Page 44 of The Rules of Playing with Fire

A little later, when Grant was ready to leave, he stood up, leaned in, and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

“It was very nice to meet you, Sona. I hope our paths cross again.”

As Mihir stepped out to see him off, Uncle got another call for his birthday. I sat alone in the kitchen with Aunty.

“Beta,” she said. “I want to apologize for dragging you along this way. It occurred to me that I should’ve asked you in private if you were alright coming back with us.”

I blinked with a slight smile on my lips, trying to figure out the reason behind her apology.

She cleared her throat lightly. “I…I’m really not trying to thrust you and Mihir together like a meddling Indian mother, although I’m guilty of having done that in the past,” she said with a sheepish smile. “It’s just…you remind me so much of Rajni. I just wanted a bit more time with you…with her. It was selfish.”

With a smile, I took her hand in mine. “You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. I’m glad you asked, and you should know that if I was uncomfortable, I would’ve said it. And I’m always here if you want to talk. We can have our own friendship, can’t we?”

Tears rimmed her eyes, but she quickly sniffed them away. “Thank you, Sona. You’re very gracious.”

“Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. I’ll send you papers and book titles I think might interest you. Would you like that?”

“I’d love that. It will keep my writing alive too.”

“You write?” I cried with wide eyes.

“A little. I haven’t shared it with anyone, though, not even Arvind.”

“Well, if you ever want to share, I’ll be happy to read it. And I can keep a secret,” I whispered just as Mihir returned to the kitchen. I surreptitiously removed my hand from his mother’s arm.

“You and Mihir haven’t had breakfast,” she said. “Let me make you something.”

“I’d hate to bother you, Aunty,” I said and looked at Mihir.

“We’ll get something on the way to the airport, Mom,” he protested. “Don’t worry about us.”

The look in his eyes held a promise that had my heart thumping. It was somewhat scary to think we already understood each other so well.

SONA

“Did Mom ask you about us?” Mihir said when we were in his car.

“No.”

“Then what were you two talking about?”

“Wow, you’d think two well-read women have nothing else to talk about but you,” I said with a stern look. “That’s some hardcore male arrogance right there.”

“Come on, Sona, you know what I mean. Did she bring up anything that made you uncomfortable? Anything I need to apologize for?”

“What do you think?”

He let out a hard exhale. “You’re right, she wouldn’t.”

I placed a hand on his thigh. “I hope you realize how lucky you are, Mihir.”

He eased his foot on the pedal and drifted to the slowest lane. “So, are you having coffee with Grant?”

I retracted my hand. “I haven’t decided, although he’s terribly charming. And gorgeous! And that accent…oof.” I fanned myself with my left hand.

Mihir’s brows drew in, and his face turned somber. “I must warn you, he’s more feral than he appears.”

“Is he?” I pulled a face. “Or are you just jealous, Mihir Seth?”

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