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‘Will make it some other time. I have to finish work. Will come home late.’
She glanced at the clock; it was 06:00 p.m. and everyone was leaving. She could leave too, but she wouldn't make that mistake. She decided to stay and do some pending work, having used the same excuse with Ranveer.
************
Unbeknownst to Maya, her text cancelling dinner with Ranveer did not go over well. After returning home, he fumed while half-heartedly tapping on his laptop keyboard before shutting it angrily.
Needing distraction from his dark thoughts about the woman disrupting his peace, Ranveer changed into swim shorts and dove into the infinity pool.
When the elevator doors slid open, Maya stepped into the dark apartment. She heard water splashing - was it the pool? Crossing the pool area was the only way to her room, so she quietly strode past. There he was, floating on the surface and staring as she walked by. His upper body glowed eerily in the moonlight.
“Maya,” he called gruffly, stopping her though she didn't turn. “Pass me a towel.”
Maya knew he was doing this on purpose. The water sloshed as he climbed out. He could easily grab a towel himself. Why involve her?
“You heard me, Maya,” he taunted again.
With a deep breath, Maya grabbed a towel and turned to face him standing only feet away. Though she could simply hand it over, she knew better. Eyes lowered, she took a long step closer and held out the towel which he wrapped flirtatiously around his still-dripping waist.
“We'll have dinner here. The table is set. Go change,” he directed before sauntering off.
“I'm not very hungry,” Maya lied.
“I'm waiting for you,” Ranveer called back as he left.
Maya frowned. He'd arranged dinner at home just because she refused to go out? Avoiding it now would be unwise given their deal. She would dine with him.
Chapter 26
Paradise
Maya entered the dining area wearing a nightdress for a dinner date, a choice only she would make. Ranveer, on the other hand, was donning a three-piece suit, emphasizing her apparent disinterest in dining with him. This realization troubled him, and had it been any other woman, he might have ceased pursuing her like a love-sick puppy. However, with Maya, he found himself too engrossed in her presence.
Feeling overdressed, he shed his suit jacket and loosened his tie. The grand table was gone, replaced with an intimate one for two decorated with candles and abundant food. She hadn't expected him to take dinner so seriously.
Ranveer pulled out her chair and Maya sat. He took the seat opposite her after pouring champagne into their glasses. She already felt intoxicated by the formalities. As Maya served herself, she decided to initiate safer conversation. “Mr. Patel visited me today with pictures of the maroon car,” she mentioned.
“I saw them too,” Ranveer replied. “We'll soon know more about that.”
He raised his champagne flute, waiting for her to do the same. Though she wished to abstain, Maya lightly clinked her glass so as not to offend him before sipping the soothing liquor. However, she couldn't indulge in larger proportions, especially with him around. He continued staring intently at her while she ate. Opting for safer topics, she initiated some general conversation.
“Thanks for letting Mom keep the havan here,” she muttered.
“How is your foot now?” Ranveer interjected, eager to discuss her, not generalities.
“Better. I can walk fine but I get cramps sometimes lasting a minute or two. I told the doctor and he said it's normal for a while.”
Ranveer nodded and downed more champagne as Maya explained her lingering injury.
“We have an auction to attend next weekend. I hope you'll be well enough by then,” he stated.
Maya grew nervous. “Where is it?”
“Jaipur.”
She wondered if he was fabricating events to whisk her away. “I don't think Vikram will let me take off work again so soon,” Maya hedged.
“It's on a weekend,” Ranveer countered.
