Chapter 2

"Seriously, I have got this covered. You should go now." Kiara urged.

"Yeah, I know. But the opening is tonight and I am nervous. We must make this one a hit anyhow. There is a lot of merchandise in line this year," I spoke, soaking a few nervous sweat beads off my forehead.

It has been five years since Kiara and I came up with the idea of opening an art gallery in our hometown, Jaipur. At a spot like JLN Road, surviving has certainly not been easy.

After many sleepless nights, money in the tank, most of which I inherited from my parents' will, we are barely pulling it off.

This year, we are counting on it to be a little different, better. My gut told me so.

We are on the verge of a major expansion. With the art auction coming up, I can sense that it is going to be our breakthrough.

"You have seen his work. He is a real artist and a star already. You will see it. This show is going to be great. And all his pieces would be solely supplied by us. Beat that!" She comforted me with confidence as we both sat over to discuss the final details on the inventory for the auction in our painted glass chambers.

Kiara Sehwag, a tall, lean thirty-one-year-old woman, with dark voluminous hair, and tanned complexion that always seems to glow even in the most rigorous of circumstances, is my best friend and senior, also business partner; the co-founder of Kala'Ratna Art Galleria. We both set up the gallery a year after we graduated from the London College of Art.

"Baby! You can't ignore this. You have been on his medicines for over four years now. You should have been all better by now. This should be over. If he can't treat you right, then we might as well need another doctor. Should I come along with you? I think I should," she asked concernedly as we both wrapped up the final details.

"No. You need to stay here," I responded in disagreement, "You need to take care of things until I get back. I am sure this is just a routine check-up to see if anything has changed at all. I am fine. I feel fine." I lied.

"Yes. I am aware of how fine you are," she spoke sarcastically, "which is why I need you to take out an hour for yourself, see him before he heads to Sydney for his conference. And, then you can drive your ass back here in that sapphire blue single shouldered silk dress you shopped for this event. Tonight is going to be amazing, I prom. Now, go. Please. I love you. I just want you to be perfectly fine and shine like you always do." She added as she emphatically hugged me and blew a kiss near my temples.

"Okay! Fine. I am leaving." I said, "No need to get all sentimental. I would see you after lunch. But make sure that nothing is impeded here. We have to ensure that we run the opening on time." I looked at her and reached for the door.

"Si, Mademoiselle." She commented as I walked out.