Chapter 46: Duet

“Excuse me, Aanya?”

As the group reminisced, a voice hailed the black-haired lady.

“What is it, Jui?” Aanya raised her head.

“The CEO called; I have to go back. There are some matters I must attend to. Again, sorry for imposing on you during your day off.”

“What are you talking about? I already said that it’s perfectly fine! It was an urgent matter after all.” Aanya smiled, waving off Jui’s apology.

After that, the blonde-haired woman quickly went about gathering her articles. She rechecked something on her laptop before stowing it away.

“I’ve sent you a copy of that other document I mentioned. It’s not that important so just give it a look when you find some time, okay?”

“Sure. See you tomorrow then.”

“Actually, I have another client to contact tomorrow. Mihika will be there with CEO Bala tomorrow. I will see you on Monday when we discuss that sub-project.”

“I see. See you on Monday, then.” Aanya gestured towards the door and Jui followed her.

“Bye, everyone.” She nodded her head at them.

“Take care, Ms. Jui.” Aakash smiled pleasantly mirrored by Aarav.

Cabir simply waved at her with a lazy grin on his face

Aanya’s hand had just touched the knob when Jui suddenly halted, her eyes catching Mihika’s figure, who was typing rapidly into her phone.

“Aren’t you leaving too?” She asked. Not receiving an answer, she called out a little more loudly, “Mihika?”

Still no answer.

Shaking her head, Jui raised her voice and called out with an authoritative tone, “Mihika!”

“U-uh…uwahhh! S-sorry, Ma’am! What is it, Ma’am?!” The phone nearly tumbled from her hand as she lurched in surprise. After fumbling for half-a-heartbeat with the device, the young lady somehow managed to tightly grab on to it.

Calming down, she raised her head to the unrestrained grins of those around her and immediately realised what had happened. She went red up to her ears.

“That’s what happens when you aren’t alert.” Jui reprimanded good-naturedly.

“I-I was texting Yamini about where she wants to go. Uhm…what happened?” The young woman asked, composing herself.

“Well, Ma’am here was asking you whether you were leaving too.” Jui pointed at herself, a smirk stretching her lips as she said ‘Ma’am’.

Mihika went scarlet again at the comedy made of her outburst from moments ago.

“Yeah, I-I am leaving too!” She haphazardly checked her own items before rushing towards the door, calling out, “Bye everyone!”

As she reached Jui, Mihika aimed a hopeful smile at Aanya, “I hope you pick up the violin again, Aanya didi! If we meet again, maybe we could play together! It would be great if we did!”

“That’s a very real possibility and could actually happen soon.” A thoughtful voice sounded from behind.

As she twisted around, Mihika saw Aarav and Cabir casting inquisitive gazes at Aakash, who was stroking his light beard.

As Mihika’s eyes met his, the man shook his head gently, “It’s just a thought. The decision is your Aanya didi’s after all.” He cast a grin at his wife, whose narrowed eyes made him feel like he could see the machinery spinning inside her head.

“If you guys stay for a week more, it’s possible.” Aakash spoke, “The Sunday after this one…”

His gaze caught Aanya’s and he knew she had figured it out. She vehemently shook her head.

Her action was out of Mihika and Jui’s sight, as she was standing behind them but it only broadened his grin.

“…is the Founding Day of Aanya’s company.” He concluded.

“And…?” Mihika peered at him curiously.

“Oh, there are performances and such. The staff let loose a bit. Aanya almost always performs something on her guitar.”

“Last year, Mom and Dad performed an amazing duet!” Aarav jumped in enthusiastically. He continued proudly, “Everyone was even yelling ‘Once more! Once more!’ That’s how good it was!”

“Oh?” Mihika seemed to put two and two together. “So, you’re saying…”

“That this time, you two could perform a violin duet, if your group is staying back till then.” Aakash finished, grinning cheekily at the fuming Aanya, who was presenting him with her most threatening scowl.