Incest Mom tricked by Bully (Mask of Desire)

[Steel]

They reached home late in the evening. Madhuri entered and lounged on the sofa, Her body still carried the echo of the shopping mall.

Her husband, Ramesh, paced near the dining table, his phone pressed to his ear. “Yes, tonight. I’ll be on the 10 p.m. flight to New York,” he said, voice clipped, brows furrowed. He hung up, glancing at Madhuri. 

Ramesh : “What took you guys so long, Uhh.. I got a work emergency, babe. I’m off to the US again for a week. Leaving tonight. Where's Ishaan?”

Madhuri’s heart skipped, a mix of guilt and strange relief washing over her. 

Madhuri : “Again? This urgent?” she asked, her voice softer than she intended. "Ishaan's.. parking the car."

Ramesh shrugged, distracted, already mentally elsewhere. He crossed the room, planted a quick kiss on her forehead, and grabbed his keys. 

Ramesh : “I’ll call you when I land. Take care of Abhi.” The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the room quieter, heavier.

Madhuri sank deeper into the sofa, her fingers tracing the edge of her chudidhar, her mind replaying Ishaan’s hands adjusting the tape measure.

The door swung open, and Abhi shuffled in, his face sullen, clutching shopping bags, his shoulders hunched. 

Abhi : “Dad’s leaving again, isn’t he?” he muttered, placing the bag onto the coffee table.

Abhi : “And this stupid shopping. What took you so long? What even is in these bags?”

Madhuri : “Abhi, don’t start now,” her chest tightened, “I had to buy a few extra things for your aunt’s marriage.”

Abhi : “Whatever,” he cut her off, his voice sharp with resentment. “Dad’s not going to be here. And I know you’re fine with it.” he whispered to himself.

A few minutes later, the doorbell chimed, Madhuri’s breath caught. She knew who it was before she opened the door. Ishaan stood there with a leather bag slung over his shoulder.