Almost Love

CHAPTER ONE

6 MONTHS AGO.

"And now please welcome, the woman of the hour Ananya Kapoor '' a voice boomed and the doors opened on stage. in walked Ananya, her white stilettos click clacking as she walked to the mic, her pony tail swaying behind her. She reached the podium and smoothed out her tight white Chanel suit.

The flashing of the cameras was something she was used to and she posed for each photographer, nodding to the one she had sent for.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming, I'll be answering your question now, yes" she motioned to a lady with her hand in the air.

"How does it feel like to be the youngest person to be sponsored by the Malhotra family? Is it true they paid for your new business?"

"I must say it is an honor to be a part of the Malhotra legacy. I have worked there for many years making my way to the top until Mr Malhotra here" she gestured to an older man stood next to his son , both in an expensive brown suit. "Saw in me what I couldn't see in myself. He is my inspiration and the running force behind this company which we are excited to launch this week. While it is correct that the Malhotras have a significant share in the company, they are not the major shareholders."

"Are the link up rumours between your and Mr Malhotra son Ray Malhotra true then? Do we see a wedding on the way?"

"I do not see the need to comment on my personal life, next question. Next question ?"

-

"What a day!" She breathed out. "Those paparazzi are a tough crowd"
Finally the PR briefing was done. They had all driven back in the same car since they lived next to each other.
"Yes but they are vital for a thriving business. You did well" Mr Malhotra patted her head.
"Big day, tomorrow is the launch , make sure you get a good night's sleep"
"Yes sir,"
A doormen opened Mr Malhotra's car door and led him into their mansion.
"I'm going to get off too," she said to Ray, who wasn't paying much attention to her, he was on his phone as usual in the back seat.
She picked up her purse and threw it at him.
"Hey" he yelled, rubbing his sore arm. "What's that for?"
She pouted slightly annoyed at him, she had kept in the whole car journey because of his dad.
"You didn't congratulate me once today, nor did you tell me how pretty I looked or what an excellent job I did at handling the media" she folded her arms and turned away from him.

"Okay fine," he threw his phone in his suit pocket, " Ananya you looked absolutely…. horrible today"
"RAY!" She tried to smack for his head but couldn't reach.

"You can't get hold of Ray Malhotra no matter how hard you try" he laughed, it was a perfect laugh, the kind that made her stomach flutter and knees weak.

"What?" He said catching her staring at his brown eyes and perfect face.

"Nothing you have a really ugly laugh, don't do that in public." She rolled her eyes and got out of the car.

"Whatever" he stepped out onto the driveway.

She turned back to look at him, "Wanna walk me to my door?" She asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

"Not today, I'm knackered" he gave a lazy smile and rolled his head back slightly. Again those pesky butterflies. "Besides you literally live right across the garden."
It was true Anaya rented the condo opposite the Malhotra mansion, it belonged to them and was more of a guesthouse bungalow. Ever since she had joined the company, she accidentally mentioned she couldn't find a place to rent and her then boss, Mr Malhotra offered their bungalow.

The Malhotra's were like a family she never had
They welcomed her with open arms.
Little did she know she would fall hopelessly in love with the youngest brat.

"Ananya," he called out from his front door.
"What?"
"Well done, you did great and you looked beautiful today. Goodnight midget" he gave a final smirk and the door closed behind him.

As she walked to her front door, her cheeks burning bright red, she smiled knowing that smirk was all she was going to think about all night.