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“That’s right, Paapa. We’re on the same team.”
“Paapa?” I inquire, curious. “When did my dad become your ‘Paapa’ instead of ‘uncle’?”
“When you became her husband instead of her boyfriend, right, Meher?” Dad answers on her behalf, a playful smile on his face.
“Yes, Paapa,” Meher chimes in and affectionately gives him a side hug.
I love the way she calls my dad‘Paapa’with so much affection and fondness. I’ve always wished for my better half to share the same bond of love that I have with my father. Seeing Meher and my dad getting close and sharing this special connection overwhelms me with emotion. But now, looking at Dad, I am again reminded of the things he is hiding from me. I won’t let him keep his secrets hidden from me for much longer. It’s time we have an open conversation about everything.
“Well,” Dad says, turning to me, “I came here to let you know that I’ll be resuming my work from today. My team needs my guidance on certain matters.”
I shake my head firmly. “Not happening. As I’ve told you, you’re not going anywhere until you’re fully recovered.”
“Ayaan, come on,” he pleads. “You can’t keep me cooped up in here. Besides, I won’t be gone for long. I’ll work for a few hours a day to begin with. Moreover, Bhaskar is also coming along with me. Even your guards will be with us. What more do I need? I want to work. My team needs me, and working for the country is what I love. It will also help me recover faster. Please, don’t deny me this.”
It’s hard to resist his plea, given the hard work he puts into serving the country. I relent, but not without setting a few conditions. “Fine, but you must not bypass your security. Your safety is paramount.”
Dad pats my arm, nodding in agreement. “I’ll take all the necessary precautions. I promise.”
His gaze then falls on the tray of coffee and brownies I’d placed aside. “Oh, it looks like you two are having breakfast in the room today.”
Meher responds quickly, “No, we are not. We’re having it with everyone downstairs.”
I agree with Meher’s decision. I don’t want to miss the family breakfast either, and I’m glad she shares the same sentiment. Dad tries to argue, suggesting we could have it in the room, but this time, both Meher and I firmly decline, putting an end to the conversation.
*****************
The late evening air is thick with the pulsating rhythm of music, the low hum of conversations, and the lively energy of people revelling in the Josh pub, one of Meher and my favourite hangout spots in Mumbai. It’s considered one of the most elite party venues in the city, often frequented by renowned celebrities. The dance floor is packed with women grooving to the music, and the place is bustling with the chatter of patrons enjoying the evening.
My eyes scan the area, searching for that one person in particular. And then I spot him — Vishnu. This is where I’ve been told he likes to come when he’s not in the right state of mind and wants an escape. I’m here for a specific reason — to have a word with my newly revealed brother-in-law. I make my way through the bustling crowd, reaching the bar counter where Vishnu is sitting, lost in his thoughts and nursing a drink.
I order a scotch for myself and turn towards Vishnu. Sensing someone staring at him, he looks at me and scowls in irritation.
“How did you know I was here?” he asks, his tone laced with suspicion.
“Nothing escapes the King’s eyes.” I smile smugly. “Besides, it’s always useful to be updated on the whereabouts of my brothers-in-law.”
Vishnu clenches his jaw momentarily, his frustration evident. He takes a sip of his drink and retorts, “I thought you had placed trackers on not just Meher but also her family, including me.”
I can’t help but smirk.
“I have no plans to bother my in-laws unless they bother my wife.”
Before I can continue, Vishnu interrupts me with a sense of resignation in his voice.
“Well, right now,youare bothering me,” he says. “And I see that its no surprise to you that I’m from your wife’s family. I’m the illegitimate son of the man you hate. So, if you are here to gloat then I suggest you walk away before I lose my mind.”
My encounter with Vishnu doesn’t seem to be off to a promising start, but I’m determined to have a conversation with him to understand the complex dynamics of the Walia family and to see if we can find common ground to support Meher.
“I’m not here for any of that, Vishnu. I don’t want to get involved in the Walia family drama, either. If I’m still here, it’s only because, apart from me, if there is anyone I can trust Meher with, it is you.”
Vishnu sighs and leans back, looking weary.
“Me?” he asks. “And what made you think so? As far as I remember, you never liked me around Meher, did you?”
Well, yeah, I didn’t.
“Yes, that’s true. Your proximity to Meher irritated me. But only because I thought you were romantically interested in the woman I love.”
