Page 141 of The Defiant Wife

Loved.

Home.

Just then the sunroom doors burst open.

"Prince uncle!"Rani races inside without slowing down."Keshav cheated!"

"I did not!" Keshav argues as he follows her inside.

"You absolutely did."

"I used strategy."

"You moved the fountain."

"You said I could defend the kingdom."

"I didn't mean with bricks!"

Laila walks in behind them carrying an armful of flowers."He definitely cheated."

Raj steps inside last, signing something quickly before pointing toward Keshav.

I laugh.

Veeraj watches Raj's hands before smiling. "He says Keshav has the tactical skills of a confused goat."

I blink. Then burst into laughter.

"So that's where he's learning sarcasm."All four children point at Veeraj.

He raises both hands immediately. "I deny every allegation."

"You taught him!" Rani accuses.

"There is absolutely no evidence."

"There is Raj."

"He is a highly unreliable witness."

Raj grins and signs, “you did teach me.”

The room erupts into laughter.

A minute later, Aadhya comes running in after Meher Bhabhi Sa, her tiny feet pattering across the marble.

She launches herself straight into my lap.

"Chachi!"

I hug her tightly, kissing the top of her head while she giggles.

Around us, the room is loud again.

Children arguing. Vihaan stealing sweets from the tray Meher bhabhi-sa just brought in and thenloudly insisting he has been framed. Poorvi rolling her eyes. Devraj bhai sa walking in with the tired smile of someone who has already accepted defeat.

Complete chaos. Perfect chaos.