My anxiety eased once I made the decision. But the pit in my stomach reminded me that Saturday was only two days away.
17
Red Wine
Jai
The Mahalas’ plane was wheels-up early in the evening. I’d worked so hard in the past week that Ananya convinced me to take the rest of the day off. Only as we were exiting the office did it sink in. I just closed the biggest, most important deal of my career. I freaking did it.
And now it was time to celebrate. We could go out on a nice date later. Or a weekend getaway. Maybe Koh Yao Noi or even the Maldives. With how busy I’d been, we hadn’t spent quality time together in weeks.
I toyed with the idea of a trip on the way home. By the time we arrived, the sun hung low on the horizon. I keyed in the apartment pin and pushed the door open.
Soft music welcomed me. A large vase filled with roses and white alyssums sat on the coffee table. Next to it was a chocolate cake covered with a glass dome, a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses.
Warmth seeped in. ‘Did you do all this?’ I murmured.
‘I had some help.’
A white envelope lay on the table. I picked it up and removed its contents.
A Polaroid of us smiling ear-to-ear stared back at me.
‘I thought we could start our own collection,’ Ananya said, looking a little shy.
‘I love it.’ I kissed the top of her head.
Then, I looked at the card. It said ‘A toast to you’. Next to it was a toaster with a piece of toast popping out.
I laughed as I opened it.
In her neat, cursive handwriting were the words:
Congratulations, Jai. You deserve all the success that comes your way. I can’t wait to see you achieve your dreams.
Your biggest cheerleader,
Ananya.
I couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something like this for me.
‘This is so thoughtful. Thank you.’
A gentle curve of a smile appeared on her face. ‘It’s my pleasure.’
‘I want you to witness every moment and milestone of my life. It might be hard to do physically, but this should help.’ I pulled out my wallet and slid our picture into the clear slot. ‘Now, I’ll always have you with me.’
Ananya’s eyes locked with mine, a multitude of emotions swirling in them.
The bond tying us together thrummed. The air thickened with something sweet and sensual.
Ananya. She was all I needed.
‘May I have a dance?’ I extended a hand.
She took it. I tugged her closer, and her body pressed against mine. Her warmth seeped through my clothes. I placed my hands on her waist whilehers encircled my shoulders. A floral scent wrapped around me.
The tips of her long tresses caressed my hand as we swayed to the music.
