FORTY THREE

Nicholas, Natasha, Malvika, Jenny and Ashley watched as Diane stormed out of the house and slammed the door angrily behind her. There was a tense silence for a while. Then, Jenny said, “Well, that was one good show,” as she slowly lowered herself to the couch.

Nicholas was rooted to a spot, his gaze on the door. He had a hazy and dazed look on his face; his hands were trembling. He couldn’t move. He stood there, staring at the door.

Malvika and Natasha exchanged glances. Natasha breathed out. “Malvika, upstairs. Now,” she said under her breath, turning and climbing up the stairs.

Malvika frowned but followed her. Together, they left the living room, climbed the stairs and walked into Natasha’s room, closing the door behind them.

Natasha folded her arms, standing akimbo, tapping her foot on the ground and staring at Malvika. “You had something to do with this, right?”

Malvika raised a brow, feigning in