Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors (The Rajes #1)(122)

“Nobody who ever hears Yash speak would ever vote for anyone else,” she said.

Her father smiled. “If only it were that easy. But yes, I’m very proud.” The fierceness in his eyes backed up those words. Why had she resented his ambition so much? She believed what he believed, wanted for the country what he wanted. “And not just proud of Yash. I’m proud of all of you.”

“Does that mean I’m not banished anymore?” No, of course, she didn’t say that. She already knew she wasn’t. What she did say was, “Thanks, Dad. Yash wouldn’t be where he is today without you. Actually, none of us would be.”

HRH leaned forward and placed a hand on hers. “Nonetheless, asking you not to do that surgery was going too far.”

Could she text this conversation to all her siblings?

“It was. But you were right to be concerned about Julia being back in town, about her going after my patients. I’m sorry Yash has to pay for my error in judgment forever,” she said, her voice surprisingly firm. “But my biggest mistake was in being so angry with myself, so guilty that I thought only of myself, that I withdrew from my role in the family. It didn’t mean I supported her. I want to be involved now. I want to make sure Yash wins.”

In all her life, Trisha didn’t think she’d seen her father cry. Not even when Yash had his accident. He’d held Nisha, Ashna, and her. Kept Vansh on his lap the entire time they waited outside surgery. But he’d stayed dry-eyed, strong and immovable, the way they’d needed him to be. Now there was the slightest sheen of moisture in his eyes. “We’ll find you a way to be involved that doesn’t make you want to poke your—or my—eyes out.”

She smiled. “Good thing you never back down from a challenge.” Yes, she did say that out loud and he smiled and stood.

They walked back to the ballroom together, where Ma brightened as soon as she saw them. She’d obviously been waiting for them.

“How’s my most brilliant child doing?” Ma said, linking arms with her.

“I think he’s done pretty well today,” Trisha said with a grin.

Her mother gave her the original Glare of Elegance.

HRH dropped a kiss on her head and walked away. Seriously, she would never be able to speak again. Ever.

“Your sisters and I are having a drink at the bar,” Ma said, her eyes following HRH with the smug devotion that had been the cornerstone of Trisha’s life and her heart did another needless tug in the direction of the kitchen. “We were missing our world traveler. Join us?”

She followed her mother.

Most of the guests had left. A congressman and the mayor were at a corner table talking to Yash, Neel, and Vansh—their baby brother had flown home with her. HRH joined them. It was like the old days when the men retired to their cigars and cognac, except there were no cigars or cognac, just really expensive scotch.

Every party Trisha had ever been to ended like this, with the men and the women separating out, as though there was only so much of each other’s conversation they could take. This was actually her favorite part of any party, the winding down with just her sisters and her mother. Her brothers would join them soon enough.

Nisha kissed her cheek. “You look so gorgeous, Shasha!”

“You did a good job on her, Nisha,” Ma said.

Nisha had “worked her like a canvas,” getting someone to “define her curls,” which just meant she felt like she was carrying around a bouquet of flowers atop her head. “Yes, thank you for making me gorgeous.” Trisha picked up a glass of wine and lifted it at Nisha, then at Ma. “Well, both of you, I guess.”

Ashna smiled from behind the bar, leaned over to take the glass from her, and handed her another. “This is the one you want.”

Trisha took a sip. Woah! This was definitely the one she wanted. It was rich and filled her entire mouth then settled like warmth deep into her taste buds, reminding her of the dinner.

No, don’t think about his food.

Ashi threw her the Look. “The chef recommended this one for after that saffron crème br?lée.”

Her mother beckoned for the glass and took a sip, studying her.

Trisha smiled for her.

“Nisha didn’t have to make you beautiful. You’re already beautiful, beta, and you’re my most brilliant one, too.” She tried to push one curl behind Trisha’s ear, but it bounced right back.

“I should go away more often,” Trisha said.

Ma gave her a sad smile. “I know I should tell you the good things more. Sometimes when I try to remember your childhoods, only all the mistakes I ever made come back.”

Ma was in a pensive mood, which was not good at all for the lump that seemed permanently lodged in Trisha’s throat these days. HRH had already not helped with that.

“There were no mistakes, Ma,” Nisha said, because she was the one who always knew what to say to Ma.

“Well, no big ones, I hope.” This time Ma tucked a lock of hair behind Nisha’s ear and it responded as hair was supposed to and stayed there. Then she pulled Ashi across the bar and kissed her forehead. “Look at how you all turned out. I’m not saying that wasn’t some amazing parenting.”

Both Nisha and Ashi rolled their eyes without losing any of their worshipfulness. Another one of their many good-daughter skills.