All Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Sita and I sit next to each other at the dining table, while Dhruv sits opposite me, toying with his food. Prashanth and Abhi retired for bed since it has been a long day, while mom and dad still haven't made it back from today's campaign.

"I'm thinking," I share, "we need someone to oversee the company while we're busy here."

"It's just for a bit, though," Dhruv says, "who would come work for us for such little time? Once the campaign's over, things will get a lot more manageable. I'll have a lot more time for the office—"

"You also have the legal practice—"

"Yeah, but it's not like I manage the office by myself. You're involved, mom's involved—"

"If I win the election—"

"When you win the election," he corrects me, but finishes my sentence anyway, "you won't have enough time."

"Exactly."

"We'll figure it out," he promises me. "Just give me some time."

"How much time?"

Dhruv sighs. "Anna. Things like hiring decisions, especially for senior management roles, take a while. I can't give you a timeframe just as soon as you tell me you need someone to replace you— it's a big responsibility and they have big shoes to fill—"

"I think we should go for internal hiring."

Dhruv exhales exasperatedly. "Give me a fucking break, Dhushyanth. Let me think for at least two minutes—"

"Is it my fault your brain works at the pace of—"

"Oh my god I'm so sorry I'm not a barrister with a Stanford MBA—"

"You should be."

"Dhushyanth," Sita, slaps my hand, frowning. "Why are you speaking to Dhruv like that?"

"I don't know," I confess, "he got annoyed, and I just kept taking the shots—"

"Bitchass," Dhruv cusses at me.

"Jackass," I respond, without missing a beat.

"Good god," Sita exclaims, "give him a break. Let him be. What is with you?"

"Thank you, Sita," Dhruv says to his sister-in-law. "I don't understand what the fuck this guy's problem is."

"Vadina ani piluvu," I demand. "And I don't have a problem. I'm just messing with you because you're so easy to mess with."

"Dhushyanth," Sita admonishes sternly. "That's enough. Dhruv's tired."

"Naa ishtam ra. Maa Vadina. Vadina ani pilusthaano Sita ani pilusthaano, adi memu memu chuskuntam."

"Naa pellaam ra. Nee ishtam evadiki kaavaali?"

"Edichav le. Sita would never have gone for your face if not for the parents."

"Really?" I drawl, cocking an eyebrow. "Adugu mee Vadina ni."

Dhruv glances at Sita and seems to think better of taking the question to her. "I wouldn't want her to compromise her integrity to save your face."

"Or you just want to save your face."

Dhruv addresses Sita, "I just want to remind you— this asshole was your sworn enemy before your marriage. We've been friends for a long, long time now. I'm your rakhi brother. Remember? You didn't tie him a rakhi because he's that much of an asshole."

Sita smiles. "Yes, Dhruv. You are my rakhi brother, and also one of my closest friends, regardless of Dhushyanth. He's just trying to get under your skin—" she throws me a glare— "like he does with me all the time, even now. So take my advice and ignore him."