Chapter 40: Seperate Paths

A few days later,

In Vikram's house,

On a Sunday:

(The sun streamed softly through the window blinds, filling Kiara's room with a warm glow.

It was one of those rare Sundays where she had no racing practice. For once, there was no alarm blaring or bags to pack. She stirred lazily in bed before finally waking up.

Kiara padded downstairs in her loose night t-shirt and pajama shorts, her hair a messy bun. A wide yawn escaped her as she stretched her arms dramatically.)

Kiara: aaj toh poora din, Kiaan ke saath video games khelne waali hoon!!!! waise bhi game khele huay bahut din ho gaye hain!!!!

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In the living room:

(Anuradha was seated in the living room with a newspaper, sipping her tea. As she spotted Kiara coming down the stairs, she smirked and teased.)

Kiara: Ram- Ram dadi!!!

Anuradha: Ram- Ram, Beta. breakfast de doon, ya aadha ghanta ruk sakti ho, toh seedha lunch hi khaa lo?

Kiara: (chuckles softly, rubbing her eyes) Ha... ha, Very funny, dadi!!!! Ek din late uthi hoon, aur itna sunne ko mil raha hai.

(Anuradha grinned but didn't respond, returning to her tea. Kiara shuffled toward the couch.)

Kiara: By the way, Kiaan kaha hai? Room mein nahi tha upar.

Anuradha: Arrey.... aaj uske coaching center mein mock exams hain. Subah-subah nikal gaya.

Kiara: (nods, her lips forming a small pout) Ohh... Achha!!! Kiaan toh, Sunday bhi busy rehne laga hai ab!!!! Kitne din ho gaye, I haven't spoken to him properly!!!

Anuradha: haan.... he has to prepare for his medical entrance exams also naa!!! usay bhi mehnat karna padh raha hai.

Kiara: I know dadi.... but I just miss him!!! Hectic schedule ke chakkar mein, hum dono ek doosre ko dekhne ka time nahi mil paa raha hai!!!!

Anuradha: aaj toh Sunday hai. jab woh exam dekar waapas aajaye, tab milkar baithna aur baat karna.

Kiara: (sighs) haan... wohi karna padega.... But abhi, ghar mein bore hone ke alawa aur koi option nahi hai, mere paas!!!

Anuradha: (chuckles) Option hai, beta!!! Kitchen mein jaake breakfast bana lo.

(Kiara raised an eyebrow, shaking her head.)

Kiara: Nahi, main yahin theek hoon.

(She flopped down onto the couch, sinking into its cushions. Stretching her legs out, she stared at the ceiling.

After a moment of silence, she looked over at Anuradha, who was still flipping through the newspaper.)

Kiara: Papa kahaan hain? woh bhi kahi nahi dikh rahe?

(She asked casually, pulling her legs up onto the couch. Anuradha glanced up from the paper and sighed.)

Anuradha: tumhaare papa, hospital gaye hain. Emergency surgery aa gayi thi, toh jaldi nikalna pada.

Kiara: (nods thoughtfully) Kitni emergencies hoti hain, yaar!!! Kabhi- kabhi lagta hai hospital hi unka permanent address hai.

(Anuradha chuckled softly, folding the newspaper and placing it on the table.)

Anuradha: Doctor ki life hai, beta. Patients ka time nahi hota, na Sunday, na holiday.

(Kiara nodded her head lightly and reached for the remote. She began flipping through channels, still feeling a little restless and a little bored.)

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Cut to:

Later in the evening:

(Kiaan rode his scooty into the driveway, the soft hum of the engine breaking the evening's calm.

As he parked and removed his helmet, his eyes caught Kiara walking out of the main door, adjusting the strap of her duffel bag.

She was dressed in her casual wear, her hair tied back in a sleek ponytail, her face focused yet energized.)

Kiaan: Oye... Kiru, tum kahaan jaa rahi ho?

Kiara: I'm going to the race track. Aaj evening session hai.

Kiaan: Sunday toh tumhaari holiday hoti hai naa?

Kiara: Only in the morning... but abhi I have to leave.

(Kiaan frowned slightly, leaning against his scooty.)

Kiaan: Yaar, kabhi toh free ho jaaya karo. It feels like hum dono ek hi ghar mein rehte hue bhi time hi nahi spend karte.

Kiara: (pauses, her expression softening) Mujhe bhi bura lagta hai, Kiaan. Par kya karoon? padhaai, practice, aur yeh sab... poora din nikal jaata hai.

Kiaan: (nods) Mujhe pata hai, Kiru. Meri bhi wahi haalat hai. College, tuitions, aur assignments... kahin jaane ka mann hi nahi karta. Lekin kabhi- kabhi lagta hai ki hum pehle zyada masti karte thay!!!! Yaad hai? Late-night Maggi sessions?

Kiara: (smiles nostalgically) Haan... aur woh gaming marathons, jo poori raat chalte thay? Now, even weekends feel like weekdays.

(Kiaan sighed, adjusting his helmet in his hands.)

Kiaan: Toh kab mil rahi ho tum, mujhse? Like, properly.

Kiara: Ek weekend plan karte hain. what say? (Smiles) No races, no studies... bas hum dono.

Kiaan: (grinning) Pakka!!! Next Sunday, no excuses.

Kiaan: (laughs) Deal! Waise, abhi toh jaa rahi ho, lekin jaldi waapas aana.

Kiara: (smiles, appreciating his concern) I'll try...

(Kiaan nodded, understanding her schedule all too well.)

Kiaan: All the best, Kiru. Do your best!!!!

Kiara: Thanks, bro!!!! (smiles) Chal, I'll make a move, waise bhi, I'm already running a little late... abhi toh Metro bhi padakni hai!!!

Kiaan: (gestures towards his scooty) Metro se kyun jaa rahi ho? Scooty le jaao... It'll be much quicker than waiting for the metro.

Kiara: (chuckles, shaking her head) No chance!!!! After practice, meri himmath nahi rahegi waapas scooty pe aane ki. I'd rather take the metro now, and I'll grab a cab on my way back.

(Kiaan laughed, knowing her energy would indeed be drained after an intense racing session.)

Kiaan: Fair enough. At least let me drop you to the station?

Kiara: (smiles, appreciating the offer, but declined) Arrey... chill kar!!! Maine auto book kar di hai. It's just 1 minute away... Tum jaao, rest karo!!!!

Kiaan: Chalo theek hai... but next time, no excuses. See you!!!

Kiara: (waves) Bye!!!

(She walked out of the main gate, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder, as the auto pulled up.

Kiaan stood there for a moment, watching her leave, a small smile on his face despite the lingering feeling of missing their old bond.

He then headed inside, already planning how to make the next weekend special.)

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Later at night:

Outside Vikram's House:

(The clock struck 9:45 PM as the cab's tires crunched softly against the gravel as it came to a stop outside the house.

Kiara stepped out, her bag slung over her shoulder and exhaustion etched across her face. The night air was cool, but she barely noticed as she trudged into the driveway.

The faint glow of the porch light illuminated her path as she reached the main door and pressed the bell.

A moment later, the door swung open to reveal Vikram, still in his formal attire from earlier in the evening. His expression softened at the sight of her.)

Vikram: Kiara, you're late. Sab theek toh hai?

Kiara: (nods, letting out a tired sigh) Yeah, practice ran long, phir cab milne mein time lag gaya... toh I got a little late today.

Vikram: (stepping aside to let her in) You look exhausted, bacche!!!!

Kiara: I feel exhausted too, Papa!!!!

(Vikram gave her a look of concern and care. Kiara smiled as she placed her bag on the console table.

It was then that she heard the sound of muffled laughter and the clinking of teacups coming from the living room. Kiara glanced in that direction, puzzled.)

Kiara: papa, koi aaye hain kya?

Vikram: Haan.... Tumhaare dadaji ke cousins aaye thay. They had dinner with us.... Abhi Kaafi der se baith kar puraani yaadon ko taaza kar rahe hain!!!! ... aajao, jaake sab se mil toh lo!!!

(Kiara raised an eyebrow, clearly not in the mood for socializing.)

Kiara: (groaned softly) Kiaan bhi hai kya, andar?

Vikram: nahi.... woh toh sone chala gaya!!! Aaj thoda thak gaya tha!!!

Kiara: (stifles a yawn) Perfect. Can I just skip everything and do the same?? Practice ne jaan nikal di!!!

Vikram: (gives her a pointed look) Arrey... woh tumhaare dada- dadi hi hain... ek baar mil toh lo sabse!!! Itne door se aaye hain, Kiaan has already met them... and woh sab, tumhaare baare mein pooch rahe thay!!

Kiara: (lets out a small, dramatic sigh but nodded) Theek hai, ja rahi hoon... but just for a little while.

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In the living room:

(With hesitant steps, she walked into the living room. The scene was cozy yet formal.

Two elderly men and their wives sat on the plush sofas, sipping on their tea, while Anuradha entertained them with polite laughter and animated stories.

Anuradha looked up and spotted Kiara. Her smile widened, but her eyes held a glint of warning that only Kiara could decipher.)

Vikram: (announces cheerfully) chacha ji.... Chachi ji, yeh hai meri beti, Kiara!!!!

Kiara: (manages a polite smile and folded her hands) Namaste, dadaji.... Namaste Dadi!!!

(The relative's faces lit up.)

Man 1: (exclaims) Arrey... yeh toh bilkul Inderjeet Bhaisaab pe gayi hai!

Woman 1: Kitni badi bhi ho gayi hai!!!! pichli baar jab dekha tha... toh choti doll jaise thi!!!

Man 2: waise beta, tumhaari padhaai kaise chal rahi hai?

Kiara: (keeps her tone neutral) Sab theek chal raha hai, dadaji.

Woman 2: waise beta, tum Kahaan se aa rahi ho? tumhaari coaching itni late chalti hai kya??

Kiara: arrey nahi dadi... actually, Woh toh mera race-

(Anuradha's voice cut through like a blade.)

Anuradha: (interrupts) Woh actually.... Kiara, CA ki taiyaari kar rahi hai apne friend ke saath.

(Kiara froze, her expression shifting from exhaustion to shock. She turned toward her father, disbelief written all over her face.)

Man 1: (he is visibly impressed) CA?? Bahut achha decision hai.... Bahut scope hai aaj kal CA banne ka.

Anuradha: (keeping her tone smooth, her smile unwavering) Wahi toh.... Hardworking hai meri bacchi!!! (smiles) Bas thoda zyada focus karna padta hai.

Woman 2: (nods approvingly) Achha hai. Humare zamaane mein toh ladkiyaan itna ambitious nahi hoti thi.

(Kiara's jaw tightened. She forced a smile, but her eyes were a storm of emotions. Vikram, noticing her stiff posture, stepped in.)

Vikram: (his voice soft and understanding) Beta, tum thak gayi ho na?? Jaake dinner kar lo. Phir, room mein jaake apna bacha hua homework khatam kar lo. And then go off to sleep. Kal Monday hai.... kal se phir routine shuru!!!!

(Kiara exhaled slowly and nodded her head. As she turned to leave, one of the men called out.)

Man 1: Kiara Beta, ek din humein, CA banne ka experience zaroor batana!

Kiara: (her voice steady but devoid of enthusiasm.) Ji dadaji!!!

(Kiara's polite smile faltered as she turned away from the living room. Her footsteps echoed faintly in the quiet hallway, each step heavier than the last. She didn't look back, but she felt the weight of the stares from the living room.

Vikram watched her retreating figure, his expression a mix of helplessness and guilt. His hand twitched slightly, as if he wanted to call out to her, but the tension in the air stopped him.)

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A while later:

(The guests had left, and the house was finally quiet. Vikram stood in the drawing room, gathering empty tea cups and snack plates.

His movements were deliberate, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.

Anuradha entered, adjusting the pallu on her shoulder, a faint smile lingering from the compliments she had received earlier.)

Anuradha: bahut time ke baad bhaiya aur bhabhi se mili hoon, aaj!!!! Kaafi accha time spend ho gaya!!!!

(Vikram placed the cups on the tray and then straightened up.)

Vikram: (without looking at her) aaj aapne sahi nahi kiya, maa!!!

Anuradha: (confused) kya hua, Vikram?

Vikram: (his voice controlled but stern) kya zaroorat thi? Aapne, sabke saamne jhooth kyun bola? Ki Kiara, CA ki taiyaari kar rahi hai!!!

Anuradha: (crosses her arms defensively) Toh kya kehti? Kiara motorcycle race ki taiyaari kar rahi hai? Woh log, yeh sab sunke kya sochte?

Vikram: (his eyes narrow) uss say, humein kya farak padta hai, maa? She is giving her everything to this sport!!!! Aapko kisne haq diya, uski mehnat ko itna casually jhooth mein lapet ne ka?

Anuradha: (her tone sharpens) Main dadi hoon uski. sirf uske liye soch rahi hoon. CA ek secure career hai. Woh samajhdaar banegi, toh mujhe uske liye jhooth bolne ki zaroorat hi nahi padegi.

Vikram: (steps closer, lowering his voice) Maa... you have hurt her a lot today!!!! Aaj guests ke saamne jo hua, uski wajah se, Kiara aapse aur door ho jaayegi!!! Aapko realize bhi nahi ho raha hai, but aap uske liye aur bhi zyaada toxic bante jaa rahi ho!!!!

(Without waiting for her reply, Vikram picked up the tray and walked towards the kitchen, leaving Anuradha alone in the out of the living room, her mind racing with his words.)

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Author’s Note

Hey there, awesome readers! 👋✨

First of all, THANK YOU for being here  with me! 🏍️💨 This chapter was packed with emotions—lazy Sundays, sibling nostalgia, and a whole lot of family drama! 😅

From Kiaan and Kiara missing their old bond to Vikram standing up for his daughter ...go, Dad! 🙌

But let’s talk about that moment—when Anuradha casually erased Kiara’s passion in front of the relatives. Oof. 💔 Can you imagine working so hard for something, only to have it dismissed like that? It’s frustrating, right?

Drop your thoughts in the comments! What would YOU do if you were in Kiara’s shoes? 🤔 Let’s chat!

Until next time, keep dreaming, keep fighting, and remember—your passion matters! ❤️💫