Chapter 26
Reyansh
“I don’t even understand why you need to come to the office when your hand is injured in the first place.” Amyra scolds in a high-pitched, irritated tone, her face twisted into a deep frown, but for some reason, it sounds oddly pleasing to my ears.
“You know how boring it gets staying at home when my parents still aren’t on good terms with me because of my forgotten promise,” I complain, and her expression shifts to confusion.
“Is it? Surya Uncle might take time, but is Meenal Aunty still upset too?”
“Yes. Even after being in a relationship for eight months. And now, when I look back, I can’t even blame them—”
“What do you mean?”
“They’ve been considering you as their daughter-in-law for almost a decade. How can I expect them to forget it in just a few months? That’s ridiculous. I should’ve been more considerate… more aware of how serious this was.” I let out a deep sigh, knowing this regret won’t leave me anytime soon.
“Considerate and aware of what?”
Her voice drops to a whisper. I glance at her and find her expression hardening at my words.
What the fuck did I just say?
How could I be this reckless, indirectly hinting that I regret forgetting the promise and dating her sister, when I’m still in a relationship with Aditi?
Worse, hinting at my regret of not fulfilling my promise to marry Amyra.
Her expression edges dangerously close to disgust, and I need to cover the mess I’ve just created.
“What do you mean, Rey?” Her tone turns authoritative, her sharp gaze demanding an explanation. I take a deep breath before weaving a lie.
“I meant I should’ve been more considerate and aware of how difficult things would become when I decided to be with Aditi. I should’ve prepared myself to face this bitterness so it wouldn’t hurt this much now.” I end with a nervous, awkward smile.
Her face relaxes, though a flicker of discomfort still crosses her eyes.
“That will take time, Rey. You need to give up something to gain another. Be patient. Now, let’s call it a day. We should leave.”
“Sure. Let’s go.”
After yesterday’s launch, we’re back at the main branch of B we’re taking my car.” I’m surprised by how much she cares, enough to drive me home herself, something men usually do for their women.
But am I complaining? Definitely not.
Instead, I feel oddly proud, being taken care of by my girl.
Amid short conversations and light smiles, we reach the parking lot. She strides ahead to get the car, halting beside me and then signals for me to get in. The ride begins with her navigating the busy roads effortlessly, and my eyes betray me, refusing to look anywhere but her.
I never knew a woman could look this cool, this effortlessly sexy while spinning the steering wheel, shifting gears, and occasionally rolling her long sleeves up to her elbows.
God. She’s such a badass woman. And someday… she’ll be mine.
I force myself to look away before my stare plants doubts in her mind, my thoughts spiralling instantly.
I’ve been so consumed with my own mess of planning things like breaking up with Aditi, begging her and my family for forgiveness, and then confessing my love to Amyra.
But what about Amyra’s feelings for me?
Just because I’ve developed feelings for her through our deep friendship doesn’t mean she feels the same. What if she sees me as nothing more than a friend, or worse, her sister’s boyfriend?
Not Aditi. Not my family. What if Amyra never forgives me for hurting her sister and unknowingly playing with her feelings for eight months?
I can’t ignore the times she admitted she isn’t interested in relationships. What if she rejects me when I ask her to date me, when I ask her to marry me?
Would she still accept me after I abandoned the childhood promise of marrying her someday?
Disgust churns inside me when I think about how blind I’ve been, mistaking attraction for love with Aditi, dragging the relationship for seven months before realizing the truth of loving Amyra. And then wasting another month by getting busy with the new product line project.
But no matter how Amyra reacts, there’s no turning back for me. If all she wants is time, I’ll wait forever, if needed.
Before anything else, I can’t delay breaking up with Aditi anymore. I need to meet her.
Tomorrow.
I unlock my phone and quickly type a message.
Reyansh:
Aditi, let’s meet tomorrow. I need to talk to you about something important.
The ticks turn double and blue instantly, and I brace myself for her reply.
Aditi:
Actually, I wanted to message you about the same thing. Let’s meet.
My chest tightens. Did she sense my shift already?
Whatever it is, tomorrow it ends—for good. I’ll apologize, be honest, and then face my family.
Reyansh:
Sure. I’ll send you the location shortly.
Aditi:
Alright. See you tomorrow.
“Is it Aditi? She must’ve been worried about your injury.” I turn my head at the sound of Amyra’s voice.
That’s ironic. I haven’t received a single message from Aditi, not yesterday, not today. And surprisingly, I don’t even feel bad about it. Because the person I love is already worried about me.
“Yes.”
“Okay. We’re here. Thakur Estate.” She presses the brake pedal and looks at me.
I might become a bike racer someday, but she definitely has the skill to be a car racer. Impressive.
“Thanks for the ride, Ames.”
“Take care, Rey. Let’s check if the dressing needs to be changed tomorrow.” She murmurs, concern laced in her voice. I nod with a faint smile.
I unlock the door to step out when I notice her getting out too, standing in front of me, staring like she has something on her mind.
“What is it, Ames?”
“I may not be very verbal about how grateful I am to you for saving me yesterday, Rey. But trust me, it means a lot to me, more than you can imagine.”
My body stills as she leans forward, wraps her arms around my torso, and rests her head against my chest. Her grip on my shirt tightens with every passing second.
“But I still think you shouldn’t have risked your life for me.” Her voice grows heavy, and I can almost feel her tears. I shut my eyes, absorbing her warmth, my hands instinctively sliding to her waist, pulling her closer.
And just imagining the pain on her face for me makes my own eyes sting.
“It’s almost a reflex, Ames—to put you before myself. I can’t help it,” I mumble, my voice strained. She pulls away abruptly and stares at me in shock.
“That’s madness, Rey. You should never place another person above yourself.” Her face flushes red, her mocking tone mirroring her expression.
“For you, I would do anything, Ames. I swear I’m not exaggerating.” A dry chuckle escapes me, but she only looks confused.
“This attitude of yours scares me, Rey.”
Without waiting for my response, she gets back into her car and drives away.
How did I miss being this madly in love with her all these years?
*****
“What do you think the meeting is about?” I whisper near Amyra’s ear, and she glances back at me as we are presently summoned to the Chairperson’s cabin.
“Have you forgotten about the international conference?”
“Oh.” It clicks instantly. “So releasing our new product line on a global online platform is linked to that.”
“Obviously. Now keep quiet, our fathers are watching us,” she murmurs.
I mime zipping my mouth, catching Karan glaring at us from the other side. I ignore him and stare straight ahead.
“Good evening, children. Before we conclude today, we’d like to share a meaningful update.
B-Live Aura has chosen to delay its global online launch—not out of hesitation, but intentionally.
In three days, we’ll be stepping into the Singapore International Wellness and Luxury Lifestyle Conference, bringing together boutique hotel chains, global spa directors, corporate wellness consultants, and international lifestyle media.
This conference isn’t about selling. It’s about presence, credibility, and alignment. B-Live Aura will be introduced through a sensory showcase—quiet, immersive, and true to what the brand stands for, before launching on a global e-commerce platform.
As you can already see, preparations are underway behind the scenes. You’ll be leaving shortly to bring this vision to life, so be prepared with the necessary requirements. Your mentors will be accompanying you, so stay focused and confident. All the best. You may leave now.”
Dad explains everything in one steady flow. A flicker of nervousness creeps into me at the thought of attending an international conference, but knowing our mentors will be with us and seeing the groundwork already in motion eases my mind.
As we step out of the cabin, our reactions couldn’t be more different. I feel hopeful. Amyra looks anxious. Karan appears tense.
“We need to give our best at our first international conference,” Amyra says, lost in thought. We both nod silently.
There are just three days left, which means we’ll be leaving for Singapore tomorrow.
A new country. A new ambience. A new place. It feels like the perfect setting for a new beginning, one that includes my love confession to Amyra.
But before stepping into that phase, I need to end things with Aditi. We’re meeting later this evening, and it has to happen today.
Still, doubt creeps in.
What if Karan thinks the same and makes a move toward Amyra?
And what if she responds positively and accepts him?
No. I need to trust Amyra’s words, her clear disinterest in entering a relationship.
One thing I’m certain of—no matter what circumstances life throws at me, I won’t bend. I’ll fight back and make sure I win Amyra’s heart in the end.
All I need to focus on is the path ahead, whether it’s smooth or rough.
This international trip could change our lives. And I’m ready to face it.