Page 8 of Always With You

“I am sure you must be having a lot of questions for me.” He comes straight to the point.

I nod my head. “Why do you want me to marry your grandson?”

“I feel you are a perfect girl for Ranveer,” he says, never taking his gaze from my eyes.

My cheeks heat up at his statement. “How are you so sure about it? I doubt you even know me, given that I am meeting you for the first time.”

He continues to watch me for a bit long, and I can’t help wringing my hands together under his scrutiny. With mere willpower, I don’t open my mouth to question him again and wait for his response.

“Will you take my word for it if I say that through your dad, I have come to know you enough to say that you are the ideal life partner for my grandson?” His gaze bores into mine as he says that.

My mouth gapes open. The next query pops up before I can even weigh it. “Does your grandson feel the same?”

Letting out a sigh, he mumbles, “I won’t lie here, Alisha. Ranveer is still not ready to settle down.”

“Then why are you forcing this on him? Do you think it’s wise to build a marriage on these unstable grounds?” I lean forward, my finger under the chin as I look at him with narrowed eyes. This is trickier than I thought.

“Because, at times, Ranveer doesn’t realise what’s best for him. As his guardian, that’s when I have to step in and take charge. Trust me, it’s not a hasty decision. And one day, you both will agree with me that this marriage was meant to bring happiness in your lives.”

His words seem too dreamy to believe. “What’s the catch here?”

“None. I am looking for a wife for my grandson, and you fit perfectly. However, I would like to warn you that Ranveer is a bit short-tempered and can be difficult at times.” He then regards me with pleading eyes as he continues, “Nevertheless, he has a heart of gold. What I am trying to say may sound complicated to you, but I assure you that once you get to know him, you will understand what I mean.”

I know I should be excited to hear more about my would-be husband but I don’t bother to enquire about him. Instead, I find myself asking, “And in return, you are willing to waive off my dad’s loan. Am I correct?”

“Alisha, I did offer to help, and I am not going to back out. But one thing you should know is that your dad is a proud man. I was ready to let go of the loan for a long time but he refused, saying he doesn’t take handouts. Thus, I came up with this marriage proposition, assuming that with the family bond, he will accept my help.”

“Is that the only reason you suggested this marriage?” I narrow my eyes, trying to read his expressions.

He lets out a long breath. Entwining his fingers, he looks at me and responds, “No, there is one more reason behind it. Ranveer lost his parents in an air crash when he was only five. Ever since, he has become my lifeline. That day, I made a promise to my dead son that I will take care of him to the best of my capabilities. And that includes seeing to it that he marries a wonderful person, who would bring happiness in his life.” The pain on his face as he talks about his deceased family makes me pity not only him but also the little boy who lost his parents at such a young age.

He takes a sip of water from the glass on the side table, probably trying to gather his thoughts after which he continues, “When I met your dad in one of the business circles, he happened to show me a picture of yours on his mobile and couldn’t stop talking about you, saying how talented you are and how proud he is of you. He also professed his wish about wanting to open a boutique for you. He even spoke about how you value your family. Call it sixth sense, but something in my heart screamed that if I had to choose a wife for my grandson, it would unquestionably be you and only you.” I can’t help staring at him while he delivers his monologue. Do I have any say in this? I doubt I have been given much choice, considering the situation.

“At the same time, Alisha, please be rest assured that there is no pressure here. Regardless of what your answer will be, I am ready to help your dad the best way I can.”

My eyes widen at his last statement. I have never met a person who is willing to help without expecting anything in return. It is throwing me off balance. I am speechless as his words sink in.

“I will marry your grandson,” I finally answer, feeling safe in my decision.

His eyes sparkle at that, but then, the next moment, his brows are drawn together. “What about your parents? The last time I spoke to your dad, he didn’t sound happy about the alliance.”

“I will talk to Dad. It will take a bit of work, but I am sure he will agree.” I will do whatever it takes to convince them.

Mr Seth smiles. “That’s great. Welcome to the Seth family.”

I gulp at that as the words sink in. Soon, it will be the reality of my life.

Chapter 3

Ranveer

“God, last night was fun!” A female voice hums as her arm wraps tightly around my waist.

My mouth tastes like fucking lead. Damn! How many shots did I drink? Way too many, if my splitting headache is any indication. Removing her arm, I force myself to sit up, pushing the sheets away from my naked body. I scrub my hands down my face before I turn my back to her and plant my feet firmly on the floor.

“Did you know morning sex is the best way to kick start your day?” The girl whose name I can’t remember, purrs. I turn back to look at her, to see how she is clutching the silken sheet to her naked body. She is all things that scream out her intentions — pouting lips, seductively lined eyes, and false eyelashes. Also, her messy black hair doesn’t hide the fact that we had a wild night.

“Sorry, not possible. It’s eight, and I am running late for work.”

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