She didn’t say anything else. Neither did I. My thoughts were a jumbled mess.
I turned to the window, jaw tight.
I was still reeling from that spark from the brush of our knees, from a casual hug that left a bitter aftertaste and the sudden lightness a simple truth brought.
The car rolled to a stop in front of Ananya’s building.
She turned to me, a hand on the door and a shy smile on her face. ‘Thank you for dropping me off. You didn’t have to …’
‘Have a good night, Ananya.’
She nodded. ‘You too.’
She stepped out, and the door clicked shut behind her.
I watched as she walked past the gates and disappeared up the stairs.
And all that remained was a soft floral scent and a sinking realisation.
I’m in deep shit.
7
Truth and Lies
Ananya
I heard Jasmine before I even entered the break room. ‘You spoke to himonce. Hedoesn’thave a crush on you.’
I swiped my card in the vending machine and bought a pack of Lay’s. I was hungry and wanted a quick snack.
‘We had a meaningful conversation about his time in Oxford and –stop giving me that look!’ Isha said, slapping Jasmine’s arm. ‘He even gave methelook in the lift the other day.’
‘What’s going on?’ I asked, tearing the packet open and popping a chip into my mouth.
‘After our party, Isha thinks Jai has a crush on her,’ Jasmine said. ‘Actually, Ananya, you’re the one closest to him. You’d know who he likes.’
They turned to me expectantly, hungry for gossip. It wasn’t just Isha. Both of them had talked to himoncein their lives at the party that wasone month agoand had developed massive crushes. It was ridiculous.
‘Guys, he’s our boss. This is inappropriate.’
‘Oh, come on. You’re with him all day. Don’t tell us you’re immune to that face. Or don’t wonder what’s under those suits.’
‘He’s so much more. He’s kind, caring and incredibly smart. Not to mention—’
‘Ooh, you like him,’ Jasmine sang. ‘Welcome to the club.’
‘I don’t! You’re missing my point. Jai—’
‘Ah! Have you seen him get angry? He lookssohot,’ Isha said.
‘I thought I was the only one! The vein on his temple pops and—’
‘You find his anger attractive?’ I asked.Unbelievable.
‘Well, he’s a fair and generous boss. So, it’s always well deserved,’ Isha replied. ‘Anyway. I think …’
Irritation flared. Their whole conversation was absurd. I was already jittery because of my lunch with Rekha in an hour. This was making my mood worse.
