Chapter 3
Amyra
Okay, let’s stick to this floral frock, I mumble to myself as I admire myself in the full-length mirror. I’m sure it looks nice on me…but is it too plain for the occasion?
“Relax, Amyra,” I remind myself, attempting to quell the flutters of anxiety in my stomach. “It’s just a family gathering, nothing out of the ordinary for the Thakur-Bajaj household. There’s no reason to feel nervous.”
Yet, a small voice in the back of my mind whispers, what if tonight turns out to be something special for Reyansh and me? Stop overthinking. A second opinion can help ease my mind.
I quickly reach for my phone, dialing Sanchi’s number for a video call. Within moments, her familiar face brightens my screen.
“Hey, Amy! What’s cooking? Feeling a bit jittery, I see?” she teases, her laughter ringing like music, and I can’t help but shake my head in reluctant agreement.
“First, tell me if this frock works for the family meeting tonight.” I display my outfit, watching as her eyes sweep over it with keen scrutiny.
“This is just perfect, Amy. Classy, chic, and elegantly understated. Go for it!” She gives me a confident thumbs-up, and a wave of relief washes over me.
“Thanks, San. I’d deny it if you asked, but I’m really on edge about this evening.
What could it be that Rey wants to announce in front of everyone?
” The more I mulled it over, the more my mind spun with possibilities.
The past three days had passed like a blur.
Reyansh and I hadn’t visited one another, and while I couldn’t speak for him, I had intentionally kept my distance.
What if he sensed my anxiety and pressed me into confessing the very reason I wished to keep under wraps?
“This is the tenth time you’ve asked me that very question. I’ve given you the answer at least ten times already!” Sanchi reply, dramatically inhaling as she prepared to deliver her next point.
“It can only be one thing, Amy. Especially after his remark about taking our friendship to another level.’ He’s going to declare his feelings for you tonight and probably ask your parents for their blessing.” The certainty in her voice makes my stomach twist in a mix of excitement and dread.
Can it be true? Does Reyansh hold feelings for me, too?
Is that why he always seems to gravitate toward me, so effortlessly?
Yet, never once he crossed that thin line between friendship and something more. Perhaps he has been waiting until we finished our studies, holding back until we can explore this new phase of our relationship without distractions.
But…Yes, his eyes lit up whenever he looks at me, sparkling with an undeniable mix of adoration and admiration.
Could that really be love?
“Amy! Amy! Earth to Amy!” Sanchi’s voice abruptly brings me back to reality, and I nod in acknowledgment.
“Alright, San. I’ll wrap up the call now.”
“Make sure to call me tonight with all the details!” she chirps, her excitement infectious as I manage a smile.
“Definitely, if I have any news to share. Bye for now!” I end the call and make my way down the staircase. As I reach the hallway, I spot my mother, comfortably seated on the velvety sofa, deep in conversation on the phone. I hurry over to her side.
“I just hope it’s what we’ve all been manifesting, Meenal. We’ve waited a long time for this,” she says, her voice hopeful.
“Sure. I’ll see you this evening.” She ends her call and turns her attention to me.
“Was that Meenal Aunty?”
“Yes, princess. Just like us, everyone in the Thakur household believes Reyansh may confess his love or propose marriage to you.”
“Marriage proposal? Mom, really? You all need to take a breath. We’re both just twenty-four, still figuring out our places in the company.” Honestly, parents can conjure up the wildest dreams, twisting ambitions into reality!
“Come on, Amyra! What if Reyansh wants to get married before stepping up to run the company together? Then, you would both embark on this journey side by side.” Her cheerful tone grates on my nerves, and I cannot help but pull a face.
“Stop indulging in fantasies, Mom.” I snap, only half-serious.
“You don’t grasp the effect of this for both the Thakur and Bajaj families, princess.
Your father and Surya Uncle dreamed about this, and Meenal and I have been anxiously waiting.
Your marriage would transform our old friendship into a familial bond.
I sincerely hope God blesses us today.” Mom joins her hands in reverent prayer, raising them toward the ceiling, and I feel a pit of apprehension settle in my stomach.
The story of how B&T Corp came to be is as inspirational as it is heartwarming, rooted in the unbreakable friendship of two determined men.
While the world recognizes their success, few are aware of the heartbreaking challenges they faced before ascending to become business titans.
My father, Harshvardhan Bajaj, and Reyansh’s father, Suryaveer Thakur, emerged from modest beginnings, having grown up side by side in the same neighborhood.
Their friendship blossomed amidst adversity, creating a bond so profound that they felt they could trust one another with their lives.
By the grace of God and through relentless hard work, they achieved higher education while nurturing a shared vision and building a company together.
That dream became a reality: what started as a small co-founded start-up is now one of Delhi’s most successful enterprises, a hallmark of India’s elite lifestyle conglomerates, with sub-brands sprouting across the city.
My mother and Meenal Aunty seamlessly integrated into this tapestry of friendship, hoping to weave it into a family. And then there was Reyansh’s innocent childhood promise, a fire that only deepened their aspirations. I only hope we won't end up disappointed.
“Wait, why is your face withered in dullness? Aren't you excited? You love him, don't you?” Mom touches my cheek warmly, and I feel it as an irony how the whole world can see my love for Reyansh except him.
“That should be from both sides, Mom. Let's not assume and wait for the evening.”
“You just worry too much.”
“Is Dad home?”
“Yes, he returned in the early morning and is taking a rest. He will join us for lunch.”
“Alright.” Today is either going to be the happiest day of my life or the worst nightmare.
*****
“Glad to see you both back in the city, Dad and Uncle.” Reyansh expresses his happiness with a big smile, and the whole ambience in the room is just lighting up with a positive mood.
“Even we are glad to be here to learn of your surprise announcement soon after returning from a successful international conference,” Dad replies in a gentle tone, and Surya Uncle nods approvingly.
“Gosh, Dad! This isn't a big thing, just because I gathered the whole family. It has been happening in the background for a long time, but I just waited for the right time to reveal it.”
“Now you are making us restless, Reyansh. Please tell me now.” Mom's eagerness is so palpable that I feel the weight of second-hand embarrassment for her, in addition to mine.
“Neelima Aunty, aren't you acting a little bit nosy today?” Reyansh narrows his eyebrows playfully, and Mom just breaks into a shy smile.
I must admit, my parents adore Reyansh as if he were their own son, and the bond he shares with them is nothing short of endearing.
But my connection with his parents is no less.
For both of us, our families have always been extensions of each other, a promise to stay together until the very end.
“And aren't you just delaying it, Reyu?” Meenal aunty strikes at him while the place erupts into laughter.
The whole world knows about the deep friendship between my dad and Surya Uncle, but few realize how Mom and Meenal Aunty stand by each other like real sisters. How fortunate I am to be surrounded by such incredible people!
So far, my life has felt like walking on a bed of roses: memorable, cheerful, and peaceful. And I’m certain my future will be just as bright, with Reyansh by my side.
“Alright, guys, I’ll spill the tea now.” Reyansh's sudden statement makes me instantly dizzy and anxious. Just then, I notice something that’s been happening ever since we gathered here.
Reyansh keeps letting his gaze wander restlessly around the house, as if searching for someone, and I can’t help but wonder who.
“Why can't I find Aditi here?” He finally voices out the cause behind his dilemma.
“I already called her to come down. She must be busy with the preparation of her final semester.”
“Okay, let's wait for her. This just can't move on without her presence.” Reyansh's reply amuses everyone in the hall, and my eyebrows knit in confusion. Why is Aditi’s presence so necessary?
Aditi Raina is my cousin, the daughter of my mother’s younger sister.
She has lived with us for the past ten years, ever since the tragic road accident that stole her parents’ lives on the spot.
My mother adored her sister passionately, and the loss shook her so much that she took on the responsibility of raising Aditi as her own. We all welcomed her with open hearts.
Even though she’s my cousin, I love and cherish her like a real sister.
“There she is!” Reyansh points out, and I turn to see Aditi coming downstairs to join us.
“Come here, sweetie.” Mom calls her, and she sits in the seat beside me on the right while Reyansh is on my left. Our parents are seated opposite us.
“Enough of the delay, Reyansh! Go on with your announcement.” Surya Uncle's authoritative tone increases the tension of the environment, and I am almost clutching the cushion hard not to faint in nervousness.
“I hope everyone will accept and support my decision.” Reyansh’s face hardens, and I can see the sheer determination in his eyes to make things happen his way.
“I would like to date Aditi Raina.” His firm yet determined words hit me like a blow. I gasp, my body going numb as if shutting down, and a lone tear slides down my cheek.
So… all this time, have I been sidelined in his heart?