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I never thought about it. For the first time in my life, I, Aarav Raichand, am effing speechless. The door knocks and since Jhanvi wants our relationship to be discreet, I quickly put some distance from her. She commands the person knocking on the door to come inside. It’s Jaya.

“Hey,” Jaya stares at Jhanvi, then me and then back at her. She is confused seeing me in Jhanvi’s cabin and probably she can read from our faces that we definitely had an intense conversation. “All okay?”

I’d always adored her protective side for Jhanvi. Nothing has changed even now.

“Yeah. All good,” Jhanvi smiles. “Mr. Raichand is my partner for our present charity initiative.”

I never thought she would announce it so formally. But I loved it.

“You are working together?” Jaya clarifies.

“Just for this initiative. Rest all seems to be the same between us. Right, Aarav?”

Is Jhanvi instigating me to cross the line? I won’t mind, but not until she gives me a green signal to claim her as mine before the world, I would do exactly as she likes.

“Of course. Whatever the queen wants.”

She laughs at my remark.

“The last time I remember my designation was of a pawn. Didn’t expect a raise so soon.”

I know it still upsets Jhanvi that I used her for my revenge, but I won’t walk out from here without showing Jhanvi her fault too.

“I had the guts to tell you I was using you, unlike you, who had a full proof plan to backstab me by joining hands with my rivals.”

Now that silences her. Guilt washes over her face, and she looks down. Jaya is too numb to even intrude on our pinpointing. But when we both don’t speak a word, Jaya intervenes.

“Time to lighten up the mood guys,” she smiles and turns to me first. “It’s my birthday next week and my friends are having a small party at the club. Aman and you are invited.”

Jaya’s birthday? And she is inviting me and Aman?

“Sure. We will be there.”

She smiles and then turns to Jhanvi, who looks apologetically at her friend for forgetting such a great event.

“Don’t be sorry. I know your workload and your partner.. I mean.. your work partner is keeping you occupied, otherwise you would be the one inviting everyone and not the birthday girl herself.”

Jhanvi stretches her arms and quickly hugs Jaya.

“Sorry, this slipped my mind.”

“Forgiven,” Jaya giggles and turns to me again. “Don’t forget, the party is on the 18thnext week.”

I make a note of that and then quickly exit the cabin.

CHAPTER 32

Jhanvi

Jaya didn’t have to invite Aarav and Aman, but I think I like that she is now getting used to bonding with men again. After her breakup, she had no faith in any man to give her happiness, but it seems like those hard walls of her heart are finally melting down. It’s been three days since I met Aarav and though we didn’t see each other, we were constantly in touch over calls to discuss our partnership. Tomorrow we had to meet an organization in London that supports the single mothers and need funds which Sikand Trust and its charity partner AR Group led by Aarav Raichand were more than willing to pay a visit and sign a cheque. We have got requests from many small NGOs which take care of single mothers, from the UK. Though this initiative is well known here, it’s still a fresh concept in India. I really wouldn’t have done this alone without the powerful support of a foundation as generous as AR Group. Their PR activities will surely help us get more visibility in India and we will be honored to help those women who have to struggle alone to raise their children.

For now, I am at my regular café, waiting for Aarav to show up, as we have a few key points to discuss. I can’t believe working with him can be this easy. I always felt it would be difficult to do anything with his coordination, but the way he has personally come up with ideas and plans for our initiative, I don’t think I can have a partner as good as him. Amidst all this, I had missed digging more about Aarav Raichand on google and so I use this little time I have got to do the same. I don’t realize how long I have been doing this when suddenly I hear his voice from behind me.

“Caught you”

With my back to the door, I should have been careful to browse about him so openly, knowing he would be here any moment. My bad!!

“Don’t get any hopes,” I clarify, scrolling some more, as he takes the seat opposite to me. “I research everyone I work with.”

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