‘You have.’ I nodded. My fingers curled under the table and picked at the edge of my nail.
‘I’m very grateful to you for all that you’re doing for my family,’ she said, an earnest look on her face. ‘You have no idea how much it means to me.’
The server returned and placed our orders in front of us. The food was beautifully arranged and looked delicious. But I had no appetite.
‘I will say,’ I began carefully. ‘After working closely with him for months … I have found Jai to behardworking. And dedicated to the company.’Just say it. ‘I think you’re looking in the wrong direction.’
‘He’s always meant well.’ Rekha cut into her bass with gentle precision. ‘But meaning well and doing well aren’t the same. Especially when the stakes are so high.’
I took a sip of my water.
‘Things can get blurred in such situations.’ She reached for her wine. ‘When you’re in proximity to someone, working late, sharing ideas … people bond. It’s natural.’ She shrugged lightly. ‘That makes it hard to stay objective. Harder to see the bigger picture.’
She took a small bite of her fish and chewed slowly.
‘Which is why I’m relieved you’re on my side,’ she added. ‘You’ve been so dependable. I’d hate to see anything compromise that.’
‘I haven’t forgotten why I’m here.’ My throat felt dry, even after the water.
‘Good.’ She smiled. Her voice was light, but everything she said felt loaded. ‘It’s easy to get swept away in someone else’s vision. But you have your own, too. I hope you haven’t lost sight of that.’
‘I’m here to help you,’ I muttered.
Rekha nodded, pleased. ‘So, tell me. Has anything stood out? Something small, even. A phone call from an unexpected person? Shifts in mood?’
I hesitated. My gut refused to let me tell anyone about Jai’s new line. And it aligned with the company’s interests, so she didn’t need to know about it.
‘You’re on the cusp of getting the job you want,’ she said, her voice light. ‘Don’t let hesitation cost you your future.’
Her words were gentle, but their weight was unmistakable.
Anxiety coiled tight, refusing to ease. If I didn’t give her something, I’d never get to work for Suraina Mukherjee. I would never make it in fashion. Rekha had the power to ensure it.
Think, Ananya, think.
‘It’s probably nothing,’ I said, my pulse quickening. ‘But … the morning of my interview, I saw Jai near my building. He was getting in a cab.’
‘And where would that be?’
I murmured the address.
It doesn’t mean anything. It isn’t important.
‘Thank you for telling me that.’ She smiled slowly. ‘Every little detail is useful.’
It was a harmless detail. But my stomach churned the entire cab ride back.
I stepped into the office, still tasting the metallic edge of guilt on my tongue. People moved past me, chatting, laughing, going about their day.
Just as I put my purse on my desk, Jai’s office door swung open.
Suraina ma’am stepped out and spoke over her shoulder, ‘It’s turning out well. I’ll have Krisha send the file.’
‘I’m happy you approve,’ Jai said, holding the door open.
‘Good to see you again, Ananya,’ she said warmly as she walked past me.
I managed a smile.
