While in the Airport.....
An attractive tall, strong man emerged from his jet, he strolled like a ruler while individuals around him cleared his direction.
Barely any men were desirous of his predominant air while not many begrudged his atmosphere. Every one of the ladies present there was staring at him like he was a new piece of meat. They were desiring for his single glare.
The men went straight out of the air terminal where his escort was hanging tight for his lord.
That man breathed in a full breath and muttered, " At long last, I'm here. Niw the play begins ". He said and sat inside her SUV serenely.
" Go straight to my new organization ", the man ordered to his escort.
Following a couple of moments they arrived at their objective.
" Hello!! Brother!! At long last we sit tight for our new C. E. O is finished ", Michelle welcomed that man and spread his arms broadly to embrace his bulky frame.
That man with an impartial face embraced Michelle.
" My buddy! I had hung tight for your homecoming for recent years, at last, my stand-by is finished ", Michelle tapped his back.
That man broke the embrace and with a cold face, he answered, " I delighted to see you again Michelle, you didn't change a little, you are as yet the same ".
The smile on the face of Michelle disappeared and he answered, " Better believe it!! In any case, I think my buddy Alex had changed a great in these years ".
That man made a little awkward face however at that point formed it into a neutral face, " That was old Alex who puts stock in karma, harmony, and love yet this new Alexander knight just knew how to play filthy with their prey " Alex answered.
" Trust me Alex there is somebody in that world who will again show you love, who will give you harmony in your life. Simply have confidence ", Michelle said.
" I don't require anybody, not love nor harmony ", Alex snapped and went inside his new organization.
At the point when he entered the organization he saw a janitor wiping the floor, Alex grinned and purposely strolled on the cleaned floor.
" Might you at any point see while strolling " The janitor shouted at Alex.
" Hello!! Mind your words, don't you realize he is our new C? E. O, apologize to him at this moment ", Michelle thundered on the janitor.
At the point when the janitor heard that he was the new CEO of the organization, his eyes got extended in shock.
Alex sneered and said, " Gracious at long last, you got what you deserve huh!! Oh no my statement of regret Mr. Smith, the ex - C. E. O. of this organization huh",.
The mop tumbled from the hand of the Janitor, " What is your animosity with me, for what reason did you make my organization bankrupt and afterward purchase at an extremely low cost ", the janitor gritted out.
Alex grinned evilly and said, " You are not in that frame of mind of asking anything to me. When sometime in the past I asked for your assistance and that time you disregarded me like I am a piece of shit. Now look you are chipping away at my benevolence ".
" What's my shortcoming?? Who on earth are you ", The janitor shouted.
" It's not your concern and from when a janitor of an organization thought about yelling at the C.E.O," Alex asked Michelle.
" Goodness, my expression of remorse!! Steive you are terminated from tomorrow you don't have to return once more. Pack your stuff ", Michelle ordered to the janitor.
At the point when the janitor heard that his eyes enlarged with dread and regret, he joined his hands and began asking, " Please, forgive me, I am so sorry. Try not to fire me, If I am terminated, where I will go, I had no place to go let alone to feed myself. I beg you, show kindness toward this elderly person " He asked.
Alex sneered, put his left foot forward, and tapped it on the ground, "my shoes become grimy, now I want somebody to clean it up ", Alex said with a malicious grin put all over him.
Michelle detected the terrible expectation of his mate, he grinned and collapsed his arms to have fun.
The janitor comprehended what his boss believed he should do, he bend to his knees and when he was going to wipe Alex's shoes with a fabric Alex moved her feet in reverse.
" Might you at any point see it's so costly sets of shoes, your awful fabric will demolish his shoes, utilize clean material ", Michael hollered at the janitor.
He comprehended it, he took out his hanky and afterward put the feet of Alex on his left knee cautiously, then, at that point, he cleaned it.
Alex partook in the entirety of his wretchedness, when sometime in the past they had been in this kind of circumstance however the thing that mattered was that the position was reversed, it's all the influence of cash.
At the point when the janitor wrapped up cleaning her shoes, he tossed 100 bucks on him and said, " Accept it as a tip, and from here on out when I will come here, you need to clean my shoes first ", Alex ordered and left from that point.
After that, Alex straightforwardly went to his office, and Michelle additionally followed him.
At the point when Alex entered the workplace he requested first to change the interior of his office room.
"So don't you believe I should present your workers and their records ", Michelle inquired.
" I'm not keen on it, I know you had previously looked at everything ", Alex answered while playing with a paperweight.
" So when you will meet your better half Clara ", Michelle inquired.
" Today at supper ", Alex answered with a cold face.
" Hello!! What did you like about that plastic airhead, I mean she seems to be a plastic doll who has nothing to call genuine ", Michelle asked with an inquisitive face.
Alex feigned exacerbation and answered, " She is just great for fucking!! Also, you know nah !! Just great fuck can deliver all my pressure ".
" Yet Alex, you will wed her, since she is great in bed you can't make her your significant other ", Michele said truly.
" I don't mind other than you realize my subsequent explanation is to wed her!! I never spare my prey ", Alex gritted out.
" By now I had heard that bastard Stephen has another girl, she looks so hot or might be significantly better than your airhead Sweetheart ", Michele prodded.
" I couldn't care less about his girls they are the same as their charlatan father, they just knew how to grab cash from another, such a covetous family, they can tumble to any event out for cash ", Alex said with a nauseated face.
" However I heard that the younger one is unique and kind in nature ", Michelle said.
" Trust me mate the Grayson are the most terrible for all mankind, they are a sort of bug of sewage ", Alex said and banged the table with his palms.
" Leave it !! We will manage these mongrels some other time, we should have some espresso. I knew the best bistro close by, we should go ", Michele inquired.
" So young lady works in that bistro huh!! ", Alex smiled.
Michelle took care of her of his neck and grinned timidly.
" I'm truly eager to see that what sort of young lady transformed my mate into a faithful one huh!! ", Alex prodded.
" She is a difficult one to figure out, I mean I have been pursuing her for very nearly a half year yet she didn't allow me any opportunity ", Michelle grumbled.
" I'm certain that young lady truly has a brain ", Alex smirked.
" Shut up you knave, rather than aiding me you are prodding me, what a mate I have?? ", Michelle elbowed Alex.
" Oof!! Prior I remembered to help you however presently ought to need to ponder my choice ", Alex said.
" Hello!! Don't you set out to deceive me, I truly required your help to prevail upon her", Michele cautioned.
"Alright! We should go before I will adjust my perspective ", Alex inquired.
After that, they straightforwardly went to the bistro.
......
While in school....
Anjali had taken every one of her classes, today she obtained the results of her exams and as expected she beat the test.
" Hello!! Topper, so where is my treat ", Neha asked Anjali.
" Treat?? Is it safe to say that anything is exceptional huh?? ", Anjali asked with the confounded face.
" Dumbo!! You had again beaten the test ", Neha slapped her temple.
" all things considered, I ought to need to thank you and Veer bro, you truly helped me in studies ", Anjali said thanks
" So my younger sibling missed me huh!! ", Veer came from behind, he initially embraced Anjali and afterward kissed the lips of Neha.
" Sibling!! Where were you since from the morning huh!! You don't have the slighest idea however somebody was looking through you enthusiastically from earlier today ", Anjali said energetically.
" All things considered, I was occupied in my venture that is the reason I lacked the opportunity and willpower to meet you and my jaan ( life) ", Veer kissed the forehead of Neha.
" Ewww!! Don't you feel nauseating with licking one another ", Anjali made a sickened face.
Veer and Neha laughed at naive nature of Anjali.
" You don't realize that it feels paradise carrying out each sort of thing with your affection for life not to mention a little kiss ", Neha said energetically.
" Hello !! Try not to ruin my innocent sister like you my sweet seductress", Veer spanked the butts of Neha.
" Shut up guys!! Stop it!! We are in broad daylight place. If you have any desire to have a great time track down a space for yourself ", Anjali chided them.
" Goodness!! Ohhoo!! You are a particularly exhausting girl. I figure you ought to need to attempt this once, I mean open your heart for somebody. ", Neha inquired
" However before that, you needed to acquaint me with the kid whom you will date and on the off chance that he will finish my assessment, you can date ", Veer talked possessively, he didn't know yet after Neha he felt so possessive for Anjali, he felt a weird bond like sibling sister had.
" Look!! Your sweetheart boy is coming for you ", Neha informed when she saw Alessandro moving toward Anjali.
Anjali turned and saw Alex who moved her hand in the air for her, Anjali became flushed and Answered, "It's not like that you think , we are just friends that is all there is to it ".
" However your red face is recounting to us a different story. Young lady snatch him before it will be late ", Neha prodded. Anjali elbowed her when she saw Alessandro was close to them.
" Sorry!! To upset you Guys! ", Alessandro apologize.
" It's alright we were simply babbling, nothing serious ", Neha said.
" Good! By the way, how was your test., I knew like generally this time you would top in the school ", Alessandro inquired.
" It's great, you are misrepresenting. I simply compose what I read ", Anjali answered timidly.
" Oh ! you guys carry on, me and Veer had something significant so we are leaving ", Neha pardoned and squeezed Veer to accompany him.
Alessandro grinned at him deep down and said, " Definitely certain!!! ". While Anjali reviled them internally.
" By the way!! Anjali, Neha, Veer, this Saturday at my home there is a party as it's my last year. You are welcome ", Alessandro informed them.
Neha's eyes shined with satisfaction as she never expected Alessandro would welcome them due to his high status while Veer was a tad disturbed by her energy.
" Sure we will come!! After all, we found out about the gossipy tidbits about your gatherings, they are loaded with fun ", Neha answered with energetically.
" Sorry Alessandro, I have some significant work this Saturday so I can't go to it ", Anjali answered smoothly. In genuine she attempts to move away from his rich life, t she loathed it because in her eyes rich individuals just knew how to control the unfortunate that is the reason she attempted to keep her separation from Alessandro. His mom was once confused with falling head over heels for a rich man now she would rather not recurrent a similar mistakes/
" I would truly like it if you would go to it ", Alessandro asked with the desolate face.
" I will attempt!! ", Anjali lied with a tight grin and went to work in the bistro.
She filled in as a part-time server in the bistro of Neha's cafe, it was Neha who extended to her this employment opportunity as she realized that unfortunate young lady needed to attempt to meet her fundamental requirements such a pity to be a daughter of Rich man like Stephen Grayson.
Anjali went inside the bistro and changed her dress.
" Hello there Ananya di!! Where are Uncle and Aunt", Anjali inquired.
"Gracious they are cooking something particularly amazing and today you will eat with us ", Ananya said.
" Not currently di( sister) !! Today I'm full, I can't eat and I assume I had placed on some stand by I ought to begin diet ", Anjali lied as she would rather not be trouble on then, they previously had offered numerous courtesies on them.
Unexpectedly the jingles sound of bell invited two attractive client.
" I will see!! ", Anjali wore his apron and went to take request.
" Hi!! Sir, welcome to our Limitless Bliss bistro!! May I have your order", Anjali asked amiably.Alex was informing somebody on his telephone when a sweet pleasant voice grabbed his eye, he raised his face to see the individual who was the proprietor in that best voice and he saw the most saintly face on the planet." Goodness hello there, Angel!! Could you please tell me where is my love? " Michelle asked with a smirk.Anjali heaved and passed a constrained grin, " Sir, if you don't want to order anything can I leave? I have other work to do. " Anjali snapped amenably and when going to leave, Alex held her hand." Sir!! You are crossing your limits, if it's not too much trouble, leave my hand if not I will call the police ", Anjali cautioned.Alex left her hand and said, " I hated you since I need to order something. " . interestingly following a decade Alex cleared up for somebody and that to an outsider." Buddy, you order anything you need, up to that point I will meet my Senorita
" For whom you are waiting?? ", a masculine voice inquired.Alessandro turned and when he saw his sibling before him, he rushed to him and gave a selfless embrace." I miss you, brother!! I'm glad that you are here with me on my birthday ", Alessandro said." Is there any valid reason why I wouldn't come huh!! It's my little fighter's birthday. I ought to have been with you on your extraordinary day " Alex stroked his hair like he was a young man." It's the best birthday present brother, I am so cheerful ", Alessandro said enthusiastically." Now tell me what's wrong? Might it be said that you are infatuated with somebody?? " Alex asked in a severe tone." Alex, I'm infatuated with somebody ", Alessandro admitted apprehensively." Alessandro!! What happened with you kid? Do you fail to remember that we can't squander our life adoring somebody? How could you fail to remember that our life's just objective is to get back at Grayson, it ought to be your need, not love. Furthermore, on th
Anjali knocked once time to ensure that no one was there but after a few minutes she didn't get any response she went towards the washroom. " Anjali hurry up, you have to go back home before midnight ", she murmured, and when she pushed the door to open what she saw made her freeze due to fear, her eyes dilated due to shock. " I am so sorry, I didn't see anything ", Anjali turned her face to the wall due to shame. Alex frowned and hopped out from the bathtub in his naked glory, he wrapped the towel around his torso to hide his jewel. " How dare you enter my room, is that any trick to seduce me?? ", Alex yelled at her. He sounded so rude and cruel that was enough for Anjali to vibrate in fear. " I... I..... am..... so... So... Sorry ", Anjali apologized with a shuttered voice. Her shuttering made him more furious, " Turn around !! ", Alex ordered but instead of showing her face Anjali stuck to the wall like a lizard. " I said turn around otherwise don't blame me for the consequen
" Why are you so naive, don't you feel humiliated by the way they treated you? Your father hated you and your sister Clara and her mother loath you. Appu why are you living in this hell when no one cares for you except torturing you ", Veer vents his frustration. " I can't until my mom will recover, I can't. It's because of their generosity my mom is alive otherwise she would have died. For my mom I can do anything let alone bear their tortures ", Anjali smiled painfully. " Kiss mitti ki bani ho tum Appu, the mujhe dar lagta hai kahi tumhari archai hi tumhe mitti main na Mila de ( by which soil are you made I am scared that what if you mixed in the soil due to your goodness) ", Neha said in an upset tone. " My mom always told me that god always protects their good people because they are God's loved ones. Perhaps God had written something special in my fate. Just have patience and faith ", Anjali smiled. " I don't know when your good days will come. take it, Just in the case of eme
Anjali was still in deep scary thoughts about Alex, she still couldn't figure out why out of millions of people he had to be Clara's boyfriend. She thought that she would never see his face again after last night but unfortunately, now she had to bear his presence unwillingly and the worst part was she couldn't tell anyone because no one would believe her. After all, she is so cheap in their eyes. " Where the hell are you lost you slut!!! ", Anna pulled her elbow. Then Anjali came out of her trance, " Breakfast is ready Anna. ", Anjali replied while biting her lips nervously. Anna checked the dishes by herself and praised her cooking skills of Anjali inwardly. " Good morning Mom!! ", Clara hugged Anna. " Oh!! Sweetheart why trouble yourself by coming here, I was about to send your breakfast to the room. So that you and Alex could spend more time alone ", Anna asked. " It's Alex's idea he wanted to talk to Dad about us ", Clara informed and blushed. " Well I can see what's the im
“Thank goodness the café is closed today; I’ll have plenty of time to prepare dinner,” Anjali sighed deeply.“If I had my way, I’d poison the dishes for that monster. How dare he try to molest me?” she seethed, chopping the vegetables with a vengeance.“You bitch! How dare you tarnish my boyfriend’s name, you whore!” Clara screamed, yanking Anjali's hair.“I didn’t do anything, Clara! Please let go, it hurts!” Anjali cried, but Clara didn’t relent, dragging her into the hall where Anna and Stephen were waiting.Clara tossed Anjali to the ground like she was worthless.“Mom, teach this bitch a lesson! How dare she try to ruin my relationship with Alex? She’s such a filthy whore!” Clara spat.“Anna, please tell her I didn’t do anything! I’m not at fault!” Anjali pleaded.“Oh really? Then explain this,” Anna said, showing her the news headlines on her phone.As Anjali read the article, her eyes widened in shock, and fear washed over her. She hadn’t realized Alex was so famous that paparaz
Anjali stirred awake, her body screaming in protest as she groaned, “Water… Wa… Water.” Rose rushed to her side, worry etched on her face.“My child!! You scared me,” she exclaimed, planting a gentle kiss on Anjali’s forehead. With a raspy voice, Anjali pleaded for water, her throat feeling like sandpaper.Rose quickly poured a glass and helped her sip, asking, “Do you want more?”Anjali managed a pained smile, “No, I’m fine.” Rose’s guilt bubbled over as she blamed herself for Anjali’s hospital stay. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t come on time! They’re monsters!”Anjali shook her head, “It’s my fault; I shouldn’t have made a scene.”Rose scoffed, “Oh please, it must be Alex’s fault!”Anjali just sighed, “I’m not in the mood for arguing.”Rose chuckled sarcastically, “You could lose your right hand, and you’re still defending them?”Anjali stared at her plastered hand, shaking it slightly as she muttered, “They’re my only family after my mom.” Rose, clearly frustrated, shot back, “Family doe
Rose gazed at the innocent yet angelic figure before her, feeling grateful for the company of such a wonderful person. She had always dreamed of having a daughter like Anjali, but life had not granted her that joy. Nevertheless, she took solace in the fact that Anjali was in her life, and she poured all her love and care into her, treating her as if she were her child."Your heart is like a diamond—pure, transparent, and precious. But I'm worried about the hardships you might face. I don’t want you to end up like your mother," Rose said, affectionately stroking Anjali's hair."Don’t worry; I’m strong enough to handle any pain," Anjali reassured her."Your mother was just as confident as you, but look at how things turned out for her," Rose replied gently."I know, but my mother is still fighting. I believe she won't give up easily and one day she'll be able to walk again," Anjali responded, her eyes filled with hope."Hopes can be strange, can't they? They inspire us to live, but when
The entire ride back home was shrouded in an uncomfortable silence. Neither Alex nor Anjali dared to break it; unspoken words hung heavy. Alex held her hand tightly, his grip possessive yet gentle, as if trying to offer comfort without uttering a single word."I’ll make something for you," he announced quietly, his voice barely breaking through the stillness."I'm not hungry; I'm just tired," Anjali replied, her words a thin veil over the truth as she turned away and went to her room. Once inside, she collapsed onto her bed, the softness of the sheets doing little to ease the turmoil in her heart. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she wept silently, the silent sobs echoing the pain she felt inside. Meanwhile, Alex, sensing the emotional storm brewing within her, knew there was a way to reach her. Resolute, he decided he would talk to her in the morning and began to mentally plan how to create a brighter day for them both.Later that night, when he slipped into the room, he found Anja
**The Next Day...**As dawn broke, a gentle light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. When Alex finally stirred from his deep slumber, he realized that he was still curled up in the same position from the previous night. He couldn’t recall when exactly exhaustion had embraced him, but he distinctly remembered the comfort of resting his head on Anjali's lap, drowning in tears yet finding solace in her presence. After a decade of tumult, the morning air felt invigorating, as if it had lifted a weight he had carried for far too long.Nearby, Anjali lay still, her soft breaths creating a rhythm of serenity. A serene smile danced on her lips as she gently threaded her fingers through Alex's hair, lost in her dreamscape. The sudden movement stirred Anjali awake when Alex attempted to disentangle her hand from his hair. She blinked rapidly, instantly alert, her brow furrowed in concern as she scanned Alex's eyes for any sign of distress. "What happened?" she
Present...............After hearing about Alex's past and the heartbreak that resulted from his father's greed, Anjali is overwhelmed with guilt. She never expected her history to resurface in such a profound way. The pain and suffering experienced by Alex and his family seemed beyond repair, and it dawned on her that she too was a victim in this tragic story.“I’m so sorry, Alex. I had no idea you had endured so much,” Anjali said, tears filling her eyes as she moved closer to him, seeing him on his knees, grieving his loss.“Your apology doesn’t change anything,” Alex responded, his voice strained. “Do you even know what followed? This was just the start of the hell that your father created. The rest became a nightmare you should have recognized.”"No, I don't want to, Alex, please," Anjali cried. She was terrified that another revelation would break her and cause her to not be able to forgive herself or her mother."You needed her; it’s all because of your mother. She betrayed us
Anjali's accusation left Stephen in a cold sweat. "Because of that bastard, I'm going to lose everything," he cursed as he slowly reached for the pistol lying on the floor next to Alex.He picked up the gun and aimed it at Anjali, whose eyes widened in horror as she realized what her father intended to do. "No, you can't! I want to go back to Mommy!" she cried out.Stephen remained silent, his finger hovering over the trigger. Just then, Alex lunged at him, snatching the gun from his grasp. "You bastard! You killed my dad, and now you’re trying to kill that innocent girl! I won’t let you get away with this. You’ll pay for everything!" Alex shouted, pointing the weapon at Stephen."Mommy! Mommy! Save me!" Anjali screamed, terrified by the fierce look in Alex's eyes."Alex, don’t do anything foolish! I can give you whatever you want. Just spare my life!" Stephen pleaded, trying to manipulate him."I’m not a monster like you! You murdered my father!" Alex yelled, ready to pull the trigge
Vera was waiting for Alec to come back home, it's been so late even he didn't pick up her call." Mom, are you waiting for Dad? ", Alessandro asked with a groggy voice while rubbing his eyes." Alesso, go and sleep. Mom will come to you after Dad comes back home . ", Vera said gently." Mom, why did Dad come so late at home? Even he didn't spend more time with you. Is dad stopped loving you . ", Alesso asked with curiosity." No baby it's not like that, dad is busy with his work that's why he doesn't have time for us . ", Vera lied." Mom, I am scared what if Dad left us . ", Alesso asked with concern." No, he will not . ", Vera said confidently." I want all of us to live together . ", Alesso hugged Vera." We will baby, let's take Alexa to her room, she has already slept . ", Vera said." She looks cute while sleeping . ", Alesso admired his little sister." Yes she is . ", Vera smiled."Stay away from my children vile woman . ", Alec roared on Vera." Alec why did you come late
"Doctor! How did the surgery go?" Rose asked, pressing her lips together to hide her anxiety."The operation was successful, but we’ll know more once she wakes up," the doctor replied, sighing after hours of intense work."When will she wake up?" Rose inquired, a glimmer of relief beginning to show on her face."Perhaps in twenty-four hours or longer. Just remember, when she does wake up, avoid causing her any stress. It could be harmful to her brain," the doctor cautioned firmly."We will take care of her, thank you, Doctor. You've saved my precious niece's life, and I’m truly grateful," Rose said, her voice filled with appreciation."It's all part of my job. Where is the patient's mother?" the doctor asked."She had some urgent matters to attend to, but she’ll be here soon to see her daughter," Rose replied.........................Amara slowly regained consciousness, feeling utterly drained. Her body ached as if it had been brutally crushed, and not a single inch of her skin was l
"You don't understand what kind of woman Amara is because of how Alec turned against me. He puts her above me. She's not a good person; she tried to seduce my husband by playing the victim," Vera attempted to explain."I can't speak to her character, but my best friend can't be like that. Vera, you're being naive and easily swayed. Sometimes we only see what others want us to see. Think carefully; Alec would never cheat on you," Felicity replied."How can I be misunderstanding? When I walked into the penthouse, I saw Alec in a bathrobe, holding Amara in his arms. What does that mean?" Vera exclaimed, tugging at her hair in frustration."I was soaked when I pulled Amara out of the bathroom, and her daughter gave me the bathrobe because she couldn't find anything else for me to wear. As for holding Amara, she was crying, and I was trying to comfort her. She was scared that if you knew I was helping her, it would affect our marriage. I wanted to explain, but you were too busy yelling at
"Dad! Mom left," Alex exclaimed, his face a mix of shock and disbelief.Alec stayed silent, pouring himself a drink and downing it swiftly, which only fueled Alex's anger."Stop drinking! Just answer my question!" Alex shouted, grabbing the glass from him."Shut up! Give that back!" Alec snapped at Alex."Look at yourself! I've been gone for two days, and this is what you've done?" Alex pressed."Everything is over! She left me. Your mom left me," Alec sobbed, his voice breaking."Then why didn’t you stop her?" Alex asked, struggling to keep his frustration in check.Alec let out a bitter laugh. "You warned me that if I tried to stop her, she'd end her life. She knew my weaknesses better than anyone. I could lose anyone, but never her."Alex took a deep swig of alcohol, trying to numb the pain of Vera's departure."It’s been two days since Vera left, but it feels like an eternity. This place is hell without Amara and the kids. I don’t want to live," Alec cried, resting his head on the
Anjali waited anxiously for her mother to emerge from the bathroom. Despite her repeated knocks on the door, an hour passed without a sound. “Mommy! Please come out! You'll catch a cold; it's freezing in here!” Anjali called out, worry creeping into her voice, but she received no response. “It’s okay, Mommy. Don’t listen to that woman. I know you’re the best mom,” Anjali tried to lift her mother’s spirits, but silence was the only answer. “Mommy, you’re scaring me. Please, say something!” Anjali’s panic grew, and she pounded on the door in desperation. “If you don’t want to talk, that’s fine, but at least let me know you’re okay. Your silence is frightening me. Don’t be rude!” Anjali pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. When there was still no answer, dread washed over her. Something must be wrong. “Mommy, hold on! I’m calling for help!” Anjali cried, racing to the living room. She grabbed the phone and dialed Alec’s number. He was the only one she trusted to help her mother, espe