(Sorry for the late update. I was a bit busy in diwali but now since the festive has come to an end you all will get regular updates.
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DIVYA
Silent tears streamed down my face as I sat on the sofa, burying my head in my hands. I sniffled and cursed myself for being so careless and irresponsible. How could I have forgotten such an important meeting? My flight to Boston was just in an hour, and I had no idea what to do.
If I missed this meeting, they wouldn't reschedule. They'd see me as careless and unreliable. The thought of them deciding not to sell the plot to me was unbearable. This would be the first time in my career that I'd leave such a terrible impression. The realization cut deep.
A warm hand rested on my shoulder, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. Through tear-filled eyes, I saw Raghav sitting beside me, his expression soft and understanding. He handed me my phone, which he had picked up from the ground.
Gently, he cupped my face and wiped away my tears with his thumbs, caressing my cheeks. In any other situation, I would have marveled at the tenderness in his eyes. The ruthless mafia leader Raghav Sinha had a side so gentle, I could never have imagined it, even in my wildest dreams.
"What happened?" Raghav asked softly. Instead of replying, an unintentional sob escaped my lips. He continued to rub my back in soothing circles. After a few minutes, my tears finally ceased, as if I'd run out of them.
I looked up at Raghav, who was patiently waiting for me to speak. His eyes were soft, filled with concern and care. Not even my parents had ever looked at me with such concern. They never even bothered to care whether their daughter was alive or dead.
But here was the most ruthless man on the planet, sitting beside me, consoling and caring for me. As much as I didn't want to admit it, day by day, I was falling for this man. The care and love he showed me were things I had craved my entire life. Yes, sometimes he scared me, but I knew deep down he wasn't as bad as he portrayed himself to the world.
Raghav wouldn't hurt anyone without reason. His cold and introverted demeanor was a shield, a result of his traumatic childhood. I liked this side of him-the one that cared deeply for those he loved.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to set aside my thoughts and explain the situation to him. He was still rubbing my back, patiently waiting for me to speak.
"It's actually... I had a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Dawson in Boston regarding a property for my art gallery," I explained, my voice trembling. "I had a flight today, but I'm about to miss it. I need to be there by tomorrow because my meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening at a local café." I sniffed at the end of the sentence, feeling utterly defeated.
"That's it?" he said. I was taken aback by his blunt reply. I knew I wasn't as wealthy as him, but that didn't mean my profession was any less important. He had no right to look down on me like that. His words stung deeply.
"I know my problem or profession is nothing compared to yours, but that doesn't mean you can look down on me," I mumbled, hurt evident in my voice.
"No, I didn't mean that," he said, and I glanced up to see genuine confusion on his face. "What I meant was, why were you crying over such a small issue?" He cupped my face gently. "Those precious tears don't deserve to fall for such minor problems. Your tears are as precious as a mermaid's. So never let them fall from your beautiful eyes."
His words, sincere and kind, made my heart swell with happiness. It was beating faster than I could control.
He abruptly stood up and said, "Meet me tomorrow morning here at six sharp with a small travel bag."
I looked at him, confused. Before I could bombard him with a series of questions, he was already climbing the staircase. I heaved a sigh, wondering how he planned to help with my problem. But how? I shrugged off my thoughts; he was rich, so he would figure it out. All I needed to do was follow his instructions.
I grabbed a quick dinner and went to bed early, knowing I had to wake up early the next day. I set an alarm, doubting my ability to wake up on time given my habit of oversleeping. Surprisingly, I fell asleep easily, my body seemingly adjusted to these new surroundings.
The next day, I woke up with the first ring of my alarm, set for 5:30. Without wasting a second stretching in bed as I usually do, I quickly got up and had a very quick shower since I was running out of time.
I decided on a halter-neck teal green ruched dress that reached mid-thigh. To protect myself from the cold weather, I wore an off-white overcoat. I paired my outfit with heels and tied my hair in a messy bun. I picked a Louis Vuitton white handbag from the shelf-the only handbag I would carry for the trip.
I grabbed the small duffle bag I had packed last night. After giving myself a final glance in the mirror, I walked downstairs promptly at six. Entering the living room, I saw Raghav lounging on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.
I gulped nervously and stopped abruptly. My eyes took in every detail of him, and I couldn't look away. He looked handsome-no, he looked handsome every day, no doubt, but today he was charming.
I wondered how many women he would give heart attacks to today with his charming look. I had already become his first victim.
He wore a dark blue sweatshirt that hugged his body, especially around his biceps, showcasing the muscles usually hidden under his shirts. Clearly, he spent a good amount of time in the gym. He paired the sweatshirt with white trousers, making him look even more breathtaking. A luxurious watch wrapped around his left wrist completed the look. While he always looked striking in his formal attire, today he looked different-in a very good way. Casual attire suited him well. I wished he wore it more often.
As if sensing my gaze, he looked up from his phone, and our eyes met. I quickly averted my eyes, caught in the sinful act of checking him out. My cheeks heated up in embarrassment.
He walked towards me while I nervously fiddled with my handbag handle. "Let's go," he said, taking the duffle bag from my hand. I could have carried it myself, but he didn't let me protest as he walked out of the house.
I sighed. Raghav always did what he wanted without listening to anyone. Probably a genetic trait, since Aakash was also stubborn and unyielding.
I hurriedly followed him outside, where a black Mercedes waited for us. A very muscular man with hazel eyes leaned against the car. As soon as he saw us, he hurriedly opened the car door, and Raghav swiftly slipped inside, followed by me.
As we settled down, the man started the car and we drove out of the main gate. I looked out of the window and gasped at the beautiful view in front of me. It was dawn, the sky painted with soft hues of pink and orange.
The first light of dawn paints the horizon in a symphony of colors. Pinks, purples, and golds unfurl like an artist's palette, casting a dreamy glow over the still-sleeping cityscape.
Every shade of morning seems to dance in the sky, delicate tendrils of mist curling around the bases of tall buildings and the silhouettes of trees lining the road. The world is awakening slowly, and I feel a deep connection to this tranquil moment, as if the burgeoning day is whispering secrets meant only for me.
I feel someone staring at me and, as I tilt my head, I find Raghav looking at me with softness in his eyes. Our eyes meet for a heartbeat, a shared moment suspended in time, but feeling my gaze on him, he quickly diverts his eyes out of the window. There's a peaceful silence in the car, an unspoken understanding that wraps around us like a warm blanket.
The sky begins to shift, a gradual intensification of light signaling the sun's ascent. Shafts of sunlight pierce through the canopy of clouds, illuminating patches of the landscape in brilliant, fleeting bursts. As the car turns a bend, the airport comes into view, its lights twinkling like distant stars against the backdrop of the awakening day.
The car came to a halt right in front of the airport. I stepped out and inhaled the crisp morning air, noting how the airport was still relatively empty at this early hour.
"What are we doing here, Raghav? There won't be any flights to Boston at this time. I already checked," I said, a note of frustration creeping into my voice. Raghav gave me a brief, reassuring look.
"Don't worry, I've already managed everything," he replied and strode confidently into the airport. I frowned in confusion. Sometimes understanding men like him was a real challenge.
I hurried to keep up with him, only to find him veering away from the main check-in counters. My confusion deepened, but I kept following him, unwilling to question him further. I glanced back to see the driver trailing behind with our luggage. I offered him a smile, but he merely responded with a cold stare. It seemed like he and Raghav shared more than just a professional relationship-perhaps a mutual disinclination toward warm gestures.
Eventually, we arrived at a private runway where flights usually took off. However, the only aircraft on display was a small, sleek plane. It suddenly hit me-the realization that this was Raghav's private runway, and the jet before us was his own.
Of course, why would he book a commercial flight when he owned a private jet? The perks of being wealthy were becoming clear. While my family is rich, owning a private jet was something we didn't have. The thought of flying in such luxury for the first time made me feel giddy. I couldn't believe that Raghav was going to such lengths to help me by flying us to Boston in his private jet. I really needed to find a proper way to thank him for everything he was doing.
My reverie was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing his throat. I turned to see the driver looking at me with an intense, bored expression. Raghav had already begun climbing the steps of the jet. I facepalmed internally, embarrassed by my lapse in focus in front of his driver. I couldn't believe I had embarrassed myself again, this time in front of his driver. I quickly composed myself and hurried up the steps after Raghav, reminding myself to keep better control of my emotions in the future.
As I entered the jet I gasped looking at the beautiful and luxurious jet from inside. Stepping into the private jet feels like entering another world. The soft, ambient lighting bathes the interior in a warm, golden glow, casting a sophisticated hue over everything. Plush leather seats, each a sumptuous shade of cream, are arranged spaciously, offering an abundance of legroom and a promise of unparalleled comfort. The seats look more like elegant thrones than typical airplane seats, inviting me to sink into their embrace.
Polished wood paneling lines the walls, gleaming softly under the lights and exuding an air of timeless luxury. Each detail has been meticulously crafted, from the intricate stitching on the seats to the sleek, minimalist design of the overhead compartments. The air is filled with a faint, soothing scent-perhaps a blend of fine leather and fresh flowers, discreetly placed around the cabin in crystal vases.
A large, state-of-the-art entertainment system spans one side of the jet, complete with a high-definition screen and an array of options that would put a home theater to shame. Next to it, a small bar area is stocked with an impressive selection of top-shelf liquors, wines, and sparkling water, all arranged with the precision of a five-star hotel. Crystal glasses catch the light, sparkling like gems and hinting at the promise of refined indulgence.
In the center of the cabin, a polished mahogany table is set with fine china and silverware, ready for an in-flight dining experience that rivals any gourmet restaurant. Comfortable sofas are strategically placed, inviting relaxed conversation or a peaceful nap, adorned with soft cashmere throws and silk cushions in muted, elegant tones.
The cabin crew, dressed impeccably in tailored uniforms, move with a quiet efficiency, their smiles warm and welcoming. As I settle into one of the luxurious seats, I can't help but marvel at the sheer elegance and attention to detail. I decided to take the window seat, eager to see the beautiful view. Raghav was still busy conversing with some cabin crew, but soon he joined me. I expected him to sit somewhere else, given how much he valued his privacy. To my surprise, he sat right beside me.
My thoughts were interrupted when the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom, asking us to fasten our seatbelts for takeoff. I fumbled with my seatbelt, growing increasingly frustrated when I couldn't get it to click.
"Let me help you," Raghav said, leaning toward me. He took the belt from my hands and, with careful precision, fastened it securely.
"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up my cheeks.
Then my eyes drift out of the window, and I look at the scene in awe as the jet slowly takes off. The ground below begins to recede, the details of the airport growing smaller and more indistinct. The runway, with its parallel lines and waiting planes, transforms into a miniature tableau, a fleeting glimpse of the world we're leaving behind.
As we ascend, the city unfurls beneath us like a vast, intricate tapestry. Buildings shrink into tiny blocks, streets weave together into delicate patterns, and the cars moving along them become little more than dots. The sun, now fully risen, casts a golden light over everything, making the landscape shimmer with a surreal beauty.
Clouds drift lazily by,
their soft, billowy forms almost close enough to touch. They create a patchwork of shadows on the ground, adding depth and texture to the scene below. The horizon stretches endlessly, a perfect blend of blues and whites, hinting at the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
As the jet levels out, the world beneath transforms from a bustling cityscape to serene, rolling landscapes. Fields and forests spread out like a green quilt, rivers glinting silver as they wind their way through the terrain. The view is mesmerizing, a constant reminder of the vastness of the world and the smallness of our place within it.
I press my forehead against the cool window, feeling a sense of wonder and excitement bubble up inside me.
Soon, a beautiful air hostess walked towards us with a professional smile.
"Sir, would you like to order something?" she said in an extra sweet voice, bending slightly. The first two buttons of her shirt were open, revealing her cleavage. I grimaced at her attempt at seduction. What a slut, I thought to myself.
I quickly looked at Raghav to see his reaction, but he was too busy scanning the food menu. He didn't even bother to glance at her. This gave me immense satisfaction.
"What do you want to have?" he asked, his eyes still on the menu. I licked my dry lips and said, "A coffee." He hummed in response.
"Bring us a cup of cappuccino, heavy on milk, and a cup of black coffee," he ordered without glancing at the air hostess. I gasped in shock, realizing that he knew how I liked my coffee. I thought he didn't know anything about me, but I was so wrong. Well, he is Raghav Sinha; nothing can be hidden from his eyes.
The air hostess looked offended by his behavior, and she even dared to glare at me. But I simply ignored her.
"Okay, sir," she replied and walked away.
"The air hostess looks interested in you," I said. He raised his eyebrows in amusement, then shrugged his shoulders and said, "Half of the female population of this world seems interested in me, so what?"
It would be a lie if I said that I wasn't satisfied with his answer. I was really happy that he was unbothered.
"So tell me, Ms. Aggarwal, are you also interested in me?" Raghav asked playfully, his eyes twinkling with mischief. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my cheeks flush. The question caught me completely off guard. "No, it's not..." I stammered, but the words trailed off as I noticed his expression shift from playful to something more serious, almost offended. Each word seemed to deepen the frown lines on his forehead. I swallowed hard, anxiety knotting in my stomach. The last thing I wanted was to offend the man who had been my pillar of support.
"So, you're not interested in me?" he pressed, his voice softer, almost coaxing. "No, it's not like..." I began again, but my voice faltered. What was I trying to say? Admitting my feelings felt like standing on the edge of a precipice. I cursed myself silently for my foolishness.
A slow, teasing smile spread across his face. "So, you are interested in me?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp, amusement dancing in their depths. I felt trapped, unable to neither confirm nor deny without revealing too much. I glanced at him, seeing him now with his chin resting on his palm, watching me intently, his smirk widening. He was enjoying this, deliberately putting me in this awkward position.
I opened my mouth to respond, but no sound came out. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, none of which formed coherent sentences. Just then, a noise caught my attention, and I looked up to see the air hostess approaching with our order. Relief washed over me. For once, her interruption was welcome.
Raghav straightened in his seat, his demeanor instantly shifting from playful to cold as he eyed the air hostess. She set our drinks down with a forced smile, her earlier attempts at seduction clearly thwarted by his indifference.
"Sir, if you need anything else, just let me know," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness that only I could see through. Raghav simply nodded, dismissing her with a nonchalant wave.
He handed me my cappuccino, his fingers briefly brushing against mine. "Thanks," I mumbled. I sniffed the coffee before taking a sip, feeling better and refreshed. The rich, warm flavor spread through me, calming my nerves. I looked out of the window and found only clouds surrounding us, an endless expanse of white and gray. The sense of being suspended between heaven and earth was surreal, almost otherworldly.
As we flew through the endless sky, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled me. The journey ahead was unknown, but for the first time, I felt ready to embrace it, knowing that perhaps, I wasn't as alone as I had thought. Thus time, I have someone with me who might be dangerous but also a good person. At least he is beside me in my time of need, and that's all that matters for now.