His sleeves are pushed up slightly, exposing his forearms as he works. Strong. Lean. Veins shifting under his skin every time he moves the knife. My throat suddenly feels dry. My brain chooses that exact moment to betray me. He looks… unfairly handsome. Not in a dramatic movie-star way. Just quietly attractive in a waythat feels natural. Effortless. Like someone who doesn’t even realize the effect he has.
I clear my throat. Aditya glances up. Our eyes meet. The corner of his mouth lifts slightly. “Good morning.”
“Morning.”
He tilts his head. “You look offended.”
“Your alliance with Neel is deeply concerning.” He laughs softly.
“That boy has very strong opinions.”
“Yes,” I mutter. “Mostly against me.”
“Well,” Aditya says thoughtfully as he slides the vegetables into the pan, “to be fair… he did seem very invested in protecting you yesterday.”
My expression softens a little. “He’s been like that since…”
I stop.
Aditya notices. But he doesn’t push. Instead he gestures toward the stove. “Breakfast will be ready soon.”
“You didn’t have to do this.”
“I wanted to.”
I glance at the counter. “You woke up early just to cook?”
He shrugs lightly. “I was awake anyway.”
“You could have slept more.”
“And miss the chance to impress your terrifying little brother?”
I laugh. “He is terrifying.”
“I believe it.”
Our eyes meet again for a brief second. Something quiet passes between us. Something warm. Neel returns a few minutes later with wet hair and his school shirt half buttoned.
“Something smells amazing.”
“Sit,” Aditya tells him.
Neel obeys immediately. That alone shocks me. When breakfast is ready, the three of us sit around the small table. Neel eats enthusiastically.
“This is excellent,” he declares with authority.
Aditya dips his head slightly. “High praise.”
I shake my head. “I can’t believe you’ve replaced me this quickly.”
Neel points his spoon at me. “You had seven years.”
Traitor.
After breakfast Neel grabs his bag just as the auto horn sounds outside. “Bye didi, love you!”
“Bye,” I call after him. “Love you too.” The door closes. The house falls quiet.
