Just as she picked up the small golden tube of lipstick, her phone buzzed with a message from her UK manager, Valerie.
Siya, we got it! House of Karielle is the official exclusive jeweller for the royal exhibition next quarter. Just closed the deal. Get ready to blow them away.
Siya squealed and sent a quick response. Giddy with joy and disbelief, she discarded the lipstick and rushed back into the bedroom to share the news with Abhay.
But the room was empty. Where did he go? She’d left him lounging on the bed, telling her to get ready because he had something planned for her.
And then she saw it.
The icy blue dress was perched on the bed, the same one he’d picked out for her for their engagement brunch, the one she’d refused to wear because things had been complicated between them at the time. With an aching pang, she realised just how far they had come.
The soft fabric gleamed faintly in the overhead light, its sweetheart neckline beaded with dark blue gemstones. Siya noticed the small folded note placed gently atop it and picked it up.
She recognised his handwriting and traced it gently with a finger as she read.
Do you remember how you promised to give me a chance to win you back. It’s time for my final trick. Wear this dress for me, sweetheart, and be in the parking lot by four. Kashvi will be waiting for you.
I can’t wait to see you!
— A
A huge smile stretched across her face. Let’s see what you’ve got, she thought. A quick glance at the tableside clock told her she only had five minutes.
She put on the dress, and took a moment to admire how it fit her like a mould. No matter how much tried, her stubborn curls refused to cooperate, so she whipped them up in a messy bun and hopped to the door as she put on her sandals one by one.
Downstairs, she found her sister waiting for her in the car. When she slipped into the passenger seat, Kashvi said, ‘Someone is glowing.’
‘Quick, tell me where we’re going!’
‘Oh please. Why do you think he sent me and not Meera to pick you up? You won’t be able to break me.’
‘Please,’ Siya said, dragging the word out.
‘I’m a wall. I’m an island,’ Kashvi declared, putting on her sunglasses with swag.
‘And my sister!’
‘Yes, but I’m more loyal to Jiju.’
Siya gave a short laugh and pulled her ear. When Kashvi warned her not to do it, she ruffled her hair instead. Kashvi retaliated in kind by sticking her tongue out. God, she loved her sister.
At the core of it, all she’d wanted to know was how long she had to wait until she would see Abhay. She badly wished to tell Kashvi the good news about her first overseas project, but she wanted to tell Abhay first. He’d pulled late nights with her as she struggled to finalise the designs for her submission. He deserved to know first.
Soon, the car slowed down and the smell of the sea reached her. And then there it was. The sand and the water stretched out in front of her. She found Abhay standing at the edge of the stairs that led down to the beach, leaning against the brick wall. He looked delicious in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and dark jeans clinging firmly to his frame.
She stepped out of the car and came up to him. Suddenly, Abhay fell to his knees with a sigh. Her impulse was to help him, but when she placed her palm on his shoulder, he trapped it there under his.
‘What happened?’ she asked, worried.
‘I’ve dreamt of seeing you in this colour since the night we met, and today, when it has finally come true, I realise I wasn’tready for this glorious sight,’ he said, laying a soft kiss on her wrist.
Her heart soared but she swatted at him. ‘You’re an idiot!’
‘No, I’myouridiot,’ Abhay said with pride.
She playfully hit his arm again and he stood up, chuckling.
As soon as he was upright, she jumped into his wide open arms with a squeal. He caught her easily. She titled her head up and said, ‘Enough with the suspense! Tell me what’s happening?’
