I had spent my entire life wanting exactly what he was suggesting we do.
There was no one else I trusted more to do this with. There was no one else I’d rather do this with. Only Jai.
Then why the hell are you still sceptical?
‘Yes!’ I said, and a wide smile bloomed. ‘Yes, let’s do it.’
Jai and I sealed the deal with a toe-curling kiss.
We broke apart at the ping of the concierge app on his phone.
‘Who is it?’ I asked.
Jai had given the staff the weekend off so we could have some privacy. We hadn’t ordered anything either. It couldn’t be house help or a delivery; it had to be a guest.
‘Ayaan and my father,’ he replied, his eyes on his phone screen. ‘And Rekha.’
My heart skittered. ‘What are you going to do?’
‘They’re on the full-access list.’ His face was a mask of granite, his voice detached. ‘They’ll be at the door any minute.’
‘Are you going to be okay?’ I grasped his wrist. ‘If you don’t want to face them, I can tell them to come back later.’
‘I’d rather get this over with.’
‘I’ll make us chai. And give you guys some space.’
‘Stay.’ Jai’s eyes stared into mine. He was silently asking if that was what I wanted too.
The doorbell rang.
Rekha’s face appeared in my mind. After all the grief she had caused me, I never wanted to speak to her again. But whether we wanted to or not, she was Jai’s family. She was going to be a part of our lives.
This was bound to happen at some point.
And having Jai next to me made all the difference in the world.
I nodded.
He pressed a kiss on my forehead and walked to the entrance.
26
Birthright
Jai
Dad stood in the hallway, his face drawn and tired. Beside him, Ayaan shifted uncomfortably, hands shoved in his pockets.
And behind them both was Rekha.
She was dressed immaculately, as always. Blue sari, understated jewellery – the usual picture of composure. But the way she avoided looking into my eyes betrayed her. She knew exactly why she was here.
‘Jai,’ Dad said.
I stepped aside without a word, letting them file in.
Ananya was already seated on the couch. She looked up as they entered, her expression carefully neutral, but I saw the tension in her shoulders.
