Chapter 53

"Isn't it wonderful?"

Zenia looks pleased as she spins around the reception foyer of the bungalow, admiring the final finished look. The work on Jeet's bedroom is completed in record time. Kaaki and other house help have already shifted in the servants' quarters last week.

Jeet arrived in Mumbai late last night but went to the Andheri house. Mrs. Grewal has arranged for a 'Griha Pravesh' ceremony this afternoon before he officially moves into the house. The setup is done, and everyone is waiting for Jeet's arrival to start the puja. Zenia had insisted that I should be present as well, since I live in the building.

Finally, a shiny red Porsche Cayenne pulls up to the entrance. Jeet and Akash exit the vehicle, both looking debonair in their ethnic wear ensemble.

No doubt, Akash looks dashing in his dull gold kurta pyjama, but I cannot take my eyes off Jeet whom I am seeing after nearly two months. I don't know if it was the trip or just my starved eyes, but I think Jeet looks more handsome, than when I last saw him. He has let his hair grow out and gone leaner. Wearing a baby pink coloured kurta pyjama, he is a sight for my sore eyes.

"V!!" Zenia rushes to Jeet, pulling him into a tight hug. Jeet's face breaks into a rapturous smile as he embraces Zenia with equal gusto. A stab of envy pricks my heart, as I observe their easy camaraderie, which I immediately quell. They are best friends after all.

Jeet's eyes lock on to mine as he looks over Zenia's shoulder. His caramel eyes turn from a playful glint to a smouldering stare, making me go weak at the knees.

When they let go of each other, Jeet holds Zenia at arms' length, "Zee!!" he addresses her, "So good to see you! Can you stop looking prettier every passing day? I cannot stave off any more admirers for you." Jeet pinches her cheeks.

"Happy birthday and cut out the dramatics. Welcome to the thirties club," she playfully jabs her elbow in his ribs, her perky smile disappearing when Akash joins them.

"Hi Zenia," Akash greets softly. Zenia replies with an icy 'hi' before hurrying over to join me. Seems like she does not like Akash very much.

Akash walks over to us, looking at me with curiosity. "Hi! Akashdeep," he introduces himself, extending his hand, I grab it and give it a single shake, "Tarana."

"You look very familiar.  Have we met before?" he asks in a puzzled voice.

"I used to work at DeGlobal and you probably saw me at the launch," I explain.

"Yes, of course! I remember you now, the most beautiful girl there. I could hardly take my eyes off you," Akash smirks flirtatiously. I barely stop from rolling my eyes.

Jeet interrupts our conversation with a harrumph, "The auspicious time for the puja is passing, mom will get upset. Let's get this done with." He hurries us all upstairs.

Soon after the puja, Akash had to leave for his upcoming film's press conference. Zenia follows suit but not before making me promise that I will be attending the party in the evening, which she has organised, leaving Jeet and me standing alone.

"Do you have a minute? I have something for you." I speak up.

"Sure!"

Quickly running to my house, I return with a big cardboard box containing his gift which I got last evening.

"I missed you," he speaks softly, taking a step forward but is blocked from coming any closer by the box in my hands.

"What's this?"

"It's your birthday gift. I hope you like it! Happy Birthday!" I hand over the large box to him.

Jeet eyes me suspiciously as he takes the box and places it on a nearby table. I bite my lower lip apprehensively as he removes the lid.

"Are you serious?!" he exclaims in delighted surprise, peering inside the box. He looks ecstatically at me, then at the content of the box.

Very gently, he scoops the golden brown puppy, lifting it to face him at eye level. The little pup, licks Jeet's face and gives out a soft yip, wagging its tail furiously.

"I think he likes you," I comment with a sly grin.

"He looks just like Captain!" an enthralled Jeet gazes at the pupper.

"I got him from your shelter, he's two months old. I have been calling him Junior, as in Junior Captain, but you are free to name him anything else."

"Junior is perfect," Jeet gently places the puppy on the floor, who immediately darts around the room, sniffing and accustoming himself to his new home.

Jeets grabs me in a warm embrace. "This is hands down, the best gift I have ever received," he whispers as he squeezes me a little harder, "Thank you."

A warm glow spreads through me, elated that he liked my gift.

"I got you something as well." He rushes upstairs and soon comes back with a long and wide flat box, emblazoned with the name of a legendary international fashion designer.

Jeet looks at me expectantly as I open the box and lift an emerald green dress out. It's an off-shoulder silk and lace cocktail dress with tiny crystals on the bodice. It is the prettiest dress I have ever seen.

"I think this would look great on you."

"This is very beautiful, but I have never worn something like this, I don't know if I can pull it off. Besides it seems awfully expensive."

"V!" Zenia's voice is heard from afar.

"Hey, there you are," she says chirpily as she spots us. "I forgot my phone...

Ooh puppy! So cute!!" She points towards the little dog, busy running around the hall, before turning to me, her eyes growing wide when she sees me holding the dress.

"Wow! that is one beautiful outfit. Tarana, you will look absolutely fabulous in that tonight," She holds the dress against my body. "I was just going to get my hair and nails done and we should get yours done too." She chatters excitedly, retrieving her phone.

"Umm, I'm not sure if I will be wearing this dress..."

"Oh pish posh!" Zenia dismisses my objections, "This outfit is perfect for the party. C'mon let's go, we hardly have any time. See you later V." She blows him a kiss, grabs my hand and pulls me along with her to the salon.

-----------------------

This is one fancy party - a name dropper's paradise. I may have made a mistake by coming here.

That is the thought that crosses my mind as I reach the terrace at eight thirty. The high society guests, turn in my direction when I enter, causing me to smile awkwardly and hurry away. I look around nervously to see if I can find any familiar face to hang around with, but I see none. I can still feel some eyes on me, as I make my way to the furthest corner and dissolve into the background as much as possible.

The glitterati, dressed in their expensive designer wear are lounging on the chairs scattered around or milling about, holding frivolous conversations with their peers. I am glad I wore the dress Jeet gifted me. At least, now I don't look too out of place in this crowd.

I spot Jeet and Zenia standing with their backs towards me, chatting with a group of illustrious people whose faces, I have seen many times in the news and on magazine covers.

I decide to wait for a couple of minutes and then quietly head home. This party is clearly way above my league.

"Hey there gorgeous," Akash, who entered a few seconds after me notices me standing alone in the corner. "Why are you standing here alone?"

"I don't really know anyone here," I shrug.

"Well you know me. Consider me as your chaperone for the evening. Come on, I shall introduce you to some friends," Akash offers me the crook of his elbow. I let out a short laugh at his charming chivalry, before looping my hand through his bent arm.

Looking away from Akash, I come face to face with a pair of blazing caramel eyes. Next to him stands a ravishing Zenia in a navy blue, one shoulder, sequinned bodycon mini dress. Both Akash and I simultaneously withdraw our hands.

"Zenia you look fantastic," I comment.

Akash mutters something about Zenia, but I pay no heed as my attention has shifted to the hunky Jeet, looking irresistible in a fitting pastel blue suit with a white undershirt.

"Woowzie girl! you look absolutely stunning!" Zenia exclaims admiring my outfit.

I must admit I look quite different than my usual self. At the salon, at Zenia's suggestion I got my hair cut to shoulder length layered style and got deep red highlights. A facial and blow-dry later, I could not recognise myself. The off-shoulder dress skimming my knees, fit like it was tailor made for me. I looked sophisticated and pretty.

"Doesn't she V?" Zenia nudges Jeet, whose blazing eyes haven't left my face.

"Yes! stunning!" Jeet responds tightly.

"OK everybody, it's time to shake a leg!" The DJ announces, playing some peppy dance remixes.

"Come on guys, let's dance," Zenia pulls Jeet to the dance floor. Watching them go, Akash grabs my hand and pulls me along. Most of the other guests join in too.

Soon we are all dancing to the latest Indian and international club numbers. Even though they dance with the rest of the guests, Akash, Jeet and Zenia gradually gravitate towards me and we end up dancing together. The DJ switches the tempo to slower dance numbers.

Since I was closest to Jeet, he grabs me by the waist and leads me into a waltz. Zenia and Akash pair up. The lights dim to minimum visibility.

Jeet pulls me closer, till my head is resting against his broad shoulders. I close my eyes, feeling the lyrics.

When the rain is blowing in your face

And the whole world is on your case

I could offer you a warm embrace

To make you feel my love

When the evening shadows and the stars appear

And there is no one there to dry your tears

I could hold you for a million years

To make you feel my love

The music fades away, and we reluctantly break apart. A huge cake is wheeled in front of us, and everyone gathers around singing Happy Birthday to Jeet.

When the cake is cut Jeet takes a small portion and holds it to my mouth. I am taken aback by his action, but it would be really awkward to refuse, so I take a little bite of the cake. He promptly puts the rest of it in his mouth. He then takes another piece, feeding Zenia and Akash with it.

A waiter appears holding a tray full of drinks and we grab a glass each, since all are thirsty after that energetic dancing. People are still wishing Jeet, so Akash and I move away from the rest of the crowd.

His phone pings with a message. He opens the message, and since I am standing next to him, I can't help but see the picture of a very scantily clad woman. Under it was written 'I miss you.'

Zenia and Jeet who just joined us, also catch a glimpse of the photo, before Akash could turn his screen off.

Zenia and Jeet share a look, before Zenia's speaks up, "Guys! I have some good news for you."

"Of course, it's not yet official but we wanted you to be the first to know," she grabs Jeet's arm tight, smiling widely.

"V and I are planning to get married soon," she announces in a gleeful whisper.

"Isn't it wonderful?"