Sejal nodded reluctantly. God, she hated to be reminded that her father had actually helped her.
“You went to Dad for help with this guy?” Mira asked slowly.
“Yes. After I came to you.”
Mira’s knuckles went white on her husband’s shoulder. Naveen reached up to pat her hand.
“And Vassar helped her,” Sunil said pointedly. “Because he was a good man.”
Sure, every good dad gloats first when his daughter comes to him for help.
Sejal wasn’t entirely surprised that Mira’s lips twisted. In this, at least, they were still united.
“Please stop, Sunil Uncle. Sorry, he’s been insufferable about our father since Ananya was born.”
“All I’m saying—”
Krish cleared his throat, interrupting Sunil. “I didn’t know the man, but it sounds as though he terribly mistreated his daughters. You may have known a different side of him, sir, but it’s quite fair for Sejal to feel angry toward him.”
Damn it. Defending her now?Stop making me like you.
Sunil looked down at his hands. “I know Vassar didn’t always show it, but he did love you.”
Irritation rose up in Sejal’s throat like bile. All her father’s buds had thought he was the best thing since sliced bread, and if that was the kind of judgment they had, then how could she trust them?
Sejal had grown up listening to Rhea make one excuse after another for her brother.He’d be here if he could. He loves you so much. He doesn’t know how to be a father. He misses your mom.
Blah, blah, blah. “I’d rather not argue over this.”
“Why would your mom have kidnapped you if she didn’t think your dad loved and trusted you enough to give you that necklace?” Sunil clamped his lips shut and cast Krish a guilty look.
Krish nodded. “I am aware of the kidnapping.”
Because I have a big mouth.“Our mother kidnapped me because she was also a deadbeat parent.”
“No. It was because she found that email he sent me.”
“Not this again,” Mira muttered.
Sejal narrowed her eyes. “What email?”
“You left before we could have a proper debrief after that unfortunate abduction incident.” Sunil pulled his phone out of his pocket and tapped on the screen. “Here.”
Curiosity had her taking the phone from Sunil. Krish leaned over slightly to read the screen over her shoulder, and she didn’t block him. Because why start shielding him from her dysfunctional family now?
Sunil,
No complications with the transaction, but in the hospital. If you see them, tell them I’m sorry. I don’t blame Mira or Sejal for leaving home. I was a shitty father. Hope they do better. Left them something, they’ll know where it is. Talked to Rhea, she says Mira’s getting married soon. I wish I could make it to her wedding. Feels like something’s missing.
Thanks for everything. Talk soon. Vassar
Tell them I’m sorry.
This email from her dead father should have stirred something inside her, but it didn’t. Not even a little bit. She handed the phone back to Sunil.
“See? He loved you.”
“I don’t see a single word about love in there.” Rhea had been the only one to talk about love in their household. Their aunt was the reason Sejal had tried to say it to Mira when they were young. She hadn’t wanted Mira to grow up like she did, with barely anyone telling her she was loved.
