“Abhimanyu,” Karan interrupted. “You should rest. Maria, set up his luggage in his room?”
Maria nodded and immediately left outside.
“Rest? Come on, bhai, I just got here. I brought gifts for both of you. I missed the wedding, remember?”
“Not now,” Karan said sharply. “I have a work dinner to attend with a client. We’ll talk later tonight.”
“Fine,” Abhimanyu said with a grin. “Then I’ll spend some time with Bhabhi and Dr Komal till you’re back.”
Karan turned toward Komal, clearly not liking the idea. “Dr Komal will be leaving soon. Right, Doctor?”
“Yes, Mr Wadhwa,” Komal said, meeting his stare evenly. “But before I go, let me remind you that it’syourduty too to ensure your wife doesn’t skip her follow-ups again. That’s the only reason I came myself to check on her.”
“That wouldn’t happen again. I’ll make sure of that,” he replied, giving both Mishti and Komal a hard glare which even Abhimanyu noticed.
“Uh,” Abhimanyu began, “even if you forget, until I am here, I’ll make sure Bhabhi doesn’t forget her follow-ups. I’ll take her personally if required.”
Komal knew he meant what he said. She turned to Mishti. “Alright then. See you soon.”
“Thanks for coming.” Mishti smiled faintly. “We’ll see you on Monday, during my next appointment.”
“No. You’ll meet her much before that,” Abhimanyu added. “In fact, this weekend.”
Mishti blinked. “Weekend?”
“Yes,” Abhimanyu said, winking. “At my welcome party.” Saying that, he turned towards Karan. “Won’t my big brother throw me a welcome party?”
Karan sighed, running a hand through his hair. Abhimanyu had always been impossible to refuse. “Of course,” he muttered. “We’ll have one.”
“That’s like my brother,” he hugged Karan before turning to Komal again. “You are invited, Doctor.”
Komal hid a smile. “Well, then… thank you for the invitation,” she said lightly, glancing at Abhimanyu before turning to Mishti. “I’ll try my best to come.”
“Please do.” He grinned again.
Karan, like Mishti, was observing their conversation, but none of them intervened.
With Komal leaving, even Karan and Kanika left, both heading out for a dinner meeting scheduled with a client.
****************
Two hours later
Mishti served dinner at the table. She had spent the last two hours cooking for Abhimanyu, grateful that at least someone in the house would share a meal with her. Karan never did. Dinner with him had become a forgotten dream long ago.
She asked Maria to call Abhimanyu downstairs when her phone suddenly rang. It was Karan. The sight of his name flashing on the mobile screen made her stiffen. He rarely called her. Why now?
“Hello,” she answered the call.
“Pack your stuff and place it inside my room. Now!” he commanded, leaving no space for questions.
Mishti frowned. “But why?”
“BecauseIsaid so. Until Abhimanyu stays with us, I want you inmyroom. Understood?”
It hit her instantly. This wasn’t about any change of heart. It was only because of his brother. He wanted to keep up appearances.
“And if I don’t?” Her fingers tightened around the phone.
