MR. RAISINGHANIA AND MS. SHAH

7.

Vansh's POV:

The car ride was silent and I took this time to properly look at Riddhima. She was wearing a modest light blue dress that suited her well. She was looking beautiful and my grandmother's ring fit perfectly on her slender finger.

I sighed as I thought about Aahan. That sneaky little brat had skillfully avoided going to this dinner and then had the audacity to give me a thumbs up when we were heading out the door. I was going to make sure that Angre would be extra tough on him in their next practice session.

The Maestri mansion appeared in view and I let out a loud groan. Riddhima looked at me in confusion but I just shook my head in return. I had half the mind to turn around and go home, sparing the both of us from this torture but it was a necessary evil. The only thing motivating me was that after today there would be no more of Mansi's unwanted advances that always made dinner uncomfortable. Even father had noticed!

I parked in the garage, noticing my father's car was already here. I helped Riddhima out of the car, tucked her left hand in the crook of my arm and escorted her to the main door. Even before I could raise my arm to ring the doorbell, the door opened and Mansi greeted us with a broad smile that dimmed when she saw Riddhima and vanished when she noticed the engagement ring on her finger.

Before she could say anything, Mr. Maestri and father joined us. They each had a glass of scotch in their hands and looked to be laughing about something. Mr. Maestri smiled at Riddhima and extended his hand in greeting.

"Hello, I am Antonio Maestri."

Riddhima smiled back at him and shook his hand while answering.

"Hello Mr. Maestri, I am Riddhima Shah."

"Oh I know. You are all Adarsh has been talking about since he came here. You were very brave when you went after those guys to save Aahan. I can see why Vansh here would be so smitten by you."

He let out a hearty laugh and father joined him while Riddhima blushed and mumbled thank you under her breath and Mansi glared at Riddhima. I covered Riddhima's hand that was tucked into the crook of my elbow and frowned as Mansi's glare intensified. Mr. Maestri continued the conversation, oblivious to his daughter's growing anger.

"Here, this is my daughter Mansi."

A devilish glint entered her eyes as she stretched her hand for a handshake and her lips formed a weirdly sweet smile. This unsettled me. Mansi was planning something and I knew that it was related to Riddhima. So before Riddhima could shake Mansi's hand I pulled her into my side and slightly angled her away from Mansi. She gave me a confused look but directed a gentle smile towards Mansi.

"Hello Mansi, nice to meet you."

Mansi scowled at Riddhima, turned on her heels and left. Riddhima frowned and turned to question me but before she could utter a word I directed my gaze to Mr. Maestri.

"Can we come in Uncle?"

"Oh! How very forgetful of me. Please do come in."