[Steel]

Madhuri returned with a tray of steaming chicken pakora, a bowl of mayonnaise, and two glasses of water, setting it on the table.

"Have it, boys," she said with a maternal smile when Ishaan met her gaze. "You're growing strong, Ishaan.. cricket, right?"

"Yeah aunty, just had a practice session this afternoon. Gotta stay fit," he said, stretching his arms casually, muscles rippling under his sleeve.

Abhi caught the way she lingered on Ishaan's frame.

"You look like you keep yourself active too," Ishaan said, checking her over from head to toe in a slow, appreciative sweep. Madhuri’s brow furrowed slightly, a look of mild, puzzled confusion crossing her features as she processed the unexpected remark. “I mean, being a consultant can’t be easy, right? Abhi’s always saying how hardworking you are.” He switched into a sweet smile, but Abhi saw the glint in his eyes as the bait is being dangled.

Madhuri laughed, waving a hand. "Oh enough, flattery won't get you extra snacks!" She turned away, but her step faltered, just for a second.

She retreated to the kitchen, and Ishaan smirked at Abhi, popping a handful of pakora into his mouth. "She likes me, bro. Did you see that?"

Abhi glared, whispering, "She's just being nice!"

Ishaan chuckled, leaning back. "Nice gets her wet. Keep watching."

Abhi's fists tightened, but said nothing. The wolf is now inside its den, and he was too tangled to stop it.

Madhuri stood at the sink, rinsing the tray, Ishaan's voice echoed in her ears, "You look like you keep yourself active too", and she hated how it lingered. "What did he mean by that?"

"He was just a boy, barely out of high college." she thought. But the way he'd said it, the confidence in his broad shoulders, she couldn't unsee it. Her fingers tightened around a spoon, scrubbing harder than necessary.

"Ugh, same old crappy thoughts again," she muttered, shaking her head.

From the living room, she heard Ishaan laugh, a deep, rolling sound that cut through the quiet house. Abhi's voice followed, soft and strained.

Her son had been off lately, quiet, jumpy, avoiding her eyes. She'd chalked it up to typical high college behavior, but now, with Ishaan here, she wondered. 

He was loud and brash, like the kind of boy who'd drag Abhi into trouble if she wasn't careful. Yet he was polite, charming in a way that disarmed her. Too charming, maybe.