Vansh liked this guy. “And like it or not, you’re family now, so you have no escape from us.” He looked down at himself. “I’m so sorry I’m not dressed. I didn’t realize we’d set a time. I should have managed my morning better.” He really wanted to stay and talk to Sid some more, but he had promised to take Hari shopping and they had a few things to figure out before they saw Naina tomorrow. Well, more than a few things if Vansh were to have a chance at surviving that meeting.

“Oh, that’s perfectly fine. We didn’t set a time. I was just in the area and you were generous enough to want to meet, so I thought I’d drop by. I’m not great with texting and calling. It annoys the hell out of my sisters, but I hate this sense of being tethered to a piece of electronic metal. Where’s the serendipity in that?” His eyes slid to the painting again and lingered.

“You’re exactly right. When I’m not stateside, it’s like things are so much more organic. You meet people without warning them, you drop by. A lot of that is changing everywhere else too, but here in the US it’s like you have to announce every move before you make it. I’m glad you stopped by. I hope you will again soon. But my mother would kill me if you left without eating or drinking something. Can I get you something?”

Sid pointed to an empty cup on the coffee table next to a plate of biscuits.

“Mrs. Junjunwala already took care of it when I got here.” Vansh hadn’t heard J-Auntie called by her real name in a long time. Of course she’d taken care of it. This also meant Sid had been waiting awhile.

“I’m really sorry. I promised to help a friend with something.”

Sid waved away his apology. “Please. Go ahead with your plans. I will take a rain check though.”

Vansh walked him to the front door. “Why don’t you come back for dinner later this week? I’m sure my parents would love to meet you. They’re off doing something with their grandkids right now. Our family currently revolves around the newest addition.”

The smile that split Sid’s face was completely different. “Oh, Ram is adorable. India and Yash are totally in love with him.”

“We’re all smitten. Thankfully Nisha drops him off with our grandmother on weekdays while she works. That way we get our daily Ram fix.”

Sid threw a look over Vansh’s shoulder. “I’ve never met your grandmother.”