But Rani Suchitra didn’t seem to mind. “Good night, son,” she said.
Yamini sensed an underlying softness in Rani Suchitra’s tone as she looked at her son.
Bharat greeted Mira in a similar curt tone.
“Good night, maharaja,” Mira replied warmly before looking at Yamini with a warm smile. “Good night, maharani.”
“Good night,” Yamini greeted Mira and Rani Suchitra.
With another regal nod, Rani Suchitra left along with Mira.
The dining hall suddenly became quieter.
Yamini was now alone with Bharat Jogra.
She suddenly realized that this was their first dinner together.
She only saw him during breakfast. And at midnight.
Her face immediately heated at the thought of the upcoming midnight.
She pushed away the thought and turned toward him.
“Why didn’t you tell me your mother was arriving this evening?”
Bharat adjusted his cuffs.
“The security informed me you were occupied at the studio,” he said. “It was more efficient for you to continue your work uninterrupted.”
Yamini stared.
“My mother will remain here for two days,” he added. “There was no need for you to hurry back.”
Yamini opened her mouth. Then closed it.
Because she wasn't sure what emotion was appropriate.
Should she be grateful because what he said sounded suspiciously thoughtful?
Or should she yell at him for allowing her to accidentally meet Rani Suchitra wearing faded jeans and covered in pencil marks?
Bharat Jogra remained infuriatingly difficult to categorize.
As though sensing her stormy thoughts, his golden-brown eyes lifted and met hers.
“Don’t wait for me tonight,” he said. “You have a long day ahead. I won’t be visiting your room.”
Heat rushed to her face.
First with embarrassment and then with anger.
She lifted her chin. “I never wait for you,” she replied.
He gave a brief nod, as if acknowledging a logistical exchange. “Good. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He paused once at the doorway, so briefly she wasn't sure it happened, and then walked out.
Yamini stood alone in the long room, glaring at his back while he walked toward his office in military precision.
