Somewhere Only We Go

Chapter 26 (Part 1)

Translation for Hindi words: Bhaiya/Bhai (brother), Chacha (Father's brother) Chachi (father's sis in law)

Avinash

"So Kabir, Rishabh was telling us you are a photographer." I glared at Rishabh and he just shrugged. Why was he talking about Kabir to his parents?

"Dad was just asking me this morning." He addressed Kabir but was looking at me. The thing with knowing each other since you were kids is that no matter how busy you get there will always remain an invisible string tying you back to them. Me and Rishabh may not know whatever is going on in each other's lives now but we can still understand each other quite well. Or maybe the glaring gave it away. Either way, I don't like this. But I am the one who brought Kabir here.

In the beginning, it sounded like a good idea. Kabir was sitting in my bed, his hair all messy and ruffled he looked cute. It took a good amount of self-control that morning to not fuck him again. But back then I was interested in getting him in my bed again, that was one of the primary reasons why I asked him to be my...um...fake boyfriend. The term is laughable at this point. But that same morning when he cursed loudly at my office door and then jumped to hide behind it like I couldn't see him. I didn't have to see him to get the vague sense of him being somewhere around. For a second I thought I was going crazy. I think a part of me fell in love with him that day. And the selfish part of me was excited to get him all for myself but the sensible, logical part of me should have known I was making a mistake.

"Yes, I am. Uh...I..." Kabir was struggling to answer the question so I grabbed his hand beneath the dinner table and squeezed it.

"Kabir is going to be working with us." Saying he was the new hire felt wrong. Because he isn't.

"So he is your new hire?" Fuck. Of course, it was Dad who said that. Mom looked at me and Kabir like we were aliens invading her home. I never gave a lot of thought about how Mom treated me at least after I realized she was not going to change but for the past few days her behavior has been bothering me a lot more.

"I don't think he can be called a new hire chachu. It's a contractual job, he is going to work with the publishing company, not for them. It sounds more like a collaboration between them."

I pressed my lips together to control my smile. Kabir looked at Rishabh with a grateful smile. he just raised his wine glass in our direction and winked.

"Sounds right." My uncle said. "If you are open to more options why don't send your portfolio to us, we need new pictures for the websites. Also, this sounds like a better plan, working with independent professionals rather than the big media houses."

Suddenly all eyes in the room were on Kabir and I didn't want him to feel pressured to say yes. "You can say no if you want." Kabir looked at me once but then turned to face my uncle who was sitting at one head of the table. "I'd like that, thank you." He smiled.

"Perfect, I'll ask my assistant to get in touch with Sonali. She can provide the details hopefully?" Uncle asked me.

"Yes, I'll let her know when I see her on Monday." I almost forgot this week is over, one more day, and then we have to go back to Delhi. But for the first time, I am looking forward to going back. I am excited to know what a day to day life with Kabir will be like. We haven't discussed a lot of the details but we will figure it out.

"But don't think we are going to give you any advantage because my nephew is in love with you." My uncle said with a smile on his face and this time I didn't hide the smile that got plastered on my face. Kabir's entire face turned red but he managed to reply, "I wouldn't want that sir."

"Ugh, the formalities." Disha rolled her eyes.

"Umm..." Kabir looked slightly embarrassed.

"Call him uncle like bhaiya does," Disha said.

"Yeah, that works for me," Uncle replied.

"What's wrong with sir?" my father asked nonchalantly like it doesn't bother him but I know it's driving him nuts. I clench my fist but before I can react in any other way Kabir grabs my hand and squeezes it tightly.

"Nothing is wrong with calling someone sir, I guess Uncle feels personal but you don't have to worry, I'll call you sir." Rishabh choked on his wine, Disha pressed her lips so tightly to not laugh, my uncle and aunty were suddenly more focused on their plates, my mother looked uncomfortable and my father was gripping the spoon tightly seething in anger. I had never wanted to grab Kabir and kiss him the way I wanted to at that moment. Actually, that's a lie, I always want to kiss him.

"So um Avinash beta what happened in your hand?" Chachi asked me.

"Oh um..." Fuck I didn't think of an excuse.

"He sliced it yesterday in the kitchen when we were cutting fruits." Kabir, Disha, and Rishabh shared a look. I couldn't bring myself to look any of them in the eye. They weren't trying to make me feel ashamed but I did feel ashamed of my action.

"So um mum you are coming with me to Bangalore, right?" Rishabh changed the topic before any of them could ask more questions. I didn't look at my parents, I have had enough of that drama.

"Yes but just for one week to make sure you are settling properly." Rishabh rolled his eyes, it's funny how she still treats Rishabh like he is a kid. This time I couldn't help but sneak a glance at my mother who was more interested in his empty food plate. She didn't even ask about my hand.

"We are done eating so uh good night everyone." Kabir started to get up and I followed.

"Wait, me and Bhai, we going for ice cream and walk around the beach, you guys want to come?" Disha asked.

"Yeah, sure," I replied when Kabir nodded.