Page 136 of The Ex Factor

Tara nodded. “Yes, it was between two people, and to drag someone through the mud like that was evil. The rumors were just that, lies and fantasies. They didn’t have a kernel of truth to them.”

A warmth spread across my chest and enveloped me. In addition to Sujit, both Sameer and Tara had my back. Maybe this was what true friendship looked like. My circle of friends was increasing and it didn’t fill me up with dread. Quite the contrary, it made me feel loved and cherished.

The reporter who had asked the question agreed. His lips parted in appreciation, scanning the four of us. “It is certainly not commonplace to see the kind of cordial relationship you seem to have with your exes.”

“The truth is, it is because we respect our exes that we are able to find solace in their happiness. If you really care about someone, how can you see them unhappy? Why would you want to see them unhappy?” Sujit was a master with words. And here I thought I was the more astute one. I smiled with pride at the man who’d be my partner for life.

Under the table, I squeezed his hand. Without glancing at me, he squeezed it back with love and reassurance.

“Can you talk a bit about this rumored legislation?”

Sujit elaborated on the need to eliminate systemic hurdles to education to create a more equitable playing field. “For too long, people with means have controlled everything from education and opportunities to sexual autonomy and rights of minorities,often to the detriment of societies. I can’t change everything, but I will certainly try to change what is within my capacity. That means equal and accessible education for every child, regardless of where they live and who they are.”

Their recording devices were on, but all reporters took furious notes on their pads.

“And do you foresee any opposition to this?”

Sujit chuckled. “Well, if it has found its way into a gossip column, someone certainly is worried.”

“Areyouworried?”

“I’m never worried when doing the right thing,” Sujit answered with honest conviction. “On the other hand, those who are resorting to spreading filth and lies are certainly worried. As they should be.”

My heart thumped. That was a direct threat to Manoj and I knew at that moment that he was done for.

The interview wrapped up after a few more questions, and I heaved in relief. Sujit escorted the reporters toward other influential people who would be quoted about this party.

Tara covered my hand with hers. “How do you feel?”

“Happy,” I said and as I looked up at her, my eyes fell on Sameer.

He held me in a gentle gaze, a soft smile trained on me.

Tara’s eyes flitted between us, and she said, “I need a drink. I’ll be back in a minute.”

Sameer gazed at her lovingly and nodded with gratitude. When Tara stepped away, his unfazed smile returned to me.

“Can you forgive me, Aarti?” he asked, his voice filled with guilt.

I moved to the chair Tara had vacated. I smelled his cologne, enigmatic but now unfamiliar and distant. “I must apologize to you, Sameer?—”

He didn’t let me finish my sentence. “Never,” he said with determination in his voice. “I hurt you. I’ll be the one apologizing to you for life.”

“I apologize for never giving you a chance to say your piece. You kept coming to my home, and I kept refusing to see you.”

“That was your prerogative. I don’t hold that against you.”

My eyes darted to Tara in the distance. “I see the kind of friendship Sujit and Tara have, and I feel envious. When I confided in Tara, she was happy for Sujit. I want that with you. I want you to be happy for me. I want to be happy for you. Ishould’ve beenhappy for you.”

“We can start anew,” he said. “You’ll always have my utmost respect, Aarti. Nothing can take that away. I owe you for being kind and generous when we were together. If we had married, we might not have been this happy, but you would’ve always had my respect and loyalty.”

His honest words tugged at my heart. I was grateful to him for spelling it out without duplicity. I raised my tentative eyes to his. “Are you happy for me, Sameer?”

He took my hand and patted it. “Very,” he replied. “If you remember, I’d said that you’re a phenomenal woman, and you deserve someone who loves you for who you are. Someone who would appreciate you completely. I’m glad you found him. I’m even more pleased that it’s Sujit, because I was ready to give up Tara to him.”

“What?” My brows furrowed in confusion.

“When I first met Sujit, I was so impressed with him, I thought Tara deserved better than me. Tara deserved him. I told her so.”

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