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“Mom—”
“—forget this,” her mom cut in, “I don’t want to argue with you today. You’re anyway going to do what you want, like always. You’re too head strong, my girl. Let’s order something to eat and drink.”
Tiya’s cheeks heated. She hated that her work was always a sore point with her parents. Why could they not understand that she loved her work? She was a successful and sought-after hair and makeup artist now. Women were ready to pay a premium for her services. But her parents didn’t understand that at all.
A waiter handed them an iPad each with the menu open on them. While her mom discussed her drink order with the server, Tiya controlled her roiling emotions, gathering herself together. The last thing she wanted was an altercation with her mom. Tiya had just landed early in the morning from Bahrain, where she’d gone to dress a bride for her three wedding functions. And not just any bride, but the daughter of the biggest Indian businessman there. She’d been exulting in the accolades she’d received for that event and she didn’t want her mom’s dissatisfaction with her work to upset her.
She absently swiped through the menu. No matter what her parents said, Tiya simply loved her work. Making a woman look beautiful on the most special occasion of her life was so damn fulfilling and satisfying. To see those women look in the mirror, in awe of their own reflections, was the thrill she lived for.
Lifting her head, Tiya ran her eyes across the vast space, appreciating the décor ofLa Soiree. Done in all wood with red velvet seating, the sunlight flooding inside from the overhead glass roof and multitude of expansive glass windows, it was all very beautiful. A live band played in the front, the singer a beautiful dark haired, European woman, who had a lilting voice. She was singing a soulful Spanish number, her voice beautiful to hear.La Soireehad a wonderful vibe and Tiya loved this place.
Hesnuck into her thoughts again. Only if he didn’t own the place, then Tiya would have visited far more often. She scrunched her nose, annoyed that he was continuously on her mind.
Thankfully, her mom called out to her, consulting her on her meal and drink preferences. Soon, the two of them were sipping lemon margaritas, Tiya’s favorite drink, and catching up on all that had been going on in her mom’s various social circles, their earlier altercation forgotten and put behind. Tiya could never stay mad at her mom for too long and their lunch passed in pleasant conversation.
“I had a lovely time with you, Mom,” Tiya professed warmly after they’d cleared the bill. “We ought to do this more often.”
Her mom smiled. “Yes. we should.”
“Shall we leave?”
“Actually, there is something I need to talk to you.”
A tinge of unease crawled down her shoulder blades. “What is it, Mom?”
“Jash is getting engaged—”
“—I know, Mom,” Tiya cut in. “I haven’t forgotten that Dad and you are still mad at me for not accepting his proposal. I know how close you both are to his parents and that’s why you’re throwing a party tomorrow night to celebrate his engagement.”
Her mom clucked her tongue. “That’s just the thing. It could have been you standing by his side, but you didn’t want him. His family is so affluent. Their electronics business is booming, and they’re our friends. It could have been perfect.”
“Jash is an old friend, Mom. I couldn’t see him as becoming more ever.”
“Well, your loss is now Rajvi Parakh’s gain. She’s marrying a handsome, educated and rich boy. Her parents are over the moon.”
“Good for her,” Tiya said. “Bad for him, though. He’s a great guy, but she’s a witch and the biggest gossip in town.”
“You were his first choice. His parents, your dad and I, all of us were disappointed by your refusal. Your dad and I are still upset about it. And then you’ve gone and accepted to do Rajvi’s hair and makeup for the marriage. You will work for her like a paid staff when you should have been in her place.”
Tiya pressed her hands on the table. Her mom just didn’t understand that she felt nothing for Jash. He was an old friend, and he was a nice guy. But they had nothing in common and she hadn’t been attracted to him in the least. They’d never even dated. So, his sudden proposal had come as a shock. She’d never understood why he’d wanted to change their relationship to more when they’d never even spoken about it in the past. And he was too known, too familiar. Sadly, a tad bit too mundane for her. She hadn’t been able to even fathom living the rest of her life with him.
She sighed. This wasn’t worth getting into an argument with her mom again. They’d been down this road already and it wasn’t a battle she was ever winning with her folks.
“Anyway,” her mom continued. “We would like you to meet someone tomorrow night.”
Tiya froze for a short second. More disappointment rushed through her. “Explain that in clear words, please.”
“Okay, well, you know your dad wants to sell his cement business, right?”
“Yeah, so?”
“He’s found someone who he thinks would be perfect to take over his business and could be perfect for you too.”
Tiya tossed her hands in the air, agitated. “I knew it. I knew there was something fishy when you asked me out to lunch today without Dad. You’re buttering me up because you both plan to set me up with some random guy. First, you get angry when I refuse Jash and now, you’re throwing someone else at me. When will you understand that I don’t want to get married and not like this especially?”
“Calm down, will you?” Her mother caught her hand. “It’s not that drastic or dramatic as you’re making it out to be. You’re twenty-eight for God’s sake, and we’ve given you enough time to find someone, and you haven’t. So what if we want to nudge you along with a man who, in our opinion, is perfect for you?”
“First Jash was perfect, and now someone else is. Can I not decide who’s perfect by myself? I don’t need you two to play matchmaker for me. Thank you, but no thank you. Besides, I don’t believe in this arranged marriage nonsense. I believe in falling in love and finding your soulmate.”
