Page 10 of Chasing Hope

Martha gazed lovingly at the book and a quivering smile crossed her lips. ‘This is considered Elizabeth Bowen’s masterpiece novel. Set in London, it is a heart-warming story of adolescent love and betrayals.’ There was a catch in her voice. ‘I vividly remember the days when Matthew and myself would sneak out during class and spend hours chatting about our favourite books. We had a passion for reading and the same has been passed on to Ethan.’ Everything in the way Martha spoke of Matthew showcased the depth of love they had shared. Hope wondered what it would feel like to love someone so deeply. Her parents had lived under the same roof for thirty-five years but they did not share an undying love for each other. Would she ever find that one person who would love her beyond all bounds? Hope shook her head to toss out her silly thoughts.

Martha gently placed the book in Hope’s hand. ‘Here dear. Please read it. I would love to hear your thoughts.’

‘I would love that. Thank you.’

‘Come, let’s get back to our friends. We need to start our next round of bingo.’ The next hour flew by as Hope hosted the game of bingo. Among loud cheers and non stop chatter the lunch was a fun-filled affair. Martha had put in tremendous effort to ensure everyone present was comfortable and enjoyed themselves. Post-celebration, Hope stayed on as Martha insisted she wanted to spend some more time with her. Martha was a delight to be around and Hope agreed without a moment's hesitation.

‘I really don’t get it,’ Martha said, tilting her head this way and that.

‘Neither do I.’ Hope's eyes narrowed as she scrutinised the six-by-six artwork mounted on the wall. Bright yellow focus lights rained down illuminating the canvas. Deep in contemplation, her half-full beer bottle dangled from her fingers. Phoenix rolled over and viewed the painting upside-down. Unable to find any merit in that, he grunted and jumped back on all fours.

Hope’s spine stiffened as she sensed Ethan’s presence. The warmth from his body swirled around her. Like the warning of a hot breeze before a sandstorm.

His voice dropped to a husky whisper. Hope resisted the insane urge to rub the tattoo on the back of her neck where his breath tickled her. So much for not wanting to cross paths. She sighed. ‘You need to have a taste for the finer things,’ Ethan said. ‘That’s an abstract masterpiece from Paris. Abstract art does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of visual reality. It—’

‘Puhlease, it’s just blotches and swirls of reds, yellows and blues. I don’t even see the art in it.’

‘And that’s how you trash a painting worth one crore.’ Aarav’s mouth twitched.

‘You paidone crorefor that?’ Martha and Hope said together, gaping at Ethan. Each of them stabbed a finger at the said piece. Their looks of disbelief were so convincing that Ethan for a moment doubted himself. Ethan clenched his jaw and fixed Aarav with an irate glare. Aarav smirked, washed down the remainder of his beer and tucked his arm in Hope’s. He bent low to whisper in her ear.

‘If you ask me, the dude has questionable taste. Alas, in all these years my influence hasn’t rubbed off on him.’ Aarav said in a voice Hope assumed was his flirtatious best.

‘Kiss my ass,’ Ethan said, which made Aarav’s eyes twinkle. ‘It’s a surprise you haven’t been convicted for wearing that ugly-ass shirt.’ Ethan cringed as he leered at the bright yellow shirt with flowers and birds. ‘Just seeing it for more than ten seconds is giving me a headache.’

‘Ignore him.’ Hope bit down on her lip. That smile had to stay put. ‘Aarav, I think flamboyant suits you. Ethan’s just jealous that he couldn't carry off such a style with the ease and flair that you do.’ Aarav’s handsome face broke into a smile. Hope grinned and her fingers slowly soothed her hair away from her eyes. She liked Aarav. He was a stand-up guy. In the last hour she had laughed more than she did in a month. He tickled her funny bone. It felt good to let loose. She had been on the edge all week. And laughing her ass off at Aarav’s silly jokes made her feel lighthearted.

‘Ah, I like it when a woman is generous with her compliments. Especially one as smart and vivacious as yourself.’ Aarav inched closer to Hope, holding onto his strong eye contact. Hope waited for the butterflies in her stomach to rouse. No such luck. Mahika would already be making wedding plans if she was in Hope’s place. Hope prevented her eyes from glancing at Ethan. He made her heart race. But for all the wrong reasons.

‘Aarav, cease your pathetic attempts at flirting. She's not your type. She doesn't have a Tinder profile.’ A smug smile spread across Ethan’s face as he threaded a hand through his David Beckham-style haircut.

‘How would you know?’ Hope opened her mouth to shoot the question but Aarav beat her to it. ‘You're not on Tinder either.’

‘She’s too uptight for casual dating. Does she strike you as the fun type?’

‘Ha! Ain’t the pot calling the kettle black?’ Hope snarled. Aarav lifted his hands and took a hasty step back.

‘Guys, I’m too buzzed right now to put out fires,’ Aarav grinned and pulled Hope in a tight hug. ‘Hope, it was a pleasure. Contrary to what this dude says. I enjoyed your company. Call me, whenever. We’ll keep it fun and casual.’

‘The word “commitment” does not feature in his vocabulary,’ Ethan added his two bits.

Aarav shrugged. ‘Deep down he’s a decent enough chap, if only he would let you see past his tough dogmatic exterior. Give the guy a chance will ya?’ He said and slapped Ethan on the back. Hope rolled her eyes.

‘I would rather chew on broken glass,’ she muttered loud enough for only Ethan’s ears. Those dimples suggested he didn’t give a fuck.

Aarav pecked Martha on the cheek. ‘Grandma, you rocked the party. I’m now heading to my room before the hangover hits me.’

Martha enveloped him in a gentle hug. ‘Thank you darling. I wouldn’t have pulled it off without your help.’ Ethan cleared his throat and cocked a brow. Martha blushed. ‘Of course, you too, sweetheart.’ Hating that he was left out, Phoenix let out a high-pitched bark. ‘And most importantly you. Come on boy, let's get you that treat I promised.’ Elated, Phoenix’s tail swayed fast enough to steer a dust storm. He pounced on Hope and, taken by surprise, she flipped backwards on the couch. Phoenix’s goodbye was as heartwarming as his welcome.

Chapter Seven

The chatter among the attendees halted the second Ethan power walked into the conference room. He unbuttoned his coat, took his seat at the head of the table and made a quick survey of his team. At nine o’clock sharp every morning Ethan conducted an editorial meeting to discuss strategies and the lineup of the day's news.

‘Sonam, what’s the status on the Atul murder case?’ With that he set into motion the rundown meeting.

‘Sir, I have confirmed news from my source that the commissioner of police of Andhra Pradesh will issue a statement today at ten. Our crew is already stationed outside his head office. Forensics have discovered DNA samples of Atul’s wife, Kavya, at the crime scene and she has been taken into custody.’ Sonam, a senior reporter in her late twenties, flipped the pages in a diary as she read out her findings.

Ethan pulled back his shoulders and clasped his hands before him. He threw around a measuring eye. ‘Alright, let’s make that the Breaking News. See if we can arrange an interview with a member of Kavya’s close family. We need inside information on what drove the wife to murder her husband. Was it infidelity? Self-defence? Was it for the money? Or did someone frame her? We still do not have answers to any of these questions. Atul was the son of a business tycoon and I’m sure there must be someone in their circle who would have the inside scoop. Find him and get me the answers.’ He lifted his wrist and shot a quick glance at his Rolex. ‘I needed that information like ten minutes ago.’ At the sound of his commanding voice, Sonam hastily looked up from her diary. Her eyebrows drew together in confusion. Ethan tapped one long finger on his dial.

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