I pull back slightly and look up at him. “This,” I say, holding the book gently, “is the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me.”
He shrugs.
“I was inspired.”
“Well I love it.”
“I’m glad.”
“And this perfume.”
“You love that too?”
“Yes, I might ask you to make it again.” He groans and I chuckle.
I hold the bottle up thoughtfully. Then a sudden idea sparks in my mind. “What if we did something with this?”
“With what?”
“With books and perfume.”
He looks confused. “Explain.”
I step closer to the desk, suddenly excited. “What if we create limited collaborations?”
“Books and scents.”
He tilts his head. “Go on.”
“Imagine reading a novel and there’s a perfume inspired by the story. The scent of the world inside the book.”
His eyes light up slowly. “That’s actually brilliant.”
“I know.”
He grins. “We should absolutely do that.”
I laugh. “I knew you’d like it.”
He pulls me back into his arms. “Of course I like it.” Then he kisses my forehead. “I like everything about you.”
My heart does something ridiculous inside my chest. We stay like that for a moment. Just holding each other And for the first time since the conversation in the washroom earlier—the fear disappears completely.
Because now I know. Without any doubt. His heart belongs exactly where mine does.
19. PTM
DIVYA
Morning in our house usually begins with two sounds. The kettle clicking on. And Neel talking. Today is no different. I’m standing near the small dining table with three cups lined up in front of me when Neel comes rushing out of his room, school bag swinging wildly off one shoulder like it’s part of a dramatic entrance.
“Didi!” he announces before he has even fully entered the room.
“Yes?” I answer cautiously.
He drops his bag beside the chair with a loud thud. “I have very important news.”
I glance toward the stove where Aditya is stirring something in the pan. “Should we be worried?”
