Chapter 24
Plans for a future
ADITYA
“Where should I put these?” Kenny unpacks the new pillows we bought from the bazaar. The house came with furniture, but my lazy bum has been dragging my feet redecorating the rooms I am not using. The New Year’s party serves as a deadline to rid me of my tardiness.
“The pillow covers and bedsheets are in the jute bag. Please choose the one you like for your room and ask Kiron which ones they want in theirs. The guest room is already set for Sahil. We only need to add quilts from the cupboard and the floor rug. Check the roll beside the shopping bags.” I instruct Kenny while unpacking the kitchen supplies.
My legs hurt from all the walking, but thankfully, we finished our shopping for the day.
Now, we have the evening to put the finishing touches to our staycation before the gang starts arriving later in the night.
“Ask Kiron when they are coming so I can get the ingredients together. They are on dinner duty today.”
Kenny shoots a text to Kiron and walks up the stairs to get his and Brian's room ready. “Kiron will be here by six,” he informs, as he reaches the top.
I pull up the list of supplies and check off the items for one final confirmation. The countertop is cleared of all the bags and groceries in the next half hour.
“The rooms have an excellent view.” Kenny walks back, carrying the packaging trash for disposal.
“Yeah, the house is on the corner of the hill with a 270-degree view of the valleys below. These sights cost me a few extra wads of money.” I stuff the chicken in the freezer.
Kenny walks over and squeezes my arm. “This is so beautiful and cosy.” He admires the living room.
The teal L-shaped couch is arranged around the fireplace, opposite to which are three single sofa seats and a black bean bag.
The centre is covered in a thick handmade red, ochre, and black striped jute-wool carpet – a housewarming gift from Jatin.
Kenny has embellished the seating with colourful duvets and Jaipuri quilts.
“Will the quilts be enough?” He stuffs the torn paper and plastic wraps into the trash bag.
“Should be warm with six people in the room and a fire,” I reassure him.
“I can’t wait to see the surprise on everyone's faces.”
“What about Brian? Were you able to control your excitement?” I nudge him, as I chop the okra.
“Never doubt my acting skills. Brian has been bugging me for the inside scoop, but all he got is today's and New Year's eve dinner.”
“What? Why did you tell him about the 31st night?” I whine. The plan is to set things up around the fire pit for a bonfire and dinner, and to dance our way into the new year.
“Relax. No details were shared. I packed Brian's bag and brought his stuff with me. Besides, the bakery is open every day. Brian created a fuss over closing on the 31st, but I coaxed him to shut shop by six so he can be here by seven for the festivities.”
“Hmm, so we will miss him during the day.”
Kenny pouts at my reminder. “What other option do we have?”
“Why not pack lunch and meet Brian? Sahil and Jimmy also need to attend the gym. We can gather and go for a picnic to the trail up the hill behind the resort.”
“Brilliant, mate! Let's firm this up once Kiron arrives.” Kenny hops onto the high stool next to the counter and dices the tomatoes.
“Should we switch the tea lights on, or do you want to wait for the others?” I ask Kenny. He has been working for the past two days, setting up the decorations inside and outside the house. Breakfast and dinner are indoors, and lunch is outside below the Buransh trees.
“No, the lights will give away our surprise. Let's wait for everyone to arrive.”
Kenny is right. My nerves are shot in anticipation of watching everyone’s reactions, but the one person I am hoping to sweep off the floor is, of course, Jimmy.
Things are moving in the right direction with him.
We are spending all our time together. I want to ask him to move in with me in the new year.
“What are you thinking?” A peapod hits my forehead.
“Umm, nothing.” I pick the pod from the floor and place the legume in the basket.
“The smile on your face says otherwise.” Kenny waves the knife he holds in circles.
“About Jimmy and me.” I take a careful approach to discuss the moving-in idea with Kenny. A whiff, and he and Kiron will plan my wedding with Jimmy.
“Carry on,” Kenny prods.
I go to the sink to wash the veggies one final time.
“Six months back, I had not met Jimmy. Had no friends. Was alone amidst strangers in a new town. Now, this gathering.” Sighing, I spread the okra on the plate to dry, keeping my hands steady to control the nerves for what I am about to wonder aloud to Kenny.
“For the past few years, my life has been bereft of any joy. I am even scared to hope for a happy-ever-after. A man to call mine. The worm in my head says our relationship is too fresh to plan a future.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to hold on to the dream. “What if I do something stupid and lose Jimmy, you, and our friends?” The weight of my secret is a boulder on my chest. When the reality is revealed, how will the gang react? Will they still want me?
The doorbell chimes, leaving me holding my breath. Kenny goes to attend to the door while I gather the spices to stuff the okra.
“Helloo, boys.” Kiron steps into the kitchen, dumps their bag on the floor, and comes up to gather me in a hug.
“Ooh, the living room looks fantastic.” They kiss my cheek and walk away with a wiggle of their freshly manicured fingers.
“Let me go change into my real self. I will be back to assist you in a jiffy. Don't you dare start on the chicken.”
“You better rush. Sahil and Sudhanshu are around the corner,” Kenny warns Kiron. On cue, the doorbell rings again. “Oops. I guess they are here with the drinks.”
The rapid thumping of Kiron's shoes fades as Sahil walks in with the box. “Why do we need so many bottles? Are you expecting more guests?”
“What have you three been conniving behind our backs?” Sudhanshu walks in with additional beer cans.
“Oh, nothing.” I play cool while mixing the masala.
Kenny and I share a look before he sings, “Time for the big reveal.”
“We are locking the entire gang for the next three days here in my house for a staycation.” I match Kenny's pitch.
“What is a staycation?” Sahil looks at Sudhanshu.
“Simple, we all will stay here. The couples are on the first floor, and Sahil, you get the guest room. We will have movie marathons, board games, and hikes, culminating in a bonfire on New Year’s Eve.” Kenny fills in the details for our audience of two.
“But Jimmy and I have to work. What about Brian? He can't shut the shop during this time,” Sahil protests. “And I have not brought any clothes.”
“Relax. We have worked the itinerary around your schedules. Once everyone gathers, we will share the details. When you return from the gym tomorrow, bring your stuff.” Kenny eases Sahil into a chair.
“No wonder Kiron insisted on my taking the days off.” Sudhanshu chuckles as he picks a glass of water. “When is Brian arriving?” He asks Kenny.
“In another thirty minutes.” Kenny checks his watch.
“Great. Let's get the party started unless you have something for us to do.” Sudhanshu checks in with me.
“Yes, stack the drinks in the refrigerator in Sahil's room.”
Sahil stands and picks up the box, carrying the drinks to his designated room. Sudhanshu follows.
Kiron joins Kenny and me to get the dinner ready. By the time the guys come back, Brian arrives. A noisy chatter erupts as everyone fills him in on the details.
“You sneaky buggers.” Brian gathers me, Kiron, and Kenny in his massive arms. At six feet three and double my size, all three of us fit inside the giant man’s bear hug.
We gather in the living room. “Okay, guys, before we all get sloshed,” Brian raises his hand to get attention. “Who is picking Jimmy from the station?”
Sahil raises his hand. “I will leave at three in the morning. Should reach on time for his train.”
“Great. Only two rounds of drinks for you. Curfew time starts in an hour. Kenny, you are accompanying him, so the same restrictions for you.”
“Okay, Dad.” Sahil and Kenny scoff together, rolling their eyes at Brian's edict.
My heart warms at the sight of all of us gathered in one place. I can’t wait for Jimmy to complete my found family.
***
JIMMY
“You guys did not need to bother. I would have taken the bus or hitched a ride on a truck.” I place my bag on the back seat and get in. Kenny takes the wheel while Sahil rides shotgun.
“No way, mate. We won't allow our local celebrity to travel on public transport.” Kenny manoeuvres the white Maruti Dzire out of the station parking lot. Besides, we cherish our pretty faces. We can't have Aditya clobber them.” He chuckles.
“No, he wouldn't.” I hide my smile by running my fingers through my hair.
“Oh yeah. Aditya did not sleep the whole night, worried we would not wake up on time.” Kenny winks at me from the front mirror.
“Here, something for you.” Sahil hands me a to-go cup of tea and pours one for himself. He places the cup for Kenny in the cup holder beside the gear. White wisps rise from the cups, spreading the aroma of ginger and cardamom.
“Mmmh, Aditya's special brew.” I take a sniff before sipping the delicious hot concoction.
“There's more.” Sahil hands me a foil wrap. “To add to what Kenny said, Aditya made this while we were getting ready. If that's not an indication, we all must be blind.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
“Nah, Aditya would do this for any one of us.” I downplay the small acts in front of my friends, but my heart soars every time Aditya does them. I rub my palm over my flat stomach. Aditya's indulgence with his packed lunches forces me to put in an extra hour at the gym.
“Keep fooling yourself, mate. But from where we are seated, things are moving in the right direction between you two,” Kenny mumbles, as he munches on the sandwich held by Sahil.
“Do you think we can be?” I bite my lip and leave the question hanging.
“Be what?” Kenny latches on. The mirth carries in his voice.
“Umm, be something for each other. Like you guys.” The trip to Delhi turned into one hell of a revelation.
I missed Aditya so much. His smile, his warmth, the banter between us, even though we spoke for hours each night after I returned from my shoot.
Yet, each moment without hearing his voice pushed me into a void.
The cold, empty bed I slept on drove home the point.
I missed the warmth of Aditya's presence next to me when I turned to say something but found the space on the mattress vacant.
“Aditya is a swell guy. I would say go tie him up, mate. Life is too unpredictable to wait.” Kenny shares his wisdom.
“Even if I am only twenty-two. Would Aditya want to be tied down to me?” I voice my fear. Aditya smothers all my protests with his kisses during our lust-filled moments, but I worry he may find me immature in the long run. Besides, the difference in our education levels still prickles.
“Jimmy, mate, Aditya is so into you. I swear he swoons at the mere mention of your name. His maturity is a perfect balance to your youth. You two will fit like puzzle pieces. The age difference is not an issue. You have Kiron and me as living proof.”
“You are cute as a couple. I can't wait to watch you get married.” Sahil raises his empty teacup.
“Shut up. No one is getting married.” I clip Sahil's head. Marriage is out of the question. Aditya and I haven't even shared what we are for each other. “Same-sex marriages are not legal in India.”
“Marriage is in the mind and heart, mate.” Kenny covers his chest. The car swerves with only one hand on the steering wheel.
“Hey, what are you doing? We are too young to die.” Sahil admonishes Kenny, who mouths an apology.
“Guys, I am taking a nap.” I excuse myself and shut my eyes to avoid any further discussion on my matrimonial prospects.
I also don't want to distract Kenny. We still have an hour to reach Almora.
Laying my head on my bag, I close my eyes.
But the mind, excited by possibilities, is not ready to rest. Things I never considered would materialise in my life – a modelling career, possible acting assignments if Priya is to be trusted, and most significant of all, a life filled with a loving partner – are all happening at the same time.
A series of message alerts make me reach for the phone in my jeans. “Who is in such a talkative mood so early in the morning?”
“Must be Aditya or one of the guys checking on our status,” Sahil surmises from the front.
“No. The messages are from Priya. Why is she sending me emails at this hour?” I swipe to check my email account.
I read the latest one twice, followed by the rest. My fingers are shaking by the time I finish viewing the attachments.
Sweat beads trickle down my forehead, and the veins in my temples throb.
This can't be true, but the documents say otherwise, and so does the email trail.
“What's wrong, Jimmy? Why are you sweating and—?” Sahil points to the rasps emanating from my mouth.
“Sa-Sahil. The book I am representing...” Words fail me.
“What about the book?” Sahil shifts and peers from the front. “They are not dropping you, are they? Are the sales not good?”
I shake my head, not wanting to utter the words, but they deserve to know. The words scrape through my dry throat. “Aditya is the author. He set this up. He has been faking all this. Playing us like a flute.”
Kenny hits the brakes hard. The car screeches to a halt. They both stare at me slack-jawed.
“Aditya lied to all of us.” Each syllable ricochets off the silence inside the car, crashing onto my chest and battering my heart into a million pieces.