‘It would have been a hassle,’ he said, as if having someone go shopping for me early in the morning wasn’t. ‘And you’re my girlfriend. It’s my job to take care of you.’ His lips pressed against mine. ‘So let me.’
‘Thank you.’ Heat rushed to my cheeks. ‘For everything.’
Once we were dressed, Jai led me to the dining room.
I paused at the entrance. Scrambled eggs, mini idlis with chutney and sambar, stuffed parathas, avocadotoast, croissants, fruit platter, fruit juices and a whole dessert bar sat on the table. I could practically hear the table groaning under the weight of the food.
‘Are you … having a party?’ I asked as I took a seat.
Jai chuckled, sitting next to me. ‘I don’t … bring women over. I suppose Madhu aunty knew you were special and got excited.’
I tamped down my smile.
As if her name made her materialise out of thin air, Madhu aunty appeared with a broad smile. ‘Good morning! Hot chai is on its way. If you need anything else, please let me know.’
‘Thank you,’ I said. ‘It looks delicious.’
Her smile deepened. ‘Oh, and I’m making bisi bele bhat for Harish bhaisahab. He loves the way I make it. Please take it with you tonight.’
‘I will.’ Jai smiled. ‘Thank you.’
‘Who’s that?’
‘Harish uncle is Dadaji’s best friend and my mentor. He used to be on the board of the company, but he retired last year.’ A twinge of sadness crept into his eyes. ‘I try to see him at least once a month. He’s a widower, and his kids live abroad. Spending time with him makes me feel closer to Dadaji.’
I wove my fingers through his. ‘You’re a good man, Jai.’
He kissed the back of my hand. ‘We’re having dinner tonight. I’d love for you to meet him, but we’re celebrating Rivaayat, and my family is joining us too. So maybe tonight isn’t the best occasion.’
My stomach flipped at the wordfamily. The word lodged itself in my throat. And just like that, all the food on the table turned into decoration.
I pulled my lips back in a smile. ‘Yeah, that’ll be for the best.’
I forced myself to eat, but it wasn’t much. Jai kept asking me if I was sure I didn’t want any more food, so I assured him I was fine. He looked unconvinced and just told me to let him know when I got hungry again.
A tour of the flat followed brunch. It had everything: a massive balcony, a cosy library (mainly non-fiction; very Jai-like), a study, a gym and a couple of guest rooms.
When we finished, I realised I had a missed call from Bhaiyya.
The gift must’ve reached him.
I settled on the sofa in the living room, away from anything that screamed I wasn’t at home, and called him back.
He picked up in two rings.
‘Happy birthday, Bhaiyya!’ I said with a grin.
‘Thank you. But why did you send me the shirt?’ He frowned. ‘Sisters don’t give things to elder brothers. How much was it?’
I rolled my eyes. ‘It’s a birthday gift. Try it first before asking how much it costs.’
‘But, Anu, you—’
‘He wore it for lunch with my family today. And loved it,’ Bhabhi chimed in, coming into view. ‘He’s wearing it right now. Show her! He’s been telling everyone that his little sister sent it to him from Mumbai.’
‘Sumita—’
‘Is it Ananya? Hand me the phone.’ The video swerved, and then Papa smiled at me. ‘Hi, beta. We wish you were here. The house feels empty withoutyou,’ he said. ‘Arey, you look so thin. Are you not eating well?’
