Reyansh

Krish signalled to me over Kyra's head, that he had a cab waiting and he was going to his friend's house.

I nodded my agreement, because Kyra was in a very vulnerable place right now. Before he got into his cab. Krish came running back to us and hugged Kyra and ran back to his cab. Their growing bond warmed my heart.

We sat in the car and initially we were both silent. This dinner had been a disaster to say the least. I knew about the final Inheritance, well in advance. The lawyer did not have a very secure system. So I wasn't shocked by the outcome of Will.

I was working on several other fronts to increase my share. At present Kyra and I, had the same percentage of the Empire. She received 20% now and would receive 20% after 6 months. I, on the other hand received 5% now and would receive 5% later. But I was the unknown 3rd party to whom Kyra's aunt had sold her deceased husband's 15% share.

While Kyra was making sweets for my grandpa with Krish, today afternoon. I had finalised the deal and purchased the shares.

Therefore, Kyra had 20% now and so did I, (5% + 15%). I had spent nearly over half my savings, assets and profits of my Ill gotten gains to purchase the shares. I needed to work much-much more harder now to replenish my finances and to be able to acquire, a more bigger and meatier chunk of the empire.

I was so close to achieving my goals. Single-handedly today, I had a 20% stake in the Oberoi Empire. It was a major win, but I was not able to find even the slightest bit of happiness in it currently. Because of Kyra and the sadness permeating from her.

I didn't know how to breach the subject of Kyra's mother, because I couldn't understand the concept of a parent (Biological or adoptive) not loving their child. But I very well understood the pain of losing a parent, I had lost both of mine and Kyra had lost her mother, even before she had a chance to get to know her.

My parents loved me and I loved Krish, like he was my son. I couldn't grasp how, Tanya Oberoi could hate such a sweet and loving girl, whom she knew from when Kyra was born.

Eventhough Kyra wasn't her biological daughter, she had raised her. How could she not develop even the slightest maternal feelings for Kyra in 24 years?

I couldn't take the silence anymore. I had to check on Kyra's mental wellbeing.

I asked, "Are you alright, Kyra? Is there anything I can do to help?."

She answered after a minute, "Reyansh, did you know that Tanya Oberoi was not my biological mother?"

I said, "Yes, I did. But the reason I didn't tell you about it was, because it wasn't my place to. You already hated me and if I would have told you about such a shocking detail about your family, you may not have believed me or you might've hated me even more. I hope you understand that this was something you had to hear about, from your family."

She listened to me. Then said, "You are right, it wasn't your place to inform me of this. My father or grandmother should've had the common courtesy to do that."

After a pause she continued, "Do you have any details about my real mother? Please tell me that you do, you're my stalker, I should have some benefit too, right? Also, how has this fact been hidden from me? My real mom died and my dad remarried another woman, immediately after the death of his first wife. There was no news, or gossip or anything at all, for that matter."

I immediately answered, "To answer your last question, first. This tragedy happened 24 years ago and it was a very big deal back then. But your grandfather wanted to contain the spread of the news, so he handsomely paid all the major and minor publications to not report on this and the media wasn't so powerful and widespread back then. Any and all gossip about this was instantly quashed and eventually out of fear of your grandfather the gossip cycle stopped and I guess over time people forgot about it."

After a pause I said, "Now to answer your initial question, Yes, I have collected information about your biological mother and it is stored in my office. If you want I can take you there tomorrow and show you all the data, I collected. But tell me, are you gonna be okay? The way Tanya had revealed the information must've been very traumatic."

She turned to me and said, "Thank you Reyansh, I can't wait to see how my mother looked and to read about her. Also, I don't know if you'll believe it, but I finally feel free. It's like I've got closure, finally. I always wondered about why my "supposed" mother hated me, a mother is supposed to love her child, unconditionally. I always thought I did something wrong. But now I know, I wasn't the problem, she is just a bitter woman, who has always hated me for her own reasons. Seeing how my family stayed quiet throughout, made me realise my place in it. I always thought the next big thing that, I would accomplish, would make them love me, but no. They are flawed people and now I...I.... Finally have my own——

She stopped abruptly and I needed to know what she was going to say, I needed her to complete that sentence.

I prompted, "You finally have your own what? Kyra. Complete the sentence."

She stayed quiet.

I practically growled her name, "KYRA", then softened my voice and said, "Please".

She met my gaze, and said, "I finally have a chance to start afresh and make a new family, with people that, I'm starting to care about."

I quickly averted my gaze, and focused on the road ahead. I then softly said, "The new people care about you too, especially Krish."

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Kyra smile and involuntarily, I smiled as well.

When we were nearing home, the mood was considerably lighter. So I said, "Now onto happy news, I have your birthday gifts waiting for you, at home. It's the last 1 hour left, before your birthday is over and I want it to be as joyful, as possible."

Kyra looked happy and excited and said, "More gifts? Reyansh today's day up until the dinner was a gift enough, for me and I had an amazing day. I loved all the sweet gestures you did for me, like the stacked wardrobes full of new clothes and accessories and all that I would require on a day to day basis, the decorations and breakfast you prepared for me this morning, the attention, the delicious cake, the elaborate birthday lunch at Sebastian's. I don't need anything more."

I said, "Trust me, you'll love your gifts and like you said those were all gestures, this will be actual birthday presents."

She mischievously said, "Okay, if you are insisting so much, then fine, I'll accept the presents, for your sake. But please tell me what they are?"

I scoffed at her response and said, "Thank you your highness, for willing to accept your own birthday presents. I'm truly honoured and grateful."

She laughed.

I then devilishly smirked at her and said, with a wink, "Patience is a Virtue, Princess. Good things come to those who wait😉."

She blushed, looks like she understood the double meaning behind my statement.