Chapter - 21
I reached my cabin and sat down in my chair, trying to shake off distractions. Rohan walked in with a cup of black coffee and placed it on the table. "Good morning, sir. Here's your coffee. Let me go over today's schedule," he said, starting to list my meetings.
I took a sip of the coffee, but it didn't sit right with me.
Maybe it was just the taste, or perhaps I had gotten used to a different kind of coffee lately.
With Siya, I had started drinking regular coffee instead of my usual strong black.
It was her first attempt at making coffee for me, and I knew she didn't realize I preferred it without sugar.
When she placed the cup on the table, I felt a warmth in my chest knowing she had made it just for me.
I remembered her bright smile as she set the cup down, watching me intently.
As I took my first sip, I noticed the joy on her face, and I couldn't help but smile back.
It was a special moment for both of us, marking the beginning of a sweet routine.
From that day on, I happily drank whatever she made, grateful for the effort she put into each cup.
As Rohan continued talking about the schedule, I found it hard to focus. My mind kept drifting. I didn't want to be here today. I had this strange restlessness. Calm down, Aarav, I told myself. It's just a matter of one day. Tomorrow, I'll bring my angel back home.
After Rohan finished explaining the day's agenda, he left my cabin. I leaned back in my chair, thinking about Siya. She must have reached the Rajput house by now. I grabbed my phone and sent her a quick message: Have you reached?
Her reply came almost instantly: Yes. I texted back, Take rest. I will call you tonight. I have a lot of meetings, but if you need anything, you can call me anytime.
"Okay, Mr. Rathore," she replied. I frowned at the screen. I hated it when she called me Mr. Rathore. Tomorrow, that would be the first thing I'd change. She needed to call me by my name, not a title.
Just then, someone knocked on my door. "Come in," I said. Rohan stepped back inside. "Sir, Mr. Malhotra has arrived for the meeting, and the conference room is ready too."
I nodded and grabbed my blazer, slipping it on as I moved toward the door. After stepping out of the office, I headed toward the conference room.
When I entered the conference room, everyone stood up. Mr. Malhotra smiled politely. "Hello, Mr. Rathore. Thank you for giving me this opportunity."
I nodded, keeping my face serious. "Let's begin. I don't have time to waste."
Mr. Malhotra introduced the woman standing next to him. "This is Riya Mehra, the project manager. She will present our proposal."
Miss Mehra gave me an extra-sweet smile and held out her hand. "Hello, Mr. Rathore."
I didn't shake her hand. Instead, I nodded and said, "Start the presentation."
Her smile faltered for a second, but she started the presentation. It was okay—not bad, but not great either. It wasn't up to my standards. Chachu had recommended working with them because they were old clients, but I didn't compromise on quality.
When the presentation ended, I looked at Mr. Malhotra. "It's fine, but it needs improvements. My team will guide you on the changes. Also, if we're working together, I want a 70% share in this project."
His hesitation was obvious. I knew he didn't want to agree—he had previously offered 55%—but I also knew he didn't have much of a choice. Without Rathore Industries, he wouldn't recover from his past losses. His investors were already breathing down his neck.
After a long pause, he nodded. "I agree."
"Good," I replied. "I will send you the contract documents through my PA tomorrow. Sign the papers and send them back to me." With that, I stood and walked out of the conference room, leaving no room for further discussion.
As I drove home, I felt the weight of the evening settle in. My angel wasn't there, so I had worked a little extra. I picked up my phone and dialed Siya's number, but she didn't pick up. Frustrated, I shot her a quick message: Call me back.
After about thirty minutes of driving, I was still waiting for her reply. Frustration bubbled inside me as I pulled up outside the Rathore Palace. I called her again, but still no answer. My gut told me something wasn't right, and I needed to see her.
"Kaka, take me to the Rajput house. Fast." (Kaka - Uncle)
He navigated the road with impressive speed, covering the usual forty-minute journey in just twenty. Once we arrived, I stepped out of the car and rang the doorbell.
Mr. Rajput opened the door, and his shock was evident. "A... Aarav! B... beta," he stuttered. I brushed past him, my urgency overriding any formalities. "Call Siya."
"Please sit. I will call her right away," he said, his voice trembling. I shot back, "I don't have time to waste. Call her or tell me where her room is."
The fear in his eyes only intensified my frustration. "I'll call and bring Siya bitiya," he replied. I paced back and forth in the living room, my mind racing. Why were they taking so long?
In a moment of determination, I decided to go to her room myself instead of waiting for Mr. Rajput. I took four or five steps in the direction he had gone when I heard the sound of her anklet. I stopped, my heart racing.
Siya appeared, but the usual warmth of her smile was absent. Her eyes still spoke volumes, but for the first time, I couldn't decipher her expression. What had happened to her? I had come to see my Siya, and now I couldn't leave her here.
"Mr. Rajput, I'm taking her back to Rathore Palace now," I declared firmly.
"But Aarav beta, you're coming to take her in the morning. Why now?" he asked, confusion lacing his voice.
I didn't have time for explanations, nor did he deserve any. After seeing my Siya's face, my angel mattered more than anything else. "Mr. Rajput, I'm Mr. Rathore for you or Rana sa, and I don't think you deserve my explanation," I said, my voice rising slightly, my eyes cold with authority.
Without another word, I took Siya's hand and led her out of the Rajput house.
I jumped at the knock on the door, my heart racing. I feared it might be Taiji, but then I heard Tauji's voice from outside. "Siya beta, open the door."
Relieved, I opened the door to find Tauji standing there with a worried expression. "Siya, Aarav has come to meet you. Come quickly!"
"Give me five minutes, Tauji. I need to change," I said, quickly closing the door behind me. I couldn't face Mr. Rathore like this. What would I say? What could I tell him?
I looked in the mirror, and panic washed over me. No, no, I can't go like this! My face was red and puffy, my hair was messy and damp, and there were marks on my neck from where Taiji had pulled my necklace too tightly.
I rushed to find a suit that would cover my neck.
Finally, I found a full-sleeved suit in my closet.
I quickly changed and splashed water on my face.
Then I noticed a slap mark on my cheek. I needed to cover it up!
Thank goodness Shivji Anaya had taught me some makeup skills; otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do right now.
After ten minutes, I finished getting ready. I wrapped my dupatta around my neck, making sure to hide the marks, and then opened the door.
Tauji was still there, looking anxious. We walked to the living room, and I didn't dare to look at him. When we entered, I saw Mr. Rathore standing there.
"Mr. Rajput," he said firmly. "I'm taking her back to Rathore Palace now."
Tauji hesitated, asking, "But Aarav beta, you're coming to take her in the morning. Why now?"
Mr. Rathore's voice was loud, sending a shiver down my spine. "Mr. Rajput, I'm Mr. Rathore for you or Ranasa Sa, and I don't think you deserve my explanation."
With that, he took my hand, his touch strangely comforting, and led me out of the house. I felt safe with him, like no one could hurt me anymore.
He opened the car door for me. "Sit," he said, then sat down beside me.
As the driver Kaka started the car, a heavy silence fell between us. Neither of us spoke. I didn't even ask why he had come so early; I just felt relieved that he was there.
When we arrived at the Rathore Palace, the living room was empty. It was midnight, and I guessed everyone was asleep.
When we entered the room, Mr. Rathore closed the door behind us. I felt my heart race as he gently held my hand and guided me to the bed. I sat down, unsure of what to expect, and he sat down next to me.
His gaze was intense but not scary. Then he asked in a calm but firm voice, "What happened to you?"
My mind immediately began to panic. Does he know? No... how can he know? But what if he does?Thoughts swirled in my head, making it hard to think clearly. I looked down at my hands, feeling my palms sweat.
He held both my hands in his, his touch steadying me slightly. "Siya," he said softly, "you know you can tell me anything, right? If you have a problem, I'll help you. I promise." His voice was gentle but carried an undeniable authority. "Now, tell me the truth. And don't lie—I hate lies."
I swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. Telling him the truth wasn't an option. But I couldn't stay silent either. Gathering myself, I whispered, "I...I was m-missing my parents."
His expression softened right away, and his tone turned apologetic. "I'm sorry, Siya. I can't bring your parents back... that's the one wish I can't fulfill for you. But you know my parents love you, don't you?"
I nodded.
He continued, "So, whenever you miss them, you can go to my parents. Hug them, talk to them. They'll love you the most, Siya."
I nodded again slowly, knowing he was right.
Then he asked, "Have you eaten dinner?"
I nodded again. The meal I had managed to eat felt heavy in my stomach, like a stone weighing me down.
"Good," he said. "Then sleep now. It's already too late."
He stood up and turned to walk away. I watched him for a moment, feeling conflicted. I wanted to say something, but I hesitated, my heart racing. Finally, summoning my courage, I reached out and held his hand before he could take another step.
He turned to look at me, raising an eyebrow in question. "What is it, Siya?"
"Thank you, Mr. Rathore," I murmured softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
He looked at me with a mix of amusement and seriousness. "You don't have to thank me—especially not me," he replied firmly, but there was a softness in his eyes.
Even then, I didn't let go of his hand. A thought suddenly struck me, and I asked, "Have you eaten dinner?"
He replied casually, "Yes, I did. I ate with my clients."
"Okay," I said, finally letting go of his hand, feeling a little shy.
I lay down on the bed, still thinking about his words and his actions tonight. As he headed to the bathroom, I closed my eyes, feeling a bit more at ease. Before I knew it, sleep overtook me.