Chapter 41 - The Long Holiday (4)

"Thank God," Veer whispered. "Oh, Adi...I was...I...I am so, so sorry."

Adi murmured his own apologies.

Veer ruffled his brother's curls and kissed his forehead – a gesture that had not made an appearance in years.

"Home?" Adi asked hopefully.

"Yes, Adi, we are going home," big brother replied, repeating his affectionate gesture. "It is over now."

"Where's Jags?" Maya asked. "Is she coming back with us?"

Veer shook his head regretfully. "She left," he said quietly. "And I don't know where she went; she didn't say. She probably didn't know herself."

"Will she be all right?" Adi asked solicitously. "Furry bhaiya..."

"Is a bloody stupid man," Maya interrupted.