She had called a week after my silence, and it gave me another panic attack.
Despite that, I had refused to answer. I told myself she couldn’t blackmail me if she couldn’t reach me. It was cowardly, but it was my only defence. At least until I built up the courage to talk to her.
She could talk to me at the office, but that would mean risking Jai’s suspicion. And I didn’t think she would do that.
Until now.
She was here with Vikram sir to tell Jai about me. So that she could twist facts and have me fired. Jai didn’t have the best relationship with her, but that didn’t mean he knew what she was capable of.
If she told him, that would be it. No more Jai. No more us.
My mind spiralled, overrun with worst-case scenarios, each more terrifying than the last. If I could come up with a way to explain myself to him, maybe he’d understand.
Who was I kidding? Jai despised dishonesty and disloyalty. He would never forgive me.
My breath felt shallow, like my lungs refused to expand fully. Fear, as I’d never known before, crawled up my spine. I couldn’t tell if I was overthinking or not thinking enough.
A knock. My heart lurched.
‘Dad left. You can come out now.’
‘Just a second,’ I croaked. My throat burned.
In. Out. In –fuck it.
I opened the door, curling my trembling fingers into fists as I walked out.
Jai looked dazed.
My heart stuttered. ‘Jai?’
‘I’m going to be CEO,’ he said, still stunned.
‘What?’
He blinked, his eyes finally focusing on me. Then, his face lit up. He laughed, scooped me up into his arms and spun me in a dizzying circle. ‘I’m going to be CEO.’
The tightness in my chest came undone. ‘Oh my God! Really?’ I squealed, clinging to him.
He put me down, grabbed my face and kissed me. ‘Yes.’
Excitement burst through me. ‘What did he say?’
‘Well, he told me how proud he is. Said I’ve proved myself with my work. And when I pitched Rivaayat, he knew I was ready.’
‘This is huge, Jai! And …’Just ask. ‘What did Rekha, your mom, say?’
‘She wasn’t with him.’
‘I thought I heard her.’
He paused for a second. ‘You must’ve heard his assistant. She was congratulating me.’
Oh. I exhaled, then grinned. ‘Let’s celebrate!’
‘It’s still premature; the board members need to approve this decision first. Dad just spoke to a friend on the board, and both of them think once the line succeeds, they’ll have no choice but to say yes,’ he said.
‘The deal is as good as done, Jai.’ I slid a hand up his chest. ‘I couldn’t be happier for you. You deserve it. I’m so very proud of you.’
