“Okay, which one?” I ask, holding up two pairs of earrings in front of Charlie. He slowly lifts his head, tilting his head slightly, observing it under the light of the private jet’s cabin. After a moment of silent inspection, he lifts his paw and gently pushes the shinier earring .

I can’t help but smile  softly at his choice “Good taste, Charlie” I mutter, shifting the earrings into one hand so I can scratch under his chin. He closes his eyes and purrs, leaning into my fingers.

Thanks to Lucas’s arrangements, I am surprisingly relaxed, moving around the spacious jet cabin as if it’s my personal dressing room. Normally, flights make me want to glue myself to my seat and whisper silent prayers.

I turn back to the mirror, taking in my outfit — the deep indigo half-saree I am wearing. Can I call it a half saree ? It's more of a plazo than lehenga with a blouse and an attached draping dupatta. Tiny jeweled stones scatter across the fabric like stars. I slip on the long crystal earrings Charlie chose and decide to leave my neckline.

Okay, almost done.

We are currently flying back to Mumbai for the reception. Bhai only invited close friends and family to the wedding, keeping it intimate. The reception is on a grand scale though, inviting all the business partners, politicians and of course the entertainment industry.

We only had a few hours gap, last night was the wedding and this night it was the reception. In the morning we had to pack everything, then in the afternoon we went to see off Mia at the airport and in the evening we were flying. There was totally no gap in between, others already took the morning flight so they have time to get ready while Lucas, Liam, Stella and I are getting ready on the plane.

“Where are my bangles now?” I murmur to myself

I start looking around the room, searching for the suitcase which had my other jewellry. I was in such a hurry that I might have dumped everything here and there if Lucas didn't help me pack.

I pull two suitcases onto the bed, unzipping the first one to find my clothes. When I open the second, it turns out to be Lucas’s bag. I was about to close it when something caught my eye.

A dictionary?

I blink, picking it up curiously. Flipping it open, I realize it’s a Hindi-to-English translation dictionary.

“Oh” I breathe

As I turn the pages, I notice words underlined, highlighted and annotated with little notes in his handwriting. My chest tightens as the realization sinks in.

He has been learning Hindi.

For me…

My fingers hover over the page, lingering on the red-ink-highlighted word 'Dil' . Next to it, he has written one simple word.

[Translation - Heart]

Her

A soft chuckle escapes me, a mixture of disbelief and gentleness “Unbelievable” I whisper. The thought of Lucas, serious and focused, studying late at night just to learn my language.

He is too good for me

I turn over more pages, a few unmarked, maybe because he hadn't study them yet and many filled with references.

I think I made the right choice of thinking to go back to Sydney.

If I didn't then I wouldn't have gotten time to love him the way he loves me

Suddenly, a few papers slip out from between the pages, scattering to the floor. I set the dictionary aside and kneel to gather them. At first, I thought they were just random forms. But then I pause.

Wait, is this from Jeff too?

Stella had passed some documents to me earlier, saying Jeff wanted me to join the Indigo Club. It had been a surprise and I hadn’t given it much thought yet. Maybe I should talk to him when I return to Sydney.

I sit up on the bed, dusting the fabric of my saree before opening the letter. My eyes widens as I realize they aren't from Jeff.

They are from Luxe — Aunt Lia’s modeling agency.

One is a contract about taking over part of the company. The other is an invitation for Lucas to present his paintings at an art exhibition in Paris.

These are two huge opportunities. Especially the exhibition. Lucas is an incredible painter, it’s his dream, his thing.

“You shouldn’t be snooping through my stuff, Wildcat” I jump at the sound of Lucas’s voice, and before I can react, he swiftly picks the papers out of my hands.

“Hey!” I exclaim, standing up but he flicks my forehead playfully. I push his hand away trying to grab the paper but he is already holding the documents above my reach.

Damn his height

“Lucas! Please, let me finish reading!” I reach up on my toes but he effortlessly wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against his chest.

“It's not that important” He says casually

“How is it not? These are incredible opportunities for you, especially the exhibition one! I don’t know all the details but this could really boost your name in the industry!” I exclaim, my excitement spilling out of my head

He chuckles softly and kisses my forehead, but I catch a flicker of something guarded in his eyes that he is trying to hide by this soft moment.

I let out a huff, crossing my arms “You are choosing not to participate” I mumble with disappointment. His expressions softens, he lets the papers fall on the bed and cups my face “its the safer option”

“But it’s not what your heart wants” I whisper “You love painting, Lucas. You are brilliant at it. Don’t let that part of you fade just because you are scared”

For a moment, his gaze falters, raw emotion flickering behind those calm eyes.

His gaze flickers with an unspoken emotion, his hand falls down from my face giving me the moment to pick up the papers and read “At least think about it. Maybe you could apply for both? Or—” I see him looking away, not wanting to hear it.

“Lucas, please” I groan in frustration “Just read it properly!” I request

He shakes his head “Your just reading means trying to change my mind”

“Okay, yeah, fair” I admit sheepishly “But that’s only because I care about you. I don’t want you to give up something you love” I insist, even aunt lia wouldn't want him to crush his dreams like this. She was the second person after his parents to support him in painting, she even gifted him a whole studio for that.

He takes a step back, expressions hardens “Jasmine, a favorite thing can’t always be a career. What if I get rejected? What if I can’t earn? I studied business for a reason, It would be a waste if I just threw that away for painting”

He takes a deep breath, his expressions turning serious “I think thats best for me, atleast here I wont get rejected and aunt lia needs  someone to look after the company”

“But she would not want you to sacrifice your dream thing for it!”

He shakes his head “I have made my decision and it won't be changing. And I want you not to interfere in it” he says, his tone sharp leaving no place for argument. The papers feel heavy in my hands. I can’t force him but it feels wrong to just let it go.

“Milaya” he warns, stepping forward.

“Shut up” I mutter stepping back, the back of my knee hitting the bedpost and making me fall back. Before I can react, he pins me back onto the bed, catching me off guard. Charlie lets out an annoyed growl and hops off the bed.

“Lucas!” I snap, struggling as he holds both my wrists with one hand, pinning them above my head effortlessly. I glare at him but he doesn’t move.

“Will you listen to me and stay out of it?” he asks, eyes narrowing.

“Okay, I won’t” I answer calmly, relaxing beneath him.

His eyebrows rise in surprise “Wow. Giving up that easily?”

I flutter my lashes innocently. “Yeah, well your decision, remember? I will support you.”

He hums and nods in satisfaction “good’ he starts lifting himself off me. Taking the opportunity, I push him up in an attempt to grab the papers but seems like he already new my plan, in an instance he pushes me back but don't let him trap me this time.I manage to twist slightly, pressing my heel against his chest to keep him away.

He pauses, a smirk forming on his lips watching me breathless “That is a different level of defiance, I aint complaining though”

Okay that's not a very good position….

Before I can retract my leg, he grabs my ankle gently, pressing his thumb against the side. His voice drops lower intona teasing one “You know, this would look better wrapped around my waist

My brain short circuited

“W-what” I shutter, my mouth goes dry and face heating up at the sudden image crossing my mind

His smirks widens “Oh, imaging are we?”

“Shut up” I blurt, yanking my foot back.

He laughs and straightens his shirt “We will land soon” he says casually, walking out of the room and leaving me absolutely speechless, heart pounding like crazy.

****

I can’t believe this is happening

“Half of the industry is here” I mutter, while taking a sip of my drink, as my eyes scan over to the crowd. We are at the Royal Crest in Mumbai — the rooftop ballroom booked for the reception. Its not less than Om Shanti Om's iconic song sequence . Because almost half of the industry is here and I am squeaking each time I see my fav.

Though ironically, the one person I want to see the most isn’t here yet.

My gaze drifts toward Lucas, who is talking to Liam near the open bar. After that whole jet incident, things between us have been weird. There is this low hum of awkwardness whenever I am near him. And honestly, I know it’s partly my fault. I pushed him too hard

I sigh, setting my glass down on the nearest table and start walking toward him, ready to apologize before things escalates, when I hear someone shout my name.

“Jasmine!”

I turn around to see Nikhil waving, gesturing for me to come over. I shoot Lucas a quick glance, hesitating if I should go or not but reluctantly sigh and walk toward my brother.

“Kya hua?” I ask, slightly annoyed

[Translation - What happened?]

He raises an eyebrow “Woah oh neend puri nahi hui kya?” he teases. I groan. Fair point. I barely slept last night and I have been running around non-stop since morning. Hiding these dark circles under this makeup

[Translation - Woah oh, did you not sleep properly?]

“Why did you call me?”

Nikhil gestures me outside “papa is calling you, he has some work”

I frown in confusion and some doubt “kiske papa?”

[Translation - Who's father?]

“Hum dono ke, papa bhi hai wahan aur chacha bhi hai lekin mere papa ku kuch kaam hai shyad” He clarifies.

[Translation - Both of ours. Dad is there and also uncle. But I think my father has some work with you]

I nod before walking away towards the terrace. The terrace is a change of atmosphere from the crowded ballroom. A wide open space with a wall of potted plants, soft golden lights and a clear view of the starry Mumbai sky. A few guests linger, chatting quietly while enjoying the cool breeze.

Near the plant wall I spot my uncle talking to with men.

“Uncle?” I call out in a low tone until he turns around with a wide smile  “Jasmine, aao aao, abhi thumari hi baat hori thi” he says while chuckling, keeping a hand on my upper back to bring me forward.

[Translation - Jasmine, come come, we were talking about you only]

“Yeh mere bhai ki beti hai, Jasmine” he says introducing me to two men.

[Translation - She is my brother's daughter, Jasmine]

The first is an older man with salt and pepper coloured hair, wearing a cream kurta-pajama and a Nehru vest. I don’t immediately recognize him, but when Uncle drops his name, I realize he is a politician

I smile politely, joining my palms together "Namaste"

He smiles back and returns my gesture, okay not like the politicians I see in movies luckily.

“And this is Rajveer , his son” Uncle gestures to the second man.

Rajveer seems around my age, dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit. His hair is neatly styled, his smile practiced but not insincere. “Nice to meet you” He says, extending his hand.

I glance at his hand and back at his face tempted to just reject the handshake. However I feel my uncle’s glare warning to accept it.

I force out a smile “Hey” I mutter, shaking his hand before pulling back quickly.

“Tum dono akele mai baat karo, hum jate hai” his father suddenly says.

[Translation - You both should talk privately, we will leave]

Wait what?

But before I can demand an explanation, Uncle grips my arm lightly and leans toward me “Talk to him,” he whispers quickly. “His family is very influential. It would help us a lot if you two got married” He whispers before walking away with the man. Leaving me stunned, my blood boiling.

Did he just set me up?

Rajveer clears his throat making me look at him “Jasmine is a very beautiful name, it suits you” He says with a polite smile. I blink in surprise at his compliment, he seems sincere with his words. “Hm thank you” I manage to say, trying not to be awkward.

I hate small talks

I can't believe my uncle set me up, that too without informing me? I dont think papa or Veer knows about it, they would never approve of it as I am already dating lucas. He is definitely doing it to gain political benefit from Rajveer’s father.

Classic move from him.

“So…what do you do?” Rajveer asks, pulling me out of my thoughts. He shoves his hands into his pockets, his posture tensed.

I couldn't help but feel uneasy, not because of this guy but because of the situation “Ijust graduated” I reply trying to keep the conversation short.

He nods “Yes, your uncle mentioned you did your bachelor's in Sydney, it's quite impressive” He says looking genuinely impressed “That's pretty cool for me. As I just did my degree from Delhi. In political science. Unexpected right?” He says jokingly.

I chuckle “Yeah, did not see that coming at all”

I exhale slowly, looking up at the sky and pressing my lips together. Another awkward silence stretches between us. He stays at a respectful distance, leaning against the railing “Those stars would look like a donut if joint together” He says pointing at the sky.

I follow the direction, my eyes narrows trying to connect them. My eyes widens as I see the vision “Oh yes they do!” I exclaim, looking at him. He gives me a sheepish grin “Sorry, I am just hungry so I am just seeing food everywhere”

“Hm..it's alright” I nod, feeling kind of guilty, I don't think he knows about my situation and doing this because his father also told him to?

“You won't ask anything about me?”

“I am not interested in you” I blurt out before realizing.

His eyes widens, I expected him to walk away but instead he bursts out laughing “Okay that's refreshingly honest” he says between chuckles “May I ask why?”

“I am sorry, I don't know what my uncle said or why he did this but I am not interested in whatever this is, I didnt even know this was happening, I dont think an arrange marriage will work for me and most importantly, I am dating someone else and I really love him so..” I confess

Rajveer sinply smile “Oh that's totally alright, honestly, I am in the same situation, my father is trying to set me with many women” He says, leaning slightly closer “and you are the third women I am having this same conversation. Asking the same questions and all”

“Wow…really?” I ask, completely astonished. I did guess he would be in the same situation but his calm and polite demure made me think he was ready for this moment but now hearing I am the 3rd woman is understandable because he got practice.

“It was nice meeting you though, I shall take my leave” he says, this time joining his hand. I smile, returning the gesture “Hope you get a release out of this situation soon”

“Oh please pray for me then” he says before leaving.

What was that

I take a deep breath, leaning against the wall as the night breeze brushes past me. Thank god Rajveer was chill about this but Uncle? Oh, I am fuming. How dare he set me up like this when he knows I am with Lucas?

Veer was right, he just wants me married off so I am out of his way.

I am going to confront him in front of everyone!

But I dont think he is gonna stop this and try to set me up in one way or the other. Just a quick confrontation wouldnt stop him, I need to find a permanent solution. I look around, feeling the sudden silence at the terrace, it seems like people went back inside. I should go in too

“Jasmine!”

Lucas strides toward me, slightly out of breath. His coat is unbuttoned, hair a little messy like he has been running “Where were you?” He asks, relief washing over him “I have been looking for you” But my attention diverts  past him. Someone near the terrace doors catches my eye, a man in casual clothes, stiff posture and a camera in hand?

Wait, is he..

“Jasmine!” Lucas calls me out, making me look at him. He frowns, his breathing still heavy from running. An idea popping in my head, reckless or whatever, I don't care.

“Lucas… I need your help” I ask, his expression calms down as he nods “Yeah?”

“I love you!” I shout loud enough for the photographer to hear. Lucas’s eyes widen, stunned. Be

fore he can react, I grab his collar and pull him down to kiss him.

He stumbles forward, pressing me back against the wall. His hand instinctively comes up to cradle the back of my head where it bumped the wall, protecting me even through the shock.