“Where is Atharva?”
“Doing some work upstairs. Your observatory, I am assuming…” Amaal cuddled Yathaarth closer as they crossed the gate. “How is he?”
“He is good.”
“I talk to you all the time. But with him, it’s… unless there’s a work-related conversation…”
“He is being mindful of keeping his distance, Amaal. You are the Press Secretary of Qureshi. It doesn’t look good.”
“I know. But I am his friend too.”
It was ideal, she knew. But she wanted to hold onto Atharva as well as her job as the Press Secretary of the man who had brought this coup against him and exiled him. Amaal did not necessarily have to like Qureshi, but she wanted to complete her term as Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of J&K if she wanted to keep her credentials secure.Work is still work.Those had been Atharva’s words when he had left.
“Where is Samar?”
Amaal hid her face behind Yathaarth’s head. This, she knew, because she had asked him about it on message before coming here. Their friends didn't need to know about their issues until they were resolved — one way or another.
“He was in Solan this afternoon. He should be here any time.”
“How is that going? He spends time between Srinagar and Himachal. You are busy every day of the week with this rare Sunday off. Are you both planning to…” Iram trailed.
“Planning to what?”
“Think about marriage?”
Amaal shook her head.
“Why?”
They reached the door and Yathaarth screamed. “Babaaa!”
Thank god.
Atharva was striding down the spiral staircase on the side of the house, looking just as good as he had looked last as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Amaal. When did you come?”
“Fifteen minutes ago, and you were busy. On a Sunday evening.”
“My days are all the same,” he smiled, taking the bags off the stroller. He glared at Iram — “You carried all this on your own?”
“You said you are busy.”
“I asked you to take Shiva.”
“It wasn't much and Ipushedit all.”
Amaal sensed a domestic tiff. So, it was everywhere.
“How are you, Shiva?” Amaal waved as she found him scuttling out of the kitchen.
He nodded his head from side to side and gave her an expression resembling a smile. Her day was made!
“Samar didn’t come?” Atharva glanced behind her.
She was not Samar’s timekeeper!
“He is on his way…”
