Page 63 of Not In Love

Diego smoothed a hand down the front of his kurta—dark navy with a little shimmer, tailored close to his body, sleeves rolled once at the wrists.

Traditional enough to blend in. Casual enough that he loved it.

He barely registered when Kaif appeared at his side until the man clapped him on the shoulder.

“Man, you outdid yourself with tonight’s arrangements,” Kaif said, looking around the hall with open appreciation.

The groom-to-be wore a shimmering olive-green kurta, sleeves buttoned, hair tamed but not stiff, his usual guarded expression easier than Diego had ever seen it. A thick gold chain hung outside the Nehru collar.

“Muriel’s over the moon at the décor and the DJ,” Kaif continued, not minding Diego’s silence. “Mama said this particular caterer always has years’ worth waiting list. I don’t know how you swung it.”

Diego shrugged.

A grin pulled at the corner of Kaif’s mouth, emphasizing his sharp looks without his usual brooding. “Thanks for making this night so grand for us, Diego. I mean it.”

“Muriel’s like a sister to me. I would do anything to ensure her happiness,” Diego said, meaning every word. “Make sure you don’t disappoint her, Kaif.”

Like your sister, the words floated on Diego’s lips but he shoved them back. This wasn’t the time or place and Kash had asked him not to interfere. However much it annoyed him.

He wanted to take care of her, whether it was against burnout, or a breakdown, or blundering family members.

Kaif shifted, then turned to face him more fully, his hand still braced lightly on Diego’s arm. His expression changed, something quieter settling behind his eyes.

“You’ll be happy to know that I took a leaf out of your book today,” he said, voice low enough that it got swallowed by the rising music. “Stood up for my sister finally. Let her know how much she’s loved. How much we appreciate her.” In the pause, Kaif swallowed and tugged at his collar. “It’s late but I’m here now, to give her whatever she needs. And Mama knows to change the way she sees Kash too. How she speaks to her.”

The words hit Diego like a strike to the ribs.

He stared at Kaif for a second longer than he should have, the weight of them knocking him off balance. Something raw and bright opened up in his chest on her behalf. “I guess Muriel’s spot on as always, with making the right choice,” he said with a chuckle.

“Huh?” Kaif said, looking bewildered.

“She always said there was more to you,” Diego said, teasing.

Kaif laughed without rancor. “I owe you big for looking after?—”

“No, you don’t,” Diego said, cutting him off. “Kash and Tia are all that matter.” The words left him before he realized what they betrayed.

Kaif didn’t even look surprised. Nodding, he pulled Diego into a hard, brief hug. Strangely enough, the embrace was neither awkward nor careful, but full of gratitude and relief.

When they pulled apart, Kaif hesitated for a second, mouth parting like he had something else to say. But then he just shook his head, clapped Diego’s shoulder again, and walked away into the growing crowd.

Leaving Diego buzzing harder than before. Only now it wasn’t just excitement humming under his skin. It was hope.

Had Kash told her brother about them? Did that mean she’d had a chance to process of what they had become? What they could, if she gave them even half a chance?

* * *

Not a half-hour into the evening,Diego regretted agreeing to Muriel inviting his mother’s friends’ daughters to tonight’s Sangeet function. For the express purpose of ‘meeting him’. For the sneakier purpose of showing Kash that she had competition.

Both were sweet, pretty women but he had eyes and ears, and heart, for only one woman. Who hadn’t even arrived yet at the hall.

For a few seconds, he considered ignoring them. Which would be the height of discourtesy—and a valid reason for his Mama to box his ears—so here he was, listening to one of them go on about how her neighbor's dog had once predicted the weather better than the local news.

At least the other one had a brother interested in soccer and had made for interesting conversation.

Even at his best behavior, Diego couldn’t help glancing toward the banquet hall doors like an idiot waiting for Christmas morning. And then, he felt her before he saw her.

A shift in the air. A current down his spine. He turned, and there she was.

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