We went back inside the reception hall.
Father and Mother were chatting with Uncle and Aunt. Then they saw us arriving together. Father immediately pulled all of us into a hug.
“My children, I’ve missed you so much.”
“Father, let go. I’m embarrassed,” Aarav said, trying to break free from Father’s embrace.
I laughed and said, “I missed you too, Father.”
“Arindra, you naughty girl. How many times have I told you to visit your father more often?” Father scolded me.
“I’m sorry, Father. I’ve been so busy with work. On top of that, I’m currently working on a student and cultural exchange program,” I said.
“I know, but are you really that much busier than your father, who happens to be King? Do I need to visit you at your office every week?” Father threatened.
“All right, Father. Once my new program is finished, I promise I’ll visit you and Mother more often,” I promised, hoping to ease his irritation.
“Good, good,” Father replied, nodding in satisfaction at my answer.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. We understand that you’re very busy. Your father is just sulking,” Mother said, glancing at Father with an amused look.
Then Mother gave my two older brothers a sharp look and said, “You two, as well. I’ve called you countless times to come visit, but you never answer. Even your sister, no matter how busy she is, still answers my calls—or at least sends a message to let me know she’s busy.”
Abhimanyu cleared his throat, while Aarav whistled and looked up at the ceiling.
Mother suddenly grabbed both of my brothers by the ears.
“Ow! Mother, that hurts. I’m embarrassed with all the other members of the extended royal family watching. What about my dignity as Crown Prince?” Abhimanyu said, wincing in pain.
“Mother, please! Let go. My ear’s going to come off!” Aarav whined.
I could only stare at the two of them and hold back my laughter.
“From now on, answer your phones whenever I call. If you’re really busy, don’t forget to send a message once you have some free time. Understand?” Mother asked my two older brothers.
“Yes, Mother,” my brothers answered in unison.
Then Mother released their ears.
Abhimanyu gently rubbed his reddened ear, while Aarav hid behind me.
Seeing my brothers like this, I felt they were better suited to being called my younger brothers than my older ones.
Once the chaos was over, I decided to head home first.
“Father, Mother, I’m going to leave first because I need to get to the office right away. I still have a lot of unfinished work,” I said.
“Can’t you stay a little longer? There are still so many things I want to talk to you about.”
“I’m sorry, Father. I’ll visit again next time, when I’m not so busy,” I said with a guilty smile.
“It’s all right, Arindra. We understand how busy you are. Go on. But don’t forget to eat and take care of your health,” Mother advised me.
I nodded and smiled. “All right, Mother. Don’t worry. I’ll be going now, Mother and Father.”
Then I turned to say goodbye to my two brothers as well.
“Don’t fight while I’m gone!” I teased.
Abhimanyu chuckled, while Aarav ruffled my hair again.
“Aarav, not my hair!” I shouted, annoyed.
Aarav burst out laughing. I was so irritated with him. He had already messed up my hair twice.
A mischievous idea popped into my head. I used the pointed back of my high heel to step on Aarav’s foot.