Nikolai

5

Kiara POV

"What's the matter with your brother?" I ask Aubree, who say across me.

"My brother?" She asked in confusion. I nod my head.

"I have heard in bits that he doesn't talk with anyone nor he visited home in past few years. What happened to your brother?"

She signs looking at me, I wait for her to speak.

"When he was in high school he was in a relationship... A serious relationship, I don't know how he met her but he loved her for years. She is his first love and he thought she is the last one. We didn't like her but knowing Ryder loves her to death, we didn't say anything. He was going to propose her to marry him but things went downhill when he found her cheating on him," she started saying.

"Long story short, he was heartbroken, later we got to know that she only used my brother because of money and fame. He couldn't stay in New York as it reminded him of her. He flew away to London along with Nico and Rowen. He did his graduation there and never came back all these years," she said.

"But why did he leave New York? I mean you all are here," I say.

"We all are here but everyone is different. He couldn't stay back and a change is needed for sure. My brother isn't like us, he is a bit of a carbon copy of my dad but he is more serious and silent than my dad."

Xahria walked into my room with arms full of snacks.

"Angelique called me saying Kai is being an asshole," Xahria said.

"What's the matter now?"

"She went on a date with her colleague and she didn't tell Kai. Kai searched for her everywhere when she didn't return home on time and her phone was off. Kai argued with her, they ended up fighting," Xahria said plopping down beside me.

"Chill out, now that Angel is not caring about him. He is getting angry," Aubree said.

"I don't think so... Angel should've informed him that she is going to be late. They live together and we have the rule to inform when we are staying out. Her phone was also not working, she surely scared Kai," Xahria said.

"Point."

"What did you tell her?" I ask her.

"I said the same if they are staying in a home together. One should inform the other if they are not coming home. I would be tensed too if Aubree or you or someone won't answer their phone," Xahria said calmly.

"Yeah."

"Play the movie, their arguments and fights are common," Xahria said plopping beside me.

We started watching the movie mean girls. Elora aunty and Isabelle aunty are out because of organisation work.

Xavier uncle is in his office, I don't have any idea about others. Aubree came here because we don't have any work to do.

"What about you Kiara?" Aubree asked me.

"What about me?" I said eating my chips.

"Any boy in your life?"

"Haha, at present no one," I tell her honestly.

"There was a guy in past ah?" she asked again teasingly.

"It was just a crush before I could tell him, he proposed some other girl," I said.

"What about you?" I ask her even when I know the answer.

"She only has eyes for her Prince Charming Rowen," Xahria said.

"Nope! He's just my close friend," Aubree argued.

"You can tell others that but not to us," Xahria stated. I laughed seeing Aubree's blushing cheeks.

"I admit that I have a crush on him but you know how he is. I always feel like he treats me as Angelique like a sister," Aubree said.

"We don't know about that. I agree that he is a playboy but I don't think he sees you as Angel (Angelique)," Xahria said.

Aubree shrugged her shoulders turning towards the TV.

"Remember summer vacation? When we were in Hyderabad he behaved differently with you. He even got possessive when Rana got close to you. Even Kreo, Elwen and Kenric noticed the change. Indeed, you guys like each other but you two don't show it," Xahria illuminated.

"It's an open secret," she added.

"What about you Xahria?" I asked Xahria. Now it is Aubree turn to tease.

"She is into a Hawaii man." Xahria threw a chips packet at Aubree.

"She saw this man on our first day of college whom she saw in Hawaii again. He is her first real crush but she never dared to talk to him."

"What?!" I said in astonishment. Xahria shook her head looking at Aubree.

"Why didn't you talk to him?" I ask her.

"He and I are in different groups. We hardly see each other and there are rumours that he is in love with his best friend. It's merely a crush so I didn't talk to him," Xahria said.

"Tell me about it." I urged her to tell me.

"He is from the biological studies department, I saw him on the day of our interaction. He was with his group while I was standing with mine. He was smiling all the time listening to his friends, our eyes met for a brief moment before he looked away. Just like that my crush on him grew. He is always kind and I saw him in Hawaii, got to know that he is from Hawaii," she explained.

"Haha... Kia, she used to go to the cafeteria just to see him but the man only visited the cafeteria a few times. She even stalks his pictures from a fake account. She got to know he is Hawaiian when we went to Hawaii and he was working there for summer vacation. You know what, every morning she used to stir up early just so she could see him. Elora and Xavier were startled seeing their not so morning daughter waking up in the morning," Aubree said while I laughed.

"When we like someone we tend to do things to know about them," Xahria justified her doings.

"Things we do for our crushes," I added while Xahria rolled her eyes.

"Did he noticed you?" I asked xahria.

"Nah, he doesn't even glance at me. Sometimes I feel like doesn't he read college's forums? I mean I was there on news so many times with my parents and brothers. I guess he doesn't care about any girls or he may be taken."

"I feel you!" Aubree said.

"No you don't because Rowen has his two eyes on you," Xahria replied to which Aubree shook her head.

We spoke about random things, our crushes, our favourite celebrities, our favourite food and all. The movie is playing in the background but we are least interested in watching the movie.

"What your mum is planning this year for Ganesh Chaturthi?" Aubree asked Xahria.

"You guys celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?" I ask in surprise.

They both look at me weirdly, "Yeah, we celebrate every festival sumptuously and happily," Xahria replied.

"I don't know but sure this time she is planning immensely. Dad's new company was a hit so obviously she will celebrate this year regally," Xahria said.

"How many days are left for the festival?" Aubree asked.

"Three weeks, that's why Nico is here," Xahria replied.

"Oh my god, I can't wait. Everyone will be here even Ryder will be coming," Aubree said excitedly. I chuckled picking the other packet as the one I was holding is empty.

"If he don't my mother will personally go and drag him here," Xahria said.

"True!"

"We will be getting our work schedule in two weeks," Xahria said.

"Work schedule?"

"Yup, when there is a festival. We all become the planners, the work is divided equally and we have to plan everything," Aubree explained.

"It's fun though, planning everything and inviting everyone. You will enjoy it," Xahria said patting my hand.

The next hour we spoke about random things. Elora aunty and Isabelle aunty returned from their meeting.

Aubree left home with her mother Isabelle.

"Let's go down for dinner. Dad and mum are waiting for us," Xahria said standing up.

"Just a minute, I will use the washroom," I tell her. She nods her head picking all the packets on the floor.

"I will throw these packets in the bin."

"Yup." I wander into the bathroom.

Xahria and I went downstairs to the dining area. Elora aunty and Xavier uncle have already taken their seats.

"Hello, girls," Elora aunty greeted.

"Hello..."I say.

"Hello..."

Xahira and I take the seat side by side. "How was your day?" Xavier uncle asked.

"It was good uncle and yours?" I ask.

"The usual," Xahria said.

"Mine was hectic like usual," Xavier uncle said.

"Mine was eventful, I have met new people and made new friends," Elora aunty said.

"That's good mum, are you meeting your friends again?" Xahira asked.

"Oh yes, Isabelle and I are going on a date night with our new friends."

I chuckle when Xavier uncle made a sound.

"What's for dinner?" Xahira questioned.

"Mexican and spaghetti," Elora replied.

"Where is Nico? Didn't he say he is coming?" Xavier uncle said.

"He is going to be there in two minutes, let's wait for him," Elora aunty spoke.

"Hello, everyone... Thank you for waiting and I apologise for keeping you all wait." I turned my head to see Nico entering the dining area.

He wandered over to Elora aunty, hugged her and kissed her before sitting beside her.

"Serve the dinner." The kitchen staff members started serving our plates.

"Why were you late?" Xahria asked Nico.

"Traffic."

"Where did you go all day?" Elora aunty asked Nico.

"Thank you," I thank the lady before picking my fork and spoon.

"I went to meet the boys, Jaxon got engaged last week. He gave a party today," Nico said.

"Spaghetti tastes good," Xahria whispered to me.

"Yes."

"Jaxon?"

"The one you would make fun of every time he comes home," Nico replied to Xavier.

"Ah... Jaxon... Is he the first one to get engaged in your group?" Xavier uncle asked.

"Yes, he is marrying Adele. You two know her," Nico said.

"She is his best friend right?" Xahria asked. Nico turned his head, his gaze met mine before he looked at Xahria.

"Yes."

"Eat the taco's Kiara, they are Diane's special," Nico said suddenly looking at me.

"Okay," I tell him and he gives me a mischievous smile.

He keeps looking at me until I picked the taco and placed it on my plate.

"Stop looking at her, you are making her uncomfortable," Xahria said throwing a napkin at Nico.

He caught it, "what? Do I make you uncomfortable Kiara?"

My gaze goes to Xavier uncle and Elora aunty who is looking at us.

I gave an awkward smile, "no."

"See, she isn't uncomfortable and why would I make her feel uncomfortable?" Nico said throwing the napkin back at Xahria.

"Stop throwing the napkin and eat your dinner," Elora aunty said.

I don't know why but I feel him intimidating and that smile on his face does something to me.

I look up to see him looking at me with a smile on his face, I look away. I keep my gaze fixed on my plate.

Xavier uncle and Elora aunty spoke while we listened to them. Nico spoke in between and they made a few jokes that made me laugh.

"Awe, this feels so good. I missed having dinners with you all," Nico said.

"Then shift back to New York, I miss you too," Elora said.

"I will shift when my boys shift," Nico replied.

"And they won't shift," Xahria said. He laughed before turning his gaze and our eyes met.

He just gave me a stupid smirk eating his food. I looked at Xahria who is looking at me and her brother with a knowing smile.

"Kiara, do you like New York?" He asked me.

"Yes."

He nods his head picking the taco plate. "Good."