Page 130 of No Boss
“I will go to Devendra ji properly,” she murmured. “With shagun. Everything as it should be. His daughter will be asked with the respect she deserves.”
“And Meera,” he added, softer. “I need to speak to her first. Alone. Today was a lot. She needs to hear it from me.”
“I’ll make sure you do.”
Her hand brushed his cheek, lingering. “You look like your father.”
The words rested between them, simple, full, long awaited.
She left.
The room settled.
Naina broke the silence, a strangled half-laugh slipping out before she could stop it. Both hands flew to her mouth, eyes shining with more than amusement.
He pointed at her. “Don’t.”
“I’m not doing anything,” came the muffled reply.
“You’re thinking loudly.”
Her hands dropped. The smile remained, wide and unashamed.
“My robot brother,” her voice unsteady, “finally came home.”
He crossed the room and pressed his thumb to her forehead. She accepted it without protest. He sat on the sofa. She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder.
Silence followed. Comfortable. Complete.
Outside, the courtyard breathed after the rain.
???
Sarita chose with care. A deep maroon silk-cotton saree, gold along the border. Grace without display.
The shagun tray sat ready. Red cloth, heirloom earrings, sweets, coconut. She lifted it herself.
Naina joined her, composed with visible effort. Two attendants followed with clothes and sweets, and everything that tradition demanded.
They crossed the courtyard. Water rested in shallow pools, reflecting lamplight. The air still held a trace of rain.
Sarita knocked.
The door opened.
Devendra stood there, eyes moving to the tray, then to her. “Thakurain Sa.”
He stepped aside. Gauri appeared behind him, wiping hands against her pallu before joining them together.
Sarita nodded, returning the greeting as she entered.
The room felt small, neat. Gauri straightened the sofa cover and gestured for them to sit.
Sarita placed the tray down and took her seat. Naina sat beside her. The attendants set the remaining items aside and left.
Devendra and Gauri sat opposite them, slightly tense.
“Devendra ji,” Sarita began calmly. “I come with respect. And with purpose.”
