sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

"Only for you." Sanjit smiled at her in return, though there was only a hint of a teasing edge to his words as they were more honest than anything. When it came to this date, Sanjit wanted to make sure he impressed. That he wasn't seen as a playboy looking for a one night stand. "You set the bar dangerously high," this time he teased, a smile curling the corners of his lips upward as he studied her. "You wouldn't be the only one nervous," he admitted, softer this time around. "But if you're not too scared," he said, leaning in, "we can dive in. Food first. Feelings, maybe after dessert." Sanjit gestured to the candlelit table, "M'lady," He moved, pulling out the chair, "make yourself comfortable and I'll get the food." Sanjit said, allowing her to sit down, his hand lingering on the back of the chair, along with his gaze before he disappeared to the kitchen to get their meal. @lailaxmir

Laila stood in the doorway for a second longer than necessary, taking it all in—the warm glow of candlelight against the wooden beams, the comforting hush of the vineyard after hours, and the way Sanjit was looking at her like she was the only thing that existed in the room. She smiled, slow and soft, something unguarded in it for once. “Hey,” she said quietly, her voice wrapped in something tender.

As he crossed the room to greet her, her heart did a small, traitorous flutter at the kiss to her cheek. She looked at him, really looked at him, with eyes that held all the unsaid things she hadn’t dared voice before tonight. “You clean up nicely, Chef Gupta,” she murmured, teasing but honest.

Then her gaze drifted past him to the table he’d set. “Okay, this is—this is really something.” A little laugh slipped out, equal parts awe and affection. “You know, for all the vineyard stroll jokes, I didn’t actually think you’d top them with a private dinner.” She stepped closer, the distance between them warm now, charged in a gentler way. “And yes,” she added, her smile tilting into something more flirtatious, “I came hungry. But I’m starting to think it’s not the food I should be nervous about.” | @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

starter for @lailaxmir

location: cunnamore vineyards

Sanjit's hands were sweating as his nerves picked up with each second the clocked ticked closer to Laila's arrival at the vineyard. It was closed for the evening, a private event. That event being his date with her. They'd joked about strolls through the vineyard many times and now that they were really doing this, a real date, he wanted it to be more than jokes and banter. When he heard the door creak open, he looked up from lighting the candle on the table that he set up for them. "Hey," his eyes lit up at the sight of her, the flame of the candle reflecting in his eyes. "You look absolutely beautiful." Though that was something she always looked to him. Sanjit crossed the room, moving towards her and closed the distance with a soft kiss to her cheek. "I hope you came hungry." He teased as he took her in once more, "I went all out in the kitchen."

[sanjitxgupta]

Sanjit chuckled with her words, "You're a menace," he teased, "but I'd be lying if I said you weren't the most entertaining one I've come across lately." His lips curled into a grin with his playful words. "I've always heard resentment pairs well with bitter truths," he tapped right in front of another glass, "which is what I think this one is all about." He continued to joke, having a hard time not giving Tanner a hard time. Sanjit knew that the brunette could and would dish it right back. "I second that," he said with a nod of his head, though he knew Evan and knew that she was far from that, at least last he talked to her. "Make her suffer for putting you through all this suffering of physical therapy." He said, shaking his head, "Then you come here and I'll make sure you have the real good therapy." He said in reference to the wine, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah?" His brow raised, "Does that mean you've decided to stick around long term?" @tannerkohli

"I have always thought I have real boss bitch energy. Probably should be in charge of the world or something someday. You'll definitely be given credit for your confidence someday in the future. Title and all," she replied with a solemn nod. "Fucker." Her head shook gently with a soft smile as he pushed one of the glasses her way. Going through all the motions, Tanner pretended to dramatically swirl the glass around, looking at it and sniffing it before taking a sip. "Oh, yeah, you can really taste the resentment in this one. Lot of body to it, you can feel it weighing on you. Impressive," she expounded, adding a few dramatic hand twirls for good measure. She couldn't help but tease, though if pressed she would always swear that Sanjit made the best wine she'd ever had. "You know, she probably should. Of course I threaten her right to her dumbass face. She deserves to know that she's a fucking monster." Her words were tinged with an underlying appreciation for Evan, something which she would simply never admit to. "But, nah, no real special reason. Just have a few things I need to send over this way that I've been needing."

@sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

Sanjit leaned back slightly in his chair, fingers curled around teh base of his glass as he looked at Chiara from across the table. "Thinking outside the box is not a bad thing." He offered her some assurance, "I think that's where the good stuff tends to start." Sanjit continued, lifting his shoulders a smidge. "I think a partnership could be on the table." While he didn't own Cunnamore Vineyards, as executive wine maker he was given the ability to sway the owners towards business that would benefit theirs. "I'd say something along small-batch pours with local feature nights," he started, "that will get people in the door. Everyone loves exclusives even if they don't want to admit it." @chiaravitale

𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 @sanjitxgupta

"I don't know, maybe I'm thinking too far out of the box." Chiara started, eyes focused on the other as she sat across from him at a table in Villa Vitale. She'd set up a meeting with anyone that could make it from Cunnamore, her goal to work with more local places. Only downfall was that the restaurant was barely holding on, and the longer she were here the more she'd come to realize that. "Do you think a partnership is something you guys over there would be willing to have? I know having something like new wines on the menu would help the business." she started, trying to leave out the part where she couldn't afford to purchase wine to sell there. She'd figure that out later if the other said yes. "I'm just trying to think of something that could help us both out, so, I'm all for ideas."

[sanjitxgupta]

He didn't speak right away, feeling the weight of her words as they settled between them. "I've always noticed," with his fingers curled gently around her own, he found himself grounded in that moment. Like she were the anchor he had been searching for. "I wasn't sure I had the right to catch it and what if I fumbled it so badly you'd never throw it at me again?" His gaze rested on hers, his admittance quiet. "We're both good at playing it safe." With Laila, he had. With his wines, with his travels, he let himself explore and take risks. "So yeah," he said quietly, though his voice held a sureness he hadn't thought possible. "lets stop holding back, stop pretending," his thumb brushed lightly along her hand, "I'm ready to see what the hell this is when it's real." @lailaxmir

[sanjitxgupta]

He didn't speak right away, feeling the weight of her words as they settled between them. "I've always noticed," with his fingers curled gently around her own, he found himself grounded in that moment. Like she were the anchor he had been searching for. "I wasn't sure I had the right to catch it and what if I fumbled it so badly you'd never throw it at me again?" His gaze rested on hers, his admittance quiet. "We're both good at playing it safe." With Laila, he had. With his wines, with his travels, he let himself explore and take risks. "So yeah," he said quietly, though his voice held a sureness he hadn't thought possible. "lets stop holding back, stop pretending," his thumb brushed lightly along her hand, "I'm ready to see what the hell this is when it's real." @lailaxmir

Laila’s breath hitched as she met his gaze, a quiet vulnerability flickering beneath her smile. For a moment, she let herself pause—really feel the weight of the moment, the slow unraveling of all the careful walls she’d built. “Maybe I dropped it like it was nothing,” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper, “because part of me wasn’t sure if you were ready to catch what I was throwing. I guess I’ve been holding back, waiting to see if you’d notice… if you even wanted to.”

Her fingers found his, tracing a gentle line, and a small, reflective smile touched her lips. “I’ve spent so long hiding behind the easy things—the wine, the strolls, the laughter—because it felt safer. But maybe that was just me avoiding the real risk. The risk of wanting something more… wanting you.”

She leaned in, eyes searching his with a mix of hope and challenge. “So yes, I’m ready now—to stop hiding, to stop pretending, and to see where this goes. And honestly? Maybe you’re the one I’ve been waiting for without even knowing it.” Was that a bit too heavy? Perhaps but something told her that if it was--Sanjit would be honest enough and tell her. They'd built that confidence with one another even as friends, so there was no reason he'd hold back with her now. | @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

"If you do own this town one day, I will not be color surprised in the slightest and I think that should earn me some brownie points when that day comes." He grinned at her, "And a ceremonial title. Minister of Brooding Wines and Sarcasm," he shot back at her, keeping the grin on his lips. "Nah, I save that shit just for you because I know how much you love it." Sanjit quipped before nudging one of the glasses towards her, "You should start with this one," he told her, "it's got the notes of dark cherry and resentment," he winked at Tanner, his smile deepening. "Does she charge extra just for dealing with you?" Sanjit raised a brow, "Or does she not know you're threatening to kill her?" He paused only a moment, "A trip home could be good. Any special reason or just because?" @tannerkohli

"You joke, but it's not out of the realm of possibility that I own this town someday and become actual royalty," she chuckled back, still quite caught up in the possible world in which she sued the city for everything it was worth and then some. Tanner took the seat across from Sanjit, eyes scanning the various wines that were set up in front of them already in tasting glasses. "Changing my religion, moody poetry, you're really selling a story here. You write all that shit on the bottles too?" she asked with a half snort. Tanner was a beer at the back of a dive bar kind of drinker, so fancy wine tastings like this were beyond her palate. That had never stopped it from being an enjoyable experience with Sanjit, though. "Which one should I go for first?" she asked, hands hovering over the various glasses with a questioning lift to her brow. "Ah, me, nothing exciting, just...same shit. Hours of physical therapy spent threatening to murder my therapist in her sleep. Thinking about a trip back home for a bit, maybe."

@sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

"Now you're roasting me? I thought only I could roast myself," he joked, shaking his head at his sister. "Lucky for the both of us, I'm pretty damn cool." His grin grew as he looked at her. "You're playing in secret?" Laughter escaped his lips at his sister's admittance, "Wow, that's some next-level sabotage right there. And as his mom? Phew, Adi, I didn't know you had that in you." He continued to joke with her, his attention shifting only to her son for a moment as he played the game. "Mhm, yeah only vibes. That makes a lot of sense. Is there even a plot?" He tried to be like the tourists he heard, "I'm glad we can joke about the tourists together. Not everyone gets it." @adisgupta

She laughed a little bit. "Yeah, I'm sure when you're awkward." She teased her brother and then shook her head. "Not sure he can promise that one. He'll beat you in a second. I've had to start playing in secret to get good to even stand a chance." Aditi grinned before another laugh escaped her. "I know. Now he'll eat me out of house and home if I'd let him." She took a sip of her drink. "Oh, I hear the vibes thing all the time. Mad Monk is only vibes." @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

As Laila spoke of vineyard strolls being romantic, he leaned in to give her his full attention. The words settled inside of him, awakening more of him that was realizing he had long buried feelings for Laila underneath his work. "You've said it perfectly," Sanjit's smile was slow, knowing as it slipped across his lips.

He let himself look at her this time as she spoke, really look at her. Her words were not lost on him and it was not lost on him what it took to say that out loud. His smile did not meet the criteria of the lopsided and charming smile that he was used to wearing. "You just dropped that on me like it was nothing, huh?" He asked, almost feeling breathless about the question that he had yet to answer.

"I was working up to asking you out and you beat me to it." Though, how could he be surprised that she did just that? "I've been trying to play it cool but, yes. I would love to go on a date with you. Just the two of us." Sanjit finally answered, sincerity laced between his words. "We can finally stop hiding between wine metaphors and casual strolls." Slowly, he reached out to brush his fingers against hers, "We can see where this goes for real this time." @lailaxmir

Laila smiled, clearly savouring the rhythm of their conversation. “You know, vineyard strolls really are something else, aren’t they? There’s this quiet kind of romance to them—the way the sun starts to dip low, casting everything in that golden light, the gentle breeze rustling through the vines… It’s like the world slows down just enough to make you notice all the little things that usually get missed.” She glanced at Sanjit, her eyes warm and playful, the kind of look that held a soft invitation.

She paused, letting the moment settle between them like a comfortable silence, before continuing, “And if fate keeps nudging us back to Merlot and these vineyard talks, maybe it’s trying to tell us something. Like maybe there’s more to all this than just a shared appreciation for good wine and quiet walks.” Her smile deepened, the warmth in her voice becoming just a little more vulnerable. “Honestly, I’ve been enjoying this—us—more than I expected. So… since we’re already kind of talking about this, maybe it’s time I stop pretending this is just friendly banter over grapes and sunsets.”

Taking a breath, she met his eyes fully, steady and sincere. If she got rejected, she'd deal with it because she was a grown woman who had her share of heartbreak but damn it would sting a bit as well. “Would you like to go out with me? Properly. No more half-steps or teasing — a real date, just the two of us.” Her smile was soft but confident, filled with hope and that unmistakable flutter of excitement that comes with finally asking for what you want. “Because if fate is really this persistent, I’m more than ready to see where it leads us.” | @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

"Hey, nothing but the best for royalty." He let out a low laugh before it formed into a grin. Guiding her toward the quiet corner where he set up the tasting for them, he slid into his seat. "New wines are finally where I want them to be." Though they had not come without their challenges, "A pinot noir," he pointed to the tasting glass, "it just might change your religion." He joked with her, "Syrah, which I'd describe as moody poetry in a bottle. I think this will be a real winner." He chuckled, "The others are more summery, light enough to keep people coming back." He leaned back, "As for me," he chuckled, "sometimes life exists outside this place." His grin widened, "But, no, I've been great. Busy, but kind of in a groove." Sanjit explained to Tanner, "What about you?" @tannerkohli

"Shit, really rolling out the red carpet for me today, bro," she chuckled, appreciating the effort more than she would actually ever admit to. In a time of life where every day brought on new struggles, the consistent support from an old friend had meant a lot. Even just the little things went a long way in making life in Kismet feel just a little more like home every day. "That sounds good, though. Food and wine, exactly the treatment I deserve." Tanner followed Sanjit on inside, letting him lead the way to where they were going to sit and hang out for awhile. "Alright, get me up to speed. What's the deal with the new wines? What's the deal with you? Have you had a life outside of this place or should I be calling the Better Business Bureau on their asses for working you too hard?"

@sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

Sanjit watched her peel back the tape with an amused shake of his head. "Don't blame me if you ruin that manicure," he teased her, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. He leaned against the edge of the counter, arms crossing loosely over his chest as she spoke of the interns. "A handful sounds like a dream compared to a one man circus of last year," he chuckled once more. "I think we are getting a few as well. One is coming over from Spain." Sanjit told Anli, "Everything is going well," he said, knowing that it was often a subject the two tended avoid. "We've been prepping for the busy season and deadlines haven't made me feel like I'm drowning just yet." @anlidowning

[sanjitxgupta]

starter for @tannerkohli

location: cunnamore vineyards

A warm grin spread across his lips, "There she is," he said as Tanner stepped through the door of Cunnamore Vineyards. Since learning she'd returned to Kismet Harbor, he'd often invited her over. He knew she'd appreciate the familiar comfort. "I've got your favorite dish being prepped by the chef right now, plus a special selection of new wines I'm debuting next week." He added with a hint of pride in his voice. Though official release was still days away, he never had a problem sharing his best vintages early with close friends. Summers spent together had woven a quiet thread between them, Sanjit guiding Tanner through the rhythms of traditional ceremonies tied deeply to their heritages. Their friendship had ebbed and flowed over the years, but despite the distance, she had never truly faded from his life.

[sanjitxgupta]

"My refined appreciation for Merlot is suspicious, now?" He said, nudging her back gently as he did so. "You know I'm just emotionally invested in grape quality, Laila. It's part of my charm." His lips curled into a playful grin with his teasing words.

Sanjit's smile softened, watching her as she spoke and as her tone shifted. He was not just listening but rather hearing her, too. He watched the way her fingers moved along her cup and the way her voice quieted. Nodding slowly, he knew something softer was flickering behind his usually steady gaze.

"I understand that." Sanjit said, nodding his head along with his own words. "Chasing what looks good on paper is not all it is cracked up to be." There had been a time that he had been tempted with an offer like that himself but he knew that it would feel like he was sitting in someone else's life.

There was a moment of quiet between them, but it wasn't awkward. "Vineyard strolls are better with you around," he added, continuing to drive home that he was glad that she stayed. "I'm not in any rush to walk down this road," Sanjit added, "and if we happen to pass the Merlot again, who are we to fight fate?" @lailaxmir

Laila let out a soft laugh, giving Sanjit a playful side glance. “Purely professional, huh? Is that what we’re calling vineyard strolls now?” she teased, her tone light and warm. “I’ve seen the way you linger by the Merlot rows—very suspicious pacing.” She nudged his arm gently. “But hey, I’m all for the scenic route… especially with the right company.” Her teasing softened as he leaned in, his expression shifting with genuine interest. She felt the change, too—something a little quieter settling between them.

When he called her decision a huge deal, and said he was glad she stayed, something in her chest fluttered—unexpected, but not unwelcome. She looked down for a second, her fingers absently tracing the rim of her cup. Then she met his gaze again, her voice quieter, more thoughtful. “I appreciate what you said. More than you probably know.”

She let that settle for a breath before continuing, more open now. “It was a great offer. On paper, it looked like everything I should’ve wanted—more money, more exposure, a big city name on my resume. But the truth is... I wasn’t looking for more. I think I was looking for different.” She shrugged lightly, almost like she was still making peace with that truth. “Something slower. Something with meaning. I’ve spent so long planning moments for other people—I think I finally wanted one of my own.”

Her eyes flicked back to his, steady now. “And lately, it’s felt like something new might be starting here. Something I’m not ready to walk away from.” She didn’t name it. She didn’t have to. “So I stayed.” Her smile returned, soft and sure. “Turns out, the view’s not so bad from here.” | @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

"I think I've spent the last decade trying to forget that I was once a fourteen year old boy, Adi." He joked with his sister, laughter bubbling over his lips. "The horror of middle school dances are no joke, okay?" A smile continued to sit on his lips. "Video games I can do, but only if he promises not to destroy me in the first round. I've got a fragile ego to protect." He placed a hand over his heart before taking a sip of his drink. Laughing softly, he shook his head, "I remember he used to look a broccoli like it was the mortal enemy." Though Sanjit could remember being picky once in his life too. "I mean it's chaos," he said as she brought up his work, "tourists are everywhere and tastings are pretty much back to back." they were going through wine like crazy, but it was nothing he hadn't prepared for. "Though I tell you, every year it gets harder to smile my way through tourists asking if the pinot has oak vibes." @adisgupta

"Oh, yeah." Adi smiled as she looked at her son and then back at her brother. "You were a fourteen year old boy once. You should know what they like." She teased him. "He's good, though. He loves his video games. He'll set you up with all the games." She smiled as she took a drink as well. "Of course I do. It's my job. And he'll eat whatever. He's not six anymore and terrified of broccoli." She reminded him. "But how's work? Wine month giving you trouble?" @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

Sanjit watched her peel back the tape with an amused shake of his head. "Don't blame me if you ruin that manicure," he teased her, a soft chuckle leaving his lips. He leaned against the edge of the counter, arms crossing loosely over his chest as she spoke of the interns. "A handful sounds like a dream compared to a one man circus of last year," he chuckled once more. "I think we are getting a few as well. One is coming over from Spain." Sanjit told Anli, "Everything is going well," he said, knowing that it was often a subject the two tended avoid. "We've been prepping for the busy season and deadlines haven't made me feel like I'm drowning just yet." @anlidowning

"Thanks, Sanjit." she offered the other a small smile, only letting a chuckle escape her lips when he stated they'd blame it on the intern. Anli certainly wouldn't be blaming it on anyone but she couldn't blame him if that's what he chose to do once she was gone if the box was in fact left in his possession. Fingers pried at the tape despite the fact she was sporting a fresh manicure, yet that didn't stop her. She was used to a little manual labor sometimes. Her eyes shifted to Sanjit only for a moment before she pulled the paper and the bubble wrap from the top of the box revealing that this was her package. "I think I overheard Mom and Dad talking about someone calling to ask if we were taking them but I haven't checked back in." she shook her head. "I'm expecting a handful more than last year, though!" she added, a small pep in her speech. Granted last year there had only been one intern all summer shockingly so anything at this point would be great, but, Anli shrugged. "We'll see I guess." she sighed. "Everything here going okay?" Normally she'd be too scared to ask that question, and there was a small bit of panic in her voice as she did but she wasn't here to pry. She sincerely wanted to know. @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

"That means a lot," Sanjit said, taking Lance's compliment to heart. The vineyard, the wine making, they were both great passions of his and he wanted to pursue them wholeheartedly. "Spain and Italy?" His brows rose and he grinned, "You're speaking my language now. I love both of those places." Sanjit had been to both numerous times over the years, "Those places are a dream for art and history, just as much as they have been for my wine industry." He grinned at him, "What kind of sights are you wanting to see?" @lancexbrowne

Lance listened to Sanjit and nodded his head. He felt that the male was passionate about this he could tell by the taste of the wine and also by the male's explanation. The elementary school teacher always enjoyed listening to people who are passionate about things. "That's amazing, I can tell you really put your passion into the making of the wine," he added. "I know it can be hard to find the harmony and balance between two different worlds. It can be hard but I think you did an amazing job," he smiled. Lance was the same way when it came to his art work, balance different elements together.

"I am thinking Spain and Italy especially since they are some of the places that stand out when it comes to art and plus their history in relation to art too." @sanjitxgupta

[sanjitxgupta]

"Always the critic," he grinned at her, "my pace at the vineyard is purely professional." He told Laila, matching her playful energy. "I've got grapes to keep up with. But if I have good company," like with her, for instance, "I am happy to take the scenic route." Sanjit admitted to her, his smile softening with warmth.

At her shift in expression, he tilted his head, listening intently as she spoke. His brows lifted in surprise and curiosity as she mentioned a job across the country. "Whoa," he shook his head, "that is a huge deal, Laila." He knew that she was talented in what she did. He also knew that turning down more pay and more exposure made it a tough call. "That had to be a difficult decision to make," he locked his gaze with hers, "but for what it's worth, I'm glad you stayed." @lailaxmir

Laila felt a quiet relief settle over her, a weight lifting in a way she hadn’t expected. His agreement, simple and straightforward, felt like an invitation to breathe a little easier. Deal. She could handle that. She grinned, leaning in slightly, eyes twinkling with an easy confidence. “I can definitely handle that. I have to know though, is your walking speed dependent on your company? Because I've definitely seen you walk faster at the vineyard." A teasing grin was on her face, mirroring his own.

But just as quickly, her smile softened, a moment of introspection slipping through. The job offer she’d received to move away had been weighing on her more than she cared to admit. The decision to stay—hadn't been an easy one to make. But right now, here in this moment, things felt simpler. For the first time in a while, she felt like she'd made the right choice.

“By the way,” she added casually, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, “I got a job offer a little while ago. To move away, actually. It was tempting...more pay and better exposure, but, it was on the other side of the country.” Her gaze flickered back to him, her smile still present but quieter. | @sanjitxgupta