“This is the tenth time you’ve asked me that very question. I’ve given you the answer at least ten times already!” Sanchi reply, dramatically inhaling as she prepared to deliver her next point.
“It can only be one thing, Amy. Especially after his remark about taking our friendship to another level.’ He’s going to declare his feelings for you tonight and probably ask your parents for their blessing.” The certainty in her voice makes my stomach twist in a mix of excitement and dread.
Can it be true? Does Reyansh hold feelings for me, too?
Is that why he always seems to gravitate toward me, so effortlessly?
Yet, never once he crossed that thin line between friendship and something more. Perhaps he has been waiting until we finished our studies, holding back until we can explore this new phase of our relationship without distractions.
But…Yes, his eyes lit up whenever he looks at me, sparkling with an undeniable mix of adoration and admiration.
Could that really be love?
“Amy! Amy! Earth to Amy!” Sanchi’s voice abruptly brings me back to reality, and I nod in acknowledgment.
“Alright, San. I’ll wrap up the call now.”
“Make sure to call me tonight with all the details!” she chirps, her excitement infectious as I manage a smile.
“Definitely, if I have any news to share. Bye for now!” I end the call and make my way down the staircase. As I reach the hallway, I spot my mother, comfortably seated on the velvety sofa, deep in conversation on the phone. I hurry over to her side.
“I just hope it’s what we’ve all been manifesting, Meenal. We’ve waited a long time for this,” she says, her voice hopeful.
“Sure. I’ll see you this evening.” She ends her call and turns her attention to me.
“Was that Meenal Aunty?”
“Yes, princess. Just like us, everyone in the Thakur household believes Reyansh may confess his love or propose marriage to you.”
“Marriage proposal? Mom, really? You all need to take a breath. We’re both just twenty-four, still figuring out our places in the company.” Honestly, parents can conjure up the wildest dreams, twisting ambitions into reality!
“Come on, Amyra! What if Reyansh wants to get married before stepping up to run the company together? Then, you would both embark on this journey side by side.” Her cheerful tone grates on my nerves, and I cannot help but pull a face.
“Stop indulging in fantasies, Mom.” I snap, only half-serious.
“You don’t grasp the effect of this for both the Thakur and Bajaj families, princess. Your father and Surya Uncle dreamed about this, and Meenal and I have been anxiously waiting. Your marriage would transform our old friendship into a familial bond. I sincerely hope God blesses us today.” Mom joins her hands in reverent prayer, raising them toward the ceiling, and I feel a pit of apprehension settle in my stomach.
The story of how B&T Corp came to be is as inspirational as it is heartwarming, rooted in the unbreakable friendship of two determined men.
While the world recognizes their success, few are aware of the heartbreaking challenges they faced before ascending to become business titans. My father, Harshvardhan Bajaj, and Reyansh’s father, Suryaveer Thakur, emerged from modest beginnings, having grown up side by side in the same neighborhood. Their friendship blossomed amidst adversity, creating a bond so profound that they felt they could trust one another with their lives.
By the grace of God and through relentless hard work, they achieved higher education while nurturing a shared vision and building a company together. That dream became a reality: what started as a small co-founded start-up is now one of Delhi’s most successful enterprises, a hallmark of India’s elite lifestyle conglomerates, with sub-brands sprouting across the city.
My mother and Meenal Aunty seamlessly integrated into this tapestry of friendship, hoping to weave it into a family. And then there was Reyansh’s innocent childhood promise, a fire that only deepened their aspirations. I only hope we won't end up disappointed.
“Wait, why is your face withered in dullness? Aren't you excited? You love him, don't you?” Mom touches my cheek warmly, and I feel it as an irony how the whole world can see my love for Reyansh except him.
“That should be from both sides, Mom. Let's not assume and wait for the evening.”
“You just worry too much.”
“Is Dad home?”
“Yes, he returned in the early morning and is taking a rest. He will join us for lunch.”
“Alright.” Today is either going to be the happiest day of my life or the worst nightmare.
*****
