As Sundari and Liya chatted, the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Sundari's parents.
"I think it's Mom and Dad," Sundari said, her eyes sparkling.
Liya smiled warmly. "Already late. I should head home. Mom will be waiting."
Sundari nodded. "I'll walk you to the gate."
Together, they strolled toward the entrance, Kai still invisible beside Liya.
Sundari's parents, elegant but imposing figures, opened the door.
"Sundari, your friend's come home," Sundari's mother said, her voice polished.
"Yes, Mom," Sundari replied.
"Aunty, I'm just heading home," Liya said, her warmth radiating.
Sundari's mother smiled. "Okay, dear."
Sundari's father, his eyes piercing, asked, "Sundari, where are you off to?"
"I'm dropping Liya to the gate, Dad," Sundari replied.
Her father's expression turned stern. "She can find her way. You need to study in your room."
Sundari's face fell, but she masked her disappointment with a bright smile. "Bye, Liya. I forget to tell you Tomorrow, my cousin joins our school. See you then."
Liya waved goodbye. "I'll wait for you, Sundari and our new friend"
As Sundari retreated into her home, Liya and Kai walked toward Liya's house.
Kai whispered, "Her family's complicated, Goddess. What do you think?"
Liya's, replied, "Every goddess and god faces challenges to teach their children valuable lessons, Kai."
Kai's blunt tone countered, "But Sundari's situation feels different. Her parents seem... controlling."
Liya reassured Kai, her soft voice gentle, "It's normal, Kai. It happens in every reincarnation of Gods and Goddesses. Don't worry."
Kai nodded, his expression serious. "Okay."
As they entered Liya's cozy home, Kai remained in stealth magic.
Liya's mom, her face etched with concern and a hint of frustration, asked, "Liya, why are you late? Today"
Liya's cheeks flushed. "Sorry mom, about that! I went to Sundari's house... she was alone and needed some company."
Her mom's expression softened. "Liya, you know better than to worry me like this. What if something happened to you? You should have called me from Sundari's phone."
Liya replied affectionately, "Aww, Mom, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. I promise I'll call next time."
Her mom's voice gentled. "I just worry about you, Liya. You're my everything. Go change dress, dinner's almost ready."
Liya smiled warmly. "Love you, Mom! Be right down."
As Kai listened, he felt grateful for Liya's loving family.
Having lost his parents to a monster attack at age 10, Kai cherished Liya's warmth.
Liya asked, noticing Kai's distant gaze, "Kai, where are you in your thoughts?"
Kai shook his head. "Nothing."
Liya's fingers fluttered, and her clothes transformed instantly.
Kai's eyes flashed, witnessing the divine energy surrounding Liya.
Liya's mom called from downstairs, "Liya, dinner's ready!"
Liya smiled softly. "Coming, Mom!"
Liya's slender fingers snapped in front of Kai's eyes, breaking his trance. "What do you eat, Kai?" she asked, her soft voice infused with concern, her divine energy radiating.
Kai blinked, still surprised by the sudden gesture. "Oh, me? I'm really hungry. I haven't eaten since morning," he admitted, his stomach growling in agreement.
Liya's expression turned sympathetic. "Okay, I'll bring snacks after dinner." She smiled warmly and headed downstairs.
As Kai waited, his thoughts drifted to his own family. Memories of his parents, lost to a monster attack, flooded his mind. He sighed, feeling a deep longing.
Downstairs, Liya's mother asked, "Where are you taking all those snacks?"
Liya replied playfully, "It's for my solo night out, Mom. Good night."
Returning to her room, Liya handed Kai packets of snacks. "Take it, Kai."
Kai's eyes lit up. "Oh, chips! Nice."
As they munched on the snacks, Liya's gaze softened. "Kai, I've noticed how quiet you've been. What's on your mind?"
Kai hesitated, unsure how to express his gratitude and pain.