“I am gonna name her Ginger” Sonia announces proudly, her fingers combing through the soft furry cat curled on her lap.

It feels surreal, just yesterday she took the cat I met on ghat to our boating trip. I thought maybe it was an act of kindness? Or the urge to take that little one on a first time experience trip but I didn't expect that she would adopt her.

Most surprisingly, Maya took the cat to a vet, got all cleaning and check ups done then proceeded to look out if the cat had more family members but she didn't

At the end — Sonia was able to adopt the ginger. Or more like ginger choose Sonia as her human.

And judging by the way she is smothering ginger with kisses. I know she is already obsessed.

I chuckle softly while stirring the aamras one time and tasting the sugar level. I couldn't help but hum at the balanced taste.

Perfect!

“You gotta take proper care of her,” I remind, glancing at Ginger stretching on Sonia's lap before curling up again. Raising a cat isn't as simple as it looks and this one is an orange one.

Yet, she hasn't done anything like an orange cat?

Sonia nods, beaming enthusiastically “I will! I just hope mummy and daddy accept” Her expressions flatter slightly at the mention of her parents. They will come back soon and her mother is strict about having pets. “Daddy will but—”

“Don't worry, I will convince aunty” Maya cuts in, while placing clean glasses beside the blender. She is helping me make aamras for everyone — as the mango season has arrived, I couldn't waste any chances.

Sonia's face lits up “I love you so much!” She squeals. Maya's face softens as she leans forward to pull Sonia's cheeks affectionately “I love you too”

Watching the two of them, my heart softens. Sonia and Maya barely knew each other before the trip but somehow they have clicked together. Maya is the perfect older sister anyone could ask for.

For both of us

Ginger purrs for attention on Sonia's lap before snuggling her head against her chest. Sonia giggles softly while kissing her head.

My heart tugs at their interaction, the soft voices and actions remind me of my own furball! Charlie

I didn't even have time to video call Mia and check up on him.

I should do it soon.

I shake off the thoughts and bring back my focus to transferring the last batch of aamras into the remaining glasses. The sweet smell of ripe mangoes is already making my mouth water.

“Hmm, it looks so delicious!” Sonia comments, reaching out for a glass and chugged it down. Maya let's put a gasp “Sonia! Sab ke saath peena tha!”

[Translation - Sonia! You had to drink it with everyone else!]

“Sorry, too good to resist” She shrugs, totally unapologetic — wiping her lips and placing back the glass onto the counter with a thug “I will drink one more with everyone”

Maya and I share a glance before laughing at her words. “Sure” I reply, carefully arranging all the glasses on the food cart for the staff to disturb them.

The palace is still under the calm of arriving in the afternoon and this would be a perfect way to start today's preparation with an energetic drink.

As I motion the staff to roll the cart — Maya stops her “Aap sab ko distrub kar dena, lekin nikhil ke room ko chod ke. I will see that” She says.

I furrow my eyebrows in confusion, stepping closer, “Lekin kyun? Nikhil bhai ku nahi dena hai?” I ask.

[Translation - but why? Why aren't you giving it to Nikhil?]

As the staff member leaves, Maya leans in and lowers her voice. She glances at Sonia — who is well busy sneaking another glass of aamras. “In the morning, I saw Nikhil and his girlfriend,” She whispers cautiously.

My eyes widened, I almost gasped out but she holds my hand to stop me from reacting. “Wait really? But he didn't introduce her to us yet. Right?” I ask, lowering my voice too.

Maya presses her lips together and nods, her eyes flickering to Sonia to make sure she isn't listening "Yeah but I caught him so he had no choice but to introduce her. He said he will introduce her to everyone during lunch after she has rested from the flight”

I nod in understanding. Nikhil is thoughtful because after a tiring journey I don't think I could manage to meet a whole family.

“But why is that connected to not giving him aamras? We still have more, we can send it to his girlfriend too”

Maya's lips curls downwards into a smirk, barely holding her laughter  “Jasmine. He locked her in the room the whole morning. He missed her. Badly”

My confusion deepens at her explanations, still unable to catch the intentions. Like his girlfriend might be hungry, shouldn't we send something instead of making her wait till afternoon? Today lunch is already scheduled late.

Maya sighs, shaking her head in disappointment “Jasmine, Jasmine, Jasmine. You are dating too yet can't understand what's happening? They are having their ‘quality time’ okay? I don't think they need any food right now” She explains, stressing the word ‘quality time’ with air quotations.

Oh

Ohh

That kind of quality time!

“Damn” I breathe out at the realization, a flicker of embarrassment crossing my face. “I am too slow”

She brushes her hand dismissively “Ah chill. But anyways I never thought he would behave so lovesick you know? He was literally carrying her in at 5am! Can you believe it?”

I blink, trying to process the words.

Nikhil carrying his girlfriend? That too early morning even though I remember him hating to wake up early. This was a scene that I shouldn't have missed out.

I would’ve woken up everyday for my yoga but not this morning.

After yesterday's incident and getting lost in that maze. I was feeling low and conflicted and Kavya's words haunted me like some ghost. Her sudden change of behaviour and snarky remarks that she was expressing openly.

Since when did we grow this gap?

I ended up having dinner in my room with Maya and Sonia. They have comforted and been through the time but when they left — Lucas sneaked in.

He didn't say much, I didn't even need to explain it. He understood and let me lean on him. He opened up about himself too, I never thought about how deeper his trauma goes. Despite knowing a part of it, I know there's still so much that troubles him inside.

After he called down, we remained in the same position for a very long time but it ended up with me asking him to stay and cuddling him to sleep.

Me, in Lucas’s arms. The whole night?

It felt too comfortable to leave him in the morning.

“Hey! Kahan kho gayi?” Maya nudges my arm, snapping me out of my thoughts. I let out a nervous chuckle, wiping my cheek in case of any signs of my inner feelings.

[Translation - Hey! Where are you lost?]

“Nothing! Mai sooch rahi thi ki, woh kaise hai? Aapne toh dekh hogana?”

[Translation - Nothing! I was thinking, How is she? You might have seen her right?]

Maya nods, keeping her hand on her hip and leaning back against the counter “Haan na! She is so beautiful! Like too much! It's like langoor ke haath mai Angoor lag gaya!” She lets out a scoff as if she missed a chance.

[Translation - Grapes in the hands of baboon.

It's an idiom that refers to = a valuable or precious thing being handed to someone who isn't capable of it or appreciates it]

“You can't say that! He is your brother” I remind, despite feeling the laughter bubbling inside me. She shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly, unbothered about her comment — from my observation, Maya and Nikhil are always teasing each other.

Maya is quite the chill cousin even though she is older than all of us — she doesn't want us to call her ‘Di or didi's just Maya

“But mujhe bhi milna hai” I add with curiosity. Her words have definitely taken me aback especially with the idiom she has compared the situation with.

[Translation - But I also wanna meet her!]

“Yeah you can only meet her at lunch” Maya replies while reaching out for a separate glass that I kept away to avoid mix up. A sense of panic shoots through me when she picks it up, before I could stop her. She places the glass on a small tray and hands it to me “Apne langoor ko dena”

[Translation - Give this to your monkey]

“Huh kya!”

[Translation - What!]

She shrieks back “Chee! Nahi! Apne Angoor ku dena! Ugh! Nahi! Give this to your boyfriend!” She breathes out. I take the tray from her before she drops it with her over stimulation “Sorry about that” She mutters

[Translation - Ew! No! Go and give this to your grape! Ah! No!]

“It's alright” I assure her, understanding the unconscious slip ups. It happens to me a lot of times. Making sure the glass is steady on the tray. I make my way towards his bedroom.

I hope he likes it.

I didn't add extra sugar and kept mango’s natural sweetness for him.

Holding the tray with my one hand, I gently knock on his door and take a step back. I couldn't help but feel the increasingly giddy feeling forming inside me.

Slowly the door slightly opens leaving a small gap. I frown as I don't see Lucas. I nudge the door open and step inside “Lucas?” I call softly, my eyes drifting to the glass before looking up

My world stops

And maybe my heart too. For a second

“Jasmine!”

I nearly drop the tray but I feel a hand taking it away from my grip. I couldn't even divert myself away from her — Stella standing in front of me, arms wide and sparkly eyes.

“Stella!” I leap into her arms and she almost stumbles back if Liam doesn't support her — Liam is here too, standing behind her watching our interaction with a smile.

“I thought you guys were coming the day after tomorrow?” I ask, my voice raspy due to the shock. Stella chuckles, hugging me back while her hands gently rub my back to calm me down.

I still can't believe it.

“Yeah but we thought to give you a little surprise” She replies softly. My grip tightens, it's only been a week since I left her but it feels like an eternity. “I have missed you so much!” I couldn't help but confess.

“Even though I have been texting and sending voice notes everyday?” She asks

I nod “Yes, even more because of that”

“Thank you so much for coming” my voice comes out muffled against her shoulder. I lift my head up to look at Liam, “Hey brother in law” I mumble teasingly, fisting my hand forward

His smile widens as he bumps his first against mine. “Hello sister in law” He greets back before hugging Stella and me together.

After a few moments we pull back, my cheeks hurting from smiling so much “Okay, the day couldn't get anymore perfect”

Stella’s lips curve up into a small smirk, she shoots Liam a look. My interest quirks up at their reactions “What?”

Stella bobs her head, gesturing behind me. I slowly turn back to see Lucas sitting on his bed while finishing the aamras I made.

But that's not what grabs my attention.

“Oh my baby!” I exclaim in excitement, skipping forward to pick up Charlie in my arms. Feeling his soft and warm fur in my arms, he lets out a purr “You also came!” I squeak while pecking all over his face.

I carefully shift him in my arms, feeling my baby all grown up that I am barely able to hold him.

I have been missing him so much. Especially when someone mentioned cats, I was even gonna video call Mia to see him. But now that he is finally near me — I feel so much more happier

Stella chuckles softly “Yeah and by the way, everything planned by your boyfriend” She adds. I blink in surprise and look at Lucas who is watching me with the softest smile. “This tasted really good” He comments, raising the glass as a gesture.

He doesn't even mention it or ask for some appreciation.

“There's more in the kitchen, I can bring it”

He keeps the glass aside and stands up right in front of me, shoving his hands into his pockets. I cradle Charlie into my arms, trying not to look at him “Thank you”

He smiles, in the most charming way. His eyes soften while he steps closer and I feel myself sucking in my breath. The tension between us has transferred into something more after last night.

“You deserve it” He whispers, pressing a kiss on my forehead. My heart picks up its speed at the display of affection — while Liam and Stella are in the room.

Yeah dear butterflies. Never calm down

I just love this feeling.

“Okay!” Liam clears his throat “We are gonna leave before this turns PG-13” He says, clapping his hand on Lucas's shoulder with a clear intention.

Before I could react, Liam is already dragging Lucas away. Lucas looks at me with an expression which clearly indicates longing and  developing separation anxiety.

The room suddenly feels quieter

“Okay, so how is everything going?” She asks, sitting on the chairs placed along with the balcony. She lets out a soft sigh while stretching her legs.

I make my way towards her and sit on the opposite chair. Tugging Charlie comfortably on my lap.

Still can't believe it

“Very tiring. The selections, managing things and that Sangeeta practice? Exhausting!” I groan just at the thought of it, leaning back against the chair.

Stella gives me a knowing smile, her eyes filled with understanding “You are doing your best. But don't burn yourself in name of perfection”

I nod in appreciation for her concern “Tell me about you. How's everything? Life after being engaged” I ask, my tone playfully as I glance at the diamond glittering on her finger.

Her cheeks get slightly flustered at the mention, she bites down a smile looking at her ring. “It's….really good. Liam is free now after the launch of new designs. After graduation, I am working on a few jewellery designs too. We still have a lot of time to spend together”

I raise my eyebrow in curiosity “Jewellery? Are you trying that?” I ask, I remember stella developing her interest in designing jewellery but she didn't want to try that yet.

Stella nods with a confident smile “Yeah, Mom is helping me with that too. Next month I am working full time at NYX so I could practice it”

“Even after you joining NYX officially as a designer. You will still have so much time because you know, your fiancé is a ceo” I tease nudging her slightly.

She laughs, shaking her head. “It’s not as dreamy as it sounds. Liam is very serious at work. When I was interning, he acted like I was another employee. No special thanks. Plus our respective floors are different” I raise my eyebrow at her words.

Liam is definitely head over heels over Stella but during work — him being nonchalantly? Poor guy must be doing his best to pretend to be professional.

“That's alright, you always have pantry, store rooms and of course your home” I say suggestively while wiggling my eyebrows

She scoffs, “Shut up!” She swatting my hand gently “If you continue to tease me then I will start talking about Lucas!”

“What about him?”

She leans forward with a growing smirk “About your finally dating era. And the way he was looking at you with heart eyes when we were interacting. And that forehead kiss?” She squeaks loudly while hitting her lap “Oh like declaration of love!”

I sink into the chair feeling my face heat up at her words. I groan, burying my face in Charlie's furb “Okay, Okay point taken!”

Yeah, I shouldn't have teased her when I am also in the same situation.

“Oh before I forget” Stella begins, searching through her bag and pulling out an indigo coloured envelope. She places it on the coffee table in front of me.

I straighten up, looking at it curiously “What is this?”

“Jeff sent it to you” She replies.

Jeff? Jeff Anderson?

I picked up the envelope. My name is elegantly calligraphed on the front — flipping it, I see it sealed with a golden stamp.

“Why?”

Stella presses her lips together, her expressions growing serious “It's an invitation. To join Indigo Club”

I nearly drop the envelope

My eyes widened at her words, almost popping out. Indigo Club is a widely expanding elite club — including racing events, sports and other entertainment. While it looks like a hang out place for elites, it's much more internally.

Liam and Stella are also the members. Being a member would directly mean that they have support of Jeff Anderson and other members of the club.

Carefully I open the envelope, pulling out the invitation card.

“He wants me to join the club?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper — waiting for a confirmation. Stella nods, “Yeah, he wanted me to convey it.”

“But why me?” I question, staring at the blank space where I am supposed to sign “Isn't this supposed to be beneficial to both? I thought he only accepts business tycoons or influential people? I just graduated”

“Don't underestimate yourself” Stella says quietly “No one knows what's going on in Jeff’s mind. But he can see people's potential. He doesn't approach anyone blindly”

I scoff, brushing my hand over Charlie's head while he drifts off to sleep “I feel like he is doing this because I am a nepo baby?” I remark.

I haven't interacted with Jeff at all? I have seen him but mostly from afar. Though I know Stella and Liam have a good relationship with him. Stella even learnt self defence and shooting form him.

She gives me a deadpan face “Jasmine. We all are nepo babies okay?”

We burst out laughing at the blunt truth. We can't deny the fact that we all have influential parents, they have definitely helped us in our education but not in our careers.

For Stella and Liam, I understand why Jeff invited them. Next should be Lucas as he is Liam’s brother and may join the family business. Maybe he already got an invite?

Meanwhile, I am far away from that, I don't even live in Sydney anymore.

What benefit could Jeff even get from this?

“I don't run a company” I mutter. My position at my dad's company isn't even confirmed. “I don't live in Sydney anymore. I am trying to figure things out…”

Stella reaches across the table, keeping her hand on mine “Don't overthink or put yourself down. Jeff is unpredictable but trustworthy. The call is yours”

✄-------

I first introduced Stella and Liam to my parents. Ma was especially delighted to meet Stella — her eyes lit up when she saw her. After all, I have always talked about Stella and they have interacted many times on calls.

It was like merging my two worlds together

After that Lucas and I showed them around the palace to make them familiar with the rooms, courtyard and kitchen.

I didn't expect them to surprise me at all. Their outfits are still at alteration and were supposed to arrive the day after tomorrow. Only then we could check the fitting to make sure they are wearable for the events.

We helped them settle in their room. Stella and Liam started to  unpack and freshen up until lunch time.

Now I am taking a walk with my baby.

Charlie

I smile, watching him soft paws pads on the marble floors. He stops every few seconds, taking in the surroundings. Every now and then I notice the change in his expressions — he was definitely ranking places to take a nap next time

“So, I know you missed me, right?” I tease, nudging Charlie's tail as we walk through the corridors. He didn't even meow at me in agreement but flicked his tail with sass.

I let out a huff “Sometimes you are clinging and sometimes you are distant. Here I have been missing you for days!”

He just tilts his head in defiance, giving me a judging look as if he is saying ‘Don’t be so dramatic, human’ and continues to walk like he owns this place.

My typical Charlie

“You couldn't stay away from me the day I was leaving. And look at you now” I remind. We continued to walk down the hall. The distant noises of staff member working and my family members chatting could be heard in the background.

Just as we pass the main hall, I spot Veer walking in through the grand door. Fully focused on his phone while typing something.

“Heck!” He yelps getting started when Charlie bumps into his knee.

Veer stares down at Charlie — who decided to lounge right there “Did you bring in a wildcat?” He asks, looking at me and Charlie in disbelief.

“Bhai! Yeh Charlie hai!” I say. I have mentioned about Charlie many times to him and even sent him photos but that time Charlie was just a kitten

[Translation - Brother! This is Charlie!]

He raises an eyebrow in surprise “Wow, I didn't expect him to be so…” he trails off, unable to find the right words. He crouched on one knee, letting Charlie sniff his head before he pets him.

“Beautiful? Cute? Fluffy?” I count out all the words I could think of to describe my baby

He rolls his eyes “So big” He finishes while continuing to caress Charlie. I nod in response “Yeah well he is a Maine coon, they grow very well and healthy”

He smiles and nods , drawing his attention back to Charlie “yeah, he has grown up well” He says in appreciation, running his hand down Charlie's head before slowly getting up, shoving his phone back into his pocket

I tilt my head slightly “What was so interesting in your phone that you couldn't take your attention off it?” I ask, my tone slightly playful.

For some reason I feel like it's Mira?

“Is mira coming?” I couldn't help but ask in curiosity. He did mention that she is supposed to visit before the ceremonies take place. Veer’s posture changes slightly, jaw tightens and expression turn a bit conflicted, he scratches the back of his neck “Yeah she might come tomorrow.”

I frown “Everything alright? You seem a bit tense?”

He sighs softly, rubbing his forehead. All the stress and exhaustion evident on his face “Kunal” that's all he says and I don't need any further explanation. I could already imagine the amount of awareness and tension that's coming tomorrow.

He shrugs his shoulders “I guess it will be fine. It's their matter and I can't interfere. I want these two weeks to go by smoothly” He lets out a long exhale

My expression softens, I reach out to gently squeeze his arm in support “It will. You are doing something that many men can't even think of. I am here to help you

A small smile appears on his face at my words. “I know.” He mutters, “Oh and Nikhil is also planning some fun activities. We brought some bullets”

My eyes widened instantly at his words — too excitedly “Wait really?” This is typical nikhil, I knew he couldn't stay calm here until the wedding. They brought Bullets? As in Royal Enfield bikes?

Veer nods in confirmation “Yeah, four or six I think”

A smile forms on my face, the excitement bubbling inside at the idea “Bhai? Can I borrow them for today?”

He raises his eyebrow, eyes narrows in concern “You don't know how to ride”

I grin, an electric buzz of excitement runs down my veins “I don't but I know people who does!”