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She turned behind, trying to read his face and understand what made him ask for a deadline from her; on what context?
“Huh?” she murmured.
He made his way into the kitchen, where she was standing.
“It might not be the right time to talk about this again, but it seems like you have forgotten I am waiting for your reply.”
Maya felt mortified as memories of Jaipur flashed in the back of her mind. He had proposed to her for a real relationship, probably the kind that ends up in marriage, though he openly never proposed that far.
When she focused back on him, her lips parted a bit in surprise. This was really not the right time to discuss their future when her mother was sick.
“Are you avoiding it on purpose?” he stopped a foot away, his eyes never leaving hers.
“No. I am not avoiding it,” she stirred the soup, lowering her gaze. “But why do you need a deadline? If we decide a date and I fail to give you a positive response by that date, will you start looking for another woman? Is that why you need a deadline?”
She teased just to know what he planned to do after that so-called deadline passed away. Ranveer closed the gap between them, forcing her to meet his eyes again. Maya felt intimidated.
“So far you saw the good side of me convincing you. But after the deadline, you might see the Badtameez (insolent) me again, compelling my decisions on you.”
His reply was threatening, and she would have scowled at him if he hadn’t smiled after a few seconds.
“I was joking,” he smirked.
“And I am working on it,” she stepped back. “It’s not such an easy decision to make. I have to think from every angle.”
She focused back on the soup.
“Can I help?”
“It’s done.” Maya poured the soup into a bowl.
“I am not talking about the soup. I meant helping you take that decision.”
Maya bit her inner cheek.
“If you interfere directly, I might never be able to decide.” She kept the bowl in a tray and walked away.
“Twenty-four hours, Miss Bajaj,” he shouted. “I need a reply within that.”
She didn’t turn back. It was too little time. Would she be able to decide within that short period?
“If you don’t, I will have to intervene.”
Now she minded.
“How do you plan to intervene?” She met his intense gaze, attempting to steady her suddenly racing heart.
He came forward, assessing her posture as her hands gripped the soup tray. Lightly, he grazed his finger along her arm, sending tingles through her body.
“You will know,” he whispered cryptically, his warm breath caressing her ear, before walking away.
He was a charismatic man, and lately his desire for her left her weakened. Since when did these subtle gestures from him start affecting her so intensely? Somehow Ranveer had gotten under her skin, stirring sensations she could no longer suppress. Her heart always betrayed her, no matter how much her mind resisted. There was a shift in their dynamic that had led her to re-evaluate her feelings for that man.
She was not someone swayed by superficial qualities - good looks, money, charm. So, what had she seen in him that had started changing her feelings for him? His steadfast protectiveness, his tender concern for her mother, his heartfelt apology for past wrongs, his devotion to Daadi and Dhruv, his thoughtful little ways of trying to impress her, his honesty and that simmering desire she saw in his eyes whenever he looked at her. There were so many reasons pulling her towards him. So, what should her final decision be? Perhaps it was time to open her heart to the possibility of something real between them. Whatever her choice, she knew things would never be the same again.
*****************
Maya bid farewell to her mother, who had chosen a backless knee-length dress for her to wear to the party, wanting to bring out Maya's confidence again.
