Page 208 of No Boss
“Please ignore him. He has been unbearable since the invitation arrived.”
“I have been thrilled,” Vikram corrected.
“It lasted two weeks.”
“True excitement cannot be contained.”
Another voice reached them from the entrance. “Are we interrupting?”
Harsh stepped in beside Kavita.
“Not at all.” Abhinav moved forward. “Welcome to Anand Mahal.”
Harsh drew him in, one arm around his shoulders, his palm pressing once at the back of Abhinav’s head.
“Congratulations, beta. Your father would have been proud.”
Abhinav held him tighter.
Kavita crossed to Sarita, who had just entered the courtyard. They met halfway and clasped each other’s hands.
“Sarita.”
“Kavita.”
“It has been far too long.”
“It has.”
Kavita’s expression softened. “He would be proud of both your children.”
Sarita’s smile came soft.
A whirlwind burst from the inner corridor. Naina crossed the courtyard at alarming speed. “Raghav Bhai!”
“Naina.”
She threw her arms around him. He returned it with ease, patting her head before letting go.
She turned to Vikram. He opened both arms. “Come here, drama queen.”
“Coming, bigger drama queen.”
He laughed and pulled her into a proper hug. “Naina.”
“Vikram Bhai.”
“You’ve grown up.”
“I have not. I stopped at fifteen.”
“You grew into your personality.”
“That sounds insulting.”
“It is accurate.”
Abhinav watched them with affection as Naina continued.
