27. Who is Lily?

Ahana

It's been more than a week since our makeout session or maybe the worst punishment I would ever want to feel.

Seriously, I stopped talking to that man for two days and you know what he did? He did nothing! Absolutely nothing! He just used to smirk at me like he owned the world and only one word used to trail beside him, "next time think twice before looking at some fucking oldie."

Till today, till now, my cheeks warm up whenever I think about that night. His touch still lingers, mixed into my skin like it became a part of me—something I can’t erase. Nor do I even dare to erase.

I was standing in the kitchen, cooking some kheer for him. I don’t even know why but my stupid heart just wanted to make it. The mouthwatering smell of the kheer filled the air. I was right in the middle of mixing sugar into it when my phone rang, vibrating harshly on the slab.

It’s Jaanu.

I don’t know what’s wrong with this girl nowadays, it seems like she’s lost in her own world, like she’s on some dangerous mission to achieve something that even I can’t reach.

I picked up the call, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder. "Bare dono baad yaad kia" I said, my tone half-teasing while my eyes stayed on the bubbling kheer.

(Finally remembered me after so long?)

"Sorry baby.... actually there’s so much on my plate right now! I can’t even tell you right now, but I promise… after I accomplish the mission I’m in, you will be the first to know it." She said with that same baby voice of hers.

This is so her.

"Fine," I sighed, picking up the spoon to check the thickness of the kheer, "now say what you want to say, why did you call me?"

"Lily…" she whispered, and instantly my hand froze mid-air.

Silence. A silence so heavy that even the soft bubbling of milk on the gas felt too loud. She stayed quiet and I know very well she did it intentionally... just to let that thickness sink into me.

"Hmmm?" I breathed, turning off the flame and covering the kheer with a plate.

"There’s a challenge… from ‘Midnight Mafia’" she finally said in one go.

My eyes nearly pooped out in shock after listening to her words. I choked on my own breath and started coughing, "WHAT!!!!" I shouted.

They are the last ones I expected for a challenge. For so long I requested them for matches but they always turned me down. And now suddenly this? My heartbeat raced. Like me, Midnight Mafia’s also stay hidden from the world, hidden behind the weight of their name.

"You… what did you reply to them?" I asked her in urgency.

"I accepted it. You know you never lose any challenges… and this time also I trust that you will win?" she said in a serious tone.

"Ok! When is the match?" I asked.

"Tomorrow. Midnight." she declared like it was nothing.

"Jaanu, are you out of your mind right now? What will I say to Aastik ji? I can’t say about me being Lily, can I? God... no! You should’ve rejected their request!" I said, biting my nails, pacing every side of the room like a restless animal trapped in a cage.

"But Ahana, it was your dream to fight with them" she reminded me.

"What dream, Jaanu? You know why I became Lily and how I became Lily, don’t you?" I snapped at her in tension "Being Lily makes me confident, it gave me power when I had nothing. I went there to pour out all my pain and anger and somehow… somehow I became their part. Yes, I enjoyed it but now the circumstances are different!" I tried to make her understand.

"I know, Ahu… but you can simply say you’ll have a sleepover at my place, ok? I’ll manage jiju. And you know you can’t just say no in this field to anyone with your wish. Especially not to Midnight Mafia’s." Her words pierced through me and I fell silent. Because she’s right. Rejecting them would only bring me more trouble.

"Fine," I whispered, pressing my fingers to my forehead, "I’ll handle Aastik ji. You just keep my precious ready, ok?"

And just like that, with a squeal of happiness she said, "Of course, bebo!"

I couldn’t help but chuckle. She’s really bubbly like a child who doesn’t understand the storm she’s dragging me into. Then I cut the call. But the moment the screen went black, reality hit me hard. The real problem starts now.

I have to do the thing I hate the most. I have to lie to him.

A long sigh escaped me as I walked back into my room. I sat on the sofa in the balcony, pulling my knees close as I looked up at the night sky.

Everything until now was going smoothly, too smoothly. But now the fear I had buried deep inside me… it’s starting to crawl out again. I can't... No, it’s not that I can’t— it's just I don’t want to keep Aastik ji in the shadows anymore.

I have to tell him. About Kabir. About my past. About my nightmares.

Just thinking about it twisted my stomach into knots. My chest felt heavy and a sickening fear crept in—like I would end up having an anxiety attack if I dared to remember it all.

I looked at the moon and for a moment, a strange calmness touched my heart. The night air was cool, brushing softly against my face.

"I hope everything goes well now" I whispered, praying with everything in me.

Soon after that he came home, I heard his car honking sound and instantly a wide smile crept on my face as I quickly ran towards the main door.

The moment the door opened, I didn’t waste a second—I rushed straight into his arms and hugged him tightly. His scent immediately wrapped around me, making me forget every single tension that had been troubling my mind, calming me down in a way only he could.

"I missed you more" he whispered softly, placing a gentle peck on my temple.

"But mne to I miss you bola hi nhi," I Said peeking up at him through my lashes.

(But I didn’t even say, I miss you)

"Aapne kaha nhi, but apke harkato ne hume bata zaroor diya, sweetheart" he replied with a small smile and pulled my cheeks.

(You didn’t say it, but your actions surely told me, sweetheart)

I narrowed my eyes a little and muttered, "Is this your new habit to pull my cheeks? I'm noticing it from past few days."

He chuckled at my reaction, and before I could say more suddenly he picked me up off the ground.

"Aree... kya kar rahe hai.... chhoriye na!" I squealed, hitting his shoulder lightly, but is he the man who will listen to me? Of course, NO.

(Hey... What are you doing... Leave me na)

He carried me with ease and made me sit on his lap once he settled on the sofa. My lips curved into a shy smile as I looked down, fiddling with his suit button absentmindedly. But then, he placed his hands gently over mine, stopping my fidgeting.

"Well wifey," his voice turned deeper as his gaze lingering on my face, "the habit I really have is this urge to bite these bunny cheeks of yours all the time... but somehow I control it, and try to calm my urge by just pulling them."

He leaned closer, rubbing his cheek against mine as his trimmed beard tickled my skin.

"To roka kisne..." the words slipped out of my mouth before I even realized, and the moment I did, my eyes widened.

(Who even stopped you)

"What? What did you just say?" he asked quickly with a cheeky grin spreading across his face.

"I-I said ki... go na change your clothes and freshen up... I-I'm hungry," I stammered, looking everywhere but at him.

"I'm also hungry," he said locking his eyes on my face and started drawing patterns on my waist.

"Ya... so I'm also saying the same" I shot back, rolling my eyes.

"Sweetheart… roll those eyes at me one more time and I swear the next time you’ll be rolling them while moaning my name " he murmured, his voice so low and husky that it sent a shiver down my spine.

I immediately tried to stand up from his lap, but the more I moved, the tighter his grip became keeping me caged against him.

"Chhoriye na..." I whispered, wiggling in his arms, trying to free myself.

(Leave me na...)

His jaw clenched, "Fuck, sweetheart... don’t move like this when you don’t even know what the consequences of your act can be." His voice was rough, his chest rising and falling faster as he leaned back on the sofa, pulling me closer into him.

"Aastik ji…" I called him after a few minutes of silence.

"Hmm," he murmured, still with his eyes closed.

"Do you have a pen in your pocket?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"No… why?"

"S-something is poking me," I admitted as a strange, knowing feeling creeping over me.

He opened his eyes slowly, fixing his dark gaze on me. "Before I answer that… sweetie, whatever is poking you… does it feel good?" His voice was low, edged with that dangerous, teasing tone I’d learned to both love and fear.

"I… I don’t know… I mean, it’s like th— the thing is… getting bigger" I confessed, closing my eyes as the realization hit me.

His lips curled into a knowing smile. "Your stammering says it all, baby. You know exactly what it is… and you also know it’s all because of you." He replied with a chuckle.

"I—I—"

"Shh… it’s fine. Don’t worry," he murmured, cupping my jaw and brushing his thumb over my cheeks, "Let me take a cold shower, it will be fine after that"

I nodded with a smile, then he gently placed me on the sofa and left for our room.

After half an hour, he finally came downstairs. But rather than the sound of his footsteps, it was the sight of him that caught me completely. My eyes stayed glued on him—I could never get enough of his look after a shower. His wet hair fell carelessly over his forehead, a few droplets still sliding down the strands. The shoulder of his t-shirt was damp, clinging perfectly to his frame, outlining every line of him.

"Sweetie… are you in this world or lost in your delulu world?" he teased, snapping his fingers in front of my face.

"Huh?" I blinked caught off guard, "Oh yeah… let me serve the food."

I quickly got up, trying to distract myself, and served him his food first before taking mine.

Then settling beside him we both started having our dinner.

"Aaj ka din kaisa Gaya?" I asked taking a morsel in my mouth.

(How's your day?)

"Till the moment I came home it was worst, but now It's really good and I don't want the day to end" he replied pulling my chair close to him.

And yes. Just like that he also pulled millions of butterflies from my stomach.

"What about you?" He asked and I smiled sheppily "it was good and you know I made something for you" I said and stood up from my sit running inside the kitchen.

After few minutes I came out with two bowl full of kheer.

I served him one bowl and mine one.

"I made this myself, specially for you... Taste krk bataiye kaisa bana hai" I said.

(....Taste it and tell me how it is)

"The smell is telling everything, how much efforts you have put into it," he said with a smile. His hazel eyes shone with adoration when he looked at the kheer placed before him.

He took a spoonful of it, "Wow. It's damn good," he complimented with a slow drag in his voice.

"Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.. hehe," I said with a satisfied smile.

"Tum v khao..." he said, already taking one more spoon, his eyes still fixed on me as if waiting for my reaction.

(You eat too...)

"Hmm..." I hummed, picking up my spoon too. The first bite melted on my tongue, sweet and creamy, making me close my eyes for a second in contentment.

And just like that we both sat there, enjoying the kheer together—sharing little teasing, exchanging compliments, and smiling in between each bite, the simple moment feeling with him is more precious than anything else.

*******

"Huffff… Ahana, you can do it," I whispered to myself, standing before the washroom mirror, gathering a little courage before stepping out.

He was already lying on his side, the dim light falling on his face making it shine more. But before I could even call him, his gentlest voice reached me, "Sweetheart…"

I walked over to the bed and laid on my side, snuggling into his chest as my arms wrapped around him in comfort. "Hmm… boliye," I murmured against his muscles.

His arms pulled me even closer, his warmth surrounding me, and then he said, "I have a meeting for the Italy project I’m working on tomorrow… but it will continue the whole night as it’s a big project for me. So… will it be okay to stay alone with Doggesh?"

For a second, I froze. My heart wanted to smile and like a crazy but I controlled the urge. Thank God… I breathed slowly. "It’s okay, Aastik ji… I understand you have work. Don’t worry about it."

"You sure?" he asked searching my eyes.

"100%"

*************

(Next day/Night time)

"Jaanu I'm ready, what about you?" I asked while dressing up duggu, sliding those tiny sunglasses over his eyes, adjusting his little jacket properly and fixing the small bow around his neck. He looked so adorable that I couldn’t help but grin.

"Hmm, I'm standing a little far from your home because of the guards. Come from the back side like we planned... but you sure you want to bring duggu too?" she asked. I smiled, leaning down to peck duggu’s head as he tilted it up at me, looking no less than a handsome badmosh.

"Yup, I'm sure... Abhi Aastik ji bhi nhi hai ghar pe or mey bhi nhi rahungi... To mey mere pyare bachee ko akele nhi chor skti," I said, taking a pinch of kajal on my finger and putting a tiny dot on his black fur, warding off any evil eyes from him.

(Yup, I’m sure… Right now even Aastik ji isn’t home, and I won’t be either… so I can’t leave my sweet little one alone)

Duggu's pov (small one)

Well I'm always handsome, but in today's look... woff... I'm more of it. So obviously, I have to increase my ego and attitude too, just like my papa.

Oh hi guys, "apun Duggu, bole to apka pyara pookie. Yahh, I heard you guys are calling me pookie and all nowadays... Oh lord... for wolf’s sake, I’m a WOLF. I CAN EAT YOU RIGHT NOW, YOU KNOW THAT? But well, I also know it’s none of your fault... it’s all my mumma’s fault. I’m a mumma’s good boy, but now you guys don’t even find me dangerous. It’s kinda hurting my pride. Please, fear me too, na."

I tilted my head and saw mumma tying her hair. Her beautiful locks falling on her face made my mommy look even more cute.

If I were a human, I would’ve also done some of that evil-eye warding thing on her like she does with me. Well... she actually does it almost every day.

After a few minutes, I saw her packing some things. From her behavior, I knew instantly—she’s planning something because papa isn’t home. Normally, I would’ve stopped her... but this time, she was taking me along. Nothing to fear then. "If they touch her, they die," I thought with a smirk.

"Duggu, what mischief are you thinking hmm? Your smile doesn’t seem normal" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

This woman always catches me. Well, no complaints. Honestly guys, I never knew papa’s choice would be this high level.

I quickly made my face like an innocent puppy and licked her thumb. She giggled and her giggling... it always makes me happy.

I wagged my tail and smiled too. Then she said, "Follow me."

She took me to the balcony and asked, "Bachuu... can you jump from here? I know it may hurt but can you just try—"

Before she could say more, I jumped. Mumma seriously thinks I’m some cotton candy. Mumma, please respect my pride too.

I landed easily and sat on the ground, looking up at her. She threw a rope and climbed down the wall like a pro thief. I still laid on the ground, ready to catch her if she fell.

But she didn't. My Mumma's a smart woman you all.

Then after landing on the ground she quickly bent down, scanning the area properly in fear of getting caught. "Duggu, you also hide and follow me," she whispered.

I, like a good boy, bent a little and padded after her. Honestly, I like this game—whatever it is.

We crawled to the back side of the mansion and found another rope hanging from the wall. I already knew what mumma was going to ask, so before she could I jumped up on the wall and looked at her.

She smiled proudly and said, "Mera pyara bachaa... mumma ki har baat samajhta hai."

(My sweet little one… understands everything mumma says)

Well, I have to. You come even before papa. Protecting you is my sole reason now.

She climbed the wall again like a pro thief. I quickly jumped down and laid flat. She leapt and landed right on me. Is my mumma a ghost? Like she weighed nothing. The wolf.

"Duggu bachee, lagi to nhi?" she asked, patting and checking me.

(Duggu, baby, did it hurt?)

I licked her face as if to say, "I’m okay, mumma... bas please stop treating me like a dog."

Ahana

After checking Duggu carefully and making sure he had no scratches, I sighed in relief. Then, just as planned, I moved forward with him and saw jaanu standing there..... leaning casually against a blazing red Lamborghini.

My heartbeat skipped. Fuck... I missed it.

Without wasting a second, I ran straight to the car. No hi, no hello to Jaanu—nothing. I bent down, placing my hands on the shining bonnet, and kissed my precious.

"I missed you, precious." I whispered, pecking the glossy red body again.

"Wow... so seeing precious, you forgot me?" Jaanu’s voice came, laced with fake annoyance.

I looked up at her with a sheepish smile. "I’m sorry, Jaanu... I saw my precious after so, so long that I just couldn’t stop myself."

"Fine," she huffed playfully, then bent to pat Duggu. "So Duggu? Let mumma enjoy a little na... come with me, hmm? Don’t worry, she won’t run away. We’ll be right behind her. Let her feel free for a while. You saw na how emotional she got."

Duggu growled low, not too pleased but eventually went along with her towards her pink Lambo. My little protector never gives in easily.

I slipped into my seat, wrapping my hands around the steering wheel after so long then I started the engine

The roar of the engine echoed as I sped down the blank road. The night air brushed against my skin, the headlights slicing through darkness. A happy laugh escaped my lips. This... this was life.

After almost an hour and a half, we finally reached our destination. The moment I stepped out, my eyes landed on a beautiful girl in a black mini skirt, white tank top, and a pink leather jacket. Her hair was neatly braided, framing her face perfectly. As always, her makeup was on point—sharp cat eyes paired with a soft pink lipstick. She's Jessica. My teammate and an old friend, the moment she saw me she came running toward me with a huge grin.

"OMG LILY!! After so long huh? You finally came!" she squealed, kissing my cheeks and pulling me into a hug.

Jaanu’s car pulled up beside mine and she came out with duggu.

Jessica’s eyes instantly widened. "OMG, who is this handsome?" she said, crouching to pat Duggu. But Duggu showed his teeth, clearly not approving of strangers touching him.

"Umm... Jessi, he’s my husky, Duggu. He doesn’t like unknown people touching him, so please..." I jumped in quickly, covering the moment with a smile.

Jessica raised her hands in surrender, chuckling. "Okay, fine. I understand," she said with a playful wink.

"But come on, we need to introduce you to a few new members," she added, tugging at my wrist. I glanced at Duggu, giving him a silent signal that I was safe. He stayed alert, his eyes never leaving me.

I asked Jaanu to take Duggu somewhere close, hidden, where he could see me without being disturbed. He needed peace but also assurance.

Then I followed Jessica inside. Two new candidates stood there, nervous but eager. Jessica’s grin widened as she wrapped her arm around my shoulders and turned to them.

"Hey newbies, meet Lily — the most feared and unbeatable name in the underground racing world. The woman who’s made men end up on their knees. Since the day she entered, she hasn’t lost a single match. That red Lamborghini you saw? She earned it with her victories... and calls it Precious. No one has ever stood a chance against her. And now..." Jessica’s lips curled into a sharp smirk, "...she’s the legend everyone whispers about — BLACK LILY."