Page 161 of A King's Oath

“Yes, Maarani.”

“Bye, Samarth.”

“Bye, Maarani.”

He glanced at Harsh walking beside him and he showed him his chat with his father. Rawal’s flight was on time. Samarth winced. Papa would wait for him, as usual. This had become a ritual for them. Every time he left on a long expedition, Samarth would be there to see him off at the airstrip. Today, he wouldn’t be able to reach him on time. He thought of calling him but checked the time and realised he would be in court.

His phone buzzed and Avantika’s calling banner dropped. Samarth smirked, swiping the answer button and plastering the phone to his ear — “Yes, Raje.”

A sweet giggle. In bed when he called her that she went wild. Outside the bed when he called her that she went mushy melted marshmallow. He loved that.

“You forgot something at my flat.”

“What?”

“A kiss.”

“I got four.”

“I had kept five for you.”

“You like paying high interest on your debts, no?”

“Hey, your flight is still showing delay, Samarth.”

“You are again tracking my flights?”

“I always track your flights.”

His insides stuttered. She stole his heart over and over again. At this rate, he would be melted into marshmallow mush just like her.

“I am sorry…” her voice softened.

“For what?”

“If I hadn’t kept you up all night you wouldn’t have missed your flight this morning.”

“If I recall correctly, it was a two-person job.”

“Still. You might not be able to see off your Papa.”

“I have sent Sharan. If I can’t reach in time, he certainly will.”

“When will he return from Antarctica?”

“In two weeks. I’ll talk to him then.”

“Cool. I will come to India in March first week to start the final fittings for Kresha’s wedding. Are you coming to Paris before that?”

“I might have a trip in Feb-end. Let’s see if I can route it through Paris. If not, then I am coming to Kresha’s wedding anyway. And who knows, my father might take that nariyal and sava rupya to Gwalior before Feb-end.”

“Yeah!” She laughed. "From what you describe, he is ready for you to yell ‘Go.’”

“Exactly… ok, Ava, my flight is announced. I am boarding.”

“Ok, ok, let me know when you land.”

“You message me before I can even take my phone off airplane mode.Youlet me know when I land, ok?”

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