YOU AND ME

Ayush

I zip up my suitcase, my heart heavy with the weight of my deception. Turning to face my family, I force a smile. “I need to head back to Rajasthan for some urgent business matters,” I announce, trying to keep my voice steady.

My mother looks up, concern etched on her face. She’s the matriarch of our family, her presence always commanding attention. “But you just got back from London. I thought we’d have more time together,” she says, her eyes narrowing slightly, as if she can sense my internal struggle.

I swallow hard, guilt gnawing at me. “I know, Ma. But this is important. I’ll be back soon, I promise.” The weight of my lies feels heavy in the air, thick enough to choke on.

As I hug my mother goodbye, the familiar scent of her Ruse  perfume lingers in the air. I catch my brother’s eye across the room. We exchange a knowing glance, one that speaks volumes about the secrets I’m keeping. Moments later, I pull him aside, lowering my voice to a whisper. “Remember the plan. I’ll be at The Leela Palace in Udaipur. Make sure no one suspects anything.”

He nods, a conspiratorial smile playing on his lips, his hand still clutching a glass of whiskey. “Got it. Good luck, bro.” Raj’s words come out slurred, a reminder of how many drinks he’d already had today. I wish he could stay sober long enough to help me out, but I know it’s too much to ask.

With one last look at my family, I leave, my heart pounding with anticipation and nerves. The drive to the hotel feels like an eternity, each passing moment heightening the tension in my chest. My thoughts are consumed by Amina—the way she captivated me at the airport, her laughter echoing in my mind, and the undeniable chemistry that sparked between us.

When I finally arrive at The Leela Palace in Udaipur, I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The grandeur of the hotel envelops me as I step through the doors. The staff, recognizing me as one of India’s top businessmen, reluctantly agrees to my request to act as a tour guide, not wanting to risk a bad review. It’s a risk I’m willing to take to see Amina again.

As I step into the opulent lobby, my eyes lock onto her. Amina stands there, radiant and poised, dressed in a flowing dress that dances around her legs, the sunlight catching the soft hues of her fabric. Her eyes light up with surprise and amusement as I approach, and for a moment, everything else fades away.

“Welcome to Udaipur, Amina. I’m Ayush, your tour guide for today,” I say, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

Amina raises an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Tour guide, huh? This should be interesting.”

Her playful tone sends a jolt of excitement through me. There’s something thrilling about the way she challenges me, the spark in her eyes reflecting the same intrigue I feel. “Interesting is an understatement,” I reply, matching her energy with a smirk. “Let’s see if I can keep up with your adventurous spirit.”