"Yes Neel, of course I am," He looks like he's in danger. “Just you?” His eyes travel to Aditya slowly and hope fills his eyes. Oh damn.
The question makes me pause. Aditya looks up from the table. “I could come too.”
I shake my head immediately. “You don’t have to.”
He watches me carefully. “I want to.”
“It’s really not necessary.”
“It’s his parent-teacher meeting.”
“I know.”
“Then why wouldn’t I come?”
“Because you have work.”
“That’s not the real reason.”
I look away. He stands up slowly. “Divya.”
“I just meant—”
“You keep making me feel like an outsider.” The words land quietly but firmly between us.
Neel is too busy eating to notice the shift in the room. But my chest tightens instantly. "That’s not what I meant,” I say quickly.
Aditya doesn’t look angry. But there’s something in his expression that makes guilt settle heavily in my stomach. “Then what did you mean?”
I hesitate.
Because explaining this suddenly feels harder than I expected. We step a little away from the table while Neel continues eating loudly behind us.
“I just feel bad,” I admit softly.
“For what?”
“For you.” His eyebrows draw together.
“For me?”
“You suddenly have a child to take care of.” The moment the words leave my mouth I know they sound worse than I intended. Aditya stares at me like I’ve said something completely absurd.
“Divya.”
“I mean—he’s my brother,” I continue quickly. “I love him. I’m used to this. But for you it’s different.”
Aditya runs a hand through his hair slowly. Then he sighs. “He’s the brother of the woman I love.” My breath catches slightly. He continues calmly. “I genuinely like that kid.” He smiles softly,“What's there to not like? He’s funny. He’s kind.” He chuckles, “And most importantly he loves his sister enough to threaten anyone who might hurt her.”
I can’t help smiling faintly. “That is unfortunately true.”
“So no.” Aditya finishes. “He’s not a burden. He’s part of the deal.”
“That’s not what I meant—”
“I know what you meant.”
He softens slightly. “I enjoy being around him. And I like showing up for things that matter to both of you. I want to be there for him if you don't mind.”
