‘Let’s call it even.’
‘Patch things up with her, and then we’ll talk.’
A rush of hope flooded through me. Had Ananya said something to her? They were best friends. Rhea would know what Ananya wanted, right?
I texted Dilip to meet me at the entrance, then grabbed my wallet and bolted down to the elevator. I slid into the car’s backseat and gave him the address.
The Daily Grind, in the back alleys of Bandra, was a hotspot for celebs and influencers. Anyone who wanted to see or be seen frequented it. If Ananya was there for a business meeting, it was about fashion.
I was so proud. She was finally taking a step towards doing what she loved.
The closer we got to the café, the more doubt and apprehension tempered my anticipation.
It had been twelve days since we broke up. A lot could have changed.
She could be unwilling to even talk to me, much less agree to try to resolve our issues. She could think our differences were irreconcilable.
Was I even ready to forgive her? Was she willing to forgive me?
The car rolled to a stop.
‘Thanks,’ I told Dilip as I opened the door and stepped out.
I looked at the café’s glass walls and realised something. I was wrong to think the meeting with the Mahalas would be the most important meeting of my life.
This was. The life that I wanted could be mine if this went well.
I walked inside.
Cool air blasted from the ACs. The place was nearly full. Conversations drowned out the light music playing in the background. Servers bused the tables.
I looked around.
She’s not here.
I climbed the stairs to the section on the first floor. It was a small area with four tables, and only one was occupied.
My breath hitched when my eyes landed on her.
Bright eyes. Dazzling smile. Luscious, long hair. Ananya shone so brightly that everything else paled in comparison.
I took a seat in an empty booth by the window, which gave me a perfect view of their table. She sat across from Naina Kashyap, a famous fashion influencer, and Dipti, her shark of a manager. They seemed deep in their conversation.
I waited.
23
The Daily Grind
Ananya
‘I obviously want the dress to be movie-themed, but I also want it to reflect my style and who I am,’ Naina said. ‘I know it’s a tall order, but I absolutely loved what you did for Navya, and I want that magic for myself too.’
‘What better way to express yourself than through your clothes, right?’ I smiled. ‘I already have a few ideas for you, and I think you’re going to love them.’
‘Exactly! You get it.’ She clasped her hands together in excitement. ‘Oh my God, I’m so excited to do this.’
‘We should also discuss payment,’ Dipti chimed in.
