Chapter 4

"Aren't you happy? This is what we have been waiting for. The opening was a success. We have got great reviews with The Times people and we have managed fifty percent stock bookings on the first day itself. This is huge, Arya. I think we are finally there. A couple of years and we would be exhibiting Alessandro Mancini's signature works in our very galleria. Your dream, isn't it?" Kiara approached me excitedly, with a couple of glasses of champagne, and sat next to me over the couch in my cabin.

"Not just mine. It's our dream." I corrected her and removed my shoes to ease my feet a little.

"Right! Our dream." She acceded.

"Huh! It's quite late. We should be heading back. Did you call Nat?" I spoke while taking a sip of my drink.

"Is everything alright?" she questioned, "You wouldn't lie to me about anything, right? We are not just business partners. We are best friends first. You know that I am always here for you," she spoke with undulating concern in her voice.

"Yeah. It is all fine." I replied, settling the champagne glass upon the table in front. "You know there is nothing I can't fight. I am tired though. It has been a long day. I just need to sleep it off." I flashed a bright smile.

"Yes! I know it has been rough since the past few months or so. But I am glad it is paying off," she spoke and got up to gather her things.

"I just called Nat. He should be here in a few minutes," she declared, keeping her cell in her black leather tote.

"You know you should not bother your poor husband this late. It's about time you let go of your fear and started driving on your own," I softly berated her.

"Ugh! I would try and give it a shot again. But I am too damn scared. I guess I love my life way too much," she chided.

"You should. There is nothing more precious than life," I spoke and got up to take my wrap along with my car keys.

"Arya!" she called from behind. "It is going to be alright," she clenched me tight one more time before closed the gallery and headed home.