Page 199 of No Boss
Those mornings filled the screen. Abhinav leaned against the wall. Her dupatta caught around his wrist. Sunlight brushed his face while he looked at her as if life had finally begun to make sense.
By evening, the pressure turned unbearable.
Three days. Three days until marriage, until the new beginning. And still the underground chamber sat inside her ribs.
She needed to speak to him. For that, she needed help.
Naina arrived around eight carrying a small silver plate covered with red cloth. She swept into the living room, hugged Meera in passing, and dropped onto the sofa beside Gauri.
“Haldi dhaga,” she announced, uncovering the plate. “Blessed at Kuldevi temple this evening. Bhabhi has to wear it before tomorrow’s ceremony.”
A delicate yellow thread rested among marigold petals and grains of rice.
Gauri accepted the plate carefully.
“Maa told me to hand this directly to you,” Naina continued. “Apparently nobody in this family can be trusted with sacred objects after one aunty misplaced the coconuts twice.”
Devendra made a sound that strongly resembled laughter.
Meera waited until Naina finished relaying Sarita’s instructions. Then she crossed the room, caught Naina’s wrist, and pulled. “Come with me.”
Naina blinked. “Bhabhi?”
“Inside.”
“What happened?”
“Come.”
She pulled her into the bedroom and shut the door.
Naina turned to her. “Everything alright?”
Meera sat on the edge of the bed, hands clasped, eyes helpless. “I need your help.”
“Done.”
“You do not even know what it is.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Naina folded her arms. “Who do I threaten?”
Despite herself, Meera laughed. “I need to meet your brother.”
Naina’s eyes widened.
“Now,” Meera continued. “Without anyone knowing.”
Delight spread across Naina’s face at terrifying speed. She looked spiritually fulfilled.
“Bhabhi.”
“Naina…”
“You came to me.” Naina pressed a hand dramatically to her own heart. “To arrange a secret meeting with my brother three days before your wedding.”
“Yes.”
“This is the greatest honour of my life.”
