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When she opened her eyes, he was watching her, a small smile lining his lips. She traced it with a finger.
“Tonight, after the gala,” his voice was thick with lust as he spoke, “we will finish this. But now, we have to go. The last race is going to start any minute now.”
He stepped away from her, and she straightened her dress. Her body still hummed from the pleasure he’d given her. She and he were going to happen. It was destined. She’d always imagined what it would be like if he touched her like he had, and now that she knew, she couldn’t wait to explore more with him.
“Jiya, wait,” he called out when she walked past him.
She touched her lips. “Is it my lipstick again?”
He rubbed the corner of her mouth, wiping away the tint that had spread. His hands rose, and he tilted her hat, settling it at an angle. “Now, you’re perfect.”
A burst of happiness lit her heart as she made her way back outside and into the sunshine with him.
“I leave you for two minutes and you disappear with Rohan…again,” Akash said from the side.
Both of them turned to face him.
“What?” Akash threw his hands up. “I can’t pretend that I don’t know what’s going on. I have eyes, and don’t forget, I’ve already caught you both making out once. I was just about to enter the stables to look for you. Now I’m glad I didn’t. God only knows what I would’ve witnessed.”
Jiya felt the tips of her ears burn. Rohan gave him an annoyed look. Akash didn’t look concerned by it in the least.
Rohan sighed and looked at her. “I have to go check on a few things. Will you be okay with Akash?”
“Hey,” Akash cut in, “Of course, she will be okay with me.”
“He thought you and I were a thing,” Jiya intoned playfully.
“What?” The look on Akash’s face was one of pure horror. “No way! She’s like my little sister.Annoyinglittle sister.”
Jiya pulled his ear, hard.
“Hey, stop that,” Akash grumbled. To Rohan, he said, “Be careful not to anger this one. She’s quite diabolical in getting payback. Trust me, I’ve grown up with her.”
Rohan’s lips curved.
“Go, do your thing,” Akash said. “I’ll keep her safe.”
“I’ll see you both in my private box on the first floor,” Rohan said, leaving the two of them.
“Come on, fast!” Jiya tugged Akash’s arm, dragging him to the betting booth. “I know which horse I want to bet on.”
She placed a wager on Xerxes and insisted Akash bet on him too. That done, they went straight up to Rohan’s box. The box was filled with people as they entered. Rohan’s parents were there with their friends, and they were all excitedly talking about the final race. Akash got quickly involved with them. But Jiya stood to the side, taking everything in.
Rohan’s parents were a popular couple. His mother had been a famous Bollywood film actress until she married his dad. She’d eventually quit films and authored two books on parenting. His father was still a leading businessman, although he worked far less now. They were a good-looking couple, very gracious and warm with their friends. Seeing Jiya standing by the side, Rohan’s mom approached her.
“Did you meet Rohan?” Tara asked her. “I can’t believe he’s not here yet. The final race is about to start.”
“He was with us a few minutes back. He said he had a few things to take care of,” she replied. “I’m sure he’ll be here shortly.”
Jiya looked around the vast room. A few sofas and chairs were set up. A huge TV was on the back wall. It was showing live updates as the horses began to line up at the starting gate. A commentator was announcing the name of each horse along with their owner’s name. Bottles of champagne lay cooling in ice buckets, and a few pairs of binoculars were placed on the tables dotted around. She lifted a pair of binoculars and leaned against the railing. The whole race track could be seen from here. She corrected the binocular’s focus so she could see through it clearly and searched for Xerxes among the throng of horses. She found him right at the end, second to the right. He stood tall and majestic as he trotted to the starting gate. Now that she’d met him, she was eager for him to win.
“This is quite unlike Rohan,” his mother said from Jiya’s side. “Usually, he’s done with all the formalities much sooner. I wonder why he’s left everything to the last minute. The horses have lined up now.”
Jiya found her cheeks burning. It was because of her that he was late today. As if in tune with her thoughts, Rohan entered. His eyes swept over the crowd until he found her. His expression softened as he made his way to her.
“Gosh, you’re so late,” Tara told him. “I was worried you’d miss the race.”
“I wouldn’t do that, Mom,” he said warmly.
