“I, however, did not lie about me. I do love you dearly. You and your sister. I stole that money to show you my love. And to absolve my guilt, probably, for not taking you in and settling into suburbia and raising you properly when you were children, as I should have.” Rhea lowered her head. “I am sorry, Sejal.”
Sejal took a step forward, then another, until she was standing right in front of her aunt. “You weren’t our parent any more than I was Mira’s mom. You did your best for two kids you didn’t askfor.” As she said the words, acceptance moved through her. Acceptance of Rhea, and of herself.
“I didn’t ask for you, but I was very happy to have you,” Rhea said quietly. She looked up into Sejal’s face, eyes swimming. “This money I took from Alexei, it needs to go through some cleaning, but I’d like to make sure you get it.”
Sejal had never turned down money in her life, but she shook her head. “You know Mira had a kid?”
Rhea sniffed. “Of course. Just because I’m not nearby doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention.”
“You could be nearby, though, right? I mean, if the trial is over, if you have money, you don’t need Witness Protection. You have ten million dollars. Surely that could buy you a more normal life. And you could see Mira, and her baby, every now and again. I think she’d like that.”
Rhea grew still. “And what about you?”
What about her? Sejal didn’t know. “I’m already less mad. Give me some time. I’m becoming kind of a softy, I think, in my old age.”
Rhea blinked rapidly. “Ten million dollars can’t really buy me peace or protection.” She pulled out her phone and typed something on the screen. Then she nodded in satisfaction. “But another fifty should. If anything, they’ll blame Alexei for that, too.”
Sejal awkwardly opened her arms, and Rhea stepped into them. They hugged for a long moment, and Sejal accepted her aunt stroking her hair. Other than Krish, no one had touched her like this in forever. Not in a nurturing way.
“I learned how to make chai.” Her words were muffled into her aunt’s shoulder.
“Did you?”
“Mmm. Krish’s mom taught me.”
“Excellent. It’s never too late to learn something new.” Rhea sniffled.
They finally parted, and Sejal’s arms felt empty. Rhea indicated Krish. “What is this about Krish’s brother?”
Sejal gave her aunt a quick summary. Rhea shook her head when she was done. “I feel bad for him. I know what it’s like to be a victim of your mother.”
“I feel bad for him, too.”Annoying Avi.If Krish’s brother had been here, she would have drop-kicked him herself.
“There is someone who might know what happened with the brother, if you’d like to help Krish find some closure.” Rhea made a face. “But I’d rather you not see her ever again.”
Aw, fuck. Sejal grimaced as well. “She’s not far from here, is she?”
“No. If you want to go visit, I can make it happen, but I worry about you, Sejal.”
She was worried about herself, too. As she watched Krish on the balcony, rubbing the back of his neck, she thought of him staunchly defending his brother, even against his own mother.
The asshole had sold her location to Alexei, so Sejal wasn’t super sympathetic to Avi, but Krish did need that closure.
Besides, what could Rushali do to her? She couldn’t kidnap her daughter again from behind bars, right? Sejal straightened her spine. “Pull those strings, Auntie.”
“Are you sure?”
You guys agreed that after Alexei was neutralized, you’d go your separate ways.
“Yes. I owe him.” And she didn’t want to say goodbye to him.
“Very well. Give me an hour or so.” Rhea’s smile was watery.“It’s the least I can do. You two head on out. I’ll make sure everything is tied up here.”
They embraced again. “Will I see you soon?”
“I’ll do my best. But whenever you need me, you know how to call me.” She tapped Sejal’s pendant. “I’m happy to see you wear this necklace, as well. It gives me peace, to know I can protect you even when I’m not with you. Now. Go.”
Sejal went to the balcony. “Hey. Ready?”
