Priya felt a rush of triumph. Puppa was not going to go for it.
“We have never closed the funeral home,” he continued, “but…”
No. No buts, Puppa. Priya mentally willed her father to hold his ground.
“We would have to close for the renovations anyway. If another funeral home agrees to accommodate our clients during that time, we can manage.”
“But we’re the only ones in this area that perform Hindu funerals.” Priya’s voice sharpened. “We can’t just outsource something so important.”
“You’re very passionate about this all of a sudden.” Mumma raised an eyebrow.
“There’s a funeral home a bit farther that also serves our community.” Puppa rubbed his chin, thoughtful. “We’ve helped them out a few times in the past. I’m sure they’ll be willing to step in while we bring everything up to code. If we don’t do this, we risk losing Moksha altogether.”
“So, do we have a deal?” Ethan’s lips curled into a smile.
“I think we can work something out,” Puppa replied.
Priya swallowed back a hysterical laugh—the kind that bubbles up when you’re about to lose your mind. Her family was finally on the verge of walking away from Moksha’s crumbling legacy, but now Ethan had appeared with his million-dollar smile, derailing a clean, inevitable ending. If there were an Oscar forMost Meddlesome Actor, he’d be giving his acceptance speech right now.
“Excellent,” he declared, clapping his hands together. “How much notice do you need to give your clients?”
“About a week to wrap things up, and there may be a brief overlap for any commitments I need to see through myself.” Puppa’s voice held a quiet pride, the kind that came from years of shouldering a responsibility he considered both a privilege and a calling.
“A week is perfect. It will give me time to tie up some loose ends on my side too.”
“Wonderful. I will stop by your father’s estate to let you know when we’re all set.”
Ethan paused for a moment before replying. “I’m not staying with my father. Just message me when you’re ready.”
“Of course.” Puppa bobbed his head in agreement. “I’ll ask Priya to get in touch.” He looked at Ethan as if he was turning something over in his mind. “Why aren’t you staying with your father, Mr. Ethan?” he finally asked, unable to hold back. The idea of lodging elsewhere when family was close by was downright bizarre.
“Dad!” Priya jumped in, part scolding, part pleading. She turned to Ethan, her expression apologetic. “Sorry, you don’t have to answer.”
“It’s okay,” Ethan said tightly. “My father and I haven’t spoken in years,” he continued, glancing at her parents.
Brooke shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Mumma’s eyes widened in pure disbelief. “You are not speaking to Harry?” she asked. Cutting ties with a parent was a path that led straight to the murkiest levels of Narak, the very definition of hell.
“Unfortunately, my father stopped talking to me when I walked away from the family business to pursue acting,” Ethan explained.
Priya knew this part of his story from Brooke, but hearing him say it hit differently. She felt a quiet sadness for the boy who had walked away, and for the man still carrying the cost.
Mumma clucked her tongue. “Oh, but surely he must be proud of you! You’ve accomplished so much.”
“He’s successful too,” Ethan said with a small shrug. “And not easily impressed.”
“They’re both stubborn as hell,” Brooke cut in, rolling her eyes. “I’ve tried everything—dinners, casual run-ins, fake emergencies. You name it. I even tried convincing Ethan to stay with us this time, but nope. Not happening.”
“If you are not next door, then whereareyou staying, Mr. Ethan?” Puppa asked.
“Downtown. At the Hazelton,” he replied.
Priya blinked, her mind connecting the dots. The chaos on the highway was because ofhim. Ethan Knight was the kind of star who could bring an entire city to its knees.I’d stop to gawk too, she admitted to herself.
“The paparazzi are camped out there around the clock,” Brooke said. “It’s a nightmare trying to shake them off. I’m not sure how you’re going to give them the slip every day to get here.” She looked over at her brother.
“I have a solution,” Puppa said.
Priya pinched the bridge of her nose. This day wasn’t just a lost cause—it was actively conspiring against her.
