AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ranveer turned to leave but Adira blocked his way.
“What do you see in her Ranveer? I have better brains, beauty, class, status, and money which she doesn’t.”
He fisted his fingers unable to hear a single word against Maya.
“And even if she earns all this someday, there is one thing which she can never inherit,” Adira added. “Legitimacy,” she said in a mockful tone.
“Enough,” Ranveer groaned. “You know what the best trait of Maya is which you don’t have, Adira?”
Adira kept staring at him with disappointment.
“She is not self-centered like you and definitely never disrespectful,” Ranveer added. “But I don’t expect you to process all this. In fact, I don’t expect anything from you.”
Adira jolted in frustration.
“And it's your father’s fault that he couldn’t give his name to her. I don’t care about her identity, her past, or anything. You get that?”
Adira fumed as Ranveer admonished her and defended Maya.
“I know this is all fake. You cannot be serious about her.”
“You are overthinking. But again, I don’t care,” he shouted back. “I don’t usually give anyone free advice, but I will still give one to you. Stop thinking about all this and concentrate on your own life; you will be happy.”
Vivek was agitated witnessing their argument, but he didn’t interrupt. Adira had slipped from his hands long ago. He couldn’t do anything about it. Ranveer left the house, warning the two enough. Adira turned back to her father.
“All of this is your fault, Dad. You are responsible for Maya’s existence. She wants what I want, and that will never happen. I won’t let her succeed.”
“Shut up,” Vivek stopped her. “You won’t do anything further. I am tired of covering up your mess.”
“Then stop doing it; who cares?” she snapped and rushed back to her room.
Paradise
“I'll miss you,” Garima sighed as she helped Maya pack late that night.
“I'll miss you too, Mom. I wish I could stay.”
“Oh no, I want you to go,” Garima assured with a smile. “It's a trip with your boyfriend after all.”
Maya's heart fluttered anxiously at the reminder. “Just enjoy yourself and don't worry about me,” Garima continued warmly. “I'm well cared for here.”
Concerned despite her mother's reassurances, Maya grasped her hand. “Please don't go out without the guards, Mom.”
Garima dismissed her fears. “What could happen to me? I'm no celebrity.”
“Please, Mom. It's a request,” Maya insisted.
“More like a warning from me too,” came Ranveer's stern voice as he entered the room. “Maya is right. You'll have guards at all times.”
Garima sighed at their protectiveness but agreed. Ranveer's gaze settled on Maya, a glint in his eyes. “I'll look after your daughter in the meantime,” he added suggestively.
Maya shot him a warning look, still seeking answers about Adira he clearly wanted to avoid. But she wouldn't let him deter her so easily, no matter how eagerly he anticipated their weekend alone.
*********************
Jaipur
The heat and humidity didn't linger on her skin for long as she stepped down from Ranveer Malhotra’s private jet; a posh limousine awaited them, right next to the private runway. Such lavish comfort could only come from one man - he had earned it all. She wondered about his past. Where did he start? Was the empire his father's legacy or his own creation? How did his father die? When his mother remarried Dev Malik, how did Ranveer feel? When did he begin living alone in Paradise?
