Protected by Kidnapper

Chapter 1

Kiara's POV:

I'm painting alone in my college's empty room, the scent of turpentine and acrylic lingering in the air.

This space feels like mine-quiet, still, untouched by the chaos outside.

I love painting-too much, maybe. Especially when I'm capturing the iconic moments of my life. The good. The painful. All of it ends up on canvas.

I hear footsteps approaching, heels lightly tapping against the hallway tiles.

I don't have to look. I already know. It's them.

A second later, I'm proven right-Tiya and Puja step inside, smiling like they've just caught me red-handed in my happy place.

"Hey girl, doing some painting..." Tiya says with a teasing smile.

She's been my friend since nursery—my best friend, really. The one who knows every version of me.

"You're seriously obsessed with painting," Puja adds, laughing softly as she leans against the doorframe.

She joined our little circle back in 7th grade. And now, here we are-three girls, still together, studying in the same medical college, second year.

"First, tell me-where have you both been?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Tiya grins. "Puja found a handsome new guy, and of course... she's already fallen for him."

"Wow, a new crush?" I say, grinning. "So, when's the wedding?"

Tiya and I burst into laughter.

Puja rolls her eyes, trying to act unbothered— but her cheeks say otherwise.

"You know what's even funnier?" Tiya adds between giggles. "The guy's in first year. And we're in second. He's our junior."

That sends us into another round of uncontrollable laughter, echoing through the quiet art room.

"It's okay," Puja says with a straight face, flipping her hair dramatically. "He'll call me Mommy."

Tiya and I lose it.

We burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter, doubling over as the echo bounces off the art room walls.

Puja just stands there, arms crossed, pretending to be unbothered-but even she can't hold back her smile.

"Oh, oh! I have to tell you something," Puja says, looking directly at me, her tone suddenly a bit more serious.

I start packing up my painting supplies, glancing at her. "Yeah? What is it?"

"There's a painting competition happening tomorrow," she says. "It's right beside our neighborhood. You should totally participate."

"OHHOOO OKAY!" I say with a grin. "Count me in!"

"We'll be there too, cheering for you, girl!" Tiya chimes in, throwing an arm around my shoulder with a bright smile.

"Okay, okay," I answer, smiling at their excitement.

After packing up my supplies, the three of us head over to Puja's neighborhood. The event space is already buzzing with early preparations and colorful banners fluttering in the breeze.

I write my name down on the competitors list, heart fluttering just a little. It feels real now. Once it's done, we part ways and I head home.

The moment I step inside, exhaustion washes over me. My arms ache, my head feels heavy, and all I want is a soft pillow and silence.

I rush upstairs, my bag slung over one shoulder, ready to crash-

But then I hear it.

My elder sister, very dramatic 21-year-old woman, is singing loudly in her room. The door's wide open, and there she is-completely lost in her own imaginary world, performing like she's in the middle of a movie scene. She's also in college, 3rd year.

She suddenly notices me standing there, watching with raised brows.

"What the hell are you looking at me like that for?" she snaps.

"I just came to say- close the door and save the earth from your voice," I reply with a innocent smile.

She shoots me a full-blown death stare... and slams the door shut.

Just as I'm about to enter my room, I spot my 20-year-old brother who is also in college, 2nd year, crouched near our uncle and aunty's room-peeking inside like some kind of undercover agent.

His eyes are locked in, laser-focused. I already have a strong suspicion about what he's watching.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.

He jumps, startled like he got caught stealing a national secret.

"Oh-you! Why do you always show up right when I'm working? Go away!" he hisses before bolting downstairs like a guilty criminal.

I roll my eyes.

Truth is, my shameless brother's been failing miserably at dating for years-jumping from crush to crush, and never quite managing to keep one around.

So now, in a ridiculous twist of desperation, he's secretly studying our uncle and aunty's romance like it's some kind of live tutorial.

I shake my head, sighing at the absurdity that is my brother, and step into my room.

Tossing my bag to the side, I lock the door behind me and flop onto the bed, landing face-first into the pillow.

I glance at the clock-3:00 PM.

With a groan, I drag myself up, change into a pair of comfy shorts and an oversized T-shirt.



I rush downstairs, stomach growling. It's definitely lunchtime... and I'm starving.

I sit alone at the dining table, quietly eating my lunch.

It's already 3 PM, so of course, everyone else has eaten and scattered off into their own little worlds.

The house is calm now, with just the distant hum of the ceiling fan and the occasional creak of footsteps upstairs.

I live with a full house-

My Uncle Rajan Mehra and Aunty Dona Mehra, who've raised me.

Their son, my 20-year-old brother Sonu Mehra-the romance researcher.

Their daughter, my 21-year-old sister Shivani Mehra-drama queen by nature.

And of course, Grandpa Rajaram Mehra and Grandma Rekha Mehra, the heart and soul of the house.

It's loud, chaotic, sometimes nosy-but it's home.

I'm still eating when Grandma comes over and gently sits beside me, her warm presence instantly calming.

"My child, how did the day pass?" she asks, her voice soft.

"It was good, Grandma," I reply with a small smile, taking another bite.

Just then, he appears-self-declared romance researcher. Sonu walks up to us with an annoyed frown.

"Grandma, tell this girl to stop interfering in my personal work," he complains dramatically.

I raise an eyebrow. "Oho, I didn't interfere," I shoot back. "You were spying on Uncle and Aunty's romance session like it was a tutorial."

Grandma looks between us, blinking slowly-caught somewhere between shock and secondhand embarrassment.

"At least I'm not the one watching adult movies," he fires back, crossing his arms like he's just won the argument.

I don't even flinch. "So what, huh? I'm 20. Legally an adult. I can watch adult movies." I lean back with a smirk.

"And... do Uncle and Aunty know what you're watching on Chrome at night?" I add, raising an eyebrow.

His expression drops.

Grandma gasps softly, clutching her imaginary pearls.

Sonu goes pale for a second. "You wouldn't."

"Oh, I would," I grin. "And I'll even screenshot your browser history next time."

He turns on his heel and walks away in defeat, mumbling something about 'privacy' and 'evil siblings'.

I sigh and turn to Grandma. "Where's Grandpa?"

"He's in the garden, reading a book," she replies with a soft smile. Then her expression shifts-gentle, but serious. "Child, if your grandpa and I ask you for a favor... would you fulfill it?"

I blink, curious. "Yes, of course," I say without hesitation. "Anything for you two."

Just at that moment, my sister barges in, holding up two dresses-one red, one black-like she's on a fashion runway.

"Which dress is cuter, Grandma?" she asks, striking a pose.

"The red one," I answer without missing a beat.

She throws me a glare. "I wasn't asking you, sis."

Grandma chuckles and nods. "But she's right-the red one does look better. Where are you going, dear?"

"Party tonight!" she replies, already halfway up the stairs, excitement practically glowing off her.

A flash of perfume trails behind her like drama in motion.

"OHHHH!!! Grandma!" I suddenly exclaim, eyes lighting up. "I'm participating in a painting competition tomorrow! I have to practice-like, right now!"

She smiles at my excitement. "Yes, go. Make something beautiful."