AHEA Chapter 8: Support and Restraint

Chapter 8: Support and Restraint

It was 8 o’clock and Anjili still hadn’t shown up. It was a mutual agreement in the family that they wouldn’t eat dinner until Anjili was back. Akash was about to call her on her phone when she came through the front door.

“I’m sorry I’m late.” She said. “I didn’t realise that so much time had gone past. Have you eaten?”

“We were waiting for you.” Said Naniji coldly.

“I’m really sorry. Just give me 2 seconds to freshen up and I’ll join you.”

Anjili rushed up the stairs and came down 5 minutes later. She joined them at the table and everyone started eating.

After lunch, Anjili tried to sneak away but was stopped by Naniji.

“Anjili, where are you going?” she asked.

“To my room Nani. I’m very tired, it’s been such a long day and I have college tomorrow.”

“We need to talk so sit down.”

“Yes Nani.”

Everyone turned to look at Arnav expectedly. Arnav sighed.

“So Di,” he began, “How was house hunting?”

“I found some great apartments but they were either not in my price range or not good enough.”

“If you need financial aid-”

“No thanks Chote. I really prefer it if you let me do this by myself.”

“Of course Di, I’m behind you a 100%.” He said sincerely.

Anjili was touched. “Thank you Chote. That means a lot.”

“Chote!” yelled Naniji. “What are you doing?”

“Telling Di that I support and respect her decision.”

“What?!” said Nani in outrage.

“Nani, we need to give Di space to grow. If she thinks this is what’s best for her then as a family, we should support her.”

“But-”

“He’s right Dadi.” Said Akash. “I support you Di.”

Anjili was tearing up in happiness. “Thank you so much.”

“I support you too.” Said Payal.

“Me too.” Said Khushi.

Anjili flung herself at them in happiness and held them tight. She hadn’t left this happy or light in a long time.

“No!” screamed Naniji.

“Nani-”

“No! I am still the elder of the house and I forbid you to leave this house until you’re married.”

With that she walked off.

AAD Chapter 8: Losing

I know it's been nearly a month since I updated but at least I updated. Visuals for this story is available: Arnav's dream. I recommend opening them up on a separate tab to you can read and view the pictures at the same time. The bits in bold is a dream. This story is only for 16+, so minors keep away. Enjoy :) 

 

 

Chapter 8: Losing

 

Arnav had entered the Raizada Mansion. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something was different. The lights were all off and there were candles everywhere. Instead of the living room, there was a giant pool with floating candles. Palm trees were scattered around the room and the smell of incense was making him heady. There was soft Arabian music playing somewhere in the house and that’s when he noticed what was so different about the Mansion. There were girls everywhere. Literary everywhere. Where ever he looked, there would be a beautiful girl in a harem outfit belly dancing or lounging on one of the many pillows that were all around him or eating/feeding each other grapes. The girls all looked like airbrushed models, all from different ethnicities, all with hourglass figures, all with long legs and flawless features. They were perfect. Too perfect.

 

Arnav decided to ignore them and head towards his room. As soon as he took a step, everyone stopped what they were doing, the music stopped and he couldn’t smell the incense anymore. He frowned and looked around. It seemed like every move he made was followed by the girls’ eyes. He began to walk again, trying very hard to ignore the girls. They too got up and started to head to where he was. Soon Arnav found his way blocked by the gorgeous girls and he started to find it hard to resist them. One of them had managed to take his briefcase away from him and another was loosening his tie. He felt an overwhelming urge to take them all and he knew if he didn’t get away from them now, he probably would.

 

They had taken his jacked and started unbuttoning his waistcoat when he finally decided to say something. “Excuse me ladies.”

 

All of a sudden, the women stopped touching him and parted like the Red Sea. He looked around confused before he shrugged and went on his way to his room. To his surprise, no one came near him again. The music came back, he could smell the incense again and the girls went on doing whatever they wanted.

 

When he finally stepped into his room his breath hitched in his throat. This was not because his room similarly resembled the living room. The colour scheme was mostly reds, oranges and yellows. There were drapes and cushions everywhere. On one end of the room there was a circular bed with more drapes and cushions and on the other end, a couch with drapes and cushions. Soft Arabian music was playing and incense was burning. But that’s not why Arnav Singh Raizada couldn’t breathe properly. The reason why he couldn’t breath was because there was a woman in the middle of the room.

 

This woman was wearing the most exquisite red lace saree with a gold border and gold designs. She had her back to him so he couldn’t tell what colour her blouse was, only that that there were 2 gold strings holding it up. She had worn her hair in a plait and he couldn’t help but notice how the blackness of her hair complimented the fairness of her skin. He wanted her to face him badly. He didn’t have to wait long. She turned around and he found himself staring at his heart’s desire, Khushi.

 

“That didn’t take you very long.” She said.

 

Arnav was so dazzled by her beauty that it took him a few seconds to get his mouth working.

 

He was confused. “What didn’t take me very long?” he asked.

 

“Finishing them all off.” Taking a step towards him.

 

“Finishing who all off?”

 

“The girls downstairs of course.” She said taking another step.

 

He finally understood what she was talking about. “I didn’t touch them.”

 

By this time Khushi had come close enough that they’re bodies were touching.

 

She let out a sarcastic laugh. “Who’d have thought that a sex maniac like you would turn down the opportunity to do some of the most beautiful women in the world?”

 

He snaked an arm around her waist and stroked her bare back. “Oh I’ll do them too.” He said casually.

 

She raised an eyebrow. “Too?”

 

He nodded. “Right after I’m finished with you.”

 

He turned her around roughly so her back was mashed up against his front. He pulled the ribbon that had tied her plait together to let her hair cascade along her bare back. She laughed as he began to disrobe her as fast as possible was grinding his ever growing erection against her. Once she was completely void of cloths, he bit her neck harshly and pulled at her nipples until they were sore. The Arabian music had somehow gone from being very erotic to loud and annoying but he ignored it. His mouth watered as he savoured the taste of her skin as he began to pepper her back with open mouth kisses. Khushi’s moans were getting lost in the music. The music sounded louder so he decided to hurry this up. He turned her around-

 

And woke up. Arnav woke up dazed, confused and aroused. After a few moments he realised that it was just a dream, at which point he threw his alarm clock as hard as he could at the wall. It broke on impact and stopped its infuriating buzzing.

 

Feeling frustrated and irritated, he called Aman. “Aman.” He said trying to keep his voice even.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Is Lavanya still in town?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Send her over now!”

 

He hung up the phone and waited, all the while thinking of how good Khushi had felt.

 

 

 

It had been a week since Khushi’s father’s heart attack and a week since Payal had been in charge. Things had gotten a lot better. Buaji and Garima were still giving Khushi the cold shoulders but they weren’t being as cruel. This was mainly due to Babuji. Babuji was a lot better now and thought Payal’s decision to leave Lucknow was a great idea.

 

“We can start on a clean slate.” He had said.

 

They were all packed and ready to leave. They had even managed to sell the halwai shop. It was, however, for a lot less than they had intended but beggars can’t be choosers. Everything was sorted, well nearly everything.

 

 

 

Sheesh Mahal, Lucknow

 

Arnav was drinking coffee on the veranda while reading a newspaper when a bumbling servant approached him nervously. Arnav put his paper down and stared at the man intently until he began cowering.

 

“What is it?!” he barked.

 

The servant leapt 20 feet in to the air and stuttered out, “The the there’s someone he here to se se see you sir.”

 

“Who?”

 

“Pa pa pa Payal Gupta.”

 

Arnav smirked and sat up straight. “Bring her to me.”

 

“Ji.”

 

The servant ran off and a few minutes later, appeared with Payal.

 

“Ah Payal, I trust you’ve come to talk to me about my offer.”

 

“There’s really nothing to talk about. Didn’t your dog give you my message?”

 

“Dog? Oh you mean Aman. Yes he did and I received it loud and clear.”

 

“Good.” She slid a bunch of key across the table to him.

 

He frowned. “What is this?”

 

“The keys to our house. Don’t worry, I’ve been very unhelpful and not labelled any of them.” She said with a smile.

 

Arnav’s features darkened and he sat up straight. “What’s the meaning of this?”

 

Payal’s smile widened. “What? A great and smart business man like you can’t figure it out? Loh, I’ll explain in simple terms. You lost. We’ve decided to keep our Khushi and give you our house because she’s more precious to us. Don’t bother following us, I found your spies and told them your real motive for following my sister. Have you noticed how you haven’t had any more intel from them for the past 2 days?”

 

Arnav thought about it for a moment and realised how true it was. He hadn’t heard anything from them.

 

“It’s a shame.” He said in an eerily calm voice. “I’m sure your sister would’ve liked being in my service.”

 

Payal’s eyes turned cold and her voice hardened. “Don’t play games with me Mr Raizada. Khushi might be innocent but I’m not. I know you weren’t going to get her to cook and clean for you.”

 

He looked Payal right in the eyes and said, “You’re right. I was going to fuck her all day and all night. I was going to tie her up and spank her. I was going to pleasure her until she became my whore and begged for me to take her again and again and again. Would you like to take me up on my offer instead?”

 

Payal looked away in disgust. “You make me sick.”

 

When Payal got up and walked away, Arnav called Aman.

 

“Aman, I want you to fire the detectives I hired.”

 

“They quit two days ago.”

 

“What?! Why didn’t you tell me damn it?”

 

“Because what you’re doing is wrong.”

 

Arnav did a double take.

 

Did Aman really talk back to me?

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“Sir, in all my years of working for you, I’ve never questioned you. But what you’re doing to this girl is wrong.”

 

“I’m trying to hire her.”

 

“No, you’re not. Her sister told me everything and it made a lot of sense. Sir, what you’re doing isn’t smart. You’re a great man so why would you stoop that low? If anyone found out your reputation would be ruined. For these reasons I have destroyed all copies of her falling of the ramp and into your arms. You can have any woman in the world sir but not her, she could ruin you.”

 

“You don’t understand! I don’t lose!”

 

“I’m sorry sir but this is for your own good. I’ve booked a flight for you, it leaves today at 6 to Delhi.”

 

“Aman-”

 

“Sir, I’m just looking out for you.”

 

 

 

Train Station, Lucknow

 

The Gupta family took one last look at Lucknow before boarding the train to Delhi.

IAL Chapter 8: Rain

I was going to put this up in two parts but I'm in a good mood and I felt like you guys have had enough suspence. Enjoy :)

 

Chapter 8: Rain

Arnav was broken out of his trance by the sound of his phone ringing inside the car. He had stopped crying a long time ago and was just sitting outside his car staring into space. The rain was still descending upon Dehli with force but he hardly took notice of it. He sat there foolishly hoping that the rain would wash away everything, the good, the bad and the ugly, so he could have a clean slate, start anew. But unfortunately, life didn’t work like that.

He slowly got up and got back in to his car. He looked at his phone and it showed that his sister had messaged him 5 times and called 12 times.

He decided to call his sister back. On the first ring, she answered, “Chote where are you? I have been calling for ages, I even messaged you. You promised me that you wouldn’t go to work on Akash’s wedding day.”

“Di I’m not-”

“It doesn’t matter. You won’t believe what happened. Your jijaji fell down the stairs.”

Arnav gritted his teeth at the mention of him. “Really?”

“Yes. He’s badly hurt so I was trying to call you to see where you were.”

“How the hell am I ment to help him, I’m not a doctor!”Arnav said coldly.

“Chote! What’s gotten into you? I called the doctor and he’s working on Shyamji. I thought it would be nice if his family surrounded him in his time of need that’s why I was calling you. So I want you home in 30 minutes otherwise I’ll never forgive you.” With that she cut the call.

Arnav stared at his phone for a while before whispering,“You’re not going to forgive me for what I’m about to do anyway so I don’t think it matters Di.”

He started the car and sped away. A plan was already forming in his mind.

 

 

NK was in Anjili and Shyam’s room with the whole family when he finally remembered where he had left his camcorder. He quietly left the room, making sure no one saw him, and dashed to the roof.

When he arrived and saw it was raining, his heart fell to his stomach. He couldn’t believe he wouldn’t be able to capture Payal and Akash’s special day. He was about to leave when something stopped him.

Maybe the camera was waterproof.

He clung on to this small hope and stepped out on to the roof. He looked everywhere until he found it. Thankfully, he had placed it on one of those garden swings with a roof so the camcorder didn’t feel the full force of the rain. He didn’t know how he was going to get the camcorder of the roof as he didn’t have an umbrella. He saw that there were some decoration boxes on the swing that weren’t that damaged. He picked up the camcorder and placed it in a box to prevent it from further harm and ran out of the roof.

HWGA Chapter 8: Hangover

The purple bits are Hindi. Italics are thoughts. Click the links below to see the places and characters.

Gupta House London

Characters

Chapter 8: Hangover

“That’s a good question. You've been asking a lot of good questions today, so how about we take a break and come back tomorrow to answer them?”

“Karan!”

“Ok ok. Well Payal’s married.”

“You've said that already. What about me? Am I married?”

Karan didn’t know how to respond. He couldn’t tell her she has a daughter but no husband. On one hand there were his daughter’s feelings. On the other there was a freaked out Khushi. He couldn’t say he was married to her, that would bring up complications. He couldn’t say she was married to someone else because that would also bring up complications.

Oh God! Why does marriage always bring up complication? Do I really even have to answer Khushi’s questions?

One look at Khushi told him he didn’t have much of a choice. “You never got married Khushi.” Her face fell.

“Why? What’s wrong with me?”

He tried to pacify her. “Nothings wrong with you Khushi. It’s um just umm that er  umm, your parents! Yes umm who would look after them if both their daughters are married off? A gaur jami looks bad and no one wanted to be one. You had hundreds, no thousands of proposals but you turned them down because they asked for high dowry and they wouldn’t help you look after your parents.”

“Well if that’s the reason, I’m glad I didn’t get married.” She smiled at him but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Karan felt bad for Khushi. He’d known her since she was a baby and she had always wanted to find her prince to sweep her off her feet but he didn’t want to lie to her unnecessarily. “Enough about that, how’s Priya?”

Karan’s face fell and he looked at the ground. “She died 23 years ago.”

Khushi’s mouth fell open and she embraced him in a tight hug. “I’m so sorry Karan. I didn’t know her health fell again she was doing so much better. Was it the cancer?”

“Yeah she was doing better but the cancer got to her in the end. Don’t worry you were there for me.” He took a deep breath and came out of her embrace.

“How’s Nikil and who was that girl that was in her before?”

“Nik’s fine. You actually came for his wedding. He’s currently on his honeymoon. That girl is my daughter. Her name is Amba.”

“She looks quite old Karan.”

“She is.”

“Is that why Priya’s condition fell so much?” She asked hesitantly.

“I guess. She really wanted to keep the baby. No one could convince her otherwise. You knew how she was.”

“Yeah I do. She was a great woman.” She squeezed his hand offering comfort and Karan took it. “What else have I missed?”

“Not much really.”

“How long will I be here for?”

“You need two weeks rehabilitation, to make sure there is absolutely nothing wrong with you and then you get to go back home.”

“Karan have you told my family?”

“Of course I have. They are very concerned and want to talk to you but can’t because of the time difference.” The lying was becoming easier but that didn’t take the guilt away.

“I can’t wait to go back to India.”

“Oh God!” Karan hadn’t thought that Khushi might actually want to go back to India. He began to hyperventilate. If she went back a lot of things will get very complicated.

“What? Is my visa expiring?”

“No it’s nothing like that.” Karan said in a strained voice. “Do you really want to go back home Khushi?”

“Of course I do. If I don’t who will look after my family?”

“Yeah you’re right. Umm Khushi I’ll be back tomorrow or tonight.”

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll bring you an iPad to watch Hindi stuff.”

“iPad?”

“Computer.”

“You don’t need to trouble yourself Karan.”

“Shut up Khushi, of course I do. Besides, you’ve always troubled me, why stop now?” He tease and she elbowed him. He kissed her forehead. “Take care of yourself Titaliya, I’ll be back later.”

“Bye Karan.”

Karan exited the room with a heavy heart. As soon as he was out he came faced to face with Amba.

“Have you told the Lawson’s?” He asked.

“Yep.”

“Are you ok?”

“Yep.”

“Are you going to answer all my questions with a yep?”

“Yep.”

“Amba.” He said sternly.

She sighed. “What do you want me to say dad?”

“Anything. React. I don’t know. Just stop staring at me with empty eyes and no emotions.” He begged. But she wouldn’t budge. “Fine, be like that. We have a lot of work to do Amba. We need to rearrange the house, get rid off pictures where she’s in them, get rid of all your mum’s western cloths and oh get rid of any alcohol and meat in the house. Basically desify as much as possible.”

“I know a good way of getting rid of the meat and alcohol.”

“Great. We’ll eat and drink after I get your mum settled here. Don’t start without me!”

“I make no promises.”

Gupta Residence London

Karan came back from teaching Khushi how to use the iPad to find Amba’s shoes on the landing, her blazer on the coat rack, her bag in the kitchen and a finished bottle of wine on the floor of the living room. He looked at Amba perched on the sofa watching Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and a glass of wine in her hand.

“Amba did you finish a whole bottle wine by yourself?!”

“Yes!” She grinned at him and that’s when he noticed another half filled bottle of wine. His jaws dropped open but before he could question her further his phone rang.

“Karan Sighn Malik.”

“Dad, it’s Nik, I’m just calling to tell you I should be landing later tonight.”

“Ok.”

“How is Khushi auntie?” Karan explained what was happening. “How is Amba?”

“She’s fine apparently.”

“That bad huh, don’t worry me and Nat will help.”

“You’ll do no such thing. You two are married now and so you need to get used to living with each other in your own house and leave the problems to me.”

“Amba’s like a sister to me and Khushi auntie’s like a second mum so don’t you dare say this isn’t my problem.”

“I’m glad you said that because I really don’t know how to handle this.” He glanced back into the living room to see Amba drowning the glass of wine as if it was water, he sighed. “I’ll need all the reinforcements I can get.”

“Hang in there. Bye dad.”

“Bye Nik.”

Karan walked back into the living room and stared pointedly at his daughter.

“Don’t worry dad, we have a bottle of vodka, 2 packs of beer, a bottle of wine and a very nice bottle of brandy the Lawson’s gave us for Christmas, so there’s still plenty for you.”

He just stared at her. “I wasn’t worrying about that I was worrying about you. Have you had anything to eat yet? Why are you watching this film?”

“I’m actually really hungry now that you mention it. And don’t I’m watching old Hindi films to learn Hindi since the only way I can communicate to my mother is through Hindi, I thought I’d brush up on mine.”

Karan was too tired to say anything to his daughter so he decided to grab a glass and join her. Amba’s phone rang.

“Hello.”

“Amba is it true. Your mum can’t remember anything. Tell me it’s not-”

Amba cut the call and turned her phone off. She was in no mood to pacify Logan. She just wanted to drink her problems away.

At 7 am two figures entered the house. They made their way to the living room and found 12 cans of beer and 3 bottles of wine littered all over the floor. The bottle of brandy sat empty on the table. Amba was on the sofa, cuddling the bottle of vodka to her chest looking extremely content. Karan was half on the other sofa and half on the floor snoring away. One of the figures grabbed hold of the curtains and pulled it open. Blinding light fell on Amba’s face and she woke up immediately and fell on the floor. She groaned and crawled out of the room with the figures following behind her.

“Nik you twat! Why did you do that for?”

“I love you too Amba. Yes our honeymoon was nice. How have you been?”

She squinted at him and then stuck her tongue out before swearing at him some more under her breath. She slowly got up and made her way to the kitchen. She turned on the coffee maker and turned to face the two figures.

“What’s wrong Nat? You seem awfully quiet. Regretting marrying my brother already?” She joked.

“Amba shut up.” Said Nik.

“Make me.”

“Will you ever grow up?”

“I don’t have a choice Nik, if you paid attention in class you’d know that.”

“Amba-”

“Nik, please.” Begged Nat.

“Ooh you got told.” Laughed Amba. They both looked at her weirdly.

“How are you Amba?” Asked Nat.

“Well Natalie my dear, I am absolutely spiffing. Apart from the pounding headache, I’m fine.”

“I meant about your mother.”

“I’m fine.”

“Am-” Nik started.

“I’m always fine Nik and I always will be fine. I was fine when we had no money and dad had to work two jobs and longer hours. I was fine when we were bullied at school. I was fine when you bullied me at home, when you blamed mum and me for everything wrong in your life-”At this point Amba had tears streaming down her face and Nik was looking at the ground in shame.

“And I sincerely apologised for that-” 

“And I forgave you Nik but that doesn’t mean it’s not still fresh in my memory. I was fine when your grandparents looked down on my mother and me even though your father did the exact same thing. I was fine when dad had his operation. When mum had hers. I was fine when I heard mum got into an accident. When I realised she didn’t remember who I was. Do you know what she wants to do Nik? Do you? She wants to go back to India. She hates India! You haven’t seen her she’s a completely different person. Maybe it’s for the best. She can go back and get married like she’s always wanted. She can have legitimate kids like she’s always wanted. And she’ll be happy and I’ll maybe get to see her once a year. But at least she won’t have me as a constant reminder of the one mistake she’s ever made-”

But before Amba could continue her rant she was slapped hard across the face. Amba gaped at Nik and he stared back at her equally surprised before they both turned to stare at Natalie who had administered the slap.

“I’m sure if Khushi was in her senses she would have given you that slap herself. How dare you say you were a mistake Amba?!” yelled Nat.

“Because I am!” she shrieked.

Natalie grabbed her shoulders and shook her. “Snap out of it Amba. I know you still aren’t in your senses after last night but never say that. Khushi has never treated you like a mistake. You are the biggest blessing in her life. Now you need to get yourself together for her sake.”

She rubbed her cheek, took a deep breath and brushed away her tears. “Thanks Nat, I needed that.”

“Am I really am sorry-” began Nik.

“Nik I already forgave you so it’s cool.”

“Speaking of cool, I have a great way to wake dad up.” Smirked Nik and he wiggled his eyebrows mischievously which made the girls laugh.

“Whatever it is I don’t want to know.” Amba grabbed her coffee and headed upstairs to take a cold shower and change her clothes. After a few minutes in the shower she heard a loud yelp, lots of swearing and laughing. She smiled. She wore an over sized t-shirt and short and came down. She saw a very wet Karan had gathered everyone in the kitchen so she headed that way.

“Alright gang, now that I’m awake thanks to Nik, there are certain things we have to stop doing, stop speaking about and keep Khushi away from. Is that clear?” A murmer of yeses went around the room. “First off no sex.” Nik and Natalie exchanged a look. Karan turned to them and said, “You two can have sex in the house but keep it quite.” Then he turned to Amba. “You and I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because your mother, 24 years ago, frowned at sex before marriage. Can you resist temptation? If you can’t, don’t do it in the house.”

“If it’s for mum I can resist anything.”

“Good. Secondly, no meat, no alcohol.”

“What!” Both Amba and Karan shouted.

“Your mum was a vegetarian and she didn’t drink. And I was a vegetarian before so we have to pretend I still am to keep your mum happy and if I’m vegetarian so is everyone else. So please if you must eat meat or drink do it outside. Thirdly and this is the most important thing, it should’ve actually gone first, don’t tell her anything about her life in the last 24 years. I already fabricated a story, stick to it! Oh yeah and keep her away from anyone that knows her here, I don’t want them mucking this up.”

He paused and waited for everyone to digest what he had just said.

“Now assignments. Isn’t this kind of exciting guys? I’m assigning you stuff like a spy or something.”

“Dad, get to the point.” Amba said.

“Sorry I’m still not totally sober yet. Right, Nik you need to move my stuff, your stuff and Natalie’s stuff into this house. I don’t want Khushi to not be in her natural environment and being in her own home might help her memories come back.”

“What has that got to do with me moving all our stuff into her house?”

“She thinks that she’s here on holiday, so we’re converting her house into mine. Don’t question me, it’s giving me a headache.”

“But dad this is only a 3 bedroom house.”

“We’ll convert the attic or living into a bedroom. I don’t know figure something out. Amba get rid off any picture of her with any of us. Unless they are recent ones. And when you’re done with that help Nik. Natalie darling you are in charge of making sure there is not a piece or meat or a drop of alcohol in site. And stock up the kitchen with vegetables and stuff like that. I’m going cloths shopping after work. One more thing, Khushi’s going to be released from hospital in 2 days so get all this done by then. I’m sure there’s more thing I need to tell you but I’m still hungover and I need to get ready for work. Alright go go go go go!”

Karan grabbed his coffee and left the house. Nik and Natalie turned to Amba who was searching for the asprin.

“Don’t you have work?” Nik asked.

“No, Logan gave me a leave until mum gets better.”

“He’s too sweet on you.”

“I know.”

 By the end of the day the kitchen was fully stocked and most of the pictures were removed and the three of them were putting the finishing touches to the attic that they had converted into a bedroom. Amba heard the door bell ring and decided to go and see who it was. When she opened the door she wasn't surprised to see who it was.