Page 207 of No Boss
“She collects favours,” he added. “And she demands repayment during the worst possible time.”
Another laugh escaped her. She leaned forward, brushing her nose against his.
He forgot the rest of his warning.
For the first time since panic had taken hold, she looked light again. Happy.
“Naina is my sister too now,” she whispered. “I will always be there for her. Favour or no favour.”
His expression softened into something helpless. “You have all become very confident around me.”
“Maybe because you love us too much to win arguments.”
“That is absolutely not true.”
“It is completely true, ji.”
He stared at her.
Then exhaled and kissed her again, because arguing had apparently become impossible.
Chapter 38
The cars entered Anand Mahal just after lunch, two security vehicles flanking them, drawing eyes across the Haveli.
Guards stepped out first, men in plain clothes taking position near the arches and outer gates with practiced ease.
The main car stopped and Raghav stepped out.
He observed carved balconies and sandstone pillars, taking in living, breathing history. Approval showed without words.
Abhinav walked out from the inner corridor.
Raghav closed the distance and pulled him into a tight embrace before stepping back to look at him properly.
“Congratulations.” A hint of a smile. “I am glad you found someone.”
Abhinav’s grin came easy.
Vikram emerged next, arms spread wide.
“I have arrived,” he announced grandly, his voice echoing through half the Haveli, “to witness the woman who achieved what the global economy could not. To meet the legendary Meera who apparently dismantled Abhinav Kumar Anand from the inside out.”
“Vikram.”
“Yes, Abhinav.”
“Lower your voice.”
“Impossible. I rehearsed this entrance for three days.”
Abhinav shut his eyes in resignation while Vikram looked deeply pleased with himself.
Ishani stepped out next. She moved toward Abhinav and hugged him warmly. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you for coming.”
Divya followed, glasses slipping down her nose, carrying the patience of someone who had endured six hours in a car with Vikram Khanna.
