Chapter 47: Distant Cousins

“I would love to!” Mihika turned to Aanya and clasped her hands tightly, “Isn’t that great Aanya didi?”

The black-haired lady was so surprised that she fumbled over her words, “Uh…um...well…w-what…”

Jui pulled Mihika off Aanya and admonished her, “Don’t just jump onto her! You are a grown woman now. Act your age.”

“Ah, sorry.” Mihika tugged at her bun, murmuring sheepishly.

“No, no, it’s alright!” Aanya shook her head, recovering from the shock.

“Anyway, I don’t think we will be staying that long here. The agreement and all the other stuff should be wrapped up before the Founding Day.” Jui spoke regretfully.

“Ah, of course, don’t worry about-” There was a tinge of relief in Aanys’s tone.

“But of course, if CEO Aanya were to request us to stay…” Jui suggested with a conspiratorial grin.

Aanya gaped at the sudden reversal. Recovering her posture, she nodded pleasantly, “I’ll put forward the idea to CEO Bala.”

“Then we can perform together?” Mihika looked happy enough o prance around.

“I…”

“Let Boss agree to the proposition first!” Jui tapped her on the head.

“Oh yes, didi.” Mihika replied absentmindedly as her imploring gaze was still latched onto Aanya.

“That’s your Jui ‘Ma’am’ you’re replying to, not your Aanya ‘didi’.” Cabir couldn’t help aim a jibe at her presumed misnomer.

“Huh?” Mihika looked at him. “I know.”

“Uh…” The man looked lost for words.

“Actually,” Jui wrapped an arm around the younger woman, “The two of us are distant cousins. That ‘Ma’am’ is just for professional purposes.”

“Oh,” Cabir nodded, realisation dawning.

“Well, we’ll be taking our leave now.” Jui tugged at Mihika before waving to everybody.

Mihika cast one more longing look at Aanya as the two were shown out the door by her.

The moment the door closed, she whirled around, “Aa-”

“Aarav, let’s go book the tickets for that movie you mentioned.” Aakash patted his son’s back, sparing a slight smile for his infuriated wife.

She scowled.

“But what about Mom? She’s very busy…”

“It’s been so long since we all went out together and your Uncle Cabir is here too. I’m sure she will take out some time for us.” He grinned at Aanya whose scowl deepened.

But then she saw Aarav’s pitiful expression. Still glowering at Aakash, Aanya reached out and fondly mussed her son’s hair, “Of course. Go book the tickets with your father.”

Just as the duo turned to walk away, Aanya added, “After you’re done, Aakash, come to the bedroom, will you? There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“You’re in deep waters, Aakash. Her face looks ugly, and I mean, uglier than normal. If looks could kill…”

“Screw off.” Aanya glared at him.

“And I thought you wanted to screw around with me…” Cabir looked visibly depressed.

Aanya’s eyes flared up.

Catching the look, Aakash patted his friend’s shoulder, whispering, “Thanks for drawing the fire, bud. I’ll hope for your survival.”

Without wasting a moment, he quickly pulled Aarav along, waving cheerily at Cabir who stood aghast as he was left alone to reap what he had sown.

“Hey…hey…Aa-Aanya…”