I opened my mouth to make an excuse. I didn’t want to leave Maa alone for an entire weekend, even though I knew she would be angry at me for not going because of her.

‘No, listen,’ Rishi interrupted before I could say anything, ‘I am not accepting no for an answer. So tonight, you go home, pack your bag, and I will meet you at the station for the late train to the airport. We’ll catch the red-eye. It’s on me.’ I nodded, half excited, half in a panic. ‘Great,’ he said, wheeling his chair back into his cubicle.

I grabbed my phone and sent a quick text to Maa.

‘A friend has invited me away for the weekend, Maa. I am sorry, I couldn’t refuse.’

She replied instantly.

‘Why are you apologising, Ashray? I am so happy you have a new friend.’

I smiled. I mentally prepared what I would take with me. By five that afternoon, Vihaan sent out an email saying we could leave early because it was a Friday. I took the train home, even though I knew it would be crowded. I was holding out hope that I would see Sakshi, but again, she was nowhere in the carriage.

9

JHANVI

The week before the music festival was spent deciding on our outfits; they had to be perfect. Big names were playing, and music celebrities were sure to be there. For the trip there, I chose a pair of torn jeans, a silver sequined bikini top and a loose-fitting denim button-up shirt. I finished the look with a flower head garland and a pair of big gold-hooped earrings. Kavya protested when I tried to dress her up, saying she would rather fly to Goa in a comfortable t-shirt and jeans.

Burn Promotions arranged for Kavya and me to be picked up in a town car on Saturday morning. In the car, a bottle of champagne awaited us. Opening the bottle, I giggled as I poured out the golden bubbly liquid into the glasses provided. Kavya shook her head, saying it was too early to drink. I downed her drink and my drink, one after the other, telling her to stop being a buzzkill. At the airport, I was surprised to find out that Burn Promotions was flying all of its influencers on a private chartered plane. I poked Kavya with an elbow; she didn’t respond. Turning to her, I realised she was gawking at the plane open-mouthed. I laughed.

‘Is this your life now, Jhanvi?’ she said, wide-eyed. ‘If I knew all these people were travelling with us on a private plane, I would’ve worn what you told me to.’

I linked my arm with hers and smiled broadly, the two glasses of champagne giving me courage and making me lightheaded. I gestured towards the plane. ‘This is our life now, Kavya!’ I said, laughing.

We climbed up the steps that lead into the small private jet. Inside, four other influencers sat waiting. On each seat was a care package that contained face products, Burn Promotion goods and snacks for the flight. Inside the package was another bag. I opened it, and inside, a small bottle of champagne stared at me. I put the bottle at the bottom of the bag and turned to speak to Kavya. She was sitting with her mouth open again, a look of dread on her face.