“What are three wishes you’d ask from a genie?” he asks next.
I smirk immediately. “First wish—I get a thousand more wishes.” I shrug proudly, “and then I will utilize them all and ask for another thousand wishes at the end.”
He glances at me, impressed. “Strategist,” he nods. “Great work, Ms. Vyas.”
I shrug like it’s obvious. “You?” I ask. “And don’t you dare copy my answer.”
He chuckles softly, thinking for a second. “One,” he says, “I’d like to meet my father again. Just for a day.” My chest tightens slightly. “With my family,” he adds, his voice softer.
I smile faintly. “Two—success of Evergreen.”
I roll my eyes immediately. “It’s already successful.”
He shrugs. “More success.”
“Of course,” I mutter.
“And third…” he pauses. I turn to look at him. He looks at me instead. “Third would be that Ms. Ishika Vyas finds happiness, success, and people who never leave her.”
My breath catches. The words hit harder than they should. I look away quickly, swallowing the lump forming in my throat. “I think you’ve covered that already,” I say lightly, trying to deflect.
He grins. “Doesn’t mean I don’t want more people in your life.” I shake my head slightly. “No one can annoy you as much as me,” he adds confidently. “I promise to annoy you till I die.”
I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop the small smile that forms. “Any useless talent?” he asks.
“I can talk backwards,” I say.
His head snaps toward me. “Do it.”
I give him a tight-lipped smile. “Not happening.” He sighs dramatically but nods.
“Have you experienced true love?” he asks suddenly.
The question catches me off guard. I think. Actually think. Krishna’s face pops in my mind because that’s the only romantic relationship I have ever had but I think I was looking for a solution for my loneliness, besides he vanished and I will consider him as a nightmare, because I don’t think I was ever so relaxed with that man.
And then I shake my head slowly. “No.” I pause. “I don’t even know what true love is,” I admit.
He nods once. “Same.” I glance at him. There’s no drama in his answer. Just honesty.
“Two more questions, Golden boy,” I say, leaning back. “Then your golden ticket ends.”
He gasps. “Don’t put pressure on me.”
I chuckle. “Unusual thing you’re obsessed with?” he asks.
“Astrology,” I say.
He raises an eyebrow. “I know,” I sigh. “It doesn’t match my personality.”
“You’re Sagittarius,” I continue. “I’m Aquarius.”
He beams instantly. “Good compatibility. I knew it.” I shake my head, smiling. Of course he knows.
“Last question,” he says. The car slows. And only then do I realize—We’re at my place. I didn’t even notice the drive ending. “Best thing about me?” he asks, turning toward me with a grin. “I know, it’s hard. I’m amazing.”
I chuckle softly. “Come on,” he groans. “It’s not that hard.” He smirks playfully and sits up straight, “I’m dashing, confident—”
“You are…” I cut him off. He stops and looks at me. I meet his gaze. “You’re kind,” I say slowly. “And very annoying.” I add quickly. He smiles faintly. “But you try,” I murmur. “And I’ve rarely seen people put effort without making a point of it.”
