"What do you mean ‘I won't be able to come back?’ ” I ask, my voice increasing with panic as I glance at the screen and back on the road trying to stay sane and not crash somewhere
I hear Veer taking a deep breath on the call, preparing himself to drop the next bombshell “Royal Crest is expanding, I am trying to get a contract from Singapore and if we succeed then you will be a part of the whole Singapore project! For this, I don't think you will have time to go back to Sydney after you come here. Or you know what that old man will do to sabotage it”
I take a few deep breaths to calm down, I can feel the weight of these responsibilities heaving on my shoulders already.
It's a great opportunity, the best one for me. I can finally be a part of this business and help my brother and father but this comes with a lot of sacrifices.
Not being able to come back here. Meet my friends or the people who have become a second family here. Of course, I can keep in touch yet for some reason I feel like it will be longer than Veer is making it sound
“Look, I know this all is too much right now. So don't stress and-” Before he could complete I cut him off “Don't stress? Seriously Bhai? I just finished my exams, then got to know about your wedding which I was not prepared for! I have my graduation and none of you are here! I don't know what else to do except stress!” I yell in frustration, my breathing gets faster
I am grateful that the car windows are already up or the people around would look at me like I have lost it. But it's the universal truth that I will lose it
“I am sorry for not being there. I know it's important to you but half family is either busy with wedding preparations or the Singapore project” He replies, his voice is calm as if this all doesn't bother him at all. I know it does, he might be more stressed than me
An involuntary scoff escapes my mouth “Both things that have been kept hidden from me” I mutter. At first, I had no idea about Veer’s wedding and now this expansion which has been planned for the past two years but didn't reach my ears.
I can catch the tiredness in his voice.
This guy is travelling back and forth from Mumbai to Singapore during his wedding preparations, giving his best to everything. Yet I am unable to forget that I am being extremely overlooked here.
My family won't be here for one of my important achievements
I need to face my relatives back at home. Prepare for the wedding and be a major part as the groom's sister
“Everything will be all right, Jasmine. Bas thodi aur mehnat” he says, his voice almost pleading for me to understand.
[Translation- Just a little more hardwork]
Well my hope is vanishing at this point
I sigh, pulling the car under Stella's place. “Anyways I will be there na. I gotta go now, bye” I hang up the call without waiting for his response. Maybe I am becoming rude but can't help it, this is too overwhelming
I gather my bag and get out of the car, heading straight into the elevator and pressing the button for the top floor. I have known since last night that Veer’s message screamed trouble and I wasn't even able to sleep properly.
The dark circles will look perfect on graduation day
Only Stella's presence is going to save me from any further crisis. What I am more grateful for is that Liam and Stella are also accompanying me to India. They can't be available for all the functions due to work commitments but at least they are coming
As the elevator door opens, I step outside glancing at the empty hallway before approaching their apartment. I ring the doorbell and wait.
Recently Stella and Liam shifted to a new penthouse which is near to NYX so it's easier for both of them to work. As much as Liam told Stella it was her graduation gift but everyone knows it's her early engagement gift
All surprises revolve around nowadays
Even now, my mind is already trying to think of all the possibilities of this ‘surprise’ whenever Stella says surprise it's always fantastic. On top of that, she called me in the early morning so it gotta be something
I hear the footsteps approaching, and as the door swings open I am greeted by Stella's bright smile “Hey girl-” Before I could complete, buddy dashes forward to me with his enthusiastic barks to welcome me
I chuckle petting his head “Hello to you too buddy” he gives me another bark nuzzling into my hand. “Come on buddy, let her in” Stella says opening the door and Buddy steps inside giving me space to step in.
I remove my purse and place it on the couch. I glance around for a moment, the morning light beaming through the huge window giving a perfect view of the city.
Stella joins me, dressed in an oversized hoodie and sweatpants with her hair braided down.She holds her smile continuously, the way her eyes sparkle with uncontrollable excitement
I sigh softly understanding the expression “All right, show me” I say. With no further questions she interlinks our arms and guides me towards a room “I know you will love it” she sings as she opens the door.
I shake my head at her assurance but when we step inside, I freeze in disbelief. My mouth slightly opens and my lips feel suddenly dry as my eyes dart back and forth at Stella and that dress
That freaking dress right there
“Oh my living dream” I mumble stepping closer to the mannequin on which the dress is displayed with full glory “Wow!” I exclaim as I circle it to look more closely
It's deep rich, shade of crimson and the smooth, silky material shimmered under the room's lighting. The design is form-fitting and flared at the bottom giving it an elegant touch
It's stunning, elegant and-
“It's backless” I whisper yell looking at Stella with wide eyes and back at the low cutback. I do love it, there's no doubt but she has left me stunned. I usually don't wear backless or low-neck dresses, the neck for this is perfect but the back? Honestly, there's no back here.
“It's so stunning! But” I pause, thinking how to say it to not hurt her and her efforts in putting this together
Stella approaches me with a wide, proud grin “Well you always wanted to recreate the poo’s backless moment so I thought to give this design a try”
She picks up a jacket, which resembles the colour of the dress yet is embroidered with delicate lace “I know it's not your style so you can wear it with this jacket which I made just in case!” she adds, draping the jacket over the dress
She keeps her elbow on my shoulder wiggling her eyebrows “Like it?” she asks. I let out a deep breath, I do remember saying that but I never thought she would make it come true and that too with an alternative for my comfort. I look at her, almost getting emotional.
She chuckles softly “And if you want I will also recreate those dialogues”
“Like I said, who needs a boyfriend when I have you!” I squeak pulling her into a tight hug. “Thank you so much, this is the best graduation gift” I mumble while holding her.
Stella hums wrapping her arms around me and swinging me gently as we both chuckle.
Oh I am gonna miss her so much
“Everything all right?” She asks, noticing how I am unable to let go of the grip. I quickly nod, trying to stay calm despite my heavy breathing and the rapidly growing heartbeat “Yeah, everything is fine”
She suddenly pulls away, holding my shoulders as she looks at me. Her bright smile and happiness are all gone, replaced by a look of concern and worry “You are crying” she says
It's not a question, I realise when I feel my vision getting blurry due to the tears forming up. I shake my head, still manipulating my emotions to stay calm “I am fine..” but before I can complete, another choked sob escapes my mouth.
I am completely wrecked
“Oh Jasmine,” Stella says softly, making me sit on a chair nearby. By the time my emotions are already flowing out. I continue to wipe my tears with the back of my hand but they don't stop. The burning sensation corrupts my throat which makes it harder for me to say something.
Stella passes me a few tissues while rubbing my back
“I am so sorry, I know I should be happy. You are doing all this for me. I am grateful I swear but with everything happening, I just can't forget” My words come out as a low whimper, and my head hangs low feeling some kind of weight on it
“Jasmine, it's all right. Let it out if it makes you feel better” Stella says assuringly, she sits right in front of me while holding my hand until I call down a bit
“That's good, take a few deep breaths” she says gently dabbing my face with tissue paper to wipe my tears. While I try not to cling to her hand too much, my other hand clenches the hem of my top a little too tight
“I am sorry, I just feel so overwhelmed with everything right now. This is definitely because of my periods” I mumble while nodding and glance at Stella. She gives me a small smile as she nods with me “Yeah stop gaslighting yourself” she says with a hint of sarcasm trying to lighten the mood
“It doesn't work anymore huh” I let out a bitter chuckle, laughing at my situation. Indeed, I always blame my emotions on my periods to not appear emotional. Like who wanna be seen as an emotional wreck
“Jasmine” Stella calls my name, giving my hand a gentle squeeze “Sometimes when things are too much to handle and you don't wanna handle them. It's all right to complain, to cry, to show your displeasure. To ask for help”
I wipe another tear that falls down my cheek, my throat wobbles when I try to speak “I don't wanna trouble or burden others. Plus I should be grateful for what I have right? Many aren't even blessed with things I have yet here I am crying” I mutter keeping my head down in guilt
“Jasmine, we are humans. It's okay to be sad, to cry, to be angry. That's how humans are made, we feel, we express. I know you are grateful for what you have, you pray every morning, and you thank and appreciate every night before sleeping. You do all that right? So you can also express what's bothering you. I am here, I will listen “
I finally look at Stella, her words hitting deeper than they could. Stella's face is determined to have answers for whatever question I throw at her. And the gentle assurance in her eyes that shows her presence
Taking a deep breath, I lift my legs and cross them on the chair “I am so confused and frustrated. Why was I the last one to know about my own brother's wedding? Of course, I am happy that he found his love but why did I know only after all the invites were printed?” I question
“There was a lot of drama when I was coming to Sydney to study. I received so many taunts whenever I went back during vacations that's why I stopped visiting. And now when I am finally graduating, no one has time to come see my achievement?” My breathing heavies again, the words hanging in the air.
I know what I felt like flying to a foreign country alone, studying day and night to get good grades. Despite the disapproval and everything I achieved what I wanted. I can finally go onto that stage and hold my degree proudly but there's no one to see.
“Even when I go back, even though Lucas is being my boyfriend. I fear that my uncle will present me with a groom to send me off as soon as possible. I don't know what this plan will make him achieve” I exclaim, my voice raising due to anger
“It happened with my aunt too, she got married while she was studying to be a doctor but luckily her his supported her and they are happy together. How can I expect the same with me?” I add. The worry and the fear all come back whenever I think of it. If my brother hadn't warned me I just went back. Would my prediction come true?
“I wanted to help my brother in his big moment. I wanted to make my parents proud when I finally got closer to my dream. I wanted to help my family business, Stella. But this all seems so far now”
By now, tears are streaming down again. My shoulders start shaking, I watch the tears drop on my jeans staining them. My head starting to hurt with all the overwhelming emotions
Without a word, Stella gets up and holds me while rubbing my back. She whispers some words to me, trying her best to comfort me but between my breakdown, I am unable to catch them.
I just wanna escape somewhere else
I hear the door open a little and it makes me freeze, I quickly try to wipe my tears. My vision is still hazy as I look forward to Liam at the door with confusion and surprise attached on his face. His eyes flicker to me and back at Stella, she shakes her head giving him a signal
“I am right outside if needed” Saying this he gently closes the door giving us privacy.
I am back to the silence of this closed-off room, hearing my breathing.
I sigh falling back into the chair and looking up at the ceiling “What's happening? What should I do Stella?” I ask, looking for an answer, a hope. Anything, please
She squeezes my shoulders gently, handing me a water bottle which I hold onto like my dear life
“I am glad you let them all out. Whatever you felt. Feel better?” She questions. I straighten up, letting my legs down which feel numb now due to staying in the same position. “I do feel a bit better, my head doesn't seem like a storage box anymore” I mumble
Stella crouched in front of me to meet my gaze “I know it's hard for you. I can't say that I relate or I can help you with everything but what I can do is be there whenever you feel difficult. I am gonna support you like a family, cheer for you like a sister and listen to you as your best friend. I am proud of you and what you have done. If you want then I will come with you earlier and see who dares to make you do something that you don't want to”
Her words give me a sense of relief and assurance. I slowly relax in my place, my shoulders waving down. “Thank you, I really really needed that” I mumble resting my head on her shoulder
Stella smiles patting my back gently “Always here”
I take some more time to calm down, letting myself stay in this silence while Stella is beside me. She doesn't ask or say anything but her presence is enough.
Now I could understand why someone's silent presence could give you hope.
I use the washroom and clean my face, the cool water helped me feel more at peace for now. When Stella and I exit the room, Liam is present in the living room setting up the table.
Hearing our footsteps he turns around, his usual smile forming on his face. He approaches us and wraps his arms around both of our shoulders gently pushing us towards the table “Here's the perfect Lunch for you ladies. And then a relaxing spa day and much more”
I pause and look at him and Stella in disbelief “Why?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper as I glance at the delicious meal spread out and the plan for a wonderful day
Liam shrugs his shoulders “You called me your brother then let me live up to that title” he says leaving me speechless. Stella smiles and pulls out a chair for me to sit “Come on, we are going for a girl's day out” she sings making me chuckle
“Thank you, both of you”
I can think about what will happen in India later. Let's just focus on my important people here.
✄-------
As the day started with countless tears, it ended with countless smiles I could ever ask for. Having an amazing day with Stella filled with relaxation and happiness made me forget about everything else for now
I step inside the house only to be greeted by a sudden sense of tension. I carefully walk into the living room to find Lucas and Mia standing face to face, Mia's expressions tensed up.
I frown in confusion and step closer to them “What happened?” I ask cautiously.
I notice Lucas's jaw tightens yet he doesn't move. Mia's head suddenly snapped in my direction, her face scrunched in fury “he hit Loren!” She exclaims, her voice raised as she points at Lucas
He hit whom?
My eyes widen in shock as I look at Lucas waiting for denial or some excuse but he remains silent which increases my shock. That's when my eyes fall on Loren who is sitting on the couch with a few bruises on his cheek. My mouth hangs open and a loud gasp escapes my mouth before I can control it.
Lucas did that?
“Mia and Loren are dating” Lucas announces, his voice echoing in the empty house
Oh No
✄-------
“Seriously, how can he do that!” Mia mutters in anger, her arms crossed on her chest as she sulks silently on my bed.
I sigh “Honestly, I didn't think Lucas could punch someone” especially not his best friend. Mia shoots me a glare “It's not the time for that!” She says thinking I am being sarcastic
I shake my head in denial “No! I mean I genuinely didn't think he expressed his anger with violence” I reply with a hint of amusement. After looking at Loren's face I can say that Lucas did throw a powerful punch at his face
“Tell me what happened. Everything” I ask Mia, the genuine curiosity is growing inside me. Mia lets out a tired sigh and turns to face me “Last night Loren brought me to the team's party. Well, it was my request because I had never been invited to any parties before and it was my first experience. Everyone was dancing and we were too. It was fine until Lucas appeared out of nowhere catching us off guard. And he punched Loren!”
This happened after Lucas went away to drop me and Loren thought Lucas wouldn't come back that's why he brought Mia but things aren't adding up
I look at Mia who is grumbling something silent. I know she is hiding something because there are parts of the story missing here. She notices my gaze and blinks in surprise “What?” She asks defensively
“Mia, genuinely I wanna know what happened. And most importantly why did you hide your relationship”
Her expressions soften and her shoulders lump down, I see her fidget with her fingers nervously “I had a crush on Loren for a few years. First he was just my brother's annoying friend who hung out here too much but slowly I started to sneak glances at him and developed a crush” she mumbles without meeting my gaze
My eyes widen in surprise, I didn't expect that. Mia mostly shared her secrets with me but she never got to the part about this crush, I can understand that because these things are sensitive. I wait for her to continue
“I thought it would go away but we started bumping into each other too much on campus and then he found my diary” she trails off. I wince slightly when she mentions the diary, I know she always wrote things for so long. That's a whole jar of secrets that diary contained
“He returned it and played it cool but I knew that he knew!” She cries out while hitting the pillow, her face flushed with embarrassment “First it was small teasing about it then slowly he started flirting and I flirted and it felt so good!” She squeaks with a sudden spark of excitement that makes me jump
Wow that was a change of expression
“He asked me out on a date! Come on Jasmine! It was my first date!” She exclaims while holding my arm and shaking me like a rag doll. “Okay okay, I understand. Stop shaking me!”
She quickly releases me and settles back “Sorry but you know how exciting it was? My year-long crush asked me out!” I sigh while nodding even though I don't understand this feeling.
Never been on a proper date so what will I know?
Mia held a soft expression, her eyes filled with a different kind of joy “And you know it was amazing! He was an absolute sweetheart and for the rest of our dates too! Movies, skating, even taught me basketball!” she adds, her smile never dying and her cheeks turning pink
From her point of view, Loren does sound like a good boyfriend
“Then why did you hide it, Mia? If he is good then we all will be happy for you right?” I ask. Mia's expression flatters “Well I was scared. Both Liam and Lucas are overprotective. Especially if Lucas knew I am dating his friend, I thought he would scare Loren off. It's my first relationship” she mumbles
I can understand her, she had a crush on Loren for so long and it's finally working out. It's common to be scared of things going wrong sometimes but still, it felt wrong to hide it
“I am wrong, I know” she admits without hesitation “I even apologized to Lucas for it, Loren did advise me to inform him but it was my decision and because of me Loren stated quite but he didn't deserve that punch right?” She asks
“When that happened. Did Lucas say something?” I question her. Mia frowns thinking about it before replying “I don't remember much. It happened too fast, they argued a bit in the backyard but I think Lucas did yell something ‘You sneaked my sister behind me’?” She repeats while making a thinking face
Her words make me connect the dots easily. The realisation slowly drew upon me. “Mia, did you realise that he might not be angry that you are dating his friend but because you are hiding it and sneaking around?”
Her head snaps in my direction, her eyes widen “What do you mean?”
I sigh, shaking my head “Maybe he is fine with you dating Loren but when you hid the relationship and sneaked behind him at the party, especially after he left. That could have hurt him, Mia” I explain calmly.
Mia blinks as my words sink in, she uncrosses her arms “I didn't see it that way. But still, he shouldn't have punched Loren!” She shrieks, making me sigh again “Okay I agree that was not a way of handling the situation. But here you three are wrong and all three of you should apologise”
Mia looks down at her hands, an expression of uncertainty crosses her face. I scoot closer to her and squeeze her shoulder gently “You guys are siblings, it's better to talk it down” I assure her. Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I rest my head against hers “By the way, I do ship you both” I add making her giggle
"Are you happy ruining my face?” Loren grumbles while rolling his eyes. I scoff and press the ice pack harder against his cheek making him wince “Okay stop!”
“Well, you do deserve that” I mock as I toss the ice pack on his lap and sit on the couch opposite to him. Loren shoots me a glare as he picks up the ice and continues to tend his bruise. Honestly, I didn't think I hit him that hard but it happened in the heat of the moment.
This is totally out of my character, I don't hit people like that especially not the people close to me.
Yet when I went back to the party, to join my teammates and say Mia in the crowd dancing with someone. I didn't realise it was Loren because he was dressed differently but when I understood what was happening and Mia revealed that they were dating, I lost it.
To make sure this doesn't create a scene and ruin the celebration, I dragged Loren out for an explanation and that's when he revealed everything.
It was not the fact that my friend was dating my younger sister but the fact that they were doing it behind me. He brought her in as soon as I left which brought a bitter taste in my mouth and resulted in his ruined face
Loren sighs putting the ice down and looks at me “I am sorry for that Lucas, I seriously didn't mean to but I do genuinely like her” He says, apologising again and confessing his feelings again
“When did you suddenly start ‘liking’ her exactly?” I snap, my tone harsher than intended. He hums scratching the back of his neck sheepishly “Honestly it took time. When I got to know about her crush I was quite amused because I never saw her that way. When I slowly thought about it and we got closer, she made my heart flutter” he replies, his words showing the sense of genuine affection
My jaw clenches at his words as I try my best not to lash out again. I take a deep breath and uncross my arms “That's my sister. Again” I remind him
He nods “I know but you know me since childhood so tell me why I ain't capable of your sister? I don't smoke, drink rarely, I don't change my partners constantly, and I am good in academics and athletics. Most importantly, I like her”
My eye twitches at the reality behind his words. I know he is good for Mia, I don't have a problem that they are dating but the way they kept it a secret is what makes me angry. Loren stayed quiet because of Mia but what about her? Does she not see me as her brother that she didn't see it important to once talk to me?
I won't blame her, Liam has been more of an elder brother to her than me. Especially when I was depressed and kept everyone out, this gap stretched wider. Yet I have tried to rebuild that connection but I don't think I can now
“Why didn't you defend yourself?” I ask, my eyes flickering across his bruise. He had plenty of time to push me away and defend himself but he didn't. He could have even pushed me back because he is very much capable of it yet none of it happened
He shrugs his shoulders and leans back against the couch “Because I deserved that punch. I shouldn't have sneaked behind you like that and your anger is valid” he replies making me sigh at his foolishness
Now he will be graduating with a perfect mark
Taking a deep breath I get up and make my way to Jasmine's room where Mia is. I hope her anger has calmed down by now. I knock on the door before opening it.
Peeking inside, I find Jasmine and Mia sitting on the bed while talking. Hearing the door open, they both turn in my direction. While Jasmine held a calm expression, I could notice the subtle hint of redness in her eyes.
Mia blinks in surprise, almost stalked by my presence. Loren comes and stands behind me, keeping a noticeable distance. I sigh rubbing my forehead “Are you sure you can handle his overly organised guy?” I ask, pointing my thumb over my shoulder in his direction
Mia gulps, looking confused she glances at Jasmine and back at me. She takes a moment before she nods.
I sigh softly in defeat, if she is happy then why am I being an unnecessary wall? As much as I wanna protect her and be there for her, I can also trust her to handle herself and Loren to take care of her
I lean against the doorframe staying at the border “Fine. Just don't spare me any kind of details between you don't” I mumble, trying to keep up the unsatisfied facade.
Catching my words, a wide smile appears on Mia's lips as she jumps off from the bed and strides towards me. Before I could react, she was already hugging me, my shoulders tensed up slightly but I relaxed soon. Patting her head gently “You will also talk to Liam” I say
She nods, not lifting her face from my chest “I am sorry” she whispers which makes me relieved but also guilty “I am sorry too” I mutter against her hair.
She pulls away and smiles “See? I got into a relationship before you” she mocks playfully. I scoff shaking my head “Yeah congratulations” I say in a taunting tone and ruffle her hair knowing that it annoys her
“Have dinner and go” I say to Loren who gives me a nod. His expressions are finally relaxed after this matter is settled.
My eyes fall on Jasmine who sits silently on her bed, watching us with an unreadable expression.
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