Chapter 68: Drifting Through Decisions

A few days later,

At the Thunder Riders Racing Club:

Late afternoon:

(The Thunder Riders Racing Club was alive with action.

The vast dirt track stretched across the open ground, surrounded by tall floodlights and the flags.

The air was thick with dust as bikes zoomed past, leaving trails behind them.

The adrenaline-charged atmosphere made it the perfect place for speed lovers.)

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At the center of the track,

(Kiara was in the middle of her lap session, expertly maneuvering her dirt bike around the rugged terrain.

Every turn, every acceleration, and every skid was controlled and precise.

She leaned into a curve, balancing her weight as her bike kicked up a cloud of dust before she straightened up and sped ahead.

Her long ponytail peeked out from beneath her helmet, bouncing with the rhythm of the ride.)

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On the sidelines,

(Naina stood with a group of new trainees, dressed in casual track pants and a black jacket.

She held a clipboard in her hands but barely looked at it, her eyes locked on Kiara's movements.)

Naina: (pointing towards Kiara) Watch closely.... yeh hoti hai perfect body control....

(The students looked at Kiara with a lot of interest as she took a sharp turn)

Naina: Race is not only about speed... If you don't maintain balance and focus, crashing is inevitable.

(The trainees, a mix of excited and nervous men, in their late teens, nodded.

One of them, raised his hand hesitantly.)

Guy 1: Ma'am, what if the motorcycle starts to skid while turning?

(Naina smiled, appreciating the question.)

Naina: Good question.... So, when that happens... never panic. (she gestures towards Kiara again) Dekho, Kiara ko observe karo.... then I'll explain.

(At that very moment, Kiara hit a rough patch, her motorcycle momentarily slipping.

But instead of panicking, she adjusted her grip, slightly shifted her weight, and regained control smoothly.)

Naina: (explaining) If the motorcycle starts to skid, don't put too much pressure on the throttle.... okay??? Just maintain your balance and keep your eyes on the track.... (points towards Kiara) See how Kiara didn't lose her poise? That's why her bike control is so strong.

(The trainees nodded in understanding, their excitement growing. Some of them whispered amongst themselves, clearly impressed by Kiara's skills.)

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Just then,

(Purab arrived near the track, his usual confident stride evident as he waved toward Kiara.

Noticing him, Kiara completed her lap, slowed down her bike, and finally rode toward him.

She parked on the side, took off her helmet, and ran a hand through her sweaty hair.)

Kiara: (trying to catch her breath) kya hua Purab sir?? training ke beech me kyun bula liya?

Purab: (smirked) Kiara, I just got a call.... there is a race next week.

(Kiara groaned loudly, she didn't let Purab finish. She tilted her head back dramatically and frowned.)

Kiara: Sir! Aapne kaha tha ki, abhi term exams tak koi race nahi hogi!!!

(Purab chuckled at her reaction.)

Purab: Haan, par yeh official competition nahi hai. It's a charity event.

(Kiara's expression changed instantly.)

Kiara: Charity event? Kis ke liye?

Purab: (crossed his arms) Ek NGO organize kar rahi hai. It's a fundraiser for cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries for infants. Many children are born with this condition... aur unke parents ke paas surgery ke paise nahi hote. Thunder Riders is supporting the cause.... aur Kaafi racers participate kar rahe hain, isiliye main mana nahi kar paaya.

(Kiara sighed, her lips curving into a small smile.)

Kiara: How can I say no to this now?

Purab: (grinned.) Toh main organizers ko confirm kar deta hoon ki you are participating?

Kiara: (nodded confidently) Yes, sir! I am in.

(Purab patted her shoulder approvingly.)

Purab: Good. Chalo... you still have one more lap session, right? Go finish it.

(Kiara nodded and hopped back onto her bike, kicking up dust as she rode off.)

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Later,

After the Session:

(As the evening set in, the training wrapped up, and the club started emptying.

The trainees left one by one, chatting excitedly about their lessons.

Kiara wiped her face with a towel and walked toward Naina, who was gathering her notes and equipment.)

Kiara: Mumma, Saturday night movie ka plan karein??

(Kiara suggested casually, swinging the towel around her neck.)

Kiara: Iss baar atleast dadi ko jhooth toh nahi bolna padega ki hum mumma ke saath movie jaa rahe hain.

(Naina let out a soft chuckle but hesitated.)

Naina: Not this weekend, Kiara... maybe next weekend??? (she said gently) I am having dinner at Pogo's place on Saturday.

(Kiara's smile faltered for a brief moment, but she recovered quickly, nodding.)

Kiara: Oh... that's nice.

(After a small pause, she hesitated before asking...)

Kiara: Waise.... aap... Aap aur papa shaadi ke baare mein baat karne waale ho, right???

(Naina exhaled, her expression turning thoughtful. She looked at her daughter for a long moment before speaking.)

Naina: Haan, it's on my mind... but I got busy with the new students and preparing the new presentations for them.

(Naina admitted, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She then placed a reassuring hand on Kiara's shoulder.)

Naina: But don't worry... I will have a word with your papa soon.

(Kiara nodded slowly, her expression unreadable.

The topic of her parents' remarriage had been hanging in the air for months, and though she didn't openly admit it, a part of her was scared of getting her hopes up again.)

Kiara: (forces a smile) Theek hai, mumma. Jab time milay, tab baat kar lena.

(Naina smiled softly, sensing the emotions behind Kiara's words. She pulled her into a quick side hug.)

Naina: I will, beta.

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(As they walked toward the parking area, Kiara nudged Naina playfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes.)

Kiara: By the way, aap, Purab chachu ke ghar, dinner ke liye jaa rahi ho... koi special occasion hai kya? Kissi ki anniversary? Ya birthday?

(Naina shook her head while standing at the main door, waiting for Rajesh to bring out the car.)

Naina: Nahi, nahi... bas normal dinner hai.... Jyoti bhabhi ne kaha ki bahut time ho gaya hai... let's catch up. Toh bas aise hi mil rahe hain. (She glanced at Kiara teasingly.) Waise tum itni curious kyun ho? Koi aur reason toh nahi?

(Kiara looked away, pretending to check her phone.)

Kiara: Nahi, mumma!! Main toh bas, aise hi pooch rahi thi... waise bhi, mujhe kya farq padta hai?

Naina: Oh really?

(She raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening.)

Naina: Oh... mujhe laga ki, tum naraaz ho... kyunki, Paarth ke ghar mein koi special occasion hai, aur Tumhe invitation nahin mila!!!!

Kiara rolled her eyes dramatically. but couldn't hide the blush forming on her cheeks.

Kiara: (Clears throat, avoiding eye contact.) Nahi! Matlab, mujhe koi fark nahi padta... bas aise hi pooch rahi thi...

Naina: (Crossing her arms.) Accha? Toh phir yeh tumhaare gaal, itne laal kyun ho rahe hain?

(Kiara gasped dramatically, covering her cheeks.)

Kiara: Mumma! Aap bhi na! Aapka kuch nahi ho sakta!

(She huffed, turning away in fake annoyance, but her blush only deepened.

Naina chuckled, reaching out to flick Kiara's forehead gently.)

Naina: Accha theek hai.... main aur tangh nahi karungi...

(They both laughed as Kiara shoved her mother playfully, and Naina pulled her into a warm hug.)

(For a fleeting moment, the teasing disappeared, replaced by quiet understanding.

Kiara rested her head on her mother's shoulder, and Naina sighed, running a comforting hand over her daughter's hair.

Despite all the jokes and playful accusations, Naina knew one thing-Kiara was searching for answers... answers about the future.

Answers that Naina wasn't ready to give yet.)

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Author's Note ✨🏍️

Hey, amazing readers! 💖

What a ride this chapter was! From Kiara ruling the track like a total pro 🏁🔥 to Naina being the ultimate mix of a badass coach and a caring mom-this one had it all!

And let's not forget the real drama... Kiara's reaction to the charity race (classic 😂) and that little Paarth mention-hmm, kya chal raha hai, Kiara? 👀💘

But beyond the fun, this chapter also touched on something close to my heart-the charity race for cleft lip and palate surgeries. It's a real condition that many kids face, and raising awareness through this story means a lot to me. ❤️

Until next time, keep the engines running and hearts racing! 🏍️💨🔥