Chapter 10: Lucknowi Nights

Arjun proved himself a decent boss, upgrading our economy tickets to business class. In Lucknow, the hotel lobby smelled of fresh marigolds and old sandalwood, and the doorman’s Lucknowi Urdu made everything sound poetic. Working with Arjun, I realized he was focused and fair, way better than old Mr. Sharma. I valued my job even more.

The partnership negotiation started well, but during the signing dinner, the manager kept toasting me. I was about to force myself to drink, but Arjun stopped me: "Mr. Singh, I’ll drink with you." I tried to protest, but Arjun insisted, his hand steady on mine. My heart fluttered—like a feather brushing by, light and dangerous.

After dinner, I half-carried Arjun back to the hotel. His eyes were dazed, clinging to me, muttering, "Bastard."

"Who are you cursing?"

"That Singh. If Old Gupta didn’t care about this partnership, I’d have thrown the drink in his face."

"Who’s Old Gupta?"

He didn’t answer—already asleep, head on my shoulder. This was the real Arjun: vulnerable, sweet, and far from the boardroom.