Illusions

22. wish

Amira's POV

I've been standing outside of my sister's house for five minutes, trying to build the courage to knock on the door.

My mom's car is in the driveway and as soon as I saw it, I started getting anxious.

Alia's hosting a lunch before her gender reveal for all of our relatives who flew in this week. She said that I should wear something toned down so I don't attract much attention. That translates to no heels or anything that emphasizes my body.

So I have on black jeans and a green kurti, along with green Converse to match. 

And the green saddle bag that Roman gave me.

It's not helping me forget about him but Dior is Dior.

I finally knock and Vivek, my brother-in-law, opens the door.

"Amira," he says with a forced smile, "welcome!"

"Hi, Vivek," I smile, "congrats on the baby."

He nods.

"Everyone's in the backyard," he explains, looking at me weirdly, "wait, where's your swimsuit?"

Swimsuit?

"Is this a pool party?"

He nods.

"Alia didn't say anything about that," I try to recall her mentioning it in our last phone call, "anyways, should I go through the house or through the side?"

"The side is fine, the gate should be open," he says, "enjoy, okay?"

I nod and walk to the side gate.

My sister and brother-in-law are loaded, their house is beautiful and huge.

There are some A-listers in this community for sure.

I swing the gate open and see my family swimming, eating, and chatting.

As soon as the gate creaks open, everyone looks over at me.

I awkwardly wave and smile.

I spot Alia sitting by the bar and she waves me over, so I walk over to her.

"Amira," she squeals, pulling me in for a hug, "I'm so glad you could make it!"

She has a blue chiffon dress on that emphasizes her bump and a huge hat to shield her from the sun.

"You look so pretty, Alia," I gush, "congrats again."

"Thank you," she says, sipping her drink, "look it's Gayatri Mausi, we haven't seen her in years!"

I turn around and see my least favorite aunt sitting next to Alia at the bar.

"Namaste, Mausi," I smile, eyeing her outfit, "I love your dress."

She nods.

"I'm surprised you don't have a skimpy outfit on today, beta," she laughs and my sister does too, "I've seen some of your shoots, Amira."

And then she has the audacity to fucking laugh, but I force my nasty remark down and simply shrug.

"It's always nice to see you, Mausi."

"Wait here, let me call your cousin, Shruthi!"

She waves her equally annoying daughter over and I keep my expression stoic as per usual. 

"Amira, how are you?"

She looks the same as ever, with her hair in a braid and thick glasses covering her entire face.