Like a Shadow to You

Chapter 8: Like A Shadow To You

Walking along the decorated pathway, she gaped at the cascading bulb adornments lighting up the entrance. Banu slowed down her steps when she reached the stage. What confused her more was that she couldn't find any line of chairs in front of the setting. The floral dome stage enchanted her with white, purple, and red flowers. A vintage brass white sofa stood in the center of the stage adding to the charming decor.

It took a few minutes for her eyes to adjust to the setting. Then, she pulled herself from the awestruck feeling and dialed the customer's number from her smartphone. Instead of answering the call, Aravind walked at a brisk pace towards her. Banu's face showed how surprised she was to meet him in the place. She collected herself and frowned at him.

"Aravind..are you the one who ordered the bouquet?" She couldn't understand his motive but realized that he was the customer.

With a small smile, he replied in a calm tone. "Maybe I'm. Why don't we have this conversation sitting comfortably on the sofa? You know, I've just returned from Dubai after meeting with an old partner. I need a rest."

Without waiting for her answer, he took her hand in his and rushed her to the stage. She had less time to process what he said and react to him. When he reached the center of the stage, he sat on the sofa and gave a signal to his right. Rich melody began to surround the place as soon he gave the signal.

Instead of following his words, she stood there with raised brows. Aravind saw that she was still standing on the stage. He pulled her to the sofa and closed the distance between them. Banu was not comfortable near him and struggled to break free from his grip. As his grip was strong, all her attempts were in vain.

Losing her patience by every second, Banu glared at him. Aravind found her struggle funny and laughed soundly. Without any second thoughts, she bit him on his hands which made him free her immediately. He was shocked and shook his hands.

"Fiesty.. Interesting. Why am I tempted to know all of your sides?" He questioned her showing his curiosity to know her.

After wiping her mouth with her tissue, she spoke in a call but unfriendly tone. "Aravind, that's it. First of all, I don't like the way you act with me. Next, I never want to develop any sort of relationship with you. I hope you liked the order. That is the only thing I need to hear now before I leave the place."

Aravind stood from the sofa and gazed at her. His eyes started to roam her body which annoyed her further. Then, he noticed her face and diverted his attention.

"Listen, Banu. I do not want to trouble you. Unlike what you think, I want to be...friends with you. My business prevents me from having a true friendship. I can't even trust my parents on that matter. But that's how my life is. When I saw you at the event, I could see a genuine smile on your face. You were different.
Tbh, I liked it. I'm working on a new deal which involves your father. Only when I came to your house for that, did I learn that you were his daughter. No matter what you say, we are meant to meet. What do you say? Can we be friends with no expectations?"

The way Aravind spoke was entirely different from the way he spoke in their first meeting. But her instinct told her to stay away from him. She was confused about what to do with him. That was the exact moment Aravind's smartphone pinged. He saw his screen and showed her the same. It was her father who was calling him.

"Do you want to speak with him and then think about it?" As he questioned her, she remained silent.

Aravind attended the call and put him on speaker. "Aravind, are you free to speak? We need to look into the deal such that we can move it on our favor."

"Kailash, I'm a bit busy right now. I'll call you back later." He ended the call.

"Now, speak up. Can you ever consider my offer as a friend?" He asked her.

With a sigh, she nodded and left the place. Aravind got his first victory with Banu through his plan.
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Hey people,

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