They turned toward the inner passage. The man’s hand lifted, hovering near the small of her back. Not touching. But close enough.
Abhinav’s fingers curled under the table, slow, tight.
Soon, Devendra returned with them. Lakshya walked beside Meera, close enough to appear natural.
Abhinav watched.
She moved easily at first, matching the conversation, her posture composed. Lakshya spoke, she answered, her attention where it was expected to be.
Then she looked up, saw him, and missed a step.
Barely noticeable. But enough.
A flicker crossed her face. Unguarded. Gone in the next breath, composure settling a touch too fast. Her hand rose, almost without thought, catching the edge of her dupatta. Twisting it once. Releasing it.
Abhinav leaned back in his chair.
Now this was worth watching.
Introductions began. Names exchanged. Polite voices filled the space. Sarita welcomed them with warmth. Naina added a remark at the right moment, charm balanced with curiosity.
Abhinav acknowledged what was required, his focus elsewhere.
“My son, Abhinav,” Sarita looked at her son.
“Hukum.” Lakshya joined his hands. “Your Haveli is magnificent.”
“Thank you,” Abhinav replied, tone even.
Lakshya turned to Meera. “I was telling Meera ji how impressive the arrangements of temple are.”
“Meera manages everything,” Sarita smiled proudly. “She is devoted.”
Meera did not respond. She did not look at him. But her fingers tightened again around her dupatta.
Abhinav’s gaze lingered there for a second longer than needed.
“Perhaps you both should take Thakurain Sa’s blessings before we leave,” Lakshya’s father suggested.
Lakshya nodded. He turned toward Sarita. His hand settled on Meera’s arm, fingers closing around her elbow.
Abhinav went very still.
The courtyard narrowed to that one point. His jaw set, a muscle ticking once.
Meera bent to receive Sarita’s blessing. As she rose, her eyes lifted and found his.
That flicker returned. Faster this time. Gone just as quickly. She looked away.
Abhinav stood.
The scrape of his chair cut through the voices, sharp enough to draw every gaze. “Excuse me. I have a business call.”
No one stopped him.
He did not wait. He did not look at her again. Because if he did, he might decide that removing a man’s hand from her arm in front of everyone was entirely reasonable.
He walked away instead, each step measured, control held in place with effort.