Borrowed But Mine: An Arylie FF

Borrowed But Mine: Chapter 37

Chapter 37

At the Rathore Mansion, that evening....

"How is the baby doing...Madhu?" Maa asked solemnly as they wound down in the living room after dinner.

"I just talked to Dr. Aapte. He is stable."

"Poor baby." Maa shook her head sadly and held out her hand, gesturing Imlie to sit beside her.

On impulse, Imlie put her head on Narmada's lap, surprising her. After a moment of hesitation, she put her hand on Imlie's hand and stroked her hair.

"You've worn yourself out."

Imlie sighed. Maa was right. She had worn herself out. As tired as she was, sleep was elusive. Her eyes watched the pictures on TV but her mind was blank. How she wished Aryan was here. He'd not taken her call all evening.

"Maa?'

"Hmm?"

"Did Aryan call? He didn't visit this past weekend? With Krish being ill...I haven't talked to him as much...."

"No...he didn't call me. Samar, did Aryan mention anything about his plans for the weekend when he had called earlier?"

Imlie sat up, eager to hear Papa's answer, disappointed when he shrugged his shoulders.

"No...he just said he's been incredibly busy. Wants to wrap up work by the time the wedding comes around. That's pretty much it."

Listless, Imlie excused herself and dragged herself upstairs.

Narmada watched her, then shared a knowing smile with her husband as she glanced at the clock. A couple more hours and her son would be home. He had not said anything on the phone. So technically they had not lied. Aryan had texted them to let them know of his flight details.

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"Go to bed, Archer." Aryan crouched in front of Archer and pointed to the dog bed in the living room. Archer whined in protest.

Bed's upstairs Aryan and I missed her too!! This is so unfair!!

"Come on." He lead him to the bed and gave him a treat for plopping himself on the bed. It had taken him a couple of weeks to get Archer out of his bed but this ritual seemed to work.

Ooooooooh....treats are good....Fine! Just for the record I protest for keeping me away from my Imlie. Now have a GOOD....night, Aryan.

"Good boy! I know you smell her. First thing tomorrow morning. You get to see her. Got it, doggo?" Fondly he rubbed his back, offering another treat before making his way upstairs.