Chapter 6

"I'm searching for some good recipes," I said, going through the list on the website. "I want to cook something for Ace. It will give me something to do, and he will like it."

I clicked on a recipe with a fascinating name and a new page opened. Another list of names stared back at me. This time it held the names of the various elements that constituted that particular recipe.

"Sounds good," said Mom. "Dalia?" she added, after a pause.

"Hmm?" I scrolled through the names, wondering if I should attempt such a complicated recipe.

"Ace returned his shares in our company," she said.

The scrolling stopped. My eyes snapped away from the laptop.

"Wait, what?" I frowned.

Why would he do that?

"He said he did not need them. He said he only wanted you." Her voice was soft and slow.

I did not know how to respond to that. Ace did not need the shares; we all knew that. The Carsons were wealthier than us. But it had been a wedding gift from my parents to Ace. The custom of a traditional, arranged marriage. Of course, I had tried to protest against the said custom and had argued that it seemed like a dowry, but my parents had paid no heed to me.

By returning the shares, Ace had proved himself. The respect I had for him increased multiple folds.

He said he only wanted me.

I chuckled and imagined him saying that to my parents. Even over the phone, it must have sounded weird.

"Are you still there?" asked Mom.

"Yes, Mom, tell me," I said, giving her my complete attention.

"Ace was talking to your dad earlier. He sounded really happy. I just pray that you both always remain happy together," she said.

I grinned. "Thank you."

We talked for a few more minutes and then bid goodbye to each other. She promised that she would tell Dad to call me once he was free.

Ace deserves a special treat today.

With newfound motivation, I searched for another recipe that Ace would love. This one was too complicated, and I did not want my special dinner to turn out like the cake.

***

Comfortable silence is a sacred gift not cherished by many.

Ace and I were in the terrace garden, admiring the night sky and sipping our coffees.

When you could afford to be quiet in the company of a person, not being forced to talk and keep the person engaged and entertained in your company, that is when you know that you have found someone valuable enough to care about.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he said, staring up at the full moon that fit perfectly in the starlit sky.

I nodded, closing my eyes. "Eternal love is always beautiful. The moon orbits around the earth without ever coming close to it, going round and round but never losing hope. That's the level of persistence and patience that love demands."

I opened my eyes to find him staring at me.

"That was deep," he said, looking up at the sky again. There was no humor in his voice. His eyes were captured in a faraway look, making me wonder what he was thinking.

"Are you all right?" I asked, placing my hand on his arm.

"Huh?" He broke away from his thoughts and nodded. "I'm just tired."

Silence descended over us again until I remembered the conversation that I had with my mother in the afternoon.

"Ace," I said, "I heard you returned your shares in Dad's company."

He simply shrugged. "It was not fair for me to take them, especially since I have done nothing for that company. You deserve them more than I do. Once you've completed your master’s in business management, you can take them."

"That's very noble of you." I turned away from him, looking ahead at the silhouettes of tall trees that stood boldly in the night, unafraid of anything.

"By the way, Mom called me today," he said. "She is hosting a dinner party for us. A family-only party, more like a get-together. We are expected to be there."

"Oh." I stopped myself from jumping up and down.

We were going back to Peachville. I could see my family again. Even if it was only for a day, I could not help but rejoice.

"The dinner is on Saturday evening. We can go there on Saturday morning and return by Monday evening. How does that sound?" he asked.

"Perfect," I said, trying not to cry out of happiness.

"Dalia, I know you want to stay there longer but my work here does not permit me to stay away for a lengthier duration. You could stay back without me for a day or two more, but we have to check out those universities we shortlisted, right? We cannot delay any further or the admissions will close for the year," he said, a defeated look on his face.

"It's fine. Monday is perfect." I smiled.

He put an arm around my shoulder, and I took a sip of my coffee.

Oh Lord, I can't wait for Saturday.