Page 14 of Drunk On Love

“You've got to be kidding me,” Myra said with a laugh.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, please, it’snotlike that.”

“Uh-huh,” she said. “How are you doing, though? Still struggling with those sleeping pills?”

“Sometimes,” I admitted. “But I’m trying to wean them off. It’s a process.”

“Babe, I love you, but next time, try charades or pillow fights. Not midnight hypothermia.”

She is enjoying this a bit too much.

“Noted.”

“Sweetie, give life another chance. And when do I get to meet this daring guy?”

“Myra…” I sighed, rubbing my temple.

“What…? You have no idea what you’re missing, bro. At least have some casual sex. Is the chef hot?”

“Myraaa…” I groaned, glaring at my phone like she couldactuallyfeel it.

“Babe… there is no harm in having friends withbenefits.”

“No, thank you. I don’t want any friends orbenefits.”

“Yes, you do, darling! By the way… that douchebag Vihaan—did he try to call you?”

“Why would he? I already made him suffer enough. He was practically viral on every news channel:‘Business tycoon Vihaan Singhania left at the altar by his fiancée.’”

“He deserved that for what he did to you.”

“I don’t want to talk about him.”

“Oh, yes, let’s talk about your hot chef instead. At least send me a picture, dude.”

“I am not sending you anything. I hired a chef, not a calendar model.”

“When’s Roy coming back?”

“No idea. I came here to meet him and got stuck with that chef and his stupid abs.”

“Oooh… did someone say abs?”

“Bye,” I groaned as she burst into laughter on the other end of the line.

“Hahaha…okay listen, I’ve got a meeting with the designer now, so we’ll catch up soon. And next time, I want to hear all about him,unfiltered.Take care!” She was probably pushing through a crowd, her voice breaking up amidst the noise.

She was always one for exaggeration and Bollywood drama. After all, she was a big-time producer of OTT and films in Indian cinema. She had that flair for making everything sound like it belonged on a big screen. She’s my only friend right now, especially since I lost touch with everyone else in my life six months ago.

Myra knows me like nobody else ever could—orshould, for that matter.

I eventually find myself walking up to the cottage. I pressed the bell again. No answer.

Panic curled in my chest. I knew it—he wasn’t okay. Not after swimming in freezing water at 3 a.m. because I dared him.

I found the key exactly where he’d said—in the hanging planter—and let myself in.

“Manav?” I called out softly. No response.