Nimita’s smile broadened into excitement he had rarely seen before as she turned to face him. She laid her hands on his arms and squeezed as she bounced on her toes. “So I might have two potential offers. I’ll know by the end of the week.”
“You kept that quiet.”
“I didn’t want to jinx it.” She squeezed his arm, then as if just realizing what she was doing, pulled her hand back.
“Is that what you’re waiting for?” He leaned toward her and spoke softly. “Waiting to get this job, before we…?”
She flicked her gaze to his. There was no doubt of the longing he saw there. “What do you mean?” she asked. But she knew exactly what he was asking.
“I’m not bothered by the wholemasathing,” he said, matter-of-fact. “I would, in fact, love nothing more than to be Naya’s actual masa. If you were to think I was worthy.”
She paled and sweat beaded on her forehead.
“Wow.” He chuckled at her. “You just paled and got all sweaty. Calm down. I’m not asking you to marry me.”
“That’s what that sounded like,” she said, her eyes widening. “Because when a masi gets married, the guy is called masa.”
“I’m aware.” He turned to her. “Nimi. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I know that I am completely in love with you. And I know that because I want to be with you in any capacity that you will allow.
“I know what you and Malini are saying. That I need to let go and find myself,” he said softly. “I need you to know that I am trying.” He gave her a half smile. “I have to say, Malini… Mali seems happier in her own place, and I feel closer to her. More like abrother, you know?”
She nodded and smiled. She was so close. He could feel her breath on his mouth, almost hear the thudding of her heart. Inches, and he could be tasting her again.
Nope. He pulled back an inch, and the moment was gone. She had to be sure, without their chemistry clouding their judgment.
“Good night.” He forced himself to take a step back and walk to his car. “I’m going to try woodworking next week if you are interested in joining.”
Chapter Twenty-five
Afew days later, Nimita ran, not walked, to Roshan’s house. She rang the doorbell. Repeatedly. She was having a hard time containing her excitement.
Roshan answered the door in shorts, holding a T-shirt in his hands. His hair was wet, dripping water down his chest and back.
For a moment Nimita forgot why she had come over.
“Nimita?” His face darkened in concern as he pulled on his T-shirt. “What’s happened? Is your father okay?” He stepped aside, and Nimita bounced in.
“Huh? What? Oh yes. Everyone is fine.” She was breathless.
“Then why are you trying to break my doorbell?”
“Because I got a job!” She beamed, unable to contain the news anymore.
His eyes widened, and his face lit up, and then his arms were around her, and he was picking her up and twirling her around. She laughed with delight. She had missed feeling his arms around her, having his body this close to hers. It wasn’t just desire that sparked, it was comfort, that sense of home. That knowledge that she wassomeone’s.
That she was someone tohim.
That he was someone toher.
He put her down but left his arms around her as if he had missed touching her as well. “Tell me all about it. What did your father say? More important, what didReenasay? Have you told Mali?”
“Dave,” she said softly. “I came here first.” She held up her phone. “I just the got the email, and I came right over. I barely put on shoes.” She pointed to the chappals on her feet which she just now realized were Reena’s.
He just stared at her, not quite believing her. Then he lit up. “Yeah. Okay. So tell me everything.” He took her hand and led her to the sofa. She sat down next to him, and he pulled her legs onto his lap.
She told him every detail, and he listened to every little thing. The position was as a junior biomedical engineer in her old department. She would still be working R&D for pacemakers. “They want me to catch up on all the latest developments over the past three years. Room for quick promotion if I excel.”
“Which you will,” he said.
