Page 103 of The Art of Taking Second Chances

“What’s the matter?” She put her hand on my arm when I stopped eating.

I shook my head.

“Sameer, it’s not a big deal you forgot my birthday. I don’t care about these things. You know that.”

The food was exceptional, like everything of Tara’s. She was an exceptionally passionate woman. Self-doubt resurfaced in my mind. She said I deserved her, but did I really? I looked at her blissful face as we cleared up the kitchen, then settled on the couch.

“I don’t have any alcohol, but I can make some coffee,” she offered.

“I’m okay.” I patted the couch, and she sat down beside me. I rested my head on her shoulder, and she kissed my forehead.

“Do you want to watch something?” she asked.

“No.”

“Okay…Do you want to talk?”

“No.”

“Sameer…”

“I’m sorry, Jaan. I had a tiff with my father, and with everything going on in India and with Aarti, I just don’t have the energy to share anything right now.”

She put her palm on my cheek. “That’s okay.”

Turning on the television, she muted the sound and began browsing.

I remember closing my eyes for a second, and the next thing I knew, the morning sun was sneaking in through the blinds. I was on the couch with a pillow under my head and a blanket over me. Tara was asleep on her side on the rug by the couch. I pulled her blanket over her when she turned over to face me. I looked at her beautiful face and realized, yet again, how much I cherished her.

Chapter 31

Tara

Hi, my love.” His deep, sexy voice was the first thing I heard that morning. “Happy Birthday!”

Stretching my stiff body, I smiled. “Morning. This is how I want to wake up every day.”

“On the floor? Silly girl, why didn’t you sleep in your bed?”

“I needed to be with you.”

“You’re going to be sore all day.”

“You can give me a massage later.” I tried a seductive smile despite my puffy morning eyes.

“It’ll be my pleasure,” he said, running a finger along my cheek. “But I have to go in early today to make up for the days I’ve missed.” He got off the couch and stretched his back. “Ooh, I’m stiff too.”

I offered to make breakfast, but he refused. “Tonight, at my place. We’ll celebrate you.”

After he left, I made short calls to Aai and Sona. Sujit had left me a birthday wish at midnight, and I responded with a text. My phone and social media pages were abuzz with messages, but when I considered how I wanted to spend my day, all I could think of was Sameer. While having my coffee, I cooked up a plan that promised to make the day special for the both of us. I sent a quick email to Dr. Hadden that I was taking the day off. She emailed back promptly, saying I deserved a break after all the hard work I had put in. When the shops opened at ten, I took a rideshare and went shopping.

It was almost noon when I returned. After a quick bite of last night’s leftovers, I gave myself a mini-facial and stepped in for a luxurious shower before donning my new purchases. Then I called for a cab to take me to Sameer’s office.

A well-dressed receptionist asked for my name.

“Devika Mehta.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

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