Oh, hell.I tossed it back, the burn hitting my throat hard. As I set the glass down, some movement to my right caught my eye. I turned and froze.
Ananya.
‘I’ll be back,’ I said and headed straight to her.
My steps slowed as I approached her.
Lush, wavy hair tumbled down her back. Her skin had a sun-kissed glow that didn’t need make-up, but I was sure she was wearing some. The black dress she wore was simple and elegant – calf-length, sleeveless – but it fit as if it were custom-made. Clean lines. Soft fabric. Exquisite.
‘Ananya, hi!’ I said, my voice coming out a touch breathless.
She looked up, startled for a moment before her expression softened into surprise. ‘Jai. Hi. What are you doing here?’
‘I’m here with Ayaan. And Yuvraj, a friend of mine. We’re celebrating the Harrods deal,’ I replied. ‘You?’
‘I’m here with some office friends,’ she said, gesturing to the table behind her.
About ten to twelve people sat around a table littered with half-empty drinks and food.
‘Ananya, hey.’ A guy arrived and hugged her. ‘You look gorgeous.’
My lips pressed together. I recognised him. Rishi. He often lingered at her desk and brought her chai, chit-chatting like they were best friends.
He finally noticed me.
‘Oh. Jai sir,’ he said, caught off guard, then quickly composing himself. ‘Hi.’
Conversation stalled when people heard him, their attention slowly turning to me. A few put their drinks down. Others sat straighter, exchanging uncertain glances. A ripple of awkwardness spread, subtle but unmistakable.
Before I could excuse myself and let them enjoy their evening, an arm landed around my shoulder.
‘Who do we have here?’
Ayaan.
He grinned at the group, radiating his usual easy charm. Yuv appeared right beside him, drink in hand.
‘Hey guys!’ Ayaan said, instantly identifying a few faces. ‘Mind if we join you? We didn’t make a reservation, and everything’s packed tonight.’
‘Of course not!’ one of the women said brightly.
Ayaan quickly introduced Yuv to everyone, and we settled around the table. I slid into the empty seat beside Ananya. She shifted slightly to make space, and I caught a whiff of her perfume. A soft, floral scent.
‘Small world, huh?’ I asked, a faint smile tugging at my mouth.
‘Tiny,’ she replied lightly, not quite meeting my eyes.
The others were already deep in conversation with Ayaan and Yuv – laughing, teasing, ordering another round of drinks.
Our knees brushed under the table. A fleeting sensation. But what it sparked was anything but small.
She stilled, glancing at me before looking away again, reaching for her glass.
A waiter arrived at the table with a hot pizza and placed it in the centre.
I turned to everyone. ‘Let’s get this party started. Two rounds of Jägerbombs for the table. On me.’
The response was exactly what I expected: a collective murmur of surprise, followed by easy smiles, claps and glasses raised in appreciation. Conversation flowed once again.
