Not My Little Sister

Chapter 19 - Moonlit Mice

Nithin eased into the warmth of the bed, his arms wrapped around Vinaya, as if he feared losing her in the folds of the night.

Vinaya's alarm rang at 5:30 am and a gentle smile graced her lips as she awoke cocooned in Nithin's embrace. "I love you," she murmured, but Nithin remained peacefully asleep. Unable to resist, she pressed a tender kiss to his cheek before delicately extricating herself and gliding toward the bathroom.

It felt as though last Friday belonged to a different lifetime. She could apply to programs in New York and rank them high, she thought, as she washed her face, even if they weren't her best options. Her reflection in the mirror glared at her—wasn't this precisely what she had been attempting to avoid? She inhaled a shaky breath.

Baby steps, she told herself. She understood that planning could only take one so far. She would confront whatever lay ahead.

Nithin awoke to the lingering scent of lemons and caramel on his pillow, drawing a warm smile across his face. He had to ensure the success of his company, to become truly deserving of her and the joy she brought into his life. Infused with renewed energy and purpose, Nithin dedicated the week to his work.

As Vinaya's exams approached, she immersed herself in more practice sessions with Camarillo.

The days rushed by in a blur, and soon, Friday arrived. Vinaya sat wrapped in Nithin's embrace on the futon, as he played a romantic Malayalam movie.

Nithin, periodically kissing her head, simply revelling in the warmth of her presence. The tranquility shattered as Vinaya's phone buzzed—an incoming call from her brother Mohan. Startled, as if shaken, Nithin swiftly withdrew his arm, creating a sudden distance between them.

"I couldn't reschedule the client meeting until Monday after next," Mohan revealed, a furrow of concern on his face. "I'll be there next Friday, but I'll have to fly out to California on Monday. Maybe we can head home together a couple of weeks later?"

Vinaya's eyes widened. Despite her desire to see her brother, the idea of cutting her stay with Nithin short by two weeks was disheartening. As such time felt scarce.

"Etta, you don't have to come," she began, "where will you stay if you come here?"

"I've scheduled some meetings with the marketing team in New York during that period, so my company will sponsor my stay, except for the first weekend," Mohan explained.

Nithin and Vinaya exchanged glances. Mohan chuckled. "Why do you look upset? I put in a lot of effort to make this happen. Show some appreciation," he said, his tone affectionate.

"I'm happy you're coming," Vinaya said. "But I'll still be staying with Nithin Chettan, right?"

Mohan misunderstood her concern and reassured her, focusing on logistics. "I know you have to be out early, so I'll book something close to your hospital to make your commute easier."

"Chetta, come here first," Vinaya insisted, firm in her decision. "Understand the situation, and then decide. I'm not homesick anymore. I'm happy here, used to the commute and everything."

"Okay, okay. I just thought it would be nice," Mohan conceded. "But we can play it by ear."

"Bro," he addressed Nithin, "I see my sister hasn't driven you crazy yet?" he asked, laughing.

"She's been great. Good company," Nithin replied, maintaining a neutral expression

"I heard about Legends." Mohan said, "The deal has almost gone through?"

"Let's not jinx it now," Nithin's face broadened into a smile. "Still getting news really quick, I see."

"Yeah, Ria texted me," Mohan responded, his smile flickering.