The moment stalled, and hesitation took root.
I should step back. I should let her go. But when it came to Ananya, ‘should’ never stood a chance against ‘want’.
I lowered my head and pressed a soft kiss on the shell of her ear. ‘Be mine, Ananya,’ I murmured. My fingers dug into the soft flesh of her waist as I trailed kisses down her neck. ‘Or I’ll lose my goddamn mind.’
‘Yes,’ she breathed.
I pressed a soft kiss on her lips. A promise. ‘You won’t regret it.’
She looked up at me, vulnerability shining in her eyes. ‘I hope you don’t either.’
10
Baithak
Jai
The freshly watered plants shimmered under the soft sunlight. The leaves of the yellow gulmohar tree swayed in the gentle breeze. A mynah chirped and flew away, a golden flower between its beak.
Slow mornings in Mumbai had their unique charm. Especially if paired with chai, a full breakfast spread on the patio and family.
‘Lehenga Bazaar’s settlement has been finalised.’
‘I heard.’ Dad paused to butter his toast. ‘Stealing designs,’ he scoffed, waving the knife in the air. ‘This whole thing was ridiculous. How could they think we wouldn’t find out?’
‘Something doesn’t sit right with me. I’m—’
‘Can we please not talk about work and spend some family time?’ Mom gave me a look.
I speared a piece of omelette with my fork.
‘Good morning, Jai,’ a familiar, cheery voice said.
I paused mid-bite.Oh, no.I closed my eyes in exasperation, centering myself before looking up.
Dressed in a short pink dress, matching heels and carrying a small purse, Krisha walked in.
Be nice. Be nice …‘What are you doing here?’
Her smile slipped. ‘Rekha aunty invited me,’ she replied. ‘She said it’s a family brunch.’
Our mothers were friends. Ever since they discovered her crush on me and started playing matchmaker, Krisha had become a thorn in my side. I’d made it clear I wasn’t interested, but the woman didn’t know when to quit. Now, she’d wormed her way in as Suraina’s assistant, but as long as she wasn’t in my orbit, I could live with it.
‘Exactly.Familybrunch.’
‘Jai!’ Mom admonished. ‘Sheisfamily.’
No, she isn’t.But according to Mom, disagreeing with her was equivalent to disrespecting her.
I forced a smile. ‘I apologise. I wasn’t expecting you to be here.’
‘It’s okay, I get it,’ Krisha said and settled in the chair next to me. ‘How are you, Jai? I haven’t seen you in a while.’
‘Busy and hungry,’ I said, then returned to my omelette.
‘I heard about the important board meeting today,’ Mom said, her eyes focused on me. ‘You’ve been so secretive about the agenda; rumours are flying all over the company.’
‘I have been,’ I admitted, setting down my fork. ‘I wanted to surprise Dad with it, but I just realised you won’t be there.’
