Page 210 of No Boss
“It requires more than two days.”
“Excellent.” Vikram took a sip. “I enjoy vacations at historic places.”
Abhinav drank from his glass before answering.
“There was a Haveli. And there was a woman.” A smile touched his mouth. “Eventually I realised the woman was the Haveli.”
Silence followed.
Raghav stared at him. “That is the shortest emotional collapse I have ever heard.”
“I am still processing it myself.”
Vikram leaned forward, focused. “The press conference tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
“Does Meera know?”
Abhinav’s smile returned. Sharp. Private. Dangerous. “No.”
Raghav let out a laugh.
Vikram stared at him in delight. “Abhinav.”
“Yes.”
“That is theatrical.”
“I know.”
“That is the most dramatic act of your entire existence.”
“Possibly.”
“I want front row seats.”
“You will have them.” Abhinav rested back against the column. “So will everyone else.”
Vikram raised his glass. “To the Boss.”
Raghav lifted his. “To Meera.”
“To Meera,” Vikram corrected.
Abhinav smiled.
The wedding stood two days away. Tomorrow morning, the press would arrive.
And Abhinav Kumar Anand sat under the banyan tree, enjoying the future expression on Meera’s face when the announcement reached her.
One day before the wedding.
The auditorium filled row by row, voice layering over voice.
Press from Dubai, Singapore, London, Mumbai, and Jaipur took the back rows, cameras ready. Senior executives of Anand Group sat near the centre beside investors and old associates. The front section belonged to family and close friends.
Meera sat between Devendra and Gauri in a muted gold saree Sarita had sent that morning. Her hands rested in her lap while the noise swelled around her. Microphones were tested. Camera shutters clicked.
