“Should we switch the tea lights on, or do you want to wait for the others?”I ask Kenny.He has been working for the past two days, setting up the decorations inside and outside the house.Breakfast and dinner are indoors, and lunch is outside below theBuranshtrees.
“No, the lights will give away our surprise.Let's wait for everyone to arrive.”
Kenny is right.My nerves are shot in anticipation of watching everyone’s reactions, but the one person I am hoping to sweep off the floor is, of course, Jimmy.Things are moving in the right direction with him.We are spending all our time together.I want to ask him to move in with me in the new year.
“What are you thinking?”A peapod hits my forehead.
“Umm, nothing.”I pick the pod from the floor and place the legume in the basket.
“The smile on your face says otherwise.”Kenny waves the knife he holds in circles.
“About Jimmy and me.”I take a careful approach to discuss the moving-in idea with Kenny.A whiff, and he and Kiron will plan my wedding with Jimmy.
“Carry on,” Kenny prods.
I go to the sink to wash the veggies one final time.“Six months back, I had not met Jimmy.Had no friends.Was alone amidst strangers in a new town.Now, this gathering.”Sighing, I spread the okra on the plate to dry, keeping my hands steady to control the nerves for what I am about to wonder aloud to Kenny.“For the past few years, my life has been bereft of any joy.I am even scared to hope for a happy-ever-after.A man to call mine.The worm in my head says our relationship is too fresh to plan a future.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to hold on to the dream.“What if I do something stupid and lose Jimmy, you, and our friends?”The weight of my secret is a boulder on my chest.When the reality is revealed, how will the gang react?Will they still want me?
The doorbell chimes, leaving me holding my breath.Kenny goes to attend to the door while I gather the spices to stuff the okra.
“Helloo, boys.”Kiron steps into the kitchen, dumps their bag on the floor, and comes up to gather me in a hug.“Ooh, the living room looks fantastic.”They kiss my cheek and walk away with a wiggle of their freshly manicured fingers.“Let me go change into my real self.I will be back to assist you in a jiffy.Don't you dare start on the chicken.”
“You better rush.Sahil and Sudhanshu are around the corner,” Kenny warns Kiron.On cue, the doorbell rings again.“Oops.I guess they are here with the drinks.”
The rapid thumping of Kiron's shoes fades as Sahil walks in with the box.“Why do we need so many bottles?Are you expecting more guests?”
“What have you three been conniving behind our backs?”Sudhanshu walks in with additional beer cans.
“Oh, nothing.”I play cool while mixing the masala.
Kenny and I share a look before he sings, “Time for the big reveal.”
“We are locking the entire gang for the next three days here in my house for a staycation.”I match Kenny's pitch.
“What is a staycation?”Sahil looks at Sudhanshu.
“Simple, we all will stay here.The couples are on the first floor, and Sahil, you get the guest room.We will have movie marathons, board games, and hikes, culminating in a bonfire on New Year’s Eve.”Kenny fills in the details for our audience of two.
“But Jimmy and I have to work.What about Brian?He can't shut the shop during this time,” Sahil protests.“And I have not brought any clothes.”
“Relax.We have worked the itinerary around your schedules.Once everyone gathers, we will share the details.When you return from the gym tomorrow, bring your stuff.”Kenny eases Sahil into a chair.
“No wonder Kiron insisted on my taking the days off.”Sudhanshu chuckles as he picks a glass of water.“When is Brian arriving?”He asks Kenny.
“In another thirty minutes.”Kenny checks his watch.
“Great.Let's get the party started unless you have something for us to do.”Sudhanshu checks in with me.
“Yes, stack the drinks in the refrigerator in Sahil's room.”
Sahil stands and picks up the box, carrying the drinks to his designated room.Sudhanshu follows.
Kiron joins Kenny and me to get the dinner ready.By the time the guys come back, Brian arrives.A noisy chatter erupts as everyone fills him in on the details.
“You sneaky buggers.”Brian gathers me, Kiron, and Kenny in his massive arms.At six feet three and double my size, all three of us fit inside the giant man’s bear hug.
We gather in the living room.“Okay, guys, before we all get sloshed,” Brian raises his hand to get attention.“Who is picking Jimmy from the station?”
