Chapter 73

Shanaya’s eyes involuntarily darted to the staircase Suhala was descending. She looked back at Ahail, unsure of how to comprehend his words. She waited for him to say something, all the while trying to figure out how to avoid another unwanted conversation.

In a surprising moment, he cupped her cheek. “I understand how hard all of this is for you,” he said, his voice filled with pity.

Shanaya wondered how much her brother had truly heard of the conversation she had with her grandmother.

Ahail continued, “Seeing them so often. I can hardly imagine how you get through all that. The Kapoors ruined us and here you are, required to pretend to be excited about all of this. I don’t understand why Dadi would have you look after the arrangements. I’m sure Neil would do good on his own.”

“I’m doing it all for Neil,” she defended herself. “Neil needs my… our help. He deserves his shot at happiness.”

Something flickered across Ahail’s eyes. His hand slipped from her cheek.

Shanaya felt her hear