C18 Permission

Jai Pov

" What are you doing Arjun? You are not supposed to do it? I have not brought you here to do all these things." I shouted at the top of my lungs. I felt guilty seeing Arjun doing all these things.

" Take a chill pill bro. We are not in our house. Your would-be wife would get scared seeing you like this." Arjun patted my shoulder " You shouldn't be the one to be concerned about it. Now put that broom and come with me. I need to talk to them. They can't treat you like this." I yanked Arjun's arm and dragged him with me.

"Listen, Jai, we are guests here and we need to abide by their regulations. Anaira told me that I needed to keep my room tidy. Aunty doesn't appreciate untidiness. Moreover, what is the harm in cleaning the place I'm living in? That is the least I can do. As such, I had no work to do, and I was feeling bored sitting idle. Now tell me what brings you here? " Arjun pulled my arm and made me sit on the small bed which was the only furniture in the room.

I felt bad for him. My room was nice and cozy, but this room was small with only a bed and a table. There was only a ceiling fan. I mean at least they can provide a portable AC or something. It is so hot here in Jaipur. I made a point to buy one for him with uncle's permission.

" Here look at these documents. Dad has sent it to us for review." I turned my laptop so that its screen was facing towards Arjun. Both of us reviewed the documents and gave our opinion on the matter.

"The Royal Orchid is always having some or the other problem. I think we misjudged them and made a decision that could prove fatal in the future. " I gave my opinion to Arjun.

"Let us wait. Maybe they are inexperienced in this field." I nodded but my gut feeling told me otherwise. I came back to my room and found that the twins and Kavya were playing. I cleared my throat to get their attention. Seeing me, my little princess ran to me and hugged my legs, I picked her up.

"Daddy, I was playing with these didi's. We all were playing with Lego blocks. See I have made a princess castle and didi help me. " She gestured towards the castle.

" It is so pretty. Did you say thank you to Didi?" She nodded." Stay with them, I need to meet uncle then I will join you and we will make other things from your blocks." She ran to them. They assured me with a nod that they would take care of Kavya. I went to search for my uncle. I knocked at his study door.

" Come in "

" Uncle, I wished to seek your permission." I stood near his table. Uncle got up and pulled me to the coach which stood near the corner. His study did not have much furniture but whatever was there was aesthetically arranged. Apart from the table and couch, there was a wall unit, on one side of which books were arranged, and on the other trophies and certificates were kept. Uncle must have won. In the middle were pictures of his family and some of his business associates.

" For what reason do you require my permission? " He looked at me rather quizzically.

"I treat Arjun as my brother from another mother. I can't bear it if he is suffering." I paused. I couldn't understand how to bring up the topic. Uncle gave me a questioning look.

"I wished to, it is so hot na and Arjun's room is very hot, hence I was thinking of getting a portable AC installed in his room. With your permission of course." I was panting as I spoke at speed. Uncle started laughing and then patted my shoulder.

" Son, consider this as your own home. As for the installation of the AC, I will see that it is done. Don't worry about that. I'm hurt. If Arjun has any issues, he could have directly come to me instead of sending you. I know my wife is conservative and has this mentality of being superior to her employees as she is the employer. I can't change her but I'm not like that. Tell Arjun whenever he has some problem, he can straight away come to me. No need to be hesitant." A knock on the door distracted our not-so-useful conversation. Anaira entered. I don't know why but whenever I see her, I get a brotherly feeling. Like she is my younger sister and I need to protect her.

" Dinner is ready. Everyone is waiting for you both to join. "

" Did you cook dinner again?"

"It doesn't matter uncle. It is enough that you are helping this orphan. I can do at least this much to repay you all."

" I had told you so many times not to think like that. You are my responsibility. You are not a burden; don't you ever think like that." Uncle wrapped his hands around her shoulder.

We went to the dining room. The table was filled with a variety of sumptuous delicacies. Matar paneer, dal fry, mixed fruit raita, and mixed vegetables accompanied by roti and pulao. My stomach growled loudly. Until then I didn't realize that I was famished. Again, I didn't find Arjun and wanted to ask but thought against it. Anaira started serving us and then stood in a corner. Leena was sending some sort of signal to Anaira.

" I hope the food is according to your taste. My daughters have put in hard work for your dinner." I was stunned to hear her white lie. Although it doesn't matter whether they can cook or not, there are many people who do that in my house. What shocked me was why she needed to tell a lie.

" Ma, we didn't." Sheena couldn't complete it.

" Beta(son), have one more chapati." She offered.

"I am full. I will take my leave. Leena, where is Kavya? Did she eat her dinner?"

" Yes, Jai. She was tired and hence fell asleep soon." After bidding good night to everyone, I called my night. I was awakened by noises coming from outside.