“You are taking this too seriously.”
“I am taking this with the respect it deserves.” Naina had already begun pacing. “Right. Cover story first. Maa will not notice. She is busy terrorising the caterers. If anybody stops us, I will stare at them with mild Anand disappointment until they apologise for existing.”
Meera laughed again.
Naina stopped pacing and looked at her properly. The teasing faded a little. “Bhabhi.”
“Yes?”
“I am genuinely happy you came to me.”
Meera’s smile softened.
Naina exhaled dramatically. “Unfortunately, this entire situation has also ruined my future.”
“What.”
“I am going to die alone.”
Meera blinked.
Naina stared into the distance with the tragic expression of a woman abandoned by destiny.
“My brother has created impossible standards. Impossible.” She pointed accusingly toward the ceiling as if Abhinav sat there ruining men for her. “I cannot settle for anything less now. How do I meet ordinary men after watching this man challenge divine forces for you?”
“Naina…”
“I accept my fate.” Her voice turned grave. “I will become wealthy and mysterious. I will live alone in silk kaftans.”
“You hate being alone.”
“I will adapt.”
“You also hate kaftans.”
“That part is negotiable.”
Meera pressed her lips together, fighting another laugh.
Naina continued staring into distance. “One day people will whisper about me. They will point toward the eastern wing and murmur… there lives Naina Anand. Unmarried. Dramatic. Emotionally damaged by her brother.”
“Naina.”
No response.
“Naina.”
Silence from her side, full commitment to tragedy.
Meera leaned forward and tapped her forehead.
Naina blinked and snapped back. “Right. Mission.”
She grabbed Meera’s hand and pulled her up. “No fear, Bhabhi. You are with a professional.”
Her arm looped through Meera’s as she marched out. They crossed the living room at a dangerous speed. Gauri looked up from a conversation with two cousins just in time to see them pass.
“Aunty,” Naina called out brightly without stopping, “I am taking Bhabhi for fresh air.”
