Page 41 of Always With You

“Please, Dad,” I whisper. “I hate thinking that you are going through this all alone. Let me help. I will hardly be at the front. I will be at the back office, handling the paperwork. Think about it, as it would give me more time to spend with you.” I feel tears sting my eyes, but I fight them back. I can’t break down in front of him. He doesn’t deal well seeing me in tears.

“Do you think this is a good idea? Handling boutique and the bar will be double the trouble for you,” he growls, making me smile.

“Yes, it is a good idea, and I can manage just fine. Now don’t over think, old man.”

He nods his head half-heartedly. “I think I can use some help.”

“That’s like my dad.”

“But I have one condition. Just one month and if things don’t pan out, you will quit.”

I roll my eyes, knowing there is no point in debating on this matter. Once his mind is made, it’s made. And if I am being honest, at times, it is so tedious to convince him, that it’s as if I am talking to a brick wall.

“You still didn’t tell me if you want chicken or mutton curry for lunch.” Mom smiles, while walking into the kitchen. She is dressed in her favourite green saree that I adore on her.

“You know I will love whatever you cook,” I say as she goes to the fridge.

“All okay here?” She looks over at dad, but I catch the concerned look she gives him.

“Everything is good, Mommy Bear,” I assure her. “Don’t stress yourself.”

“Taking and giving stress is what your mom is good at,” Dad jokes.

“Rishi, you didn’t say that.” She marches towards the kitchen door and puts her hands on her hips, pinning him down with a glare, and I almost laugh, looking at the way Dad straightens up.

“I’m sure, Mom, Dad didn’t mean that.”

And just like that, we laugh and fall into casual conversation, enjoying our day.

Chapter 17

Ranveer

The feeling of her small hand in mine was euphoric, and I am still not willing to pull myself out of the daze. When I was tending to her wound, I noticed her eyes were hazy, and the delicateness in my grasp was almost too much to bear. I could speculate that she had no inkling about what she was feeling. She was fighting all through to keep her body in control. And that only made my feelings supercharged and fluctuate wildly. My stomach clenched as I fought the urge to not to carry her over my shoulder to our bed, where I could show her what effect she has on me. With much effort, I had inwardly pulled myself out of it.

The rest of the morning passed in silence. We had our breakfast without saying a word, after which she left for her parents’ house. I was a bit anxious and didn’t like the idea of her driving by herself, but I would have to bid my time to resolve this issue. I can’t rush this, no matter what how much my inner devil is provoking me. Also, I need to figure out how to persuade her to stop fighting over the expenses, as she deserves to live lavishly with all the luxuries money can buy. Here I am, brimming with the urge to give her a luxurious lifestyle, where she won’t have to worry about a thing in the world, whereas she is running away from it. Hell, I have more money than a person can spend in a lifetime. Then why doesn’t she allow me to do as I wish and instead choses to defy me?God, this woman will make me go bald one day.

Looking in the mirror, I check my reflection and straighten my collar as well as adjust my gold cufflinks. I then make my way to the basement. Climbing into my car, I am on my way to my office. It takes me about fifty minutes’ drive though the horrendous traffic. Usually, I love to drive on my own; it’s the one hobby that rejuvenates me. However, times like today make me agitated. By the time I pull up in front of my building, I am ill at ease. There is restlessness within me which refuses to go away. So, instead of taking the elevator to my floor, I push the button to the top floor where I have my private gym. Normally, when I am frustrated or stressed, I would find a girl and fuck it out of my system, but that’s not the option now. Alisha is the only woman I desire to be with. I change into my gym attire. Stepping on the treadmill, I increase my speed until I feel my heart pound and legs ache.

“Good morning, Mr Seth.”

I turn my head to my left at the sound Joey’s voice.

“What is it, Joey?”

“I am here to remind you about your meeting in the afternoon.”

“Thanks. Also, can you please book a bouquet of the best flowers and… get it delivered in my office by… evening?” I direct her, as I continue to run. I can feel her curious eyes on me, but I ignore. I am not in the mood to deal with annoying cross questions. Her job is to follow my instructions and not ask irrelevant queries.

“Very well, Sir. They will be on your desk by six in the evening.” She nods, after which I hear the door close as she leaves the gym.

I finish working out and then quickly hop into the shower adjoining the gym. No matter how much I try to put Alisha out of my mind, I can’t stop myself from thinking about her. The only thing I want to do right now is put my arms around her and embrace her so tightly that she can feel how my heart beats for her. However, it’s all a pipedream right now. Letting out a huff, I get dressed in my formals and prepare myself for the torturous hours at work before I get to pick up my beautiful wife.

???

Standing outside her parents’ home, I knock at the door and wait patiently for her to answer the door. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I ponder,‘I hope she likes the flowers,’and I adjust the purple orchids bouquet in my hands.

“So, you can do flowers and all the romantic nonsense?” Alisha’s dad grunts as soon as he opens the door with a scowl on his face.

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