I clear my throat. “Actually,” I say, “I wanted to ask you something.”
Divya glances up. “What?”
“There’s an event tomorrow night at the publishing house.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Fancy event?”
“Moderately fancy.”
“Do I need heels?”
“Only if you want to intimidate the authors.”
Neel suddenly sits up straight. “Wait.” We both look at him. “You must agree to the terms first.”
Divya immediately plays along and nods. “What terms?” I ask.
Neel folds his arms like a tiny negotiator. “If didi goes with you…” He points dramatically between him and Divya. “…both of us are allowed to steal books from your office.”
Divya gasps. “That is an excellent condition.”
I laugh. “You two are unbelievable.”
Neel waits expectantly. “Well?” Divya says. “You heard the little man.”
I shake my head. “You don’t have to steal anything.”
They both stare at me. “You’re my family,” I say simply. “What’s mine is yours.”
Neel jumps to his feet. “YES!” He runs around the Lego tower like he’s just won a championship. “Didi can go then!”
Divya doesn’t move. She’s still looking at me. Not smiling this time. Just… watching.
Like the wordfamilycaught her off guard.
Neel finally collapses onto the carpet again. “This was a successful negotiation.”
Divya nudges the Lego tower with her finger. “You’re very generous with your books.”
“They deserve a good home.” Neel pats the tower proudly.
“They will be very happy here.”
I stand up and stretch. Divya slowly gets to her feet too.
The room is quiet for a second. Not awkward. Just warm. The kind of quiet that feels full instead of empty.
Neel clears his throat. “I think we should celebrate the completion of the research center.”
Divya looks at me. “With what?”
Neel grins. “Ice cream.”
I sigh dramatically. “This child is very demanding.”
Divya laughs again. And the sound makes the whole house feel like it’s breathing.
18. SCENTS AND STORIES
