Her skin crawled. “Fuck off.”
twenty
DHILLON
Dhillon changed his shirt for the third time. “What’s wrong with this one?”
“I don’t like the color on you.” Hetal glanced at him as she went through his closet. “How about this?” She pulled out a solid navy blue button-down. “With the jeans you have on.”
He did as he was told. Fourth time must be the charm because Hetal grinned at him and nodded. “Perfect.”
Dhillon inhaled. Thank God. He was just going on a date, not to a wedding. “So can I go?”
“Where are you taking her?” Hetal asked in that little-sister singsongy voice.
“I’m meeting her in Baltimore for dinner.” Dhillon put his wallet in his back pocket and his phone in his front pocket.
“Don’t forget to open doors, et cetera. It’s nice to do that,” Hetal advised.
“I’m not an idiot.”
“Just checking. I appreciate those things in a guy.” His sister shrugged. “And you haven’t been on a date in years.”
Well, he wasn’t even sure he should be on this one. But if Riya was really dating, then he seriously needed to put her in the past and move on.
“Whatever. Can I go now?”
Loud, angry voices reached them from downstairs. Their mother was arguing with someone. Hetal’s expression reflected his own confusion. He nodded toward the steps. “Come on.” As soon as he opened the door, it was clear.
Hiral Mama.
Dhillon bounded down the steps, Hetal close behind him. They both marched into the kitchen.
“What’s going on?” Dhillon attempted to keep his voice neutral.
“Ah, Dhillon. Finally. Someone with sense.” Hiral Mama addressed him. “Talk to your mother. Tell her how ridiculous it is that she is dating. She’s on shaadi.com, for God’s sake.”
Dhillon’s shock was so complete, he was momentarily speechless.
“Surely you understand. You also have a sister. You would not want your sister dating random boys, now, would you? It is highly inappropriate for a widow of her age to be seen withmen. You see, don’t you?” Hiral Mama asked.
Dhillon’s mother was fighting tears. “Hiral Bhai, Rohun makes me happy!”
Hiral Mama did not even turn to acknowledge what she had said.
“Actually, Hiral Mama, Mom can make her own decisions. As can my sister. Those ideas are outdated. It’s time to open your eyes and see how happy your sister is,” Dhillon countered.
Hiral Mama’s eyes hardened. “It is not acceptable that Namrata Ben and Neha Ben approach me at the mandir to tell me about my sister’s wayward actions.”
“Wayward?” Dhillon was astonished. “I hardly think—”
“Obviously, you are not thinking.” Hiral Mama turned to his sister. “I tried to reason with you. You won’t listen. And neither will your son.” He shot Dhillon a hard look before turning back to his sister. “I forbid you to bring down the family name and continue in this manner. Our parents would be ashamed of you.”
At the gasp of horror from his mother, Dhillon fisted his hand. Uncle or no, Hiral Mama was begging to be punched. Instead, Dhillon spoke through clenched teeth. “Leave. Leave now.”
His uncle turned to him, anger oozing from his eyes. “Show some respect.”
“Earn some,” Dhillon spit back.
