Radhika cheers.
Ma looks at Ishika with such open expectation that refusal becomes socially impossible. Ishika glances at me once. Just once. Then back at Ma.
“I would like that,” she says politely. “Thank you.”
Radhika squeals. “Can I also call Saachi?” she asks immediately. “She’s our neighbour and the only other person in my life who watches the show.”
Ishika smiles and nods. “Of course.”
Radhika looks between me and Ishika. I know that look. I glare at her instantly.
Stop being weird.
She smirks and ignores me. “So,” she says casually, far too casually. “How’s working with my brother?”
I prepare for violence. Ishika turns toward me. Her expression softens unexpectedly. “It’s good,” she says.
My heart does something deeply inconvenient. Radhika snorts. “I know that’s false.”
Ishika chuckles. “He might be super annoying,” Radhika adds.
“You know your brother so well,” Ishika says, smirking. I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling.
Radhika laughs loudly. “I like you so much.”
Ishika’s mouth parts slightly in surprise. And I know my face is doing it. That smugI told you soexpression. She catches it immediately. Looks at me. Then shakes her head like I’m impossible. I beam wider.
“I have an office too,” Vedant says suddenly. Everyone turns.
Radhika gives him a slow clap. “Wow. We didn’t know.”
He ignores her completely. “I wanted to get it redesigned a bit,” he says, looking at Ishika. “If you’re free…”
He leaves it there casually, but I know my brother. He’s testing waters. Helping in the only subtle way he knows. Ishika’s whole face brightens. “Yes, of course,” she says immediately. “Can I take it up after I’m done with Aryan’s?”
“Sure,” Vedant replies.
She’s glowing. I watch her for a second too long. She really does love her work. Not for money or status. For the work itself. That kind of passion is rare. And so beautiful. Radhika leans toward me and whispers loudly enough for everyone to hear, “Look at you staring.”
“I am looking normally,” I say.
“You are smiling like an idiot,” she replies.
“I always smile.”
“Not like that.”
Ma pats Ishika’s knee gently and sighs. “This is what I have been stuck with for thirty-plus years.”
Ishika laughs into her hand.
“Correction,” Vedant says dryly. “You’re stuck with me for thirty-four.”
“Unfortunately,” Ma replies.
Radhika gasps. “What about me?”
“You are still under evaluation,” Ma says.
