𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘊𝘖𝘔𝘍𝘖𝘙𝘛 𝘖𝘍 𝘏𝘌𝘙 𝘗𝘙𝘌𝘚𝘌𝘕𝘊𝘌

CHAPTER 15

ADITI'S POV

(Days later)

Naina's voice comes through the phone, "I sent you the ad we shot in Wales."

I sigh, "I'm really not in the mood for this, Naina."

"You have to see it! You two look perfect together… And the perfume? It's already a huge success—millions of bottles have flown off the shelves," she says, her excitement shining through.

"Is that true, or just another one of your tricks to convince me to sign onto something new?" I ask with a smirk.

She softens. "Aditi, I know this world isn’t what you want, and that’s why I stopped insisting. Trust me, so many offers came in after this ad, but I didn’t want to pressure you."

A warmth spreads through me. "Naina.... I was just teasing... I'm not upset."

She pauses, and I know she’s smiling on the other end. "Enough with the endless teasing. Just watch the ad."

“Oh, and one more thing—I invited Jay and Harsh to my birthday gathering tomorrow.” Naina says

“You’re in your 50s, Naina, and you’re still inviting young men to your birthday?” I tease.

“If I got a penny for every time you’ve teased me, I’d be the richest woman alive!” Naina retorts.

I laugh.

“Just go and watch the ad. I bet you’ll love it,” she says.

"Alright, alright," I chuckle, giving in.

I open my email and click on the video Naina sent. Jay appears on the screen, looking as striking as ever. In the ad, he lifts me effortlessly, and for a brief moment, our eyes meet. I stop the video, my heart racing.

There’s a strange, fluttery feeling in my stomach—people call them butterflies, but these feel more like wild horses, galloping faster than I can handle.

While we were shooting, it was just work. But now, knowing how I feel about him... those horses are impossible to ignore.

The truth is... Naina wasn’t the only reason I agreed to do this ad. Jay was a big part of it too—because with him, I knew I’d feel at ease. If it had been anyone else besides Jay, I wouldn’t have even considered saying yes. I did this ad because I wanted to.

"I’m not watching it," I tell myself, tossing the phone onto the couch as I get back to my punching routine.

But every time my hands connect with the bag, his face flashes before my eyes—his voice, his laughter, those dazzling eyes. Ahhh.... It's maddening.

The way we talk, so effortlessly. I feel this ease with him—like I don't have to force anything. Words just flow, and I can truly be myself without fearing judgment. These feelings are the same as having a friend, and I love it.

There’s something more that enhances our relationship. After all, a life partner has to be someone who can be your best friend, right?

Oh no... it's becoming very clear now—I don’t just see him as a friend. There’s something more.

I pause, feeling the weight of it all. What’s happening to me? I exhale sharply, turning my focus back to the bag. “Ah, Jay… what is it about you?” I mutter under my breath, feeling the warmth spread inside me.

“Love is definitely messing with my head,” I say quietly, feeling both frustrated and strangely comforted by it.

Shit, I love him so much !!