“Your son likes Noora’s company,” Iram added fuel to the fire.
“I worked doubly hard to keep you away from him during your pregnancy. But you just had to go and gossip with him.”
She grinned up at him with her whole body — “He is good company.”
He stared down his nose at her, then reached inside his pocket and held the keys out to her — “Then you are about to miss his company this morning.”
“What? My car keys?”
“Take it and go for a drive.”
“Why?! I have… we all have to eat breakfast. Begumjaan is waiting, Noora also…”
“After breakfast.”
“But Arth… you can’t seriously mean I take him also.”
“If you want, take him too. But I really want you to go alone.”
Her throat worked a long swallow. Her chest rose, then fell, her eyes not leaving his.
“Atharva…”
“You used to love driving.”
“I know.”
“Then go.”
“Is it… safe?”
He smiled — “It’s not like it used to be. But you will have your security convoy tailing you.”
“I don’t know if I can be trusted to be alone.”
“What are you scared of?”
She shrugged.
“Put on my playlist. Call me if you feel even a little off. Hmm?”
She chewed her bottom lip, then nodded.
“Take it.”
Iram picked up the keys from his palm, looking at them like she was seeing them for the first time.
“Wait. Arth? Begumjaan is there but we don’t want to keep putting him on her…”
“I’m home.”
“You are not leaving?” She stepped down and gave him a once-over. “But you are ready.”
“I am not leaving immediately. I’ll start late today.”
“For me?”
“For erasing Noora’s songs from my son’s memory.”
