Rosy almost got a heart attack when I told her that the rumors about Advik and me are actually true. She was disappointed that I didn't tell her sooner and accused me of keeping secrets and being dishonest. I apologized and tried to explain that I just didn't want to cause any drama at work, but still, she was upset. It was just a matter of a few minutes before she let go of her anger and things turned like before. She was more than happy for me.
The whole day, my mind kept going back to the message. I know my uncle is just trying to scare me off, I know him better. I was staring at it and almost got startled when I heard my cabin door knock.
I watched as Kevin approached me and spoke, "Ria? Can you please book the flight tickets to India? Mr. Aggarwal is urgently needed there as soon as possible."
"India?" I asked, my eyes sparkling with hope.
It was a golden opportunity for me. And I wouldn't miss it by any chance. It's the place where everything is buried. And maybe if I go there, it will help me find things.
Kevin nodded and turned around to go, but then paused and spun around again like he remembered something.
"Book the tickets to Mumbai." He spoke.
"But our main head office is in Delhi."
"Yeah, But Mr. Aggarwal has decided that the meeting will be held in Mumbai since the majority of members live there."
"Oh, Okay," I said, even though I was a little disappointed that I would not be able to visit my hometown, I was still relieved and kind of excited to visit. I will find a way out once I reach there.
Kevin disappeared and I instantly busied myself in booking the tickets. Once, I was done, I stood up and went towards Advik's cabin.
I knocked, and entered, seeing Advik sitting on his chair, his eyes glued to the laptop screen.
He looked up and smiled making his dimple pop out.
"Here, I booked two tickets. And the flight is the day after tomorrow." I said putting the tickets on the table, with a bright smile.
"Yeah, did you inform Kevin?" His voice came breaking my thoughts.
I gave him a puzzled look, and murmured, "Kevin?"
He nodded, leaning back on his chair, "Yes, Kevin will accompany me to India."
I froze, my eyes widening at his words, "What? No! I am coming with you." I shot him a glare; he was ruining my happiness. I have been dreaming of going there ever since I heard the news. I even booked the ticket with my name.
He sighed, and shook his head, looking away from me, "You're not. You will stay here."
I stared at him in disbelief. He can't do this. Snatching away my happiness. Unfortunately, my glare didn't affect him.
I went near, stood beside him, keeping my one palm on the table as I leaned into it, and said sternly.
"Mr. Aggarwal, I'm your secretary. You will need me there."
He released a deep breath and looked up, locking his gaze with mine, "No, Ms. Mehra, I can handle everything by myself."
"No. I want to come."
"You can't."
"I will."
"No." His expression was stern and intense, making my blood boil more.
"I will come. That's it. You can do anything you want to stop me, but my decision won't change." I spoke, meeting his stern gaze.
He leaned back, and raised his eyebrows, "Anything?"
I nodded.
He smirked, his eyes sparkling, as he repeated, "Anything?"
The way his voice sounded made me feel butterflies. And I don't know why I was blushing like hell at such a small thing.
I gave him a furious look to which he blinked, then took my hand in his and without warning, pulled me onto his lap. I gasped in surprise at the unexpected move.
His strong arms wrapped around me, holding me firmly in place and his hands settled on my waist. My breath hitched due to our proximity, my hands clutching his shirt tightly. I looked up, and his gaze locked with mine. I could see a mixture of dominance and desire in his eyes that he was trying to control so hard. His proximity combined with his intense gaze and the feel of his hands on my hips, ignited a fire of something within me. It left me craving more.
He tucked my hair behind my ear and caressed my flushed cheek, his thumb tracing along my jawline. I swallowed, my heart fluttering, and found myself unable to look away from him. His captivating ocean-blue eyes drowned me in them, and my anger disappeared replacing it with nervousness.
He had a calm expression on his face as his eyes roamed on my face.
Don't forget your motive, Ria! You are here to convince him.
"You...You won't be able to handle things there. Please...let me come. I... " I stopped as his eyes stopped on my lips, and his thumb brushed my bottom lip.
He leaned closer, his warm breath hitting my neck and making me shiver, as he whispered in my ear, "I don't think you're going to win this argument." His voice was husky as he caressed my hips.
I bit my lips, torn between wanting to argue and wanting to give in to the overwhelming desire.
"Advik...I..." I tried to speak but words didn't come out. He tightened his grip on my hips, pulling me even closer. The goosebumps spread on my whole body seeing something flickering in his eyes and then, his gaze darkened. My heart raced when he leaned dangerously close to me with his breath hitting my lips as our nose touched.
"You were saying?" A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips seeing the effect he was having on me.
His lips brushed against mine, making me hold him tight. I was too lost to think about anything.
I parted my lips, but nothing came out, his lips hovering over mine was enough to make me feel things I have never felt. My heart thudded against my chest as I waited for him with heavy breaths to crash his lips on mine. But he was testing my patience.
I could feel the heat rising between us, the air thick with tension. My desire to feel his lips on mine kept growing with each passing second. I don't know what was stopping him.
"Ria." He whispered; his voice filled with desire, "Can I?" his question came making warmth spread across my chest.
I smiled and crashed my lips on his taking him off guard. His lips felt warm and soft. He was stunned for a few seconds but when he came back to his senses, his grip on my waist tightened, and he deepened the kiss.
My hands instinctively found their place on his chest while his one hand grasped the nape of my neck, pulling me dangerously close to him. Gently, he brushed his upper lips with my lower, sending a shiver down my spine. Then he captured it between his own lips, his tongue delving into my mouth.
With each press of his lips against mine, he stirred a longing deep within me, and I surrendered to the intensity of the moment.
He pulled back after a while, leaving me breathless. Putting his forehead on mine, he gazed into my eyes, with emotions swirling behind his ocean-blue eyes. Noticing the red blush on my cheeks, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. I watched as he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead making me close my eyes in contentment.
===================================
I wasn't successful in convincing him.
But I knew, I would do it. I just got carried away with my wants but next time, I will surely convince him.
I was back in my cabin, the sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room while I paced back and forth, my phone pressed tightly to my ear. Papers were scattered across my desk, and the hum of the air conditioner filled the silence. My phone rang flashing Ruby's name.
"Ruby, I got the message in the morning, it says 'Stop the investigation or you won't like the consequences.'" I spoke on the phone, my voice filled with terror.
"What? Are you serious? Who would send something like that?" Her concerned voice came.
I gulped and stared at the wall, "I don't know. But it means we're getting close to something, doesn't it?"
"Absolutely. They are trying to scare you off. But you know what this message is strong evidence that the accident wasn't natural. Did the message say anything else?"
I shook my head, "No, just that. But Ruby.... what if they do something? What if something happens to you? I don't want you to get ruined in all this."
Her reassuring voice came, "Ria, listen to me. We're not backing down. Your parents deserve justice, and we're going to find out what really happened. I have dealt with these kinds of things before. Trust me, nothing will happen. But we just need to be careful."
"Okay." I sighed and nodded.
"Yes, One more thing." She paused, and I heard shuffling from the other side, then she continued, "Your Uncle... I don't think he was involved in the accident."
I stopped on my track, shocked, "What? Are you sure? I was so convinced it was him..."
"Yes, But I checked into that. He was on a foreign trip when the accident happened. He has a solid alibi. I'm not 100% sure, but the probability of him doing this is less."
I released a deep breath, my voice shaking a bit, "If it's not my uncle, then who sent this message? I don't know who to trust anymore. This is terrifying, Ruby."
"Don't worry. I'll keep looking into it. In the meantime, you need to stay safe. Don't go anywhere alone and keep your phone with you at all times. And please don't panic, getting this type of message is normal in cases like this." She spoke, trying to ease my tension, but I knew better.
"Okay." Then I said and ended up the call.
After ending the call with Ruby, my emotions were a whirlwind. I stood still for a moment, my phone still clutched tightly in my hand. The room felt suddenly colder, and a shiver runs down my spine. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach.
I had been so certain my uncle was involved, and now that certainty has been shattered. The ground beneath me felt unstable as if everything I thought I knew had been turned upside down.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.
Don't worry, It will pass.
The truth will be uncovered.