But in this moment, it belonged to me.
25
The Ticking Clock
Ananya
My foot tapped in sync with the second hand of the clock. The canned laughter fromFriendsspilt into the living room, momentarily drawing my attention to the TV before my eyes locked on Jai’s back again.
He was out on the balcony, on a call with Romit Kulkarni, one of the country’s top fashion designers. I had a feeling it was something to do with me, but I didn’t want to jinx it.
The glass doors slid open, and Jai stepped back inside.
‘What was that about?’ I asked, trying to sound casual.
‘Romit is the creative director on a movie that’s in the pre-production stage. The female lead is a young, aspiring fashion designer. He wanted fresh, bold designs for her and was having trouble finding designers who fit his vision. He texted me last night, asking if I knew someone.’ A slow smile spread on his face.
A burst of adrenaline flooded my veins. I sprang to my feet. ‘Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.’
Jai laughed at my excitement. ‘I had him check out your viral video on Navya’s profile. He lovedyour modern take on the sari and asked if he could meet you to have a look at your portfolio. I think you have the job.’
I squealed, throwing my arms around his shoulders. ‘Thank you so, so,somuch.’
Jai chuckled, hugging me tighter. ‘It’s my pleasure.’
‘I knew I was dating you for a reason.’
His eyebrows arched. ‘Oh, did you, now?’
I nodded with mock solemnity. ‘Naturally. My evil genius plan had three steps: get a job as your assistant, make you fall for me and then leverage your salesman skills to conquer the professional world. It’s foolproof.’
Jai didn’t laugh. His expression stilled, then shifted.
Shit.
This joke was in bad – no,terribletaste.
‘Jai, I didn’t mean—’
‘Let’s really do it,’ he said, clarity cutting through his tone. ‘Let’s start our own brand. A fashion house.’
For a moment, the room spun. ‘Are you serious?’
‘I’ve never been more serious in my whole life. I have the money and can get a few investors, too. We can set up our own factory. A boutique. You can have all the creative freedom you want, and I can focus on the business side. We can source locally and make it sustainable. And maybe eventually, with time and success, we start our own version of Rivaayat.’
My pulse quickened.
Images of the business –the life– we could have flashed in my mind.
Morning chais together in our office. Me sketching in my studio. Our heads bent over a desk as we worked late nights. I knew it wouldn’t be perfect, but it would be ours.
Suddenly, I wanted it so much it made everything else fade.
But what if I’m not good enough? What if we fail?
Doubts trickled into my thoughts like droplets of rain through my bedroom window.
Jai must have sensed my hesitation because he cupped my face and said, ‘With your skills and my business acumen, we are the dream team. Have faith in yourself. In us. We can do this. Hell, we will change the face of the Indian fashion industry.’
