Ravi’s face turned red. “Oh no, I didn’t mean…I wasn’t implying…” He stumbled over his words, trying to fix the gaffe.
“No offense taken.” Ethan waved it off. “I’m staying at the coach house. Keeping a low profile for a bit.” He gave Ravi a look that made it clear he expected discretion.
“Absolutely, say no more!” Ravi said, his head bobbing. But Priya knew that Ravi was going to spill the beans, not only to his immediate family but to every branch, twig, and leaf of the family tree.
“Well, Ravi, thanks for these.” Ethan nodded toward the sweets in his hands. His tone was polite, but the message was obvious. Ravi’s exit was overdue.
“Yes, yes, of course.” Ravi nodded, the reality of his brother’s wedding cutting through his starstruck daze. “I should get going. It was such an honor meeting you.”
After offering Priya a quick goodbye, Ravi headed to his car, his mind clearly spinning from his celebrity encounter. As his car disappeared down the driveway, Priya’s parents emerged from the house, lugging the last of their luggage.
“Who was that?” Mumma asked, her eyes following the luxury car as it drove out of sight.
“Ravi Tiwari,” Priya replied.
Puppa’s eyes narrowed. “What did he want?”
“He brought sweets for his brother’s wedding.” Priya motioned toward the box Ethan held.
“Is that all?” Puppa asked, as if sensing there was more to the story.
“That and…well, he wanted my phone number,” Priya confessed.
Puppa’s gaze hardened. “You’re asking for trouble, Priya. Ravi’s family will never approve of you. You’ll be nothing more than a passing amusement.”
“Listen to your father,” Mumma said. “You’re already divorced. Do you really want to make another mistake?”
Their words hit Priya like a punch to the gut. And to have them say this in front of Ethan? She felt utterly humiliated. She stole a glance at Ethan and found him watching with a furrowed brow.
“Maybe we should cancel the trip, Rakesh,” Mumma said. “What if something happens while we’re gone?”
“What ifwhathappens, Mumma?” Priya asked sharply, her temper flaring.
“Priya, if you’re really ready to meet someone, you just have to say,” her mother replied. “We’ll be happy to introduce you to someone more suitable. Maybe even someone who lives closer.”
Yeah, so you can keep an eye on me, right?Priya thought, but she held her tongue, mortified that this was playing out in front of Ethan.
Puppa cleared his throat and stepped in. “Maybe we should save this for another time, Seema,” he said, before turning to Ethan. “Mr. Ethan, please keep an eye on our Priya while we’re away.”
Priya’s jaw nearly hit the floor.Keep an eye on me?She whipped her head around to look at Ethan, who seemed at a loss for words.
Priya couldn’t believe it herself. Her parents were terrified she’d get tangled up with Ravi but thought nothing of leaving her alone with Ethan Knight. In their minds, he was perched so high above her that they couldn’t fathom he’d even glance at her. The idea that he could have any interest in Priya was absurd. Laughable, even. Andthatwas the only reason they were okay with leaving. Because, as far as they were concerned, she wasn’t even remotely in his league.
Ethan’s eyes briefly flicked toward Priya. The glance was quick, almost imperceptible, but Priya caught something in his eyes. Irony? Understanding? Amusement?
“I don’t believe Priya needs looking after, Mr. Solanki,” he said. “But I appreciate your trust in me.”
“You’re a good man, Mr. Ethan.” Puppa gave Ethan a nod of approval and finished loading the rest of the luggage.
Mumma opened the car door and set the wicker basket on the floor of the front passenger seat, making sure that tea and snacks were within easy reach. She turned to Ethan with a warm smile. “Goodbye, Mr. Ethan. In case Priya forgets, I’ve prepared all your dinners and extra snacks too. We are just a call away, so please ring if you need anything. Anything at all.” Shifting her attention to Priya, she rattled off a laundry list of instructions. “Don’t forget to call. Lock the door. And don’t stay up late. Oh, and remember to water the plants.” She kissed Priya on both cheeks before climbing into the car, shutting the door, and waving at her through the window.
Puppa made one last sweep around the car, checking the tires and mirrors with his usual care, then slid into the driver’s seat.
“We’ll call when we get there,” he said to Priya. “Look after Mr. Ethan.”
Priya nodded as he backed out, her gaze trailing the car until her parents disappeared.
“Well, that was an interesting turn of events,” Ethan commented.
