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“Why not? Dhruv has really been nice to me and Mumma. He deserves it from us. But if you think he won’t like a homemade cake, then I won’t.”
“No,” he interrupted. “He will love it. He always used to trouble Maa to make cakes for him.”
There was a smile on his face recollecting his mother. He never discussed her often, but whatever little glimpses he had given her about his mother, she felt his mother was a very kind woman who loved her children. But then why would she leave Ranveer to Daadi for getting married to Dev Malik? That question always haunted her.
“I will make the cake for him then, and if he happens to come here, we will cut it together,” she informed.
Ranveer was totally happy with the idea. He kept typing emails for some more time. The nurse dimmed the lights and went out to make a cup of coffee for herself. Ranveer shut down the laptop and turned around only to find Maya dozing beside him. She was surfing the internet until a few minutes ago. When did she fall asleep? Her head inclined on the other side of the recliner, having a possibility that she might fall down.
Ranveer held her head gently and pulled her closer to him. As she nestled against his chest, he was enveloped in her floral scent. She wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned on his shoulder, falling fast asleep. Ranveer's heart raced at her touch. Having her so close triggered all his sensitive nerves. Her soft breaths caressed his neck, sending tingles down his spine. He had to resist the urge to run his fingers through her silky hair.
It was going to be a long, rough night for him. With her pressed intimately against him, he wasn't sure he could control his desire. The warmth of her body seeped into him, fogging his senses. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. He wanted nothing more than to kiss those pink lips slightly parted in sleep. But he restrained himself for now. He would take it slow and savor every tantalizing moment with her. His Maya.
Chapter 40
Paradise
Garima woke up with the accident in mind—the one Ranveer was discussing with a detective he had hired. She had overheard their conversation as she was returning to her room, and it shattered her. Shockingly, they suspected Vivek was behind it, trying to harm Maya. Could Vivek really try to kill his own daughter? She needed more proof before believing it. Turning, she saw Ranveer and Maya asleep together on the recliner. They must have dozed off talking. Ranveer's arms protectively curled around Maya's waist even in sleep to prevent her from falling. The tender gesture warmed Garima's heart. Despite her doubts about Vivek, seeing Ranveer caring for Maya reassured her.
The door opened, and the nurse entered. “Ma’am, you are awake?” the nurse hurried in. “Ssh,” Garima asked her to lower her voice. “Don’t disturb them,” she pointed at Ranveer and Maya.
The nurse smiled and nodded in agreement. “They have been here the whole night,” she informed.
Garima couldn't hold back her smile. She had seen how Maya had taken care of her in times of sickness, but now she had a son too who worried equally.
The soft murmurs between Garima and the nurse broke Maya's sleep. She felt a mild ache in her back and neck, unable to move. Something heavy was on her waist. She opened her eyes, struggling to toss away whatever was holding her. It broke Ranveer's sleep too, and they both opened their eyes at the same instant. Maya jerked back, stunned to find Ranveer's face just inches from hers. Was this a dream? Why was he so close? His arm curled intimately around her waist. A thrill rushed through her at his touch.
While she tried to comprehend what was happening, Ranveer's heated gaze held her captive. It was a dream come true to finally have her in his arms. Ever since she entered his life, he had fantasized about her. But this was no fantasy. She had slept curled up with him all night, his body pressed to hers.
Maya's cheeks flushed, her heart racing. Being this close to Ranveer was exhilarating yet deeply unsettling too. She didn't know whether to melt into his embrace or break free. But the desire simmering in his eyes stirred a matching hunger deep inside her.
“Good morning,” Garima softly greeted the two.
Maya got down the recliner. Her mother was awake, and that’s all that mattered right now.
“Mumma,” she hugged Garima. Ranveer stretched his body, which was aching similarly to Maya’s. “Are you okay, Mom? I was so scared when I found out.”
Garima cupped her cheeks and kissed Maya’s forehead.
“I am fine. You worry too much.”
“You scared all of us,” Ranveer interrupted.
Garima passed a weak smile at him while he asked the nurse to check her vitals again and take her blood sample for testing.
“I want to talk to you both,” she commanded.
“This is more important, Mumma,” Maya pleaded.
“No. Please leave us alone for some time,” Garima requested the nurse, who looked at Ranveer for instructions. He nodded, making her leave the room. “Is Vivek really responsible?” she gripped Maya’s hand.
Maya tightened her hold on Garima’s hand.
“The car that hit me belongs to him,” she answered.
“Was he driving?”
“We don’t know that yet.”
