This would be the first major assignment since joining the magazine.
And the first time Raghuveer would stay behind for an entire afternoon.
Alankrita knelt beside him before leaving.
The little boy sat on the office carpet holding his elephant.
He looked suspicious.
Very suspicious.
"You'll stay with Auntie Lara."
Immediate concern appeared on his face.
Lara looked equally concerned.
Neither trusted this arrangement.
"You'll be good?"
He reached toward her immediately.
A clear answer.
No.
Lara awkwardly picked him up.
The little boy stared at her.
She stared back.
A tense negotiation occurred silently.
Eventually he accepted her existence.
Temporarily.
Alankrita kissed his forehead.
"I'll come back soon, tandri."
He touched her cheek gently.
His usual goodbye ritual.
Then she left.