My mom started noticing my hormonal changes.
One day, when I was using Instagram, I came across a meme that made me giggle uncontrollably.
That fueled my mother's suspicions.
"Shristi, can you explain what's happening?" Irately, my mother questioned
I said, "Nothing; it's just a joke on this Instagram, mom."
"Is it true?" "Do you know what's happening in this house?" She stated.
"Mother, Tell me what happened; I'm sorry. "Is everything fine now?" I inquired.
"Shristi, your father is not doing well." "He is under a lot of strain at work, and we also receive threats from his rivals." My mother said
I said, "Mother, I'm sorry; I didn't even realize that."
It's all right, Shristi. Remember to be careful when you're out, she advised, and behave well around your father.
I replied, "Sure, mom, I'll let you know if I have to go out."
After that, I decided to spend more time with Dad.
I decided to make orange juice for Dad as a stress reliever that day. It has been a while since dad and I had a proper conversation.
I was waiting that evening for him to come home, but it was very late when he came.
I gave dad some orange juice when he freshened up and took his seat in the hall.
"Dad, have some orange juice," I remarked as I handed the juice to him.
"Oh, dear, did you make this all by yourself?" he inquired, smiling.
"Of course, father. "Do you believe Mom made this?" I inquired.
"No, sweetheart," he murmured as he drank it, "I'm honored to have this."
Then we both started watching television shows and we spent some quality time together.
I forgot to check my phone while Mom was making dinner plans; Pritam had sent so many texts.
While I was replying to text messages, we ate dinner as a group of three.
"Shristi, dear, why don't you put down your phone and enjoy dinner first?" my father said.
"OK, Dad," I murmured, smiling as I set my phone down.
The next day was Sunday, so I asked Dad if I could go shopping, but he said he had too much work and asked me to take Mom and Krunal with me.
"Taking Mom is fine, but why Krunal, Dad?" I inquired.
"For security reasons, Shristi, try to understand," he said.
He eventually convinced me, and Krunal took us shopping.
I told Pritam about it and told him not to text until I returned, and he agreed.
Krunal was waiting in the lobby while my mother and I went shopping.
Pritam was unexpectedly apprehended after about an hour, which surprised me.
His sister was with him, so he wasn't alone.
That made me nervous and scared. If my mother found out, I was doomed.
I dashed into the restroom and began texting Pritam.
"Are you planning to have me murdered?" I inquired.
"Why? I came here merely to shop, not to see you "He responded.
"Please leave as quickly as possible; did Krunal notice you?" I asked.
"Krunal? Is he present?" "I didn't notice him," he explained.
"Perhaps he went out; OK, you stay; I'll leave," I explained.
"But, why?" Shristi, what's the matter with you? "I'll act as though we're strangers. Just relax, "He stated.
"Enough already, Pritam; why do you keep doing the same thing even though I warned you not to?" I said.
"I'm sorry, Shristi; just forget about it for now; I won't do it again," he added.
"Stay where you are; I'm leaving." "Do not text unless I text first," I said.
When I exited the restroom, I told Mom that I wasn't feeling good and that we should leave.
Mom and I have completed our shopping and are about to leave, but we cannot find Krunal.
A few minutes later, he came, and we told him shopping was over, so he brought the car.
When we were preparing to depart, Krunal noticed Pritam and became enraged.
Kurnal requested I speak with him alone after we got home.
I agreed, and we talked in private.
"Shristi, have you gone insane?"
" Is your mother aware of it?" "Does your father know?" Krunal screamed at me.
"Don't try to act like my brother; they had no idea, and you, too, be quiet," I warned.
"Look, your father is a great man who adores you. Don't make him suffer, Shristi; do you realize how much faith he has in you?" This is what you give in exchange. Krunal began lecturing me.
"Krunal, relax dude, I know what I'm doing and watch your words, I love my Dad very much, I warned Pritam that there is nothing between me and Pritam it was just a coincidence," I explained.
"I should have killed the bastard already for interfering in your family matters," he raged.
"What?" Take control of your language! "Why are you both so angry within, as if you had a lifetime grudge?" I screamed at him.
"I promised your father I would look after your family and protect you; it is my obligation," he replied.
"Krunal, pay close attention." I've already spoken with Pritam because there's nothing between us. Also, I'm not plotting anything behind my father's back."
"Forget everything here, and stay away from our family concerns," I advised.
"Fine, I won't get involved unless you plan anything idiotic that will make Father ashamed of you," he responded.
After that chat with Krunal, I felt suspicious about his relationship with my father.
I like how he respects my father, though. Krunal was not as awful as I had imagined.
We also promised to keep it a secret and ignore it.
Later, I texted Pritam to inform him of the mess he had created.
I informed Pritam that we needed to wait two days until college started, and he agreed.
The following morning, I awoke a little late, and my father appeared anxious.
I noticed the policeman approaching as I was clearing my eyes. When I saw they were talking, the cop walked away.
I asked my father, "What is going on? Why is the policeman here?".
"Nothing, dear, don't be afraid; we just need to be more cautious until some issues are resolved," my father explained.
"Issues?" "What issues, dad?" "Is everything alright?" I asked.
"Nothing, dear; I just got a business deal, and some people aren't happy about it." "They threatened to withdraw that deal, but we must manage our finances," Dad explained.
"Oh, you filed a complaint against it?" I inquired.
"Yes, and we must remain in isolation until the situation gets handled; it may take five days, and I will notify your college associates," he replied.
Everything was fine for that day, but the next day, Dad got a call from the hospital that...