Serendipity

23

The burden of this decision had not allowed her to sleep well. She'd prayed throughout the night for some clarity. Sadly, the sun rose, and yet she was none the wiser. This further heightened her anxiety.

Four hours from now, the who's who of the media world would gather to hear about Anuj Kapadia's life. But what would they be told?

Anuj and GK had sat her down last evening and explained what would happen at the conference. Anuj would be talking to the press. His PR team had crafted a rather ambiguous announcement that would be read out by him. Following the announcement, the floor would be open for Q&A, one that Anuj hoped to answer to the best of his abilities.

Anupama was going to be sitting on the podium along with Anuj. The press would direct questions at her as well, but Anuj assured her that she only needed to answer them if she was comfortable. She always had the option to deflect some of those questions to Anuj.

Anuj had promised her he would handle everything. He just needed one answer from her - how were they going to portray their relationship to the world. Were they to be affianced or just friends?

"I don't want to put you in a difficult position more than I unknowingly already have," Anuj had explained. "But I want to ensure, whatever is said tomorrow has your complete approval."

When Anupama had looked at him stunned, he'd smiled and asked her to think over it the night and let him know in the morning, before making his way to the bedroom.

GK and Anupama had continued to chat long after Anuj had retired for the night, talking about random things including Anupama and Anuj's childhood. Just before Anupama retired for the night as well, GK had walked her to her room and pulled out a beautiful sea green chiffon sari and some delicate silver filigree jewelry.

"This belonged to Anuj's mother. It would mean a lot to me if you wore it for tomorrow's press conference."

As she sat in front of the dressing mirror, the form that stared back seemed alien. Anuj hadn't elaborated on what he intended to say at the conference. But knowing him, she was confident he would find a way to spin the story without it impacting Anupama's reputation.

She should've been happy that this nightmare was finally coming to an end. Why wasn't she? She sighed as she got up. Anuj and GK would be waiting for her. It was time to leave.

*****

When Anuj saw Anupama walk out wearing his mother's favourite sari, his heart skipped a beat. She looked heavenly. She had paired it with his mother's prized silver jewelry. The outfit somehow managed to accentuate and highlight her already beautiful natural features, a tight fishtail braid making her look younger than her years.

Was GK's suggestion that crazy? Would it be so bad if he married Anupama, forever? His heart knew it would be the best thing that could happen to him. He wished hers felt the same way.

He looked at Anupama as she made her way to him, waiting for her to say something. When she didn't, he had his answer. Anupama and Anuj were going to be just good friends. Unaware of his thoughts, Anupama walked up to him and waved her hand in front of him to bring him out of his stupor.

"It's getting late, I guess we should get going."

Anuj made his way out of the apartment while GK and Anupama followed.

*****

The press conference was to be held at the Antra Room of the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ambawadi. As soon as Anupama walked through the rotating doors, she stood arrested. She had never seen something so magnificent in her life. Huge chandeliers graced the 20-foot ceilings that were flanked on both sides by a grand staircase with plexiglass railings. Comfortable leather couches lined the sides of the entrance. A side table lined with cups of orange and lemon sherbets and water stood to one side of the leather couches. The other side had a brush wire wooden rack filled with a choice of newspapers, books, and magazines in English, Hindi, and Gujarati.