Page 76 of A Lab Rat's Guide to Fated Love
An abstract earthen sculpture came into view as they neared the house, rising out of a giant pond with floating pink and white lilies in various stages of bloom. The house itself looked nothing like the humble family abode Vir had described to her.
The minimalistic lines, sharp cuts, and sculptural volumes all blended together with each other and their surroundings in a Zen-like harmony of brick and wood, earth and glass, light and shadow. Vir’s parents had both been architects. The building was their life-sized piece of art. The kind of art you only see displayed in museums. To be perceived from a distance and not be touched.
And yet, there was something homey about it. Something warm, peaceful, inviting.
“Welcome home.” Anita beamed before grabbing Nori’s hand and pulling her inside.
After a quick house tour, Adi insisted on cooking, and an hour later, they gathered around the dining table with a cozy dinner spread between them.
“The Vineyards are right behind the house,” he said, helping himself to some toasted, garlic bread. “It’s mostly managed by staff, so we’re free to pursue other things work-wise. We can take you for a tour tomorrow, if you’d like.”
Nori nodded with her mouth full, savoring the homemade pesto pasta as it melted in her mouth. “I’d love that. This isreallygood, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Adi grinned. “You should try Vir’s. We used to have cook-offs when we were younger. The loser had to give up one of his toys to the winner, and this one took all of mine. His old room is practically a museum of all my forfeited goods.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t because youwantedme to win and take your dumb old toys off you, so ma would buy you new ones.” Vir rolled his eyes at him. Turning to Nori, he added, “He taught me all the recipes, then lost at cook-offs. Every time.”
They laughed.
A while later, Nori caught Adi swiping a thumb under his eye as he sat glaring down at his plate. Anita squeezed his hand, and he glanced at her briefly before returning to his pasta with a grin.
Nori looked away to find Vir poking the food around on his plate, his brow creased. She touched his wrist.
What’s wrong?She asked with a wordless movement of her brow.
He shook his head, offering her a small smile. But when his eyes moved towards Adi, the pained look in them answered her instead.
After dinner, Anita offered to make them some coffee, and Vir followed her into the kitchen to help. Their laughter floated all the way to the living room, where Nori and Adi sat slumped on the large tan couch, too full from dinner to be of any practical help.
Nori regretted that large second helping.
“Nori, I—” Adi spoke, and his voice wavered.
It was the first time she’d seen him look so serious. She waited for him to speak.
“Sorry, I’ve been a bit emotional since…” He cleared his throat. “I wanted to thank you again for saving my brother.”
She shook her head. “I’m only doing my job. It would’ve been someone else, if not Vir”
“It wasn’t someone else, though. Thank you. I thought I was truly going to lose him this time. And he’d been so determined to stop fighting—ah damn.” He exhaled in a huff and wiped his eyes. “Please tell me, honestly. He’s going to make it, right?”
“Yes.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “A team of doctors will run some tests to confirm officially once we get back to Delhi. But as far as I know, he has a long, healthy life ahead of him now.”
She waited for her words to sink in and then witnessed the biggest grin she’d seen on Adi yet. So similar to Vir’s, but so clearly distinct at the same time.
“You seem closer than I first thought,” Adi said, glancing briefly towards the kitchen. “Oh, and also thanks for protecting him earlier from the creep on the street.”
Nori winced at the memory, warmth seeping into her cheeks. “Sorry about your nose.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He chuckled, wiping his eyes again. “Whew. I didn’t want Vir to see me like this. But then, with him around, you can’t really hide what’s going on inside.”
“I know. It’s a pain in the ass sometimes.”
“It is.” He laughed.
“What’s a pain in the ass?” Vir appeared, holding two cups. He handed one to Nori before taking his seat.
“You.” Adi shook his head in mock disappointment.
