Incest Mom tricked by Bully (Mask of Desire)

[Steel]

"Maa!" Abhi called, voice cracking, a weak attempt to warn her, but Ishaan reached her first, all charm.

"Hello aunty, fancy seeing you here!" he boomed, flashing that grin.

Madhuri looked up, startled, then smiled. "Ishaan? What are you doing here in the market?" Her tone was light, but her eyes flicked to Abhi, questioning.

Ishaan stepped closer, grabbing a tomato from her basket. "Just helping out, Abhi said you'd be here. Let me carry that, it looks heavy."

He took the basket before she could argue, his arm brushing hers, deliberate and bold. Madhuri blinked, a faint flush creeping up her neck.

"Um.. its ok Ishaan, I'll manage," she said, reaching to take it back, but Ishaan held firm, flexing subtly.

"It's ok, aunty, I've got it, strong arms, remember?" 

He winked, and she laughed, soft and unguarded, before catching herself, glancing at Abhi.

"You're a cheeky one huh? But don't spoil my son," she teased, nodding at her son.

Abhi stood frozen, the air thickening around him. 

Ishaan's charm was a blade, slicing through her defenses, and he couldn't stop it, didn't know if he wanted to.

As they walked back home, Madhuri chatted ahead, oblivious, praising Ishaan's manners.

Abhi trailed behind, the market's noise fading into a dull roar in his head.

Ishaan dumped the basket inside, lingering by the door. 

"Thanks aunty, talking to you felt nice. See you soon," he said, his gaze locking with hers, slow and heavy.

Madhuri nodded, smiling, and shut the door while Abhi sank onto the couch.

Madhuri paced her bedroom that night, Ishaan's visit replayed in her mind, his arm brushing hers, and that wink. 

"Could it be him? No, he's just an attractive teenager. I shouldn't spoil my son’s friendship," she assured herself, yet the doubt stuck, a thorn in her chest.

Her breath uneven, and caught her reflection in the mirror, flushed, wild-eyed, a woman teetering on an edge she didn't want to name.

Downstairs, Ishaan's text hit Abhi with a punch: "What a kind son you are bro, serving your mom up on a platter."

Abhi hunched over his phone with shame flooding him, but he couldn't stop doubting his mom.