It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to, has the power over you, if you allow it!

Writer's pov

It was a beautiful sunday.....and also a day out for the Rathore kids.

Vikram and Akira are taking them to the Pet Zoo.

Akira was making pancakes for her munchkins when she felt hot breaths near her earlobe. She got startled when she heard - Good Morning sunshine!

You.. You scared me! - she told Vikram

He put his chin on her shoulder and
spoke in a lower note - I will give you many more reasons to be scared of my acts Darling! But that is all for later!

As now, I just came to eat the yummy breakfast made by my wife!

Akira scooted away to avoid the awkward feelings coming from him and said - Why don't you go and sit with the kids, I will come with the breakfast!

Vikram nodded chuckling and reached the dinning table. He kissed both the kids and they sat on his each leg.

Kiyara said - Daddy, when are you taking us to the Zoo?

Vikram said - Right after the Breakfast princess!

Vidit said - Daddy, I want to see hip..hippo...po..ta...to!!!

Vikram laughed at his cuteness and pinched his cheeks and said - its Hippopotamus Champ!

And we are going to a pet Zoo!
We will only see farm animals over there....not jungle animals.
May be i will show you Hippopotamus next time!
Is that ok with you son?

Vidit nodded pouting but said - Only on one condition, we will have Oreo shake with ice cream!

Vidit, no ice creams champ! You may have the shake though! And for now who is up for the world's best pancakes? - Akira asked

The three of them shouted - Me!!!!

They all had their breakfast and soon were ready to leave.

Just when they were about to reach their landline ringed...Akira gestured Vikram to take kids till their car and she received the call.

Hello?

........

Helloo?

........

Who is this? - she asked but no answer

Weird!!!!

Sighing she hung up and joined Vikram in the car and they were on their way to the Zoo.

Vikram asked about the call but she just shrugged.

All through out the drive Vikram stole glances of his chic wife dress up in her casual wear. Akira, in fact caught him ogling at her two-three times but She ignored.

Upon reaching, Vidit and Kiyara went crazy looking at the cute animals.
They fed rabbits, piglets....chased lambs...and jumped with roosters!

Vikram and Akira too joined them and forgot all their stress and they clicked many pictures.

All four of them very enjoying but suddenly Akira's phone ringed.

Yes, Hello?

......

Helloo???

.......

She frowned and checked the number...but it showed as unknown. Vikram noticed her face and asked raising his eyebrow but she just shrugged again!

The line was still there...but no voice...Akira felt uncomfortable....her heart was beating fast...for some unknown reasons....She did not get good vibes from these blank calls.
But she reminded her mind to stop over thinking!

She cut the call and turned around to see Vikram and Kids crossing their arms around their chest and she chuckled.

And after that they all went to have their lunch and the promised Oreo shake.

When they reached back home, all of them were dead tired and quickly ate their dinner and retired for the night.

Next morning, everyone followed their routine.

It was about 2 pm when Vikram called Akira.

Hey! - V

Hi, you at this time, is there something you wanted to talk about? - A

Vikram sighed learning that how easily Akira could read him.

V - Um..I am required at Bombay for an urgent meeting.
I am sorry, I am asking you like this...but Could you manage for two-three days!
I mean if you're not comfortable, I would reschedule it!

A - When do you have to leave?

V - Tonight itself!

A - ........

V - Um... You know what....i will manage.. Don't worry, I will cancel it! It's not a good idea to leave you all here, alone!

A - Hey, don't!
I mean, Go ahead...i will manage!

V - Are you sure?

A - Yes, I am sure!

V - See you in the evening!

Evening, Vikram spoke to the kids about his trip....they pouted but agreed.

Vidit said - Don't worry Daddy, I am a Big Boy now, I will look after Mumma and Princess!

Akira and Vikram ruffled his hair and laughed at his cuteness.

Soon, it was time for Vikram to leave. He promised to call as many times as possible and left.

Next morning, Akira dropped both the kids at their school, she mentally thanked Vikram for choosing one school for both the kids.

The entire day passed in a hurry and a few texts from Vikram.

Three of them, sat on the dinning table.
Akira spoke - Vidit, see I made your favorite Aloo-Puri!

She offered Kiyara to feed like she usually did, but she refused and quietly finished her food on her own.

Akira read Bedtime story and kissed the kids good night.

Kiyara did not kissed back Akira but she shrugged it away thinking that may be she is tired. She herself was so tired of all the studio work.
So, she retired to her room.

It was around ten, when her mobile rang, she thought that it must be Vikram but to her surprise, it was again a blank call.

She was now stressed on these increasing Blank Calls but she decided not to pay much attention.

In the morning, Akira got up late but she quickly made breakfast for kids.

Vidit jumped seeing his favorite mini idlis but kiyara just kept staring at Akira.

Why don't you make my favorite breakfast mommy??
Is that because you are my Step Mother!?! - Kiyara asked crying

Are you an Evil Step Mother? - she added

Akira was shocked...hurt and broken by her sudden hateful words but she masked her emotions.

She never imagined Kiyara to be this upset just because she didn't cook her favourites.

She cupped her face and spoke - Princess, I am so sorry...please forgive me for not cooking your favorite breakfast!
But never say that I am not your mother!
I Love you just the way I Love Vidit!

And I promise, today's dinner will be all of your favorite dishes!

Kiyara nodded after thinking a bit.

Akira held her palm in hers and asked - But who told you I am your step mother baby?

Did your schoolmates tell you this?

Or, did someone made fun of you?

Kiyara looked down and slowly nodded her head in negation and quickly ran away from there.

Akira kept calling her name but she didn't listen.

She thought - If not her immature class mates...Who could be that cheap to purposefully go to this extend, in order to destroy kiyara's beautiful mind!

She must visit her school and find out! - she thought

She dropped them at their and resumed to her studio.
She reached exactly at the time of their release.
Kiyara did not look up to her but to her surprise, vidit looked angry!

What's Now? - she wondered

She kneeled down and asked holding both their hands - Hey! What's wrong?

Aren't you both happy, that mommy is here?

Kiyara drew back her hand and spoke - May be Vidit is happy, but I am not!

You are not my mommy, you lied to me! - pushed Akira

Akira stumbled but composing herself asked - Who told you all this princess?

But she kept mum, Vidit glared at kiyara and spoke - Mumma, there was an aunty who said that you are an evil step mother to Kiyara and you married daddy for his money!
She also told me that Daddy does not love me!
And he would throw us out of our home soon!

Akira was stunned to hear all this...but she couldn't understand a thing. Who could be this lady who poisoned her kids.

Is this all just a co incidence?
Or, there's more to it!

She shook her head and said - Let's get you home kid!

The entire drive, she was watching a very quite Kiyara. She couldn't understand what has happened to her princess.

Why was she behaving like this!

And on top of all, who was that Lady!

Did she know her?

She finally reached the Rathore mansion and called the caregiver.

She asked her to freshen up the kids and she prepared lunch for them.

Soon, it was night time and both the kids slept. As usual Kiyara was not her chirpy self. She looked lost but she did not say anything.
She wondered if this change of behavior in kiyara was because she was missing Vikram.

I miss him too! May be he could have helped her with Kiyara! - she thought sighing

With that thought, Akira too retired to her room.

Suddenly, her mobile ringed and she received smiling looking at the caller.

Hello there wifey! Missing me? - V

Well hello husband and no I didn't get Time to miss you! - A

Soon baby, that day will come soon! - V

It's already here!

So, how are kids? - V

She paused for a while thinking about kiyara's weird behavior.

Hey, you there? What happened? Are they giving you tough time? - V

Are they ok? - V

Umm...yes they are ok...dont worry...i am just tired...! - A

When are you coming back! - A

So can't live without me even for 3 days, I see! - V

A - Vikram!

V - Akira!

I think I am going to sleep! - A

Nighty Night wife! - V

Good night Vikram! - A

Please come back Soon Vikram! - she thought

I will be back sooner Wife! - he smiled

So guys, new update is here!
What do you all think, is happening here?
Why is the sweet kiyara acting like this?
Who was that Lady?
Was she some random parent or was she someone who was jealous of Akira?

Don't forget to Comment and Vote!