Page 88 of No Boss
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Devendra turned the conversation. “Lakshya’s parents called. What do you think of him?”
Meera did not respond at once.
Because, Abhinav rose in her mind. His closeness. His hand at her face. His voice, low.Breathe.The look in his eyes when she could not stop crying.
Her breath caught. She straightened.
‘No. That meant nothing.’
He had only tried to calm her. Anyone would have done the same. Her hormones, she told herself firmly, were being completely ridiculous.
She pushed the thought aside and met her father’s gaze. “He seems… good. Respectful.”
Devendra watched her. Not the words. Her.
Silence stretched.
Then she added, softer yet firm, “But this week… this is important, Babuji. Let me see this through.”
Something in Devendra’s expression changed. Not understanding. Not agreement either. Still, he chose not to question further.
He gave a measured nod. “Finish it.”
Gauri reached across and took Meera’s hand, warm and reassuring. “If anyone can make him see, beta, it’s you.”
The words sank deeper than Meera expected.
She slipped her hand free and rose. “I’ll start tomorrow.”
She did not look back as she stepped out again. She was already thinking ahead, the seven days unfolding before her before they had even begun.
Behind her, Gauri watched with hopeful eyes.
As for Devendra, an unease had settled into him, the sense that something had changed even if he could not yet name it.
???
Sarita sat with her embroidery, silk stretched across her lap. Naina lay across the divan, half lost in her phone, one arm thrown over her head.
Abhinav walked in and took a seat.
Neither looked up.
“The crown prince of Mewar Royalty, Rajveer Singh Sisodia came this morning.”
Sarita’s needle didn’t pause. Naina didn’t even blink.
“He made an offer for the Haveli. Two hundred crores.”
This time Naina did look up. Not surprised. Just… amused.
Sarita’s lips curved, her attention still on the pattern in her lap. “Yes. We heard.”
Abhinav frowned. “Already?”
Naina snorted. “Bhai, the kitchen staff knew before the car left the gate.”
