night was quiet, as if the whole city held its breath.
He stared out into the stillness.
The faint creak of his bedroom door broke through the calm, followed by the soft, distinct click of wedge heels against the polished floor.
Without turning, he heard the glass door of the balcony slide open.
"Devraj?" The familiar voice carried into the night air. "Why are you out here?"
His mother..
He didn't look at her. "It's so quiet." His deep voice was calm, but there was something unreadable underneath it.
His mother, stepped closer. Her eyes softened as she followed his gaze to the city lights far in the distance.
"Quiet can be peaceful.." she said with a small smile, though she knew with her son, quiet often meant brooding.
"Why did you call earlier? You sounded urgent." His mom asked.
"What's the name of the girl you brought here today?" He asked, almost casual but his tone betrayed that it wasn't mere curiosity.
"You mean Ira?" she asked, surprised.
Devraj's gaze locked onto her, "What's her full name?"
His mother hesitated, frowning slightly at the question.
"Verma. Her name is Ira Verma. Why? Is there something wrong? You already said you would-"
"I know, Ma." He cut her off, turning his face back to the night. "I just wanted to know her full name."
She watched him closely.
"Devraj.." she said gently, "I know you don't like outsiders helping you.
But you've made it impossible for even the maids to assist you.
I had no choice. This is for your own good.
And it's not forever. The doctor said if you continue your medication and follow his exercises, you could walk again in three months. "
"I am taking my medication. And I am doing the exercises." His voice was clipped, his jaw tightening.
His mother sighed, her chest aching at the wall he always kept between himself and everyone else.
"I know you are. But you need someone to help you. The last nurse I hired...do you remember what you did to her? You threatened her, Devraj. She left here in tears, terrified."
"She was too touchy.." he said flatly, not an ounce of remorse in his tone.
His mother looked at him for a long moment, her expression soft with concern.
"Just three months, Devraj. That's all I'm asking. Don't be harsh with this new Girl. Please. Let her help you, and then she can leave. Think of it as a means to an end."
Finally, his eyes flicked back to hers. His hard gaze softened only slightly. "...Okay."
Her face lit up with relief. "Oh, you make me so happy.." she said, her smile warm. She hesitated, then added, "By the way, how is Alia? Last time I spoke with her, she mentioned landing a movie deal. Have you spoken to her?"
Devraj's jaw clenched, his fingers tightening around the armrest of his wheelchair.
"I have important things to do, Ma." His tone was final, his gaze dropping to the laptop on the side table.
His mother gave a small, weary smile, hiding her disappointment.
"Alright. I'll leave you to it then." She brushed her hand briefly over his arm before stepping back inside.
A moment later, the soft sound of her wedge heels faded into the distance.
Alone again, Devraj opened his laptop, but his hands stilled before touching the keys.
His dark eyes narrowed..
"Ira Verma.." he murmured...
The night around him seemed to grow colder.
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Steam still clung faintly to her skin as Ira stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in one of her older, softer salwar kameez sets.
The cotton hugged her frame loosely, comforting after a long day.
Her damp hair spilled over her shoulders in heavy strands, and she worked a towel through them absentmindedly as she moved toward her bed.
The sudden sound of her phone made her pause. She reached for it, and when she saw the name flashing across the screen, her lips curved into a soft smile.
Kunal.
She answered quickly, pressing the phone to her ear.
"I'm outside, Ira.." his deep voice came through.
Her cheeks instantly flushed. "Okay." she whispered, before ending the call.
Turning to the mirror, she gave herself a quick once-over, her reflection looking back with cheeks pink from blushing.
She tugged on her dupatta, adjusting it nervously, and bit her lip at how silly she felt for being this giddy.
Gathering herself, she stepped out of her room.
As she descended the stairs, she spotted her mother setting the dining table, arranging plates neatly.
"Where are you going?" her mother asked, noticing Ira moving quickly toward the front door.
"Kunal is here.." Ira replied with a shy smile, her steps never slowing.
Her mother's brows lifted knowingly, but she said nothing more as Ira slipped out of the house.
The cold night air greeted her, carrying the faint scent of wet earth after the day's heat.
In front of her house was Kunal's black Mercedes.
Ira's heart fluttered as she walked toward it.
The car door opened, and Kunal stepped out.
He looked effortlessly dashing as always..his tall frame outlined beneath his fitted work shirt, the moonlight glinting off his wheatish skin.
His build was strong, shoulders broad, but it was his face that made Ira's breath catch.
medium-length hair brushed back from his forehead, hazel eyes that shifted between green and blue in the light, and that smile, the kind that was both gentle and confident, made her feel suddenly lightheaded.
"Kunal..." Ira's voice came out softer than she intended, almost breathless.
"Ira.." he said her name with a smile that made her heart skip.
She glanced at his attire, noticing he was still in his office clothes. "How was work today? I hope it wasn't too stressful."
"It was fine.." he said, eyes never leaving her. Then, without hesitation, he reached for her hand. He lifted it slowly and pressed her palm against his cheek.
The warmth of his skin against hers made her pulse quicken.
"I missed you.." he admitted in a low voice. "Work was good... but boring. Nothing compared to this."
Ira giggled softly, her blush deepening.
"Did you have dinner yet?" he asked.
She shook her head lightly, strands of wet hair brushing her cheeks. "No, I was just about to. In a few minutes."
He studied her carefully, noticing the dampness of her hair, the softness of her clothes, and her flushed cheeks.
"You look... like you just stepped out of a dream.." he murmured before clearing his throat. "And you... you noticed, didn't you?"
"Noticed what?" she tilted her head.
"That I came straight here from work.." he said with a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his neck. "I couldn't wait to change. I... just missed you."
Her chest warmed, a shy grin tugging her lips.
Then, remembering, his expression shifted slightly. "Also, you wanted to tell me something. About the job interview."
The smile faltered on Ira's lips. She looked down for a moment, fiddling with the edge of her dupatta. "Yes... about that."
"You said it's a caregiver's job?" Kunal asked, his brows slightly knit, hazel eyes searching her face.
Ira nodded lightly. "Yes... but-don't freak out, okay?"
"Okay..." he said slowly, almost too calmly..
"I went to the Rathores' estate today." she admitted, her voice cautious.
His frown deepened, but he didn't interrupt.
"At first, it seemed simple. Mrs. Rathore was welcoming, and I thought it was just a caretaker position. But then I realized... it wasn't that at all. It's a caregiver role. And I'm to look after their..." She hesitated, biting her lip.
"Ira.." Kunal's tone pressed, "their what?"
"Their eldest son." She whispered, her eyes flickering to his. "Devraj Singh Rathore."
Kunal's entire body went rigid. His jaw clenched, his hazel eyes darkened with a fear he couldn't hide.
"What?" His voice was hoarse. "Ira, are you serious?"
"Yes.." she said softly, almost defensively.
"That's dangerous. You know the rumors about him."
"I know, Kunal.." she sighed, her shoulders sagging. "But I need this job."
He raked a hand through his hair, frustration and fear bleeding into his tone.
"Ira, how many times have I told you? I can give you a job in my father's company.
A safe position. You wouldn't have to go near that family.
I can't let you walk into this, you won't have to risk yourself.
.." He exhaled sharply, shaking his head.
"The Rathores aren't people you should associate with. "
Ira sighed deeply, her heart softening even as she braced herself for his reaction. She had known this would upset him.
"Kunal, you know I can't accept that. People already whisper that I'm with you because of your family's money. If I start working under you, if I get handed a position because of you... the rumors will only grow worse. This is something I need to do myself.. Please, try to understand."
"Ira-" he ran a frustrated hand through his hair again, his jaw working, his hazel eyes swirling with panic.
She smiled faintly, trying to soothe him. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
But Kunal's grip tightened on her arm, pulling her closer. His voice was soft, but desperate. "Fine?... Ira... Okay, what if I just give you the money instead? You don't have to go there. Tell me how much they're paying you."
Her eyes softened, though confusion flickered in her chest.
She had never mentioned her father's debts to him. Not once. They had only been together a month, and though she loved him, she had never mentioned her father's financial troubles. It wasn't something she wanted him entangled in.
She tilted her head, "What are you talking about, Kunal?"
He stumbled slightly over his words. "I mean... whatever amount they're giving you, I can cover it. Monthly. You don't have to step foot in that estate again. I'm scared for you, Ira. Please."
She could feel it in his trembling hold, that he really was.
"Kunal." she murmured with a small smile, brushing her fingertips against his cheek. "Trust me. I'll be fine. And I won't be working there forever. Just... for a little while."
He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, his voice barely a whisper. "I'm scared."
"I know.. but you don’t have to be.." she whispered back. "... I'll be okay."
He opened his eyes again, searching hers. "Did you tell your parents?"
She exhaled deeply, her chest tightening. "Just Ma. It wasn't easy convincing her... Papa, I'll tell him too. Tonight."
Kunal's gaze lingered on her face, as if memorizing her features..
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Hiiii????????
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