Page 64 of Everything She Wanted

“I’m sorry for going off on you last week. I know you would never mess around on me.”

My neck itches and I avert my gaze from his.

“It’s just, I don’t trust other guys around you,” he continues.

I squeeze his hand, even as my chest constricts.

“Everyone at the office knows we’re together,” I say in a rush.

Today is warm, but not hot like yesterday. Still, I can feel beads of sweat forming on my forehead, and I’m grateful for the soft breeze.

“Sure, but you know what guys are like. You’ve experienced it.”

I inwardly cringe as he brings up Raj, my only other relationship—well, I thought it was a relationship, but it wasn’t. It was just a hook-up for him.

“You know how serious I am about you. That’s why I get a little crazed at times.”

I nod. He wants to build a life with me, and that’s what I want too. A real partnership that I can count on.

He gestures to the store behind us. “That’s why I’m doing all of this for you.”

“I know and I’m so grateful.”

He gives me a big smile, and I try to muster one as my mouth goes dry.

I don’t deserve any of this.

“We better go in,” he says. I nod as he hits the buzzer and we walk through the secure double doors. Eshaan’s mom is already waiting for us. She’s dressed impeccably as always in a traditional salwar kameez with a muted floral print and embroidered fuchsia edges. She walks with an air of grace and elegance I have yet to master.

“Hey, Mom.” Eshaan gives her a quick hug.

“Hi Auntie Ji.” I hug her too and notice she even slightly squeezes back.

“You can start calling me Mom,” she says to me.

I nod, but I don’t think I’m ready for that quite yet.

I’m not sure what to say to express my gratitude, so I say, “Thank you for this.”

She waves me off, like spending thousands of dollars on gold jewellery isn’t a big deal. For them, I’m sure it isn’t.

“Anyone want a mango lassi? There’s a good place nearby,” says Eshaan.

“That would be great,” I say, ignoring the tightness in my chest. I’m grateful for a little more breathing room.

He gives my hand a squeeze and leaves.

The jeweller comes over to us. “What are we looking for today?”

“Gifts for the Kurmai and sets for the wedding,” says Eshaan’s mom.

“Oh, very good.”

He clasps his hands in front of him and does the head waggle that I can never quite get the hang of.

“Let’s start with bangles,” she adds.

He brings out gorgeous bracelets and bangles, some simple, others more elaborate, all nicer than anything I’ve ever owned.