[Steel]

Abhi jolted awake next morning, his phone buzzing like a swarm of angry bees. A barrage of texts from Ishaan lit up the screen, sharp and relentless:

"Dude, someone's on my stalker account. I doubt it's your slutty mom. Find out NOW."

He blinked, groggy, the words sinking in slow. "Stalker account? My... mom?" His stomach twisted. "He must be lying," he thought, shoving off the covers.

But doubt gnawed at him as he stumbled to the living room, heart hammering.

Madhuri stood at the stove, flipping parathas, the sizzle of oil filling the kitchen. She'd swapped her usual black blouse and pants for a loose red kurta, casual but striking. She hummed softly, a faint smile curling her lips, and Abhi froze. She looked... different. Lighter. Too light for their usual mornings.

He cleared his throat, voice small. "Maa, uh... did you sleep okay?"

She glanced over, nodding. "Yes, sweetie," she said breezily. "A lot better than usual." Her tone was happy, but her eyes flicked away, a secret dancing in them.

He sat, picking at his breakfast, "Anyone... called you or anything yesterday?" he ventured, clumsy, fishing.

Madhuri's hand paused mid-flip, her brow creasing. "Why are you asking?" she asked sharply. Abhi shrank under her gaze. "Just... wondering," he mumbled, looking down.

She stared, then shrugged. "No, Abhi. Eat quickly and go to your classes." She turned back to the stove. Her guard was up, and he felt it.

At college, Ishaan cornered him in a corridor. "Spill it, bro, is she the one texting me?" His voice was low, urgent, cracking his usual swagger.

Abhi blinked, confused. "Texting? I don't know, she didn't say anything."

Ishaan cut him off, leaning in. "Some chick's stalking me back, someone with the username ShyVelvet. I seriously doubt it's your mom! You understand?"

Abhi shook his head, panic rising. "No, Ishaan. I don't think its her!"

Ishaan's eyes narrowed, then softened, a grin creeping back. "Fine. You're gonna find out then. Check her phone tonight. I need a proof." He clapped Abhi's shoulder, hard, and walked off, leaving him reeling.

"Mom's really texting someone?" Abhi's mind spun. She'd been off lately. "I don't get it."