Page 19 of Pillow Talk
‘At first relief but then when I stand back and look at what I created, I’m in awe. I get this feeling of pride and satisfaction. You know Sen, a veil may seem like a simple item to design and create compared to a wedding dress or any other thing for a wedding, but it’s not. It’s the piece that makes a subtle statement and completes the bride’s look. Getting that right is no easy task,’ she said.
Sen didn’t reply. He just looked at her with a playful glint in his eyes.
‘What?’
He leaned in.
‘Listening to you talk is a major turn-on,’ he said.
This time Shona laughed loudly.
‘Sen, you’re ridiculous. When we were kids you always threatened to leave when I spoke about weddings and fashion. But now you’re turned on?’
He shook his head.
‘You ruined the moment,’ he said and looked away.
Shona felt her heart sink but quickly remembered that they couldn’t have moments like this. They were in a no-strings relationship. They shouldn’t be flirting with each other in what was perhaps the most romantic setting she’d ever been to. But she also felt bad for Sen because it was clear that he was confused too. The lines were starting to blur – maybe it wasbecause they were friends and had known each other for so long. At the same time, she knew she couldn’t start something more serious with Sen because it would end in disaster. Her life just didn’t have space for a real relationship. Plus she was bound to screw it up because that’s what she did – screw things up. Her father’s face came back into her head. She mentally shook it off and decided to lighten the mood.
‘I’ll do the fun walk with you,’ she said, immediately regretting it.
Sen jerked his head towards her.
‘And you won’t give up five minutes into it?’
‘Nope. We’ll complete it together,’ she said confidently.
‘So we’re in for the long haul?’
Shona simply nodded but that trembling feeling was back because she didn’t know if Sen was still talking about the fun walk…or if she wanted it to be something else. And that scared and excited her all at once.
By the time they were heading back to Rally, it was already around 4pm.
‘Weird Ralph?’ Sen asked.
‘I knew you wouldn’t forget it,’ Shona replied.
Sen looked at the road ahead, but out the corner of his eye he saw Shona smile.
‘Let’s talk about Andrea Jugmohan,’ she said.
‘No, let’s not,’ Sen replied.
‘She told everyone that you took her to your prom,’ Shona said.
‘Not true. I took a girl from the neighbouring girls’ school. She dumped me for someone she thought was more appealing as soon as we got there,’ Sen said.
Shona didn’t respond.
‘I know what you’re thinking. How can anyone be more appealing than me? I’m the complete package, but I did say someoneshethought was more appealing. I didn’t say he was,’ Sen teased.
‘You’re full of it,’ Shona said, laughing.
‘What about you? Do I have to beat up any old flames?’
‘I’ve dated,’ Shona replied.
Sen looked at her and then his eyes were back on the road.
