CHAPTER 10 #3
So I wait, folding my arms across my chest.
Go on. Explain this. I too want to know.
“Uh…” Raghav finally speaks. “There must have been some misunderstanding. I didn’t tell anyone anything like that.”
He’s lying. And from the look on Kailash Uncle’s face, he isn’t convinced either. “Such misunderstandings shouldn’t happen, Raghav. When someone is here under our care, their comfort and choice should never feel compromised.”
I smile, liking that Uncle is on my side.
And then, my attention drifts lower to Raghav’s pendant as it catches the light again.
Just like that, I remember the way his voice had changed into something softer when he spoke about his mother that day.
Even when he was talking to his twin brother, he seemed so casual and relaxed.
And now, there’s this concern for Kailash Uncle.
All of this is making me see Raghav in a different light, and suddenly, everything starts to make sense.
Yes, he carries that authority, that cold edge that makes people keep their distance.
But beneath it, there’s something he doesn’t show, yet cannot completely hide either.
And somehow, I’m surprised at how well I can read him now.
He may be a man the mafia world fears, but when it comes to his family…
he’s unexpectedly quite gentle and caring.
As my gaze lingers on the pendant a bit longer, I feel his eyes on me. When I look up, he is already watching, as if he knows exactly what I was looking at and where my thoughts had wandered, without me saying a word.
For a second, neither of us looks away. Uncle’s gaze moves between us, watching, observing. Then he clears his throat, almost deliberately, pulling us out of that moment.
“Anyway,” Uncle says, letting the moment pass without pushing. “Siya, you mentioned you’re not interested in doing the vineyard tour alone.”
I nod.
His tone softens slightly. “I understand that. But trust me, this place is beautiful. Once you see it up close, you’ll understand it better.
You might even end up liking it more than you already do.
And since I’m here, why not let me have that honour?
If you’re okay with it, I’d be happy to show you the vineyard myself. ”
The offer catches me off guard. But before I can respond, Raghav steps in.
“No,” he snaps. “That won’t be necessary. We have staff for that. You’re here only for two days, Baba. There’s no need for you to take any stress. You already have enough work to handle.”
His gaze stays fixed on Kailash Uncle. I watch their exchange quietly.
And then, it clicks. So this is why Raghav has been pushing me since morning, constantly finding excuses to keep me occupied and away from meeting his Baba.
He didn’t want me anywhere close to this part of his life, the one he’s built carefully.
The family that he is protecting now from the mafia world from where I come from.
Of course he wouldn’t trust me. I’m a Vardhaan. A name tied to everything he has walked away from, a past he has intentionally buried. And I… respect that. If keeping his distance from me is what protects his world and his people, then I’m not going to cross that line just because I can.
“I think RK is right,” I say, stepping in. “I don’t want to bother you, Uncle. I can see the vineyard some other time. That’s fine.”
But Uncle shakes his head.
“No, no,” he says, dismissing my words. “That’s not an option now.
I really want to show you the place. It would be good for me as well.
I’ve been connected to this estate for years, but after Raghav took over, about two and a half years ago, I haven’t had the chance to properly walk through it again. Don’t deny me, Siya.”
His eyes meet Raghav’s before coming to rest on me again.
“It would be my pleasure,” he says simply. “Only if you are willing.”
I hesitate for a second. Not because I don’t want to see the vineyard, but because I know Raghav doesn’t want this either. Still, I can’t deny the kindness of the man who is so eager to show me the place.
“Okay,” I say finally. “Let’s do it.”
“Good.” Uncle’s smile widens, clearly satisfied, as he turns to Raghav. “Raghav, please tell Esha to make the necessary arrangements. I’ll take Siya myself for the vineyard tour.”
Raghav doesn’t respond. He just looks at him and then at me. A flicker of irritation crosses his face before he finally looks away. Without a word, he turns and walks off to carry out his Baba’s request. Uncle watches him go with pride on his face.
“Raghav may argue,” he murmurs, almost to himself, “but he has never gone against my word.”
Really? I glance at him, wondering how the same man whose name still evokes fear back in the mafia world listens to, respects, and stays grounded to his family as though nothing else exists beyond them?
I might not want to admit it aloud, even to myself, but for the first time, I truly want to see the man beyond his reputation… the man I’m here for.
Raghav Kundra.