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When had he returned from work? Maya clenched her fists as he sauntered over casually.
“Only because your apology failed doesn't mean you should deny we're dating.”
Maya had no clue what he was talking about and why. Indeed, their apology session didn’t go as expected in his office.
“How's your foot pain now?” Ranveer asked tenderly.
“Foot pain?” Garima looked between them, baffled. “When did that happen? Why didn't you tell me?”
Maya said nothing, realization dawning that Ranveer was fabricating a reason for her odd behavior to throw off her mother’s suspicions.
“Just a short-lived cramp earlier,” Ranveer covered. “I massaged in some gel and it eased quickly. She didn't want to worry you over every minor issue.”
He gave Maya a pointed look to comply with his story, to which she reluctantly nodded.
“Oh, I see. But do tell me next time, Maya,” Garima gently scolded. “And thank you for taking care of her, Ranveer.”
“Of course. Her wellbeing is all that matters to me,” Ranveer declared, his intense gaze belying the deeper meaning behind those words.
“What is happening with you two? Tell me or I'll die searching for clues.” Garima exclaimed in frustration.
“Don't talk about dying, Mom,” Maya admonished.
Garima rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ranveer, please tell me why Maya is suddenly so upset. Did you fight again?”
Ranveer sipped his coffee calmly before answering. “Your daughter doesn't know how to properly apologize, Mrs. Bajaj.”
“She didn't say sorry?” Garima asked, aghast.
“Oh she did, but are mere words enough to soothe a wounded heart? I asked for a hug and she refused,” Ranveer lied convincingly.
Maya clenched her jaw as her mother believed his fabrication.
“Ranveer,” Garima sighed knowingly, “Maya is scared by all this attention. She's never had a boyfriend before.”
“I’m aware,” Ranveer murmured, desire evident in his gaze upon Maya.
“Mom, stop,” Maya urged, but Garima kept sharing insights she felt Ranveer should know about her daughter.
“She's naive and fears facing consequences like I did.”
Maya gritted her teeth, hating her mother revealing such personal fears to manipulative Ranveer. She retreated to the balcony, unable to bear more. Alone with him, Garima continued to explain him.
“Maya fears being cast aside by a man someday, like I was. She doesn't want to pine forever as I have. Seeing me yearn for her father traumatized her.”
Ranveer's attitude softened as comprehension dawned. Maya would never further their pretended relationship, even if attracted to him, because she feared he'd discard her from his life when he is over her someday. With his history of casual flings, Maya could never risk serious involvement, despite any persuasion of commitment from him.
“I understand,” Ranveer acknowledged gravely. “Thank you for enlightening me about her perspectives.”
“I will talk to her,” he assured Garima who walked out of the room letting them talk alone.
Maya breathed raggedly at the balcony, the city lights blurring through unshed tears. She didn't know how to resolve this dilemma - protecting her mother yet guarding herself from Ranveer's confessed desires. Ranveer slid the balcony door and stood next to her.
“Don’t make me the villain here,” he snapped.
“I was wrong to make this deal,” Maya uttered without facing him. “How could I collaborate with the man who ruined me before?”
Ranveer's jaw clenched as her words struck a nerve.
