She glanced at him, and the wariness in her eyes slowly settled. The pride in his heart swelled. That he could make her nervousness go away was his biggest win. Nilay leaned down to her ear, not caring about the other three occupants.
“I am with you.”
The door to the 39th floor dinged open and they stepped out on the rooftop bar. It was enclosed in glass on all sides. Mumbai’s skyline spread out like a panoramic camera finder around them — dark, twinkling with lights, rife with countless dreams that were resting for the night. At the bar itself, the music was upbeat but soft, drinks flowing, families of the happy couple mingling.
“Ritu ben!” A young woman came barreling to her, then stopped short as if electrocuted. Her mouth dropped open. “N…” she closed her mouth, eyes wide and on him. “Ni… NiP?” Her mouth opened wide, hands went to her lips, and she screamed so loud that the entire party turned towards them.
“Are you dating NiP, Ritu ben? He is your plus one?! OMG! OMG! OMG! Hi,” she held her hand out to him. Nilay had his right hand around Ritu, and he wouldn’t let that go for the world. He nodded with a smile — “Congratulations.”
“Wow, I am… such a huge fan. Your last summer’s collection. It’s insane. Literally, insane! I am wearing you for my wedding. The final fittings are pending and… wow, am I dreaming? Oh, meet my fiancé…” she snatched the hand of a poor unsuspecting man hovering behind her and started to chatter about her wedding ghaghra. Nilay stared with his patent smirk, knowing the entire party had frozen for them.
“It’s good to meet you, Dimple,” he finally cut her off, bringing the madness to a halt. He enjoyed the worship, and would have let it go on for longer had Ritu not started to squirm in his hold.
“OMG, you know my name?”
“Ritu mentioned it downstairs.”
That’s when the girl realised it — that he was her cousin’s date. She grabbed Ritu’s hand and pulled her to herself — “You are so sneaky, Ritu ben! When did this happen? I want the deets, please!”
“All in good time, babies,” Maya joined them, ushering them into the party. “Why has everybody frozen like statues. Drink, drink. The party is on!” She announced, and loosened the space up. Nilay slipped his hands inside his pocket, meeting Ritu’s gaze as she turned over her shoulder, being ushered away from him. He blinked in reassurance.
“We are so honoured to have you at our daughter’s cocktail party, NiP.” An older woman came gushing to him. She looked like the mother of the bride. There was a man beside her. A familiar-looking man, whose right hand was wrapped in a splint.
“Congratulations.”
“Our daughter wanted nothing but your lehenga to get married in,” she gushed. “The stunts she pulled to get that, I tell you. I wanted to get a saree too but your waiting for customised blouses went just too long. I am on the list…”
“That’s unfortunate. I hope you get one soon.”
“The women of my house are never satisfied with just one.” The older man butted in. He held his hand out — “Hello, I am Jimmy Gandhi, Dimple’s father.”
Nilay took his hand. Gave it a firm shake. “Congratulations, Mr. Gandhi.” He gave him a warm smile. “A special day for you.”
“Special month. The festivities are never-ending. Before you get swept into the party, let me extend an invitation to you for this entire week leading up to my daughter’s wedding. I will get your number from Ritu and send you the invites personally, but I insist that you grace all functions…”
“That will not be required. Where Ritu goes, I will be there.”
“Oh,” his smile wobbled. “Darling, get him a drink. What are you doing?”
“Of course, what can I get you, NiP?”
“A sparkling water.”
“No way! It’s a cocktail party! That’s a sin!”
“I’ll start with it.”
“Aah, go gentle into the good night,” she smirked at him, chuckling at her ownjokeand disappearing. Leaving him alone with Jimmy Gandhi.
“How long have you known Ritu?”
“Not long.”
“She is our shining star.”
“I know. I am a collector.” Nilay grinned at him, letting his eyes linger on him a second longer. He froze, perturbed.
“Let me seat you at your table…”
