Page 6 of Shattered

I stop pacing and glare down at him. “Don’t you dare make those cute faces at me.”

“Is it working?” he asks, wiggling his eyebrows playfully.

Urghhh... This man! I plant my hands on my hips and say firmly, “No.”

It’s seven on a Saturday morning, and here I am, still in my pink polka dot pyjamas and a t-shirt, while he sits there dressed to the nines in black pants and a matching shirt. But my frustration with him overrides any concern about my attire or the thought of changing. This was supposed to be my day off—a chance to relax at home—but my boss has other plans. Apparently, he wants me to be his date for some stupid dinnerwith one of his high-profile family friends.

“It’s just a dinner, Kavya,” he says, his tone shifting to one of exasperation, as though I am a five-year-old throwing a tantrum.

I narrow my eyes at him. “It’s not just a dinner; you want me to go as your date.”

With a smug grin, he replies, “Consider it an added bonus for you, princess.”

Ignoring his inflated ego, I cautiously ask, “What about Amaya? Why aren’t you asking her?” Amaya and Akash have been dating on and off for the past few months,and I can’t shake the feeling there’s more to their relationship than meets the eye.

“We got into a heated argument last night, and her parting words were,‘Don’t you dare show me your face again’,” hesays, mimicking her tone.

I plop down on the bed next to him and look at him. “What did you do?”

He shoots me an offended look. “Why is it that girls always think it’s the guy’s fault?” I don’t respond; instead, I just raise my eyebrows. He lets out a frustrated sigh and goes on. “Fine. I forgot our ten-month anniversary, apparently. Seriously, how does anyone expect a guy to remember all these dates? We have enough on our plates with all the business stress, and remembering these silly milestones is the last thing on our minds. You women can be really stupid sometimes,” he grumbles.

I give him a pointed look. “We’re not stupid, but we do value the things that are close to our hearts. And before you argue, those small silly things may seem insignificant to you, but they mean the world to a woman.”

“Can you please spare me the lecture and just come to dinner with me? I hate going alone. Moreover, there will be all those nosy aunties there,staring at me like I am a prize at an auction, asking if I am single and trying to set me up with their daughters.”

I shake my head adamantly. “No, Akash! There’s absolutely no way I am going as your date for this dinner! You need to findsomeone else.” I don’t want to come across as fussy, especially to the man who has always gone out of his way to help me. The only reason I am putting up a fight to avoid going to the dinner is because I know I just don’t belong in such high-class parties. The media, the crowd—it’s all too much for me. Also, I know such events always end up on page three, and I hate being in the limelight. I prefer a simple, understated life, away from the spotlight and any unwanted attention.

Reaching over, he takes my hand in his and gives it a gentle squeeze. “Do you consider me as your friend, Kavya?”

I blink a few times, resisting the urge to call out his emotional manipulation. Instead, I find myself responding, “Yes, I consider you as my best friend, but that doesn’t mean I’ll go to the dinner as your date. So, stop this emotional blackmail. I’m too smart to fall for it.”

He throws his head back and lets out a hearty laugh. “That you are. But hey, going on a date with me won’t be as bad as you’re making it out to be.”

I huff, folding my arms over my chest. “Hmm, maybe it won’t be bad, but it’s definitely not my cup of tea. I’ll have to pass.”

With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he says, “You know how persuasive I can be. Just so you know, I am not leaving your house until you agree to come with me.”

“Akash Sharma, stop being difficult!” I exclaim, throwing my hands up in frustration.

“Then just say yes, it’s that simple,” he shrugs casually as if it’s no big deal.

“What are you trying to convince her for?” Sunita Aunty’s voice cuts through as she walks into the room, carrying a tray of tea in her hand.

Akash turns to her and says with his most heart-melting smile. “Aunty, I am asking her politely to join me for dinner.”

“And I am politely declining,” I announce firmly.

Aunty sets the tea tray on the side table and raises a brow at me. “Why are you turning down such a charming young man, Kavya?”

Akash turns back to me, wiggling his eyebrows. “Yes, Kavya, please tell me why you’re turning down a charming young man like me?”

I groan inwardly.These two—when they team up, theyarea remarkably annoying duo. It’s as if the universe has conspired to put me in the most awkward situation. Aunty’s fondness for Akash isglaringly obvious. Despite my repeated attempts to make it clear thatthere’s nothing romantic between us,she stubbornly clings to the hope of us becoming a couple. If she had her way, she’d have us married off by now.

“Aunty, I want to spend the day with you and Nisha,” I answer, hoping she gets it and doesn’t try to convince me otherwise. I genuinely want to spend time at home with them, so it’s not a lie. I enjoy our time together. With my hectic schedule during the week, weekends are precious for me, and I eagerly wait to be with them as much as I can.

Aunty’s expression softens. “Kavya, it’s only dinner. You’ll still have the whole day to spend with us, and tomorrow is Sunday as well,” I begin to protest, but she stops me with a gentle shake of her head. “You need to go out more. You deserve some time for yourself.”

I close my eyes for a few seconds, then open them, glancing back and forth between Akash and Aunty.Realising I am fighting a losing battle, I relent.

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