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Uneasy, Maya set her mug down and slowly walked inside, Ranveer following behind and then made his way to the living room where his assistant Laura was waiting to review his work schedule.
“There you are.” Garima emerged in the living room. “I went to your room looking for you. I'm meeting a priest today,” Garima told Maya.
“What for?” Maya asked.
“The havan ceremony. I said after you got home, we'd do one for wellbeing.”
Maya weakly nodded.
“I already checked with Ranveer and he's fine having it here. Pammi is already at the temple with the priest to choose an auspicious date. And Ranveer insisted on providing a car and driver for me to drive me to the temple. I’ll see you soon,” Garima added hugging Maya once before leaving in a hurry.
Maya was conflicted, uneasy taking such favors but grateful Ranveer was protecting them diligently.
Ranveer reemerged as Laura reviewed his schedule. “Your mother left?” he asked.
“Just now. Thanks for the car,” Maya said.
“Least I could do for her. She's kinder than you, by the way,” Ranveer teased.
Maya frowned. “I did thank you. Isn't that kind enough?”
Unfazed, Ranveer advanced on her, gripping her waist firmly. “Partners don’t thank each other with words,” he murmured suggestively.
Maya stiffened.
“Fake partners do. That's all I can offer you.” She pulled away, feeling Ranveer's intense gaze follow her retreat.
Their 'relationship' was fake, but what Ranveer felt for Maya was unlike anything he'd known. Her resistance made her all the more desirable. If only she would give in to him. Soon.
************
That evening, Ranveer left the city to complete the work he had left pending due to Maya's sudden accident. Maya was relieved that he wouldn't be around for two days, avoiding his heated and possessive glares. However, she couldn't help but appreciate the level of security and ownership he provided to her and Garima even in his absence. Laura had been instructed to take care of all their needs, with vehicles, security personnel, drivers, and even the servants following Maya and her mother's commands. Despite not fully utilizing the freedom and luxury, Maya wondered what made Ranveer so liberal all of a sudden. Was he the same man who once destroyed her career? Did he hate her then? Their equation had undoubtedly changed; she could see his desire for her. One wrong decision from her end could plunge them into darkness, and while Ranveer might escape, she would be left completely drowned.
“Ma’am,” Aisha entered the house. “Sir left you this before boarding his flight.”
Aisha handed Maya a note and left again.
‘I want to take you out for dinner when I am back. Be prepared.’
Maya was conflicted as she stared at his note. She felt trapped in an inescapable situation. Ranveer already controlled much of her life, which terrified her. Now he wanted even more power over her. She refused to let that happen. Despite all the favors he had done for her family, she had contributed little to their deal so far. What had she really done for him? Almost nothing. She had agreed to work against the Maliks, but then found herself mired in problems that Ranveer kept solving for her. When would she finally fulfill her end of their bargain and address his vendetta against the Maliks? Even disregarding their past feud, she was falling deeper into his debt. Rejecting his dinner invitation would be difficult, but she had to do it if he thought he could manipulate her. She saw no reason for the dinner other than his attempt to exert control. She decided not to text him back since he was returning in two days. She would turn him down then, or come up with a believable excuse.
************
The next two days passed quickly. Maya's injured foot was unbandaged and she could walk again without support, albeit slowly. She felt ready to return to work. That morning as she got dressed, Garima entered her room.
“Maya, you shouldn't be thinking about work for another 2-3 days. They just removed your bandage yesterday,” her mother cautioned.
Maya sighed. “Mom, I'm good. Working will keep me distracted.”
Garima exhaled disappointedly. “When have you ever listened to me?”
“I always have,” Maya mocked playfully. She explained that Ritu, her mother’s caretaker would resume her duties for Garima and had the details for accessing Ranveer’s home. After reassuring her mother she would call upon reaching her office, Maya bid goodbye with an air kiss.
Blitz
Maya's colleagues gathered around her, expressing concern about her health. After a brief conversation, she returned to her cabin, already feeling better as she immersed herself in work. Vikram approached her, advising her not to take on too much load and offering her the flexibility to give instructions from her cabin. Appreciating the liberty, Maya finally immersed herself in her tasks.
“Mr. Patel is here, Ma’am,” Aisha informed on the call after a while. “He wants to see you. Should I send him upstairs to your office?”
