As staff placed bid placards on each table, the announcer said, ‘There will be a few pieces available from the new collection, alongside graciously donated heirlooms by our hosts and friends. Only one simple rule governs the event: you cannot bid on the item your family has donated to be auctioned off.’
The bid began with the first set of raw, uncut ruby stones, and the bids quickly gained traction until a young entrepreneur won it by a huge margin.
One by one, the gemstone lots were auctioned off to the highest bidders. Siya engaged with the small talk around her, but her frazzled nerves were getting the better of her as they moved closer to showcasing her personally designed jewellery set.
Her heart soared when one of her personal designs, “Rasa Royale” made entirely with diamonds and rubies, was sold for more than she had dared hope. Each gemstone lot sold swiftly, and every item that carried her name made her feel that her labour, her sleepless nights and her unwavering resolve mattered.
But in that glory, her eyes kept darting to Kartik, hoping for just a smile. But he had no congratulatory words for her, his gaze focused on the stage. That ache of his absence gnawed at her, reminding her that acknowledgement from him had always been a hard thing to earn.
Siya began to wonder if she’d ever be able to. Her throat felt dry, and no amount of applause or soaring bids made up for the single look from her father she kept chasing in vain.
Just then, Abhay leaned over, and said, ‘You know, I’ve been trying to figure out the words for how in awe I am of you tonight.’
‘Oh, is that so?’ Siya asked.
‘Mmhmm.’ His lips tilted in a crooked smile. Under the table, his thumb stroked her knuckles in lazy circles. ‘But everything I thought of just sounded… small and insignificant.’
‘That’s too bad. I’m curious to know now.’
‘Okay. If I have to sum it all up, I’d say just that if the world saw you the way I see you, they’d forget about the diamonds and bid on you instead.’
His statement was bold, devastating and unfairly effective, so much so that she forgot how to breathe for a moment. Her stomach dipped like someone had pulled the floor out beneath her. She was stunned into silence by the impact of his words.
‘Why do you say things like that?’ she asked when she could form words.
‘I am so, so incredibly proud of my wife and I want her to know that.’ The phrase settled in her chest like a promise.
She swallowed around the lump of emotion lodged in her throat, letting his warmth wrap around her like a soft blanket.
‘What if then someone bids on me and takes me away from you?’ she teased.
‘That’s no problem. I’ll simply outbid everyone in this room for one smile from you.’
‘You’re an idiot, you know that?’
‘What I do know is that if I don’t kiss you tonight, it will only be because I’m an alien whose superpower is incredible restraint,’ he said, earning himself a mock glare from her.
He widened his eyes and dramatically pretended to be scared, making her chuckle. Mihit said something to Abhay and he looked away. Her gaze dropped to their joined hands before squeezing his fingers back in silent gratitude.
As another round of applause erupted, Siya turned in time to see a Zambian emerald pendant sold at triple its base price. Once it was rolled off stage, the announcer came back on.
‘Now, ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention for a special moment. It is my honour to invite the man whose vision and hard work have shaped Kashyap Luxe into what it is today. Please join me in welcoming Mr Kartik Kashyap on stage to present the final item for tonight’s auction.’
Her gaze snapped to her father. He rose from his seat and humbly waved at everyone as applause began to ripple through the room. He buttoned his suit jacket as he walked onto the stage, looking like every bit the regal businessman he wanted the world to see.
As the last embers of the applause died out, Kartik spoke into the mic, his voice deep and modulated, ‘Thank you for being here tonight for our maiden launch as a merged brand. I’d like to take this moment to thank Mihit and Neena Agrawal for bringing their expertise and valuable insights to the table.’
Neena politely smiled back and Mihit raised his glass in acknowledgement.
‘I’m sure everyone here is blown away by the incredible designs we’ve had the pleasure of seeing tonight. The bids havecrossed the projections with a record-breaking margin and it’s all thanks to you.’
Cameras clicked every snap of the moment as the guests basked in his attention.
‘This evening has been one of immense pride. Abhay and Siya, our talented children, have poured their souls into this collection, into every gem and every design, and I’m so happy to see them soar high.’
His gaze darted to her as he continued, ‘I also wish to take a moment to honour someone who’s not with us.’
Siya sat straighter as his words registered in her mind.
