"The barbeque is soaking hot and ready for our mouths to devour them." The others smiled taking a plate and heading towards the griller. The group was mixed with young and old people but everyone was equally excited about the food. The Purohit's younger daughter rushed forward overtaking the others straight for the grill.
Shani stopped her run lifting her in his shoulders. The next moment Sanjana stood beside him trying to snatch her sister from his grasp.
She glared at him demandingly, " What were you planning to do to my sister?"
Shani had a confused expression, "Nothing. I wanted to stop her before she got too close to the fire. Kids don't know how hazardous they can be. We must make sure to take of them."
Sanjana faltered, " That's all?"
"What else would it mean?"
"I thought you were … leave it. Just give her to me. I will take care of her."
The younger daughter of the Purohits requested, " Bhaiya, take me to the griller. I want to taste it so badly."
"Your wish is my command."
Sanjana tried to stop him, " No, stop he's dang …"
The Purohits called out to their daughter, " What's wrong, beta? Is something about Shani troubling you?"
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"Why am I acting out of character? Mom and Dad shouldn't see me in such a state. But after that incident, I need to be wary of him. Just after meeting him, it's made me act out of character."
"I wanted to hold Kaira."
Mr Purohit was surprised, " You wanted to hold her? That's the first time I am hearing. Anyway, isn't Reddy's son Shani holding her? You can do it after him."
"But, I am worried."
Mrs Purohit questioned, "About what?"
"There is no reason to worry. For our son, Shani kids are the most precious only behind his brother." Said, Mrs Reddy.
"His brother?"
The Reddy's visibly shook at her question. " Did I ask something inappropriate?"
Mr Reddy cleared the doubt, " We don't like to talk about it. I hope you're fine if leave it at that."
"Of course."
"Listen, there is no reason for worry. Your sister is in good hands."
"Even if what they say is true, I must be wary of him. Something is off about it. I won't let him stay close to my sister."
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"Ha ha ha ha !!! This is so much fun."
Shani placed Kaira on his shoulder dashing for the grill. He took a plate, put the barbeque and fed the pieces one by one. She gobbled them up happily.
"Do your family have barbeque nights frequently?"
Kaira's cute face turned upwards munching on the piece while thinking about his question. It was a long pause as if she was trying to come up with something, " Sometimes, but we go to different restaurants to enjoy the weekends."
"Oh. Where did you go last week?"
She again took a big break before saying, " MOM's Diner ".
"That is the closest restaurant from here. Where did you go last week?"
With a rush of wind came a hand taking Kaira away from him. The poor girl began crying spooked by the sudden action.
"Hey, why would you do that?"
Sanjana looked at him with suspicious eyes, " I don't like you. I feel like you are trying to find fault with my family. I can't allow my little sister to be near you."
"That's going too far. I was taking care of her when you snatched her from me. You are the one who made her cry, not me."
"Kaira, did the stranger ask anything?" Sanjana vehemently questioned her sister but she was unable to answer.
The others came following the crying noises of Kaira. Mrs Purohit and Ms Reddy were especially worried about the young girl.
The question was asked, " How did this happen?"
Shani and Sanjana stared at each other communicating through looks. They both didn't want their conflict to affect this lovely gathering. "Nothing, nothing. Kaira just came too close to the fire and got spooked. There is no need to worry, nothing happened to her."
Sanjana intensely stared at Shani before supporting his lie, " Yeah, I saw it happen."
"That's a relief."
Juhi clapped her hands attracting everyone's attention. " The food is ready, so let's dig in."
They had a full-filling meal with wide varieties prepared to every person's likes. The atmosphere was calm and soothing as everyone had a good time enjoying themselves. Kaira stopped crying after a while and within an hour had forgotten about her crying. However, there was still a slight unrest that two people could only feel.
Shani had questioned Sanjana and Kaira, after which he became even more curious. It was too early to assume they were here with ill-intension but something was fishy but the sudden arrival of the family. He had to find out the reason.
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