I groan sitting up, the blanket falling to my waist. I run my hands through my hair, glancing at the clock. It's two AM and sleep is the last thing on my mind. I walk towards the balcony, leaning towards the railing.
It's been a few days since the announcement of me dating Anaya and it has taken business through tolls.
Various new deals, many angry clients, many stunned faces. Gratefully, Rao uncle's business is starting to get on track again.
But that is not the thing keeping me awake, it's the restlessness.
Of trying to act like you love someone when you don't.
Maybe this is how she felt?
I sigh, knowing she should not be on my mind right now...not anymore.
I get back inside the room, cleaning and dusting corners that are spotless. Wiping the coffee table for probably the..hundredth time. I look up at the clock.
3:23
I sit on the couch scrolling through my phone. I open Chat GPT and type in, 'What to do when you can't sleep'. The AI formats a variety of options but I roll my eyes at all of them. I groan trying one last time..
I lay down, staring at the ceiling until finally closing them.
Taking slower and deeper breaths, reminding myself I have an important meeting tomorrow, I let the tiny ounce of sleep take over me.
After what feels like a minute, my alarm blares.
Seven already? But I slept like a few seconds ago..
I rub my eyes, yawning, as I sit up, trying to get out of the sleep-trance.
It's Saturday today, the date.
Fuck.The date.
I mutter a curse under my breath rushing inside the bathroom, showering and putting on my usual white shirt and black trousers, I head out. Smiling at my mother briefly, I enter the puja room. Praying for a few minutes before heading to the dining room.
''Kabir bhai, you have the date today...wear something nice'' Mayank says, shaking his head, Akansha bhabhi clicks her tongue in disapproval.
Slapping my arm she says, ''Aaj toh kuch acha pehen le sadu insaan.''
(Wear something nice at least today, boring person)
I gasp dramatically, ''Main? Sadu? I am hurt bhabhi...hurt'' I wiped my fake tears sitting down on the breakfast table.
''Dramebaaz, ladkiyon se bhi zyada nakhre hai aapke.'' Ruhi rolls her eyes while sipping her coffee.
(You have more tantrums than a girl)
Mimicking her action, I take a bite of the upma.
''Chill you people..I am not going to wear this to the date, I will come home before the date.''
I say making them sigh in relief.
Wow, the amount of trust they have on me..
Eshaan bhai pampers Akansha bhabhi the entire time, bade papa turns to him and says, ''When is the doctor's appointment Eshaan?''
''Monday.''
Bhai responds, Ruhi slides an extra piece of toast into bhabhi's plate, grining.
Everyone has been extra caring and careful towards her since her pregnancy.
After breakfast, I bid goodbye and headed out.
Getting inside my car, I turn on the radio, humming to the music. I pull at the signal, looking out the window. Smiling, the morning was vibrant and soulful.People hurrying off to work, the roadside stalls slowly opening.
The city is so..happening
I smile softly before starting to drive again. I reach the office building as I make way to my office, smiling wide at the receptionist, I enter the private elevator.
Shiv, my assistant smiles as I enter my office,
''Guess what?'' He says as I take my seat.
''What?''I ask with a soft smile.
''The payment from 'Incogic executives' that was pending...they finally gave it yesterday.''
I grin, ''Damn, that's some news I like walking into the office to..'' He chuckles, nodding.
''Well your schedule for the day is set..and as you said I made the reservation at the Taj for eight thirty.''
''Thanks, you can go now'' I nod slightly before starting with work.
After the news of my potential relationship with Anaya, that's all I have been hearing about from my staff.
Hearty congratulations, some stern or jealous glances, some unbelievable gasps and what not.
I smirk as I dial Anaya's number.
''Hello?'' Her cold voice beams after a few seconds.
''Hi there girlfriend..''
I hear her groan on the other side, I grin knowing I have gotten on her nerves.
''Someone's cranky..again.'' I murmur while sipping coffee.
''What do you want Kabi-''
''What are you wearing tonight?'' I cut her off.
''Why, you want to match?''
''Maybe..'' I smirk
''It's not a real date, wear a freaking night suit if you want, I don't care.'' She says mockingly.
I smirk, ''Ohh..want me in your bed already maam?''
''Eww shut up, gross.'' I chuckle at her response.
''God you are so easy to annoy, anyways..I will pick you up, don't drive yourself today.''
She hums in response..after a few seconds of silence, I speak up.
''Did you have lunch?''
''Lunch-wait it's time already?'' I hear her say, making my eyes widen.
''Don't tell me you forgot?'' I say with a fake gasp.
''Shut up..I will call you later.''
Before I could respond, the line ended, I sigh sinking in my seat as I continue to work.
The clock strikes four as I stretch my arms, Packing my stuff I walk out, "Shiv?" I called out.
"Yes sir?"
"I have a date today..I am leaving early, keep the meeting file of 'kapoor textiles' on my desk later" He nods as I wave and leave.
I eagerly get inside the car, driving past the heavy mumbai traffic. I call Sameer on the way, “Yes janu?” he says, making me roll my eyes.
“God Sameer” I smirk, “Okay..tell me, what should I wear to the date today?”
“Ohh…someone is taking this seriously?” I hear his little giggle.
“Shut up, You never know when the paps might come you know, I just want to be prepared, it shouldn’t look like a fake date bro”
“Look Kabir, my love, my baby, you look good in everything.” He grins.
I groan, “Sameer bas kar”
(stop it)
“Kyu, kya hua baby?”.
(why? what happened baby)
I scoff “Leave it, I will call Devam-”
“Acha acha sorry bhai, look..ask Ruhi or bhabhi, women have better sense in this!” he answers finally.
“Okay..bye”
“bye baby, miss you jaanaa…”
I roll my eyes and continue driving.
As soon as I reach home, I walk to Bhabhi and Ruhi who were watching a series on the TV..“I need your help” I say , running a hand over my hair before walking towards my room.
“Help me pick my outfit!” I announce before stepping inside, leaving the door ajar for them.They grin and rush to my room, they take over my closet, looking at every piece of clothing.
“Where are you going?” Ruhi asks, her voice timid.
“Taj..” I settle on the couch.
“Hmm, anything formal..but casual” Bhabhi says rubbing her chin.
“Beige trousers?” Ruhi asked Bhabhi as she frowned, considering the options.
A good twenty minutes later they walk to me holding an off white linen shirt with black trousers.
“This?” I ask frowning as they nod.
“We would suggest a suit but that would be too formal, it’s a date not a meeting” Ruhi says as I nod.
I take my time getting ready, stepping out in the outfit they picked, brown leather shoes, shining under the light, a silver Rolex on my wrist.
I gulp, hoping I look good.
Wait-why do I care if I look good, it's just a fake date.
“Good” they nod.
“What flowers are you getti-” Bhabhi starts.
“Lilies” I cut her off adjusting my hair, my eyes widened, realizing I let it flow in such haste.
“I mean I- “
“Yeah…we know” they smirk and leave the room.
I roll my eyes.
I drove the G-wagon to her address.
Somehow..I am nervous.
Like-really nervous.
Tapping my feet rapidly-nervous.
I pull at the parking lot of her building, I step out to spot her..
Standing there, in a black long dress.It reached her ankles. It was a halter neck, with ruffled texture around her waist.
She looked..gorgeous-
get a grip Kabir.
“Hi” I murmured, handing her the flowers.
“Thanks, this wasn’t necessary” She says gruffly looking at the bouquet
“Well..let's get going” I say as I open the passenger door for her.
She silently sits down, rolling her eyes. Her lips were tugged upwards in a frown, an annoyed one.
I smirk, settling in my seat, “So darling? How was your day?”
“I am not your darling!” She snapped almost immediately.
“Are you always this grumpy or only I get to meet this special side?”
“Shut up” My smirk widens briefly, I continue driving in silence. As we pull up at the restaurant, I turn to her, “We are here to act like a couple in love, try not to kill me hm?” I unbuckle the seat belt and walk to open her door.
I kept my hand over the small of her back as we entered the room, she gripped the flowers tightly as if my touch burnt.
Great, it should.
“You know..for someone who is supposed to be my girlfriend, you are quite shy” I whisper in her ear, my voice kissing her ear leaving a heated sensation through her.
“I am not shy Kabir..and stop this before I kill you.’’ She whispers back.
A tight lip smile framed her lips, As I give my name at the reception desk, a smile plastered on my lips as well.
Heads turned as we entered the restaurant, it was hard to notice about the kids of business socialites and now successful owners themselves. As we stop at our table, I pull out a chair for her, she sits down and I place a soft kiss on her cheek.
‘’Act like good girlfriend, will you darling?’’ I whisper before walking to my chair, Her cheeks flushed but her eyes burned,with hatred-maybe?
I mean I kind of didn’t even know her, what is all this hatred about-ohh..
I smile as we order our food and get comfortable, she spoke up.
‘’Let’s make a deal.’’ Her voice was firm, as if it was an important business deal, but soft enough to only reach me.
‘’Deal?’’ I ask leaning in.
‘’Mhm, you see..the only people this relationship- fake relationship is helping is our dads and the last thing I want is to be a pawn in part of a game, I worked my butt of to never be a part of.’’ She says.
‘’I wouldn’t call us pawns-’’
‘’Your dad asked you to agree to this for the sake of his friendship, what are you if not a pawn Kabir? You know that no one is really friends in the business world.’’
I smirk softly, she was right…but why the hell did she have to sound so hot saying that. ‘’So what is your deal?’’
‘’You are the CEO of the company that's been at top of all records for years, I am the fashion designer and the spoiled daughter of the ‘great’ Rao..we can be more than just pawns in our parents deal.’’
‘’And?’’
‘’And..You see..this is not the place to talk about here, Let’s just say, be ready to welcome me to your office on monday.
‘’What the shit-’’ I curse softly staring at her, why build up this suspense then?
‘’Kabir I will come to your office on monday with a clause on monday, And this deal is not just anyt- Baby what were your thoughts on that art gala?’’Her lips stretch in a smile, I notice the waiter walking closer to our table and lean in taking her hand.
‘’I don’t know honestly, I was busy staring at you.’’ I say softly with a mischievous smile. A pink hue spreads her cheeks. The waiter serves our food and walks away but we don’t shift.
After a while, I loosen my grip on her hand as we start eating.
‘’How are you so sure I will agree to the deal?’’
She chuckles, but it isn’t that sweet chuckle you might expect, it’s dark..almost sarcastic as she keeps her frk down and leans closer.
‘’I would end my career if you have a thought about not agreeing to the deal even for a fraction of second.’’ She whispers.
Fuck. She’s onto something.
My heart raced at the way she spoke, her voice was laced with confidence and rage. My jaw clenches for a brief second before I smile. ‘’That’s some deep level of confidence you have there sweetheart.’’
She just smirks and eats her food. I stared at her for a second before getting back to eating my food.
The ride back home was filled with heavy silence. My jaw was clenched most of the time because the woman sitting next to me, in that gorgeous black dress knew exactly how to get under my nerves.
‘’You know Anaya, I now understand why people call you the conceited daughter of Rao uncle..’’
‘’You agree I am a snob?’’
‘’You don’t?’’
‘’I thought you saw me as the high-maintenance brat since years tho.’’ She adds with a smirk.
‘’Yeah well, I would be damned if someone like you was in my life permanently.’’ I rolled my eyes.
But I deeply didn’t want to agree that I fucking loved the confidence she wore as if she owned it, she walks into a room like she belongs there. Power is her ornament and she knows it, fuck she even owns it. Her unfazed and determined aura leaves daggers on people and she does not even give a shit about it.
It's like-she owns her personality like no one can ever be close to being her.
But somehow, she was still the brat. I never really invested in details on how many kids everyone in the business world had. It was as if I never really knew she existed, but god who I am kidding..
As if I didn’t see every fucking design of hers..most of them live. As if I didn’t smile seeing her launch her label.
I knew if I admitted to Sam and Dev that I know her- remember her…they would kill me with all the naggings.
But it was true that I wasn’t aware I had to fake-date her until Sameer showed me her photo.
‘’Not everyone can handle me anyways, especially not someone like you’’ She says, pulling me out of trance.
I scoff, rolling my eyes as I pull into her building’s parking lot. She gets out before I can open her door and turns to me.
‘’That was the worst date I ever had.’’ She says with a smirk, I smirk wider leaning against the ca, ‘’Ohh I thought guys were too scared to ask you out?’’
She rolls her eyes and walks away. ‘’Goodnight darling, sweet dreams.’’ I say blowing a flying kiss, My voice high pitched as I almost scream in the parking lot, the words echoing.
I drive back home, my thoughts twirling around the deal she mentioned.
°•☆•°
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