be gifted in some area, you must pay for it to be nurtured.” She cocked her head at the sculptor, challenging the resentment on his expressive face. “Is that too much to ask?” she asked dryly.

“Not…not too much at all,” Skanda stuttered, flapping his handkerchief wildly. “Just preposterous!”

Harshal placed a hand on his father’s arm. “Look papa, just give the girl’s mother enough money to escort her daughter to grandma’s home in Valabhi. I shall arrange for the girl to be educated as well as pay all her expenses. And if her mother is willing, you can help her remarry.” He gave his father a stern look from his new eyes. “Keep in mind, papa—you pledged your very life!”

Skanda gestured toward Ishva...

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