AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Mom, enough,” Maya resisted her mother, who attempted to feed her soup. “I don't feel like having more.”
Ranveer quietly continued eating.
“You didn't like the soup?” Garima asked her daughter.
“No, it's lovely. I feel full already.”
“But if you eat so little, how will you recover soon? You need strength to walk,” Garima frowned. “Ranveer, I think she will listen to you.”
Ranveer fixed his gaze upon Maya.
“Don't have it,” he replied sternly.
Garima was confused about why he was taking Maya’s side, but his next words enlightened her about the reason.
“Unless you are happy making me carry you everywhere,” he added.
Maya shot him a heated glare.
“You won't do that,” Maya retorted.
“Try me,” he replied.
Maya clenched her jaw, knowing he could do whatever he committed to. She pulled the bowl of soup towards her and attempted to finish it.
“This trick always works,” Garima chuckled, looking at Ranveer, and then focused back on her own meal.
************
The night at Paradise was nothing short of heavenly for Maya as she enjoyed a peaceful sleep. Unsure whether it was the medication or the comforting surroundings, Maya believed it must be the medicine since she was not one to be easily impressed by comfort.
Contrastingly, Ranveer Malhotra endured a restless night, plagued by an unfamiliar and acute pain for being in such proximity to the woman he desired yet remained distant from. Avoiding the acknowledgment, even to himself, that he was growing fond of Maya, Ranveer grappled with the realization that he should be the one pleading guilty for the sins he committed to ruin her.
In the early hours of a busy weekday, Maya stood on the balcony of the vast living room, taking in the city view. The vehicles below appeared as tiny toys from this height, the balcony being the highest point in the city. Sipping on the coffee made by the servant, she relished the delicious chocolate toppings, a treat that never failed to lift her mood. Despite missing out on work, Maya could manage by making a few calls to her colleagues, grateful that her mother had brought her laptop. Officially on leave for another two days, she wondered why her boss hadn't made it an issue, considering he rarely granted such long leaves even for serious illnesses. Could it be because they now knew she was Ranveer Malhotra's girlfriend, leading to special favors? Unwilling to accept such privileges, she felt a void in her heart, contemplating the rapid changes in her life.
“What are you thinking so hard this morning?” Ranveer's voice behind her interrupted her thoughts. He joined her with his coffee mug, standing by her side.
“You won't like to hear that,” she replied, sipping her coffee.
“I'm already intrigued,” he said.
Maya took a deep breath, expressing her worries.
“I am scared of you, Ranveer,” she admitted, meeting his eyes. “The way things are progressing in my life, related to you, I am afraid of where this is going to end and how. You are powerful, with magnificent wealth and status. I know what you are capable of. Middle-class people like me don’t like to have men like you as their friends nor their enemies because we cannot judge at which stage of life what harm you can do. And here I am, faking such a sensitive relationship with you.”
Ranveer put his mug aside and took a long stride towards her. She flinched as he closed the gap, pinning her to the balcony railing.
“I will mention this only once, and never again. You may feel all this is complicated right now, but understand that you are in the right place, with the right man. Nothing in your life could be better than this,” he asserted, his jaw tightening.
His hands gripped her shoulders, massaging them gently as his body pressed against hers. Maya stared at Ranveer as his eyes drank her in hungrily.
Chapter 25
Paradise
Ranveer's words and actions dazzled Maya. She didn't understand the strong pull she felt towards him, but the potential consequences troubled her. Sensing the rising tension between them, Ranveer loosened his grip on Maya before things went too far.
Maya sipped her now empty coffee mug distractedly. He grinned and called to his servant, “Prakash, brew some more coffee for Maya.”
