“Yeah. Two whole musicals,” she teased.
He snorted. “Fair enough. But I should go see a play soon.”
“I think you’d like it.”
“But there aren’t any dance numbers.”
She laughed. “No. No dance numbers.”
“I think I’d miss it. Being raised on Tamil movies has made me expect people to break out into song and dance every once in a while,” he said.
“Hindi movies are the same way, though I never made that connection before. Maybe that’s why I love musicals so much.”
“Could be,” he said. “You know, with all your songwriting experience, maybe you should try writing a few. You could add them to your play. Turn it into a musical.”
She rolled her eyes.Please. “I don’t really have that much songwriting experience. I mean, I’ve written a few things here and there, but nothing seriously.”
“Come on. I don’t believe that. I bet you’ve written half of Seth’s songs. At least.”
“I haven’t,” she said, her voice tight and tense. She didn’t understand why he kept insinuating things like this. Why couldn’t he understand that she and Seth were just writing partners? Providing feedback and helping each other out was just what they did. She’d never take credit for his work, just like he’d never take credit for hers.
“Sorry, I just meant you’ve obviously helped him a lot. He’s said that too, you know.”
“I guess.”
He cleared his throat. “So, you’re all ready for the wedding? The song’s done. Your tux is finished. Is there anything else you’re in charge of?”
“Not really. Honestly this best man thing is so much easier than being maid of honor. No floral arrangements or bridal shower or—”
“Or?”
“Shoot. I completely forgot about the toast.”
“Well, you still have two weeks, right? That’s plenty of time.”
She let out a loud breath. “It seems so much sooner than that.”
“I’m happy to read it after you’re done or help you with it.”
“Thanks, but I think that would make me a little nervous. It’ll be fine. I just need to get started on it.”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you later, then.”
Meghna paused. She hadn’t meant that she’d start writing it right this second, but she might as well try to work on it some tonight. After they said their goodbyes, Meghna pulled out her laptop, but something made her click on a different folder on her desktop. One she hadn’t touched in a long time. She scanned the familiar pages and thought over what Karthik had said. What if she could add songs to her play? Was there a chance the whole thing might work better as a musical? She opened a blank page, and instead of typing a speech for Seth, she tried, for the first time in years, to write a song.
Karthik had never been to Nashville before. He knew people often referred to it as “Music City,” but he hadn’t expected to hear live country crooning just minutes after he landed. On his way to the baggage claim, a man in one of the restaurants had sung into a microphone in a distinctive southern twang. There hadn’t been a lot of people in the post-lunch, late-afternoon crowd, but the singer hadn’t seemed to mind. He’d given it his all, singing with depth and emotion and intensity. Not holding anything back.
Karthik had watched him for a while, then made his way to the baggage carousel, where he now stood, waiting for his luggage.
“Hey!” a familiar voice called. Meghna walked in his direction, pulling a suitcase behind her. She greeted him with a wide smile, and it took the air right out of him. Though they had talked quite a bit over the last few weeks, he hadn’t realized how much he had missed seeing her face.
The realization caught him off guard, and he struggled for a moment to breathe normally. He hadn’t felt this winded since that night she’d accidentally socked him in the stomach. The thought made himwant to laugh, but because he was already out of air, he was only able to wheeze.
“I’m glad we timed our flights this way,” Meghna said. “Once you get your stuff, we can…” She stared at him. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” he said with some difficulty. “I’m fine. Just a little out of breath. Give me a second.”
Her beautiful lips twisted into a frown. “Didn’t you have a problem breathing in Miami too? Do you have an inhaler? Do you need one? Maybe we should see a doctor.”
