Chapter 70: Ties That Protect

Cut to:

Race day,

At Vikram's house,

Early afternoon:

(The golden afternoon sunlight poured through the large windows of the Sabharwal house, casting soft, warm shadows across the marble floor.

The house was buzzing with movement as Kiara adjusted the strap of her duffle bag, ensuring everything was packed.

She wasn't dressed in her racing gear yet, just her usual jeans and a fitted t-shirt, but her excitement was evident in the way her fingers drummed against the bag's fabric.

She was ready.

From the staircase,

The sound of footsteps echoed as Vikram and Kiaan made their way down. Vikram was dressed in casual navy jeans and a white polo, looking effortlessly stylish as always, while Kiaan had opted for his usual hoodie and track pants, exuding the casual confidence of a teenager who didn't need to try.)

Then,

As they reached the main hall, they were greeted by the faint fragrance of sandalwood incense.

Anuradha stood near the small temple, a pooja thali in her hands, the diya flickering gently. She turned towards them with a serene yet knowing smile.)

Anuradha: Ruko zara.

(Kiara, caught mid-step, blinked at her.)

Kiara: Dadi, yeh sab kyun?

(But before she could protest, Anuradha had already begun the aarti, the soft hum of prayers filling the air.

Kiara shifted slightly on her feet, feeling a mix of warmth and mild embarrassment as her grandmother performed the ritual with utmost devotion.

She was not used to this level of ritual before a race.)

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(Kiaan, grinned noticing all of this, and leaned toward his father.)

Kiaan: (whispering) Papa, charity race hai.... koi Moto GP ki race thodi na jeetne ja rahi hai.

(Vikram chuckled but didn't respond. Anuradha, however, had sharp ears.)

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Anuradha: (without looking at him) Beta, koi bhi kaam chhota ya bada nahi hota.

(Kiaan straightened up immediately, feigning innocence.

Anuradha finished the aarti and placed the teeka on Kiara's forehead, before placing a small piece of prasaad in each of their hands.

Then, she turned back to Kiara, her expression proud and affectionate.)

Anuradha: Kiara sirf ek race nahi jeetne ja rahi, balki apne club, apni team, aur apne parivaar ko represent kar rahi hai. Bas yahi mahatvapurn hai.

(Kiara felt her chest swell with an unexpected warmth.

She looks at Anuradha with a new-found admiration, and steps forward, placing a hand on her arm.)

Kiara: Dadi, aap bhi racing club chal rahi ho na?? you will get to see me race live, for the first time!!!

(Anuradha's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly composed herself, shaking her head.)

Anuradha: Sorry beta.... but, nahi.... main toh nahi chal rahi.

(Kiara's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.)

Kiara: Par... maine toh socha tha, ki aap ab mere racing career ko, accept kar chuke ho... and that you were alright with it.... phir kya hua? (She looks into her eyes) sach- sach bataao, dadi.... aapko mera race karna, abhi bhi pasand nahi hai, hai na?

(Anuradha let out a soft sigh, stepping closer. She reached out, gently cupping Kiara's face in both hands, her eyes filled with love and something else—something deeper.)

Anuradha: Nahi, bacche... aisi baat nahi hai... I am completely alight with you racing.... Tum jitni achhi ho racing mein, mujhe uspe pura vishwaas hai... so, you don't worry, tum jo bhi karo, main hamesha tumhaare saath rahungi...

(She paused, her thumbs gently caressing Kiara's cheeks.)

Anuradha: But... darr toh lagaa rahega na? It's a risky sport!!! And mera dil thoda kamzor hai, beta... jab tum, itni speed mein motorcycle chalaaogi, toh mera toh blood pressure hi badh jaana hai... (She chuckles softly.) Isiliye main nahi chal rahi.

(Kiara searched her dadi's face, reading the honesty in her words.

After a moment, she broke into a small, teasing smile.)

Kiara: (teasingly) Toh matlab aapko mujh pe bharosa hai... bas aapke dil ko mujh pe bharosa nahi hai?

(Anuradha laughs, gently patting her cheek.)

Anuradha: Bas aisa hi samajh lo.

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Then,

(Suddenly, as if remembering something, she turned and walked toward the temple, her saree swaying slightly with her movements.

When she returned, she held a thin red kalava thread in her hands.)

Anuradha: Aaj main bade wale mandir gayi thi... maine Pandit ji ko tumhaare baare mein bataya, toh unhone yeh kalava diya tumhaari suraksha ke liye.

(Kiara looks at the thread and then back at Anuradha, her lips twitching.)

Kiara: (playfully) Dadi, aapne toh helmet aur riding gear ki poora importance hi khatam kar di!

(Anuradha shakes her head with a knowing smile.)

Anuradha: Mujhe pata hai, aaj- kal ke bacche, inn sab cheezon mein zyada vishwaas nahi rakhte... lekin yeh sirf ek dhaaga nahi hai, beta. Yeh ek dua hai, jo tumhaare saath rahegi. Toh yeh tumhe pehenna padega.

(Kiara chuckled softly, shaking her head at her dadi's unwavering belief.

But beneath her teasing demeanor, a warmth spread in her chest.

Her tough, no-nonsense dadi had gone all the way to the temple just for her. That meant something.)

Kiara: Aap kehti ho toh pehen leti hoon, dadi.

(She extended her wrist toward her, allowing Anuradha to tie the sacred thread around it.

Anuradha's fingers lingered over the knot, tightening it with utmost care.)

(Closing her eyes for a moment, she offered a quiet prayer, her voice laced with emotion.)

Anuradha: Bhagwaan, meri pothi ko hamesha surakshit rakhna. Woh jo bhi kare, uss mein khush rahe... haar- jeet se zyada, uska hausla kabhi na toote.

(Kiara felt a lump form in her throat at the sincerity of her dadi's words.

Unable to hold back, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Anuradha in a warm hug.

The older woman held her just as tightly, pressing a gentle kiss to the side of her head.)

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(As they stood there, locked in an embrace, Kiara lowered her voice and whispered softly into her dadi's ear.)

Kiara: Dadi... Mumma ne kya kaha?

(Anuradha's face softens, a small, knowing smile forming on her lips.)

Anuradha: Usne kaha hai, ki woh kal free hai... shaam ko mujhe ek coffee shop bulaya hai, baat karne ke liye.

(Kiara's eyes light up with happiness. She squeezes Anuradha's hands in excitement.)

Kiara: (whispering) That's great, dadi! Dekhna, sab theek hoga.

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On the other side:

(Vikram and Kiaan exchanged subtle glances, watching the exchange between the two women.

It was a rare sight—one that carried the weight of unspoken words and old wounds beginning to mend.

There was something comforting about it, something hopeful.)

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Then,

(Vikram cleared his throat, snapping the moment back to reality.)

Vikram: (clearing his throat) Chalo, agar emotional scene ho gaya ho, toh chalein? Warna race se pehle hi retirement announce karni padegi.

(Kiaan chuckles while Kiara glares at her father.)

Kiara: Papa! Itni bhi der nahi ho rahi!

Kiaan: (grinning) Haan, waise bhi, abhi toh sirf charity race hai. Olympics thodi na khel rahi hai!

(Anuradha gives him a pointed look.)

Anuradha: Kiaan, beta, kabhi- kabhi ek chhoti si jeet bhi insaan ko bahut kuch sikhaati hai. Har race zaroori hoti hai.

(Kiaan lifts his hands in surrender.)

Kiaan: Alright, alright, dadi. Aap jeet gayi.

(Vikram pats Kiaan's back, laughing.)

Vikram: Dadi se jeetne ka socha bhi kaise?

(They all laugh as Kiara picks up her duffle bag.

As Kiara walked out of the house, she glanced at the red thread on her wrist and smiled.

Maybe it was just a piece of string, but in that moment, it felt like the strongest shield in the world.)

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(Anuradha watched them leave and  whispered a silent prayer under her breath.)

Anuradha: Bhagwaan, meri bacchi ko hamesha surakshit rakhna.

(She smiled as the door closes behind them, her heart swelling with quiet hope.)

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Author's Note 🏍️🔥

Hey there, awesome readers! 🤗

This chapter was such a special one to write. It's not just about the thrill of racing 🏁 but also about the unspoken emotions that tie families together—whether through rituals, prayers, or a simple red thread. ❤️

I absolutely love exploring the contrast between speed and stillness, modern ambition and traditional values.

Kiara is all about breaking barriers, but even she can't escape the warmth (and occasional overprotectiveness 😆) of her family.

And let's be honest—who doesn't relate to that one family member who insists on extra prayers before any big event? 😅

What did you think of this chapter? Did you love the mix of humor, emotions, and tradition? Drop your thoughts—I'd love to hear them! 💬✨

Until next time, keep chasing your dreams... and maybe, let your loved ones tie a protective thread or two. 😉🚀