Chapter 35: Table For Two & Talk For One

Few days later,

At Vikram's house,

At night,

In the living room:

(The living room was alive with a quiet hum of creativity. Kiaan sat cross-legged on the floor, completely absorbed in his work.

A large canvas lay propped up in front of him, vibrant streaks of paint blending seamlessly under his steady hand.

Old clothes clung to him, marked with smudges and dabs of paint in every imaginable color—a testament to his dedication.

His brush moved with precision, creating intricate patterns that seemed to breathe life into the canvas.

Nearby, an assortment of brushes, paint bottles, and a rag lay scattered in controlled chaos.)

(Occasionally, he stepped back to examine his work, tilting his head slightly as if imagining how this piece would finally look on the drawing room wall.

The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the artist and his masterpiece in perfect harmony.)

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Meanwhile upstairs,

In Kiara's room:

(Kiara's room buzzed with an air of anticipation as she stood in front of her vanity mirror.

Dressed in her elegant black dress, she held a tube of lip gloss, carefully applying the final touches to her look.

Behind her, Tanvi worked diligently, curling Kiara's hair into soft, cascading waves with a curling machine.)

Kiara: bhua.... Thoda jaldi kar do!!! Paarth kabhi bhi aa sakte hain!!!

Tanvi: Bas thoda aur patience, beta!! Perfect curls banane mein, time lagta hai!!!

Kiara: okay fine.... Take your time.

Tanvi: (carefully sectioning her hair, a small smile tugged at her lips) you know.... main hamesha se chahti thi, ki meri ek beti ho.... Taaki, main usay aise taiyaar kar sakoon... uske baal banau, uska makeup karun.

(Kiara paused for a moment, turning slightly to look at Tanvi in the mirror. A warm smile spread across her face as she said—)

Kiara: Bhua, main bhi toh aapki beti hoon.

(Tanvi's eyes softened further, and she gently tucked a curl behind Kiara's ear.)

Tanvi: Haan, beta... Aur aaj mujhe yakeen hi nahi ho raha hai ki, meri beti apne pehle dinner date ke liye ready ho rahi hai!!!!

Kiara: (blushes, shaking her head slightly) Aap na, bas chhodo, bhua. Mujhe aur nervous mat karo.

(Tanvi laughed lightly, as she finished curling the last strand of hair and set the machine aside.

She ran her fingers through the curls to loosen them slightly, and stepped back to admire her handiwork.

Her heart swelled with love, knowing that while she might not have a daughter of her own, she had Kiara, who filled that space perfectly.)

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Later,

Outside Vikram's house:

(Paarth stood outside the house, adjusting his collar and rehearsing his lines mentally.

As he rang the doorbell, the door opened to reveal Kiaan, looking nothing like his usual sharp self.

He was in old, paint-streaked clothes, his hands and face dabbed with splashes of various colors.)

Paarth: (chuckles, raising an eyebrow) Yeh kya haalat bana rakhi hai, bhai? Kya ho raha hai?

Kiaan: (grins, unapologetic) Vacations ka full maza le raha hoon! I took up a bigger painting project this time.

Paarth: (intrigued) Painting project? Kaun sa?

Kiaan: (steps aside, gesturing Paarth inside) Chalo, tumhe drawing room dikhata hoon. Papa ko drawing room ki khaali wall ke liye kuch art chahiye tha. Maine socha, kyun na main hi kuch bana loon?

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In the drawing room:

(Paarth followed him to the drawing room, where a large empty wall stood as a blank canvas. Kiaan pointed to several canvases propped against the wall.)

Kiaan: (face lights up as he speaks) Main ek series bana raha hoon—9 paintings jo alag-alag toh unique lagenge, but jab wall pe sahi jagah fit karenge, they'll come together like a puzzle.

Paarth: (eyebrows shoots up in admiration) Wah, bro! That's impressive. Puzzle concept kaafi creative hai. Kaam toh tough lag raha hai.

Kiaan: Haan, tough hai, but satisfying bhi hai!!!

Paarth: (smiles) Toh kitna progress ho gaya?

Kiaan: I am done with 5 pieces.... Abhi chaar baaki hain!!!!

Paarth: Waise, mujhe lagta hai yeh kaafi unique hone wala hai. everyone is going to love this.

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Just then,

(The sound of heels clicking against the staircase drew their attention. Paarth turned, and his words faltered mid-sentence.

Kiara was walking down the stairs, her black dress flowing elegantly as she descended, her hair perfectly styled. Paarth's gaze fixed on her, completely mesmerized.)

(Tanvi, walking beside Kiara, noticed Paarth's reaction and smiled knowingly.

When they reached the last step, Tanvi nudged Kiara gently and spoke to Paarth)

Tanvi: Paarth, thodi toh taareef kar do.... Itni mehnat lagti hai taiyaar hone mein. Kuch toh bolo.

(Paarth blinked, realizing he'd been staring. He smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck.)

Paarth: (nervous) Uh... you look beautiful, Kiara. Really, you look... incredible!!!

(Kiara blushed, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. She looked down for a moment before meeting his eyes.)

Kiara: Thank you... aap bhi kaafi ache lag rahe ho.

Paarth: (his grin widens) Thanks. But tumhaari taareef ke aage main toh bas...

Tanvi: Bas... bas, ab dono hi aise sharmaate rahoge toh, dinner ke liye late ho jaaoge!!

(Kiaan, watching the scene unfold, rolled his eyes dramatically.)

Kiaan: Aap log romantic feel mein ho, and I'm out here trying to create masterpieces. Priorities, people!!!

(Everyone laughed, and the the moment lightened up.)

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(But, as Vikram entered the room, his presence immediately grounded them all. He glanced at the trio, his expression neutral but observant.

The room went silent, the shift palpable. Kiara, sensing the sudden seriousness, broke the tension with a cheerful tone.)

Kiara: Papa, how do I look?

(Vikram's stern expression softened as he turned to his daughter. A fond smile spread across his face as he cupped her cheeks gently.)

Vikram: (speaks warmly) Tum toh ek dum princess lag rahi ho!!

Kiara: (grins at the compliment) Thank you, Papa.

Vikram toh... plan kya hai?

Kiara: Papa, bataya toh tha aapko. Dinner pe jaa rahe hain.

Vikram: (tone is still calm but inquisitive) Haan pata hai.... par kahaan jaa rahe ho?

Paarth: (clears his throat, standing a bit straighter) We're going to the Orient Express, Uncle. It's a nice place, good reviews.

(He tried to sound confident but was unable to hide his nervousness. Vikram studied him for a moment before nodding.

He let the silence linger just long enough to make Paarth fidget slightly. Then, he turned back to Kiara.)

Vikram: Kiara, Tum jao. Gaadi mein baitho. Mujhe Paarth se kuch baat karni hai.

Kiara: (her brows get furrowed, and immediately protests) Papa, abhi kya baat karni hai? We're already late!

Vikram: (tone turned firm) Kiara, I said gaadi mein baitho... I just two minutes with Paarth!!

(Kiara opened her mouth to protest again but stopped when she caught the look in his eyes.

Frustrated but knowing better than to argue, she glanced at Paarth.)

Paarth: (gives her a reassuring smile, hands his car keys) Tum jao. Main abhi aata hoon.

Kiara: But—

Paarth: (smiles) tum jaao.... Trust me, it's fine.

(Reluctantly, Kiara nodded, her steps slow as she walked out. Tanvi followed her, throwing Paarth an encouraging smile as she left.)

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(Now, it was just Vikram, Paarth, and Kiaan, who leaned casually against the wall, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

Paarth braced himself for what was to come, determined to face the conversation head-on.

Vikram took a seat on the couch, gesturing for Paarth to sit across from him.

The air grew heavier, and even Kiaan, who had been smirking moments earlier, now observed the interaction with quiet curiosity.

Paarth sat down, maintaining eye contact with Vikram, trying to appear confident despite the nervous energy running through him.

Vikram leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees.)

Vikram: (looking directly at Paarth) Toh, this is a dinner date... hai naa? sirf dinner hai, ya phir uske baad bhi kuch aur plan hai?

Paarth: (assures him immediately) uncle, sirf dinner.... Koi aur plan nahi hai. Bas dinner and then I'll drop her back home.

Vikram: (raises an eyebrow) Hmm. Aur waapas kitne baje tak aaoge?

Paarth: By 11 PM, Uncle.... Is that okay?

Vikram: Not a minute later!!!! Aur ek baat aur yaad rakhna... Kiara meri beti hai, meri jaan hai... aur uski khushi mere liye sab kuch hai. Jab tum use waapas ghar drop karo, mujhe uske chehre par sirf smile dikhni chahiye. Agar ek bhi aansu ya upset waala expression dikha, toh main tumse toh nahi— seedha, tumhaare papa se hi baat karunga. Samjha?

Paarth: (speaks sincerely) uncle, Kiara ki khushi is my number one priority. Main ek baar apni stupidity ki wajah se ussay hurt kar chuka hoon.... but main waada karta hoon, Kiara ke aakhon mein kabhi aansu nahi aane doonga.

Vikram: (his gaze remains steady) Good.

Paarth: (nods his head earnestly) Bilkul, Uncle. Aap bilkul chinta mat kariye. Main hamesha Kiara ka dhyaan rakhunga.

Kiaan: (unable to resist, chimes in) Papa, relax. Paarth bhai toh seedhe-saadhe bande hai. agar unhone Kiara ko kabhi hurt kiya.... toh pehli aapki princess hi Paarth ki band bajaa degi... aap tak toh baat hi nahi aayegi.

Vikram: (shoots Kiaan a side glance) Tumhe zyada bolne ki zaroorat nahi hai, Mr. artist.

Kiaan: (shrugs, smirking) Bas maahol halka kar raha tha, Papa.... Aap toh bas, ab Paarth bhai ko jaana do, warna dinner ka program, breakfast ke program mein change ho jaayega.

(Vikram shook his head slightly but turned to Paarth.)

Vikram: Theek hai. Tum responsible lagte ho, Paarth. Bas yaad rakhna, trust ek baar milta hai, aur woh todne par waapas nahi aata.

Paarth: Understood, Uncle.... main kabhi bhi aapka bharosa nahi todunga.

(Vikram studied him for a moment longer, then nodded. He stood up, signaling the conversation was over.)

Vikram: Theek hai. Tum jao. Kiara wait kar rahi hogi. Jao. Enjoy the dinner

Paarth: (stands up, his posture respectful but relaxed) Thank you, Uncle...... for trusting me

(Paarth smiled gratefully, giving Kiaan a quick thumbs-up as he moved toward the door. Kiaan gave Vikram a smile before calling out for Paarth again.)

Kiaan: Aur haan, dinner ke baad kuch dessert bhi lena. Kiara ko chocolate mousse pasand hai!

Paarth: (chuckles, giving him a thumbs-up) Noted.

(Vikram gave his son a mocking mild glare before walking Paarth to the door.)

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Later,

Outside:

(Paarth walked out of the house, his thoughts still on the conversation with Vikram.

As he approached the car, he noticed Kiara standing beside it with Tanvi, her arms crossed and a playful pout on her face.

Kiara looked up and gave him an expectant smile.)

Kiara: All good?

Paarth: haan.... All good. Your dad just wanted to make sure I knew the rules. And trust me, I'm taking them very seriously.

Kiara: (rolls her eyes playfully) sorry... I know thoda awkward ho gaya hoga!!!

Paarth: (glances at her with a reassuring smile) It wasn't awkward. It just shows how much he loves you.... but haan, main thoda nervous zaroor ho gaya tha!!!

(Tanvi smiled at the interaction, stepping in with her usual warmth.)

Tanvi: Bhaiya ke saamne, koi bhi ladka nervous ho hi jaata hai!!! school time mein, koi bhi ladka mujhse baat nahi karta tha.... kyunki agar baat karte huay, Vikram bhaiya dekh lete... toh ussay chodte nahi!!! (she laughs) unhone toh Gaurav ji ko bhi nahi chhoda tha.... jab woh aur unki family mujhe shaadi ke liye, dekhne aaye... toh papa se zyaada, Vikram bhaiya was interrogating him!!!!

Paarth: (laughs) Vikram uncle se baat karne ka, apna alag hi experience hota hai!!!

(Tanvi chuckled, patting Paarth's shoulder lightly.)

Tanvi: Waise, tum log jaldi nikal jao. Agar late hue, toh Vikram bhai fir se interrogate karenge!!!

(Paarth chuckled and opened the car door for Kiara. he smiled at her and motioned for her to get in.

Kiara slipped into the passenger seat while Paarth walked around to the driver's side.

He gave Tanvi a small nod of gratitude as he settled into the car. She watched as Paarth started the car and Kiara waved at her through the window.)

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Then,

(As the car pulled away, Tanvi walked up to Vikram, who was still standing at the doorway, his arms crossed, observing them leave.)

Tanvi: (smiles knowingly) Bhaiya, aap aise doorway pe khade ho.... bas haath mein ek bandook ki kami hai, phir toh aap sach mein koi Mafia se kam nahi lagoge!!!!

Vikram: (shoots her a glance, his lips twitching into a faint smile) I was just making sure, ki woh ladka serious hai. Kiara kaafi badi ho gayi hai, Tanvi.... Par mere liye woh abhi bhi meri chhoti si beti hai.

Tanvi: (places a comforting hand on his arm) I know that you are being protective!!! But, don't worry, Paarth achha ladka lagta hai. aapke interrogation session ke baad bhi, uske chehre pe respect tha, fear nahi.

(Vikram nodded slowly, his protective instincts still sharp but his heart a little more at ease.)

Vikram: Woh respect hamesha rehna bhi chahiye.

Tanvi: (laughs softly) Rahega, Bhaiya. Relax karo!!!

(As they turned to go back inside, Vikram allowed himself a small smile. He still felt protective, but Paarth's sincerity gave him some peace of mind—for now.)

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Author’s Note ✨📖

Hey, amazing readers! 💕

This story isn’t just about Kiara and Paarth’s growing relationship; it’s also about family, emotions, and the strong bonds that shape us. And speaking of family—how can we forget Vikram, the ultimate protective dad? 😆👑

His overprotectiveness may seem intimidating (ask Paarth, he knows! 😂), but deep down, it’s pure love. A love that’s fierce, unwavering, and sometimes... a little terrifying for the poor guy dating his daughter. 😆🔥

And of course, we have Kiaan, the fun-loving, mischievous brother who enjoys every bit of this drama. 😆🎭 Between his teasing, !

Tell me, do you think Vikram is too protective, or is he just being the dad every daughter deserves? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 📝💬