Beyond The Palace Walls| ONGOING

Chapter - 40

Govind's firm tone broke the silence. "Karishma, that's enough. We don't speak to our guests like that."

Karishma's smile faltered, and she looked away, her eyes flashing with annoyance.

Meera, however, remained calm, her expression serene. "It's okay, Uncle."

Agastya's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. He didn't like seeing Meera disrespected, especially not in his own home.

The tension in the room was palpable, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words.

Just then, the sound of sizzling food came from the kitchen, followed by the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast.

Archana walked in, a warm smile on her face. "I hope you're all hungry."

The room fell silent, the tension momentarily forgotten in the face of food.

Meera smiled, feeling a sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, this day wouldn't be so bad after all.

As the family sat down to enjoy their breakfast, Armaan turned to Agastya with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, Bhaiya, when are you planning to join us back in the office?" Armaan asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Agastya's eyes narrowed, his expression mock-irritated. "Isse tumhe kya fark padta hai, Armaan?"
(What's it to you, Armaan?")

Armaan chuckled. "Just wondering when you'll get back to work."

"I'm taking a bit of a break, that's all. Business can be demanding, and I needed some time to recharge."

Karishma snorted. "Recharge? You mean you're just lazy and don't want to deal with the stress of running the business."

Agastya's eyes flashed with annoyance, but before he could respond, Govind intervened.

"Enough, Karishma. Let's not discuss business at the breakfast table."

The conversation turned to more lighthearted topics, but Meera couldn't help but notice the undercurrents of tension within the family.

After breakfast.

Armaan's eyes pleaded with Agastya as he begged, "Come on, Bhai, just one day off? I promise I'll make up for it tomorrow."

Agastya chuckled, clearly enjoying the exchange. "No way, Armaan. You're not getting out of work that easily."

Armaan pouted, his face scrunched up in mock disappointment. "Tum bohot matlabi ho, Bhai"
(You're so mean, Brother.)

Just then, Archana walked into the room, a warm smile on her face. "What's going on here?"

Armaan immediately appealed to Archana. "Kaki, Agastya's being really mean. He won't give me a day off."

Archana's eyes twinkled with amusement as she turned to Agastya. "Don't be so mean, beta. Let him enjoy himself for a day."

Agastya's grin faltered, and he looked sheepish. "Okay, fine. One day off, but don't think this is setting a precedent."

Armaan whooped in excitement, pumping his fist in the air. "Yes! Thank you, Kaki! Thank you, Agastya!"

Meera watched the exchange, a smile on her face. It was clear that the Singh family was close-knit and loving, despite their quirks and disagreements.

Armaan grinned mischievously. "Thanks, kaki! I'm going to make the most of my day off."

Agastya raised an eyebrow. "Just don't get into any trouble, okay?"