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“It’s Rohan,” she breathed out. “I like him, and I don’t know how to behave around him now that...now that…he and I…we’ve…we’ve…”
“Hold on,” he raised a hand, stopping her, “Will whatever you say scandalize me?”
“I mean, we haven’t…but we…”
A look of horror crossed his face. “Jiya, please. I beg you, no details. I think I get it.”
She giggled. “You’re cute, you know. I’ve seen you plot and plan all your grandsons’ lives, but when it comes to me, Rhea, and Shauna, you act so conservative.”
“You three are my babies, which means there are some things about your lives I do not wish to be privy to, ever. Now getting to your confusion, Rohan and you have progressed a step beyond boss and employee, am I right?”
“Yes, and I’m so nervous at the thought of meeting him today after last evening and…” She shook her head. “You get what I mean.”
He nodded. “From whatever I’ve seen of Rohan, the boy is quite closed off. I’ve learned from Varun that he suffers from serious trust issues. He became a recluse after he lost his birth parents in a car accident.”
“How old was he then?”
“Seventeen.”
“Shit, Raashi and Keya never speak about him or the details concerning Rithwik and him...”
“Yes, they all are quite tight-lipped about it because of their loyalty to Rithwik. I know most of the details because Varun is my friend, but to be honest, I can’t tell you more either. What I can tell you is that he was there in the car when that accident took place, and he survived while his birth parents died.”
Air punched out of her lungs. Good God, the trauma he must’ve been through. It must have affected him terribly. No wonder he was so quiet and withdrawn from everyone. She now got why he portrayed such a cold and indifferent persona to the world. She recalled the long scar crossing his abs. Surely, it must have been from that accident.
“That boy has been haunted by ghosts from his past that he’s never been able to lay to rest,” Janak added. “His childhood hasn’t been easy. So, if you like him, and I assume you are serious about that, that’s why you’re coming to me for relationship advice, then he has to be able to trust you with his secrets. If you can get him to do that, then I can see the possibility of a future with him. If he doesn’t open up to you, then there is zero possibility of anything happening going forward.”
“That’s too much pressure, Janak.”
“I’m being honest, Jiya. You’re a smart girl, and you ought to know the basics about him before you decide to plunge into something that may or may not have a future. Only you can decide whether he’s worth investing your time, emotions, and energy into him knowing all this.”
Jiya took in his words. He’d given her plenty to think about without telling her what to do, as was his style. Janak allowed a person to decide for themselves while giving them all the ammunition they needed to come to that decision.
“Thank you,” she told him.
He smiled, tucking a strand of hair away from her face. “Now tell me, how are you liking your new job?”
She grinned. “I love it. It’s challenging, and I’m learning new things every day. And I’m happy Akash is here. His being here makes me feel a little less lonely.”
His face softened. “Are you missing home?”
A pang hit her chest. “Yes. I suppose it’s just been a week, and I’m still getting used to everything.”
“Have Raashi and you sorted your differences?”
She grimaced. “We have. I’m so glad we’re at peace again.”
“And that’s the way it ought to be. Your differences are what make each of you who you are. But you are sisters…family. And family always sticks by one another—through the good and the bad.”
Before she could respond, the door opened, and Akash entered bearing a wide smile. Janak stood and Akash leaned down to touch his feet. Janak pulled him in a hug.
“How are you, my boy?” Janak asked him. “How is your internship going under Rohan?”
“It’s great, and I can’t thank you enough for getting him to agree to train me. I’ve learned so much from him already.”
Standing together, Akash towered an inch over Janak. The older man patted his cheek.
“You were always a sponge, ready to absorb whatever knowledge was imparted to you,” Janak told him fondly. “I’m sure you will do very well in life. I have full faith in you.”
