Page 135 of The Ex Factor

A small smile tugged one corner of his mouth. A smile that transformed into a wide grin. He knew what I was asking. In that moment, I was reassured that our connection ran deeper than the intermingling of our bodies and hearts. We understood the other’s unspoken words. We read each other’s thoughts and body language.

“If you’re wondering if I have doubts about our relationship or that we’d face more public ridicule if it doesn’t work out, I want to assure you right now that I’m confident in my feelings for you. And I’m comfortable sharing this with the world.”

“Sujit…” I grappled for the right words.

“The truth is, I’ve never felt this way before.”

A warm blush spread across my body. “Me neither,” I whispered. “Since the first night I met you.”

“But I hate that we’re forced to take our relationship public before we’re ready. I hate that we’ve not been given the time and space to do it on our own terms.”

“On the contrary, I think we’ve been given a golden opportunity to prove that love is not bound by social norms and conventions. We chose to be together despite our past, and I want to show the world that this is what love looks like. I hate that heteronormative monogamy has confined love to a narrow definition. I know you will always love and respect Tara, and I don’t resent it. You’re a better lover because of her. You are happy for her, and she’s elated that you’ve found your happiness. I want the fucking world to see the beauty of this connection. I want to flip Manoj’s script on its head and show him for what he is. A petty, narrow-minded egotist. Are you in?”

His grin reappeared. “Let’s do this. Tell me what you are thinking.”

In the short time since I’d begun reading the gossip article, my mind had already devised a plan. I took Sujit’s hand and interlaced my fingers with his.

“Here’s what we’re going to do…”

AARTI

Two days later, we arrived at the Ritz-Carlton for the party. Sameer and Tara were right behind us in the car we had arranged for them. The sidewalk was lined with reporters and paparazzi. Tourists and local crowds thronged alongside to get a peek at their favorite celebrities.

Cameras flashed as Sujit exited the car and came around to hold the door for me. I stepped out in a designer gown accessorized with a specially created Bvlgari necklace.

Sujit and I waited, smiling for the cameras, as Sameer and Tara joined us. Tara looked luminous in her gown with a smart updo. I had ordered a special bracelet and earrings set for her, which now adorned her body. Sameer looked dashing as always, but I only had eyes for the man who ruled my heart.

Sujit looked breathtaking, effortlessly so. We posed for pictures, talking, laughing, and taking our sweet time to step indoors. Every act was meticulously choreographed.

When I spoke with Tara two days ago, she was thrilled at the idea. Shattering bigotry and challenging regressive social conventions were among her favorite things. She readily agreed and assured me that Sameer would be happy too. Sameer’speaceful face said he was here willingly. That Tara had not needed to force him to participate in this scheme.

As hosts, we were the first to arrive. Soon a long line of luxury vehicles dropped off high-profile guests, most of whom were here because Sujit had personally invited them. Mary Beth and Ezzie arrived soon after. Food, drinks, and music flowed. People who needed to network found their connections and chatted. Friends found each other and settled around the tables. There was no agenda to this party, except to showcase the four of us together, Sameer and Tara, and Sujit and me.

When we had finished going around the room, saying hellos and welcoming everyone, the four of us sat with a carefully chosen group of reporters at a table. Sujit’s PR team had already sent them a statement, which we had looked over and edited.

The questions posed by the reporters were friendly, and we chatted.

“Tell us how you met,” one of them asked.

We shared our story, leaving out the personal details of having connected over our heartaches.

“It was a business association that turned into a comfortable friendship,” I said, casting a smile toward Sujit.

“Which turned into love,” the reporter completed, a sincere smile gracing her muted pink lips.

“Yes,” Sujit said and held out his hand for me. “I mean, how could I resist her? She’s beautiful and brilliant. I stood no chance.”

As a wave of gentle laughter rolled around the table, I found myself blushing at his words.

Both Sameer and Tara had wide grins on their faces.

“And we couldn’t be more thrilled for them,” Tara added.

“What caused the breakup, if you don’t mind my asking,” another reporter inquired, directing the question at Tara.

“Not at all. We were college sweethearts who grew apart. We just met at the wrong time, and things blew up from there.” Tara briefly shared their story.

Sameer leaned forward. “And I want to add that the rumors spread about Aarti after the breakup were misogynistic and completely unacceptable.” I was taken by surprise at his furiously strong words.

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