Page 252 of The Circle of Exile
“Sarah bhabhi called Iram to ask if she can come to meet Dani and Iram said she can come and eat dinner with us so she said that Qureshi will also be coming with her…”
“Why was I not informed?”
“You were busy upstairs so Iram said she would tell you once you come down.”
“Where is she?”
“Gone up to get ready.”
Atharva peered at the kitchen window, heavenly smells wafting out, Shiva scuttling around.
“Atharva Bhai?” Daniyal came padding out of his room, Yathaarth slung over his arm like Atharva had slung him.
“Did you just wake up?”
“Huuuuh…” he yawned.
“It’s seven. How was your exam?”
“Gooood,” he finished yawning.
“Wash your face and get ready. Ammi and Abba are coming for dinner. And this evening napping stops now. Exams are over…” Atharva trailed, seeing his face drop piece by piece.
“Arth, go play with Noora.”
“Baba play.”
“I’ll change and come to play, you go and start. Put on your mosquito patch. Noora?”
“Come on, Artha!”
Atharva waited for them to rush out of the hall and out of the house. Then he covered the distance between him and Daniyal.
“You finished your graduation exam today. It’s a big day for your parents,” he clasped his shoulder.
“Are they even welcome here?”
“Of course they are. They have come here before also.”
“I know what’s going on between you and him.”
“What’s going on?”
“He is keeping you away from Srinagar.”
“It’s not in his hand.”
Daniyal glared up at him. The eyes of a grown young adult, not a just-passed teen that he could manipulate. Atharva sighed. “You and Abba have fought a lot. Isn’t it enough now, Daniyal?”
“No.”
“When will it be enough then?”
“I don’t know.”
“Don’t you want to go home?”
His mouth compressed. His lower lip wobbled. Atharva held his gaze steady.
