Am I a good liar?

In this place, a multitude of memories lingers, some of which I find impossible to forget. Although I sense that something here holds the key to reaching him, it's clear that he is either evading me or isn't prepared to confront me. In the latter case, I'll grant him the time he needs to muster the courage. However, if it's not the situation, I can't fathom the reason for his potential distress. All I can do is hope he's safe and contemplating how to approach me.

I can locate him when the time comes, but my current priority is my family. Furthermore, I wish to spare them from unnecessary worry, which compels me to make a difficult choice. I've resolved to do so, and I dialed the number.

Perhaps due to the fact that it's my first time lying to my parents, my heart races beyond its usual rhythm. This instance marks the first time in my life that I've felt torn between the need to speak with my mother and the desire to avoid it altogether, as I'm loath to deceive her. It's as though time has suddenly decided to creep along, with each minute feeling like a century. Finally, for better or worse, the call is answered.

I responded promptly as soon as my mother picked up the call, "Hello, Mom, it's me."

My mother replied, "I recognize your voice, my dear. I'm currently occupied with unloading a package. Please, get to the point quickly, what's the matter?"

I retorted, "Mom, how many times must I remind you that I'm not overweight, just pleasantly plump? Please, refrain from calling me 'pumpkin.'"

My mother countered, "But 'pumpkin' is an endearing term, and it always suits you!"

I remarked, "Truly, Mom, you're poking fun at your own daughter for her fuller figure. Whom should I turn to if I feel disparaged by my own mother? Who in this world would offer solace to a girl with a sensitive heart?"

I sensed my mom's urgency and stated, "My apologies for any dramatics, but I have a request to make. You have precisely two minutes, after which I won't keep you any longer."

I continued, "Firstly, fetch a can of water for yourself; there's no need to ask why, just trust me on this. Now, let me get to the point. I've been in a relationship with a young man for almost two years, and we've recently confessed our love for each other. We're planning to go on a long drive, and there's no need for you to see us off."

Upon delivering this message, I braced myself for a potential scolding, as I anticipated my mother might require a moment to process my words. True to my expectations, her response arrived after a brief five-second interval.

My mother inquired, "Hold on, what did you just say...?"

I could well envision the turmoil of emotions she must be experiencing at that very moment, likely teetering on the precipice of tears and heartache. Yet, having resolved to proceed with my course of action, I maintained my stance, affirming, "I stated precisely what you heard, Mom."

Maya's mother was irate as she scolded, "You shameless girl! You're calmly admitting to being in love for two years and planning to elope with some nameless individual. Tell me, who is this person who's led you astray? My sweet pumpkin would never utter such things, at least not of her own volition. Who is this rascal that's caused you to speak like this?"

Maya remained resolute, replying, "Well, Mom, he is indeed a bit of a rascal, and his name is Veer. We'll see you later; for now, it's time for our trip. Goodbye. Oh, and one more thing, I'll be out of reach, and you won't be able to contact me. If possible, I'll get in touch. Take care, Mom. Goodbye."

[On the other end of the phone]:

Aparna attempted to call Maya, but her phone was immediately switched off, rendering her unreachable. She hastily dialed her husband, Daksh, who answered after a few rings. Before Daksh could say anything, Aparna began urgently, "Daksh, if you don't answer my call now, you'll regret it later. Please, pick up."

Daksh, irritated, responded, "Aparna, what's the matter? You've been incessantly calling me. Do you realize I'm in a meeting right now, and my boss reprimanded me for not being attentive because of your calls?"

Aparna's frustration flared as she exclaimed, "You idiot! Our only daughter is about to elope, and you're concerned about your boss's scolding. Are you even a father?"

Daksh laughed and retorted, "Ha... Ha... Appu, did you have a bizarre dream after watching some melodrama? You're talking nonsense."

Aparna seethed, "Do I sound like a lunatic to you?"

Daksh quipped, "Well, why else would you be saying such absurd things?"

Aparna clarified, "You imbecile! Our daughter called me and informed me that she's going on a long drive with her boyfriend and won't be in contact. If that's not eloping, what is it?"

Before Aparna could elaborate further, Daksh abruptly ended the call.

Daksh hurriedly approached the Managing Director's office and said, "Sir, I have an emergency, and I need to leave immediately."

The Managing Director expressed his concern, stating, "Mr. Daksh, we have an important client meeting today. Without the chief architect present, it could pose a significant issue for the project. We can't afford any mistakes."

Daksh responded, "My assistant is well-qualified and can handle this project. Despite being new, he's a skilled architect, and I have confidence in his abilities. Thank you, sir. Goodbye." Daksh left the office without waiting for the Managing Director's response.

The Managing Director turned to his assistant, Hiran, and inquired, "Hiran, why do you think Daksh is in such a hurry? It's as if his house is on fire."

Hiran speculated, "Sir, Mr. Daksh received a call from his wife, and there seems to be an urgent matter at home." She privately mused, "Otherwise, why would he hand over such a crucial project to a newcomer?"

Daksh returned home and demanded, "Appu, tell me exactly what happened."

Aparna recounted, "Our daughter, Pumpkin, called me while I was unloading stock for our supermarket. She told me—"

Daksh interrupted, infuriated, "Who is that guy? Who's that scoundrel?"

Aparna displayed the photos Maya had sent her before turning off her phone, replying, "Here, she sent a picture of the two of them."

Daksh recognized the young man in the photos and commented, "He... Isn't he one of our regular customers?"

Aparna lamented, "I've only just realized that he's a wolf in sheep's clothing. When he used to visit our mart a few times a week for minor purchases, I thought he was either forgetful or a lonely young man who didn't know any better. Now, I can't help but wonder if he had his sights set on our Pumpkin all along. Oh, my poor Pumpkin! What could that scoundrel do to her?" Husband and wife both found themselves overwhelmed by their daughter's sudden and unexpected elopement.

At SERENITY:

Maya, having concluded her call with her mother, powered off her phone to prevent anyone from reaching her. She turned to the group and declared, "That's done."

The rest of them stared blankly, a heavy silence hanging in the air.

Maya, perplexed, inquired, "Well, excuse me, can everyone stop gawking at me? Do I look strange?"

They all shook their heads in response.

Maya probed further, "Then why are you all staring at me as though I'm some creature that's escaped from the zoo?"

Jay slowly remarked to Parth, "God, I'm beginning to doubt whether she's suitable to stand in for Tara." Parth gazed at him as though he were looking at a fool. Perplexed by Jay's reaction, his apprentice, Jay, asked, "Sir Parth, why are you looking at me like that? Don't you see how melodramatic that girl was? Our Miss is of a completely different disposition; she's a tough nut to crack. Sending a cat to act as a tiger doesn't seem like a good idea to me. If, by some chance, we were exposed, it would be more harmful than beneficial. I don't think it's a wise decision."

Parth questioned the rest, "Jai, Nemo, and Lily, do you share Jay's opinion?"

Jai replied, "Yes."

Simultaneously, Lily chimed in, "Yes."

However, Nemo voiced a different perspective, saying, "Master Parth, don't worry. Sis Maya will be with me, and I'll take care of her."

Jay retorted, "You! My dear young pup, can you even take care of yourself properly? Let alone her, who's like an infant in our world of magic."

Parth asserted, "I'm sure she's more than what meets the eye."

Lily expressed her concern, stating, "But she wasn't born with magical abilities. I'm uncertain whether she can learn magic."

Parth reassured, "Lily, remember, there are no coincidences in the world. I don't believe their similar appearances are a mere accident."

Maya, who hadn't overheard their conversation, inquired, "Hey, guys, do you think my story convinced my mom? Was I a convincing liar?"

Jay assured her, "Dear girl, could anyone be more convincing than you?"

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