Page 133 of No Boss
Meera remained where she was. Her fingers rose again, touching her neck, with all she could not yet name.
???
Sarita closed Meera’s door and returned to the sitting room.
Naina sat at the edge of the sofa, alert. Devendra and Gauri faced her, composed, waiting. All three looked up as Sarita entered.
She took her seat, hands folded in her lap. “Devendra ji, before I came here, Abhinav asked for one thing.”
Her gaze held his. “That Meera be given the chance to meet him once. Alone. Before she decides. Just the two of them. I asked her. She has agreed.”
Devendra turned to Gauri. Their eyes met. Years of understanding passed between them.
He looked back at Sarita. “When?”
“Tomorrow. Outside the Haveli.”
He considered it, then gave a single nod.
Sarita rose. She lifted the shagun tray and carried it to the small shelf in the corner, where Kul Devi’s photograph watched over the room. She placed the tray there with both hands.
“Let it remain here tonight.” She turned toward them. “Tomorrow, when Meera gives her answer, I will place it in her hands myself.”
Devendra’s eyes moved from the tray to the goddess above it, then to Sarita. His hands came together. The gesture said everything it needed to.
Chapter 25
Meera stood by the window, her fingers twisting into each other.
Outside, late afternoon light moved across the Haveli, stone turning from pink to amber. She had watched that change all her life. Today it felt new.
Behind her, her father paced in short steps. Her mother adjusted cushions that needed no adjusting.
Meera had changed three times before settling on deep blue. Her hair fell loose down her back. Silver bangles at her wrists chimed with each small movement.
The knock came exactly on time. The room went silent.
Devendra opened the door.
Abhinav stood at the threshold in a white t-shirt and blue jeans, effortless yet commanding.
His eyes found her immediately.
He waited until Devendra stepped aside before entering.
“Namaste, Uncle.” His hands came together. His attention moved to her mother. “Namaste, Aunty.”
The respect sat quietly in the room.
“I appreciate you allowing me to take Meera out this evening. I’ll bring her back before ten.”
Devendra nodded. “We’ll expect you both then.”
Abhinav smiled warmly, and looked at her again. “Ready?”
She nodded, unable to trust her voice yet. Her mother stepped forward, adjusted her dupatta once, then stepped back with a small smile.
He moved aside, giving her space.
