Curated Lives

Yet feelings remain stubbornly unfiltered.

The silk bedsheet creased under Aishwarya’s overstretched arm, her fingers brushing the pillowcase tassels. She pulled the pillow close. For the next few minutes, she lay still, then slid out of bed.

After changing into loungewear, Aishwarya tried reading, gave up after a page, and wandered into the walk-in. She studied her reflection, reaching first for a lipstick and then settling on lip balm instead.

Brows knitted, she walked back into the dark bedroom, pausing before the French windows still hidden behind heavy drapes. A touch slid the curtains to the edges, and the colourful petunias, along the railing, lifted the pink and grey of the room.

But her eyes caught the knotted balcony swing, still.

She shook her head, maybe on another Sunday.

Moments later, Aishwarya turned the door latch but let it fall back. She kicked her joggers to slip into her Kolhapuris and strode out.

Stepping outside, she tried to remember the names of the two girls skating on the track, but a child walking a poodle distracted her. Maybe I should get one, too, she mused, walking to the end of their wing to grab her morning usual from the club counter.

She waited facing the park with one leg resting against the wall. Nearby, a child squeaked with excitement as his mother struggled to get him into the car while the father stood patiently by the door.

She grimaced at the sight. Is it even worthwhile to embroil in the burden of relationships?

At the far end of the park, children huddled together on the swing.

Thankfully, the takeout and the condo valet arrived.
Aishwarya set her coffee in the holder and pulled out of the driveway for her parlour appointment.

By the time the services ended, a calm smile had settled on her lips.
However, the image of the little boy squeezing between his parents surfaced.

She frowned.
“What happened, ma’am?”

Aishwarya stood in front of the mirror, her eyes squinting. “Umm… hair check, skin check, nails check. Thanks for the lovely eye make-up.”
“You are welcome, Ma’am.”
“Have a good day,” she waved at the staff.

Outside, after adjusting her aviator to soften the harsh sun, she crossed over to the store opposite.

Picked a breezy Zim complementing her Birkin Picnic, knowing the indulgence was worth the Insta post.
She planned to take a selfie, but a family had occupied the lone bench in the arcade.

The father shifted sideways to make room for a stroller while the mother balanced shopping bags on one shoulder.

She walked on, grateful for her freedom.

Back at the parking, as she was taking out her car keys, a voice called out from behind.
“Excuse me.”

Not a voice she recognised.
Aishwarya turned her head slowly, eyebrows raised, eyes half shut. “Yes?”

Dressed in a well-structured linen suit, gelled hair brushed back, a man was swirling her aviator.

“Oh, I left it behind! Thank you so much.” Her pout lingered.
“Sorry if I sound cheesy,” he shifted his weight, “you look stunning in this dress.”
Aishwarya smiled. He reciprocated, his teeth in a straight line.
“Were you at the store?” She asked.
Nodding his head up and down, he replied, “Yes, Ma’am.”
He smacked his lips, “I was there to buy a gift, but you already bought the best piece!”
“For someone special?”
He nodded again. “My GF. If you are not in a rush, may I request you to help me choose a gift?”
Removing a few strands from her neck, she said, “Ok. Let’s go to Sacai.”

He shrugged.

“By the way, I am Ranveer. Friends call me Ro,” he said, sticking his hand out.
“Aishwarya.” She clasped his palms for a handshake.

He leaned forward, extending his right arm, “After you, Ma’am.”

At the shop, Ro was immediately drawn to the Art Deco sofa.
“Oh, you also like vintage furniture?” Ash asked him.
Ro threw an appreciative glance, his hand gliding through the rich green leather. “I’ll show you some of my prized stuff.”
Ash strutted inside. After about half an hour, she concluded it was best to buy an assortment of small gifts.

You will not go wrong with these accessories, perfumes, and glasses. She is sure to like a few of these...”
“Hmm, but right now I can only think of food. Are you hungry?”
“Famished,” Ash grinned.
“There are lots of interesting places around. Give me a moment, please,” he said, stepping aside to make a call.

From a distance, he looked at her and called out, “Sushi at the Table?”
She made a thumbs-up sign.

In the lift, Ro shared his preferences. “Japanese and Korean are my favourites.”
“Same. I’ll also add Thai,” Ash gushed, lowering her voice.

Even though it was well past lunchtime, the restaurant was quite full.

“The terrace is nice in the evenings; for now, let’s be at the bar.” Ro guided her, waving at the staff.
Ro was proving to be an unexpectedly good addition to the afternoon. He seemed pleasant enough. Good taste, good manners, well-dressed.

Ash, half-smiling, looked around.

An elderly man nearby sat in silence over untouched plates, while laughter broke out from a table behind them.
Behind Ro, four girls were wolfing down nigiri rolls between giggles.

They placed their orders, and Ro began to show pictures of vintage furniture designs on his phone.
Drinks in hand, they moved to the terrace, when the fairy lights twinkled against the deep blue sky.

“I didn’t realise how time flew by,” Ash exclaimed.
She couldn’t remember the last time a day had disappeared in conversation.

“Oh yeah, it’s quite late. Alas, I will never know how the story ended with your Korean client.” Ro rued half-jokingly.

“Aww, why don’t you stop by for a nightcap? After all, you can take the bypass for the ring road.”
“I am game!” Ro grinned.

He stood still at the entryway of her apartment.
“What happened? Come inside.” Ash tilted her head.
“Ahem,” Ro cleared his throat, “I mean, a white living room! It’s a dream.”
Ash burst out laughing, her hair cascading below her shoulder. “Relax, and tell me what you would like?”
Uh, Evian. Give me a house tour, please.”
Ash smiled ear to ear. “My kitchen is also white with sage accents!”

For an accidental encounter, he turned out to be remarkably easy company. Some stay in touch afterwards. Most don’t.

She started with the study. “This is my creative corner. And its tiny balcony holds the best view.”

Ro laughed, seeing the master bedroom. “Oh, this giant bolster pillow is a no-no.”
“Ah, it’s my night companion,” Aishwarya puckered.

They lingered in the doorway of the bedroom longer than necessary.

The conversation faltered for the first time all day.

Neither moved.

Ro’s attention had drifted from the room to her.

Aishwarya flinched, wishing he’d look away.

She drew in a breath.

He put his index finger gently against her lips.

The next morning, the scent of his cologne still lingered on the pillow.

But Monday has no space for feelings. Work week had started with the comfort of predictability.

Sharp at nine, Aishwarya was at her desk, jotting down the points she would address at the meeting. She preferred entering a room already knowing each answer before the first question was even asked.

Shortly, Julie, her secretary, came into her office with a notebook. “Ash, this is the list of critical clients, and Bhoras Group has sent a reminder. It...”

Aishwarya pressed her lips to conceal her smile.
“Wh... what is so funny?” Julie’s voice faltered.
“Nothing at all, continue.” Usually, memories of weekend chance meetings faded by Wednesday.

Indeed, she kept busy and even had to study a few plans until late in the night.
At the end of the next day, Charlie was walking with her to the parking lot.
“You know, it’s a select gathering, nothing fancy. Please take out some time.” He said as she got in her car.
“You have told Julie, right?” She had pressed the engine on.
He nodded, adding, “I know you barely get time beyond your business commitments.”

Her eyes were on the road, manoeuvring the wheel. Ro is the committed one. The onus is his.

The next day, Julie reminded, “Ash, you have an on-site meeting on Ring Road.”
Aishwarya looked at her as soon as she heard the address. Julie was saying something. Aishwarya already knew she would have to dress well…

On Saturday, the concierge had received a package on her behalf.

Aishwarya opened the fragrant note, tucked in the bouquet of lilies.

She smiled despite herself. Weekends weren’t supposed to follow her into weekdays.

Placing her hand on her heart, she reread the note.
You didn’t leave my head- Ro.