Page 55 of Only With You

“Can we play Uno?” Mili asks. Her face splits with a huge grin.

“That’s a good idea. Let’s have some fun.” Grandpa approves with a smile of his own.

“You all are going to lose. I am a pro in Uno,” Ranveer announces as he grins from ear to ear.

“I don’t think so.” Grandpa rubs his hands together. “Bring the cards. I am so going to win.”

“No, I will win!” Mili chimes in next.

She runs into the room to get the Uno cards and is back in a jiffy with the cards in her hands. We gather around the square wooden coffee table. Grandpa motions for Mili and me to sit on either side of him. Ranveer ends up on my other side.

“Let the game begin,” Grandpa exclaims with a chuckle.

And so, we do. We play a couple of rounds with a lot of awws and oohs in between. I jump with excitement as I am holding the last card in my hand, tapping my feet and darting my eyes from Ranveer to the cards. To my luck, he plays a card and changes the colour to yellow. For a second, I don’t react as I don’t want to give it away, but then immediately put down my card and let out a whoop.

“Hurray, I won the first round!”

“God, Alisha, whether it be chess or Uno, you always enjoy the game and are good at beating your opponents,” he chuckles, looking at my exuberant countenance.

“What can I say? I am the best,” I tease him. Everyone bursts into laughter.

Grandpa leans into me and whispers, “My grandson is lucky to have the best woman by his side.”

The sincerity in his voice moves me to tears and I give him a wobbly smile.

Chapter 27

Ranveer

“Why the fuck is he even renting a house? Why is he not staying in some goddamn hotel?” I look over at Alisha, who is in the passenger seat beside me.

“Ranveer, you promised to be at your best behaviour, remember? He is being helpful by bringing these few important documents that I need to sign before we go to London for the final deal. He is trying to save me the travel. And I hope you will stick to your words and behave with decorum.”

That’s true. She was not happy about me accompanying her but when I made the promise to be good and not call him names on his face, she reluctantly agreed to let me tag along. “Well, I am trying my level best to behave in a decent way. But tell me one thing, who the fuck blows money by renting a house when they are here for just a couple of days?” I question her, shaking my head as I turn the steering wheel towards the left turn that leads to the jerk’s house.

“Really? You are the one to demean someone for being a squanderer, when you are a true example and have earned the title of being ‘The Spendthrift of the Century’.” From the corner of my eyes, I notice her looking dead at me while quoting the last few words.

Instead of being offended, I grin proudly, delighted with the title. “‘The Spendthrift of the Century’ Wow, I kind of like it. Sounds like an achievement.” I turn to her, fixing my gaze on her beautiful face, before pulling in front of the blue house.

She looks up at me accusingly and gives me a small huff. “Ranveer, I am so not in a mood for any brawl.” She closes her eyes for a moment and then turns towards me with pleading eyes. “All that I am saying is, I don’t want you to get down his throat and create a scene. I want this to go smoothly, so please be good to him for my sake.” Her soft, gentle voice tugs at my heartstrings.

“I will keep a latch on my mouth and keep peace,” I tell her softly, finally giving in to her plea.

“I know how hard it is for you to make that promise, but thanks for doing it for me,” she says smiling, leaning across the seat to kiss my cheek. Something about that small act doesn’t make me regret promising to be good to that jerk, even though those few minutes may stretch for longer than I like.

As soon as we step out of the car, the front door opens, and Siddh steps out wearing a yellow polka dot shirt and green skinny jeans. Seriously? Doesn’t this guy have any fashion sense? I turn to Alisha to share my two cents with her but she is regarding me, her eyes warning me not to forget the golden rule.‘Be nice.’I grit my teeth and murmur in my head.

“I thought we would be meeting alone. I didn’t know you would bring company,” Siddh grumbles, treating us to a pissed-off look as his gaze flits from her to me.

“I don’t see that to be a problem.” Her tone is bitter as she narrows her eyes at him. “Now if you can bring me the papers, I can sign them and be out of your hair.” She points her hands to the door, gesturing for him to speed up.

“I had matters to discuss with you, Alisha, and I was hoping to spend some time with you rather than having you tag Ranveer along with you,” he lashes out. His unbridled hatred is pushing me to forget the promise I made to Alisha. I fist my hands at my side, seeing red. It takes all my willpower to stay rooted and not to smash my fist into his face.

“Siddh, I did make it clear last time that we have nothing to discuss. It’s done and dusted. And you need to get over it.” With her hands on her hips, she glares at him. “I just want to sign the papers and get out of here as soon as possible,” she retorts. I know she is beyond frustrated, so I wrap my hands around her stiff shoulders, pulling her into me. She lets out a deep breath and her body relaxes when I rub the smooth skin of her arm with my thumb pad. I can’t help but give her a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Does he really love you and keep you happy?” That jerk interrupts. The gall of this man! The urge to hold him by his collar and say ‘Sorry, Dude, but that’s the reality which you need to gulp down your throat,’ is strong.

“I fucking love my wife more than you can imagine,” I hiss out.

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