Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 10

Aarohi POV

As we stepped into the mansion, opulence seemed to ooze from every corner. Tara, Mayank, and I gaped at the lavish interiors.

"Jeevan bhi logo k saath kitna anyay karta hain, kuch logo ko itne paise, aur kuch ko kuch bhi nahi", Mayank said dramatically.
[Life can be so unfair sometimes, they have all this wealth, and we have nothing]

"That's why God has made partners, if we're not rich, we can become rich by marrying a wealthy guy," Tara quipped with amusement.

"Shut up! You're rich," Mayank said with fake anger.

"Alright, food is the only common ground for the rich and the middle class," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Before we get started, I need to touch base with someone I came here specifically to meet," Rajveer asserted confidently.

While Rajveer went to meet someone and Tara stepped away to use the restroom, Mayank and I were engrossed in conversation. Suddenly, he exclaimed in my ear, "Ru! Look at that guy, he's incredibly handsome and obviously wealthy."

I glanced at the man Mayank pointed out, and I must admit, he was indeed striking. Tall, with broad shoulders, he exuded an aura that commanded attention, making it impossible for anyone to look away.

His demeanour hinted at his importance, there was an air of authority about him that suggested he was a person of significance.

As Mayank excitedly searched for Dev Singh Raichand's photo online, he exclaimed, "Ru! Ru! Ru! He's The Dev Singh Raichand, the richest man! Let's go talk to him, come on!" Little did he realize that Rajveer was already engaged in conversation with the same man when he began pulling me towards them.

As we approached, Mayank enthusiastically introduced himself, but the man's gaze lifted with an air of irritation at the interruption. When his eyes met mine, I glimpsed a hint of struggle in their depths, revealing the journey that had shaped him into the person he is today.

Mayank extended his hand for a handshake, but the man's gaze remained fixed on mine, unwavering. Instead, the person next to him offered a gentle shake, and then he introduced himself as Dev. A beautiful name, I thought to myself.

Mayank introduced himself and immediately dove into the question of Dev's net income. I had to suppress a smile at his straightforwardness.

I could sense Rajveer getting a little irritated by Mayank, which prompted him to suggest to Dev that they have a conversation later. He then took Mayank away, holding his hand.

Dev's eyes remained fixed on me, and a torrent of questions flooded my mind. Was he looking at me or something behind me? If he was indeed looking at me, was it because he found me beautiful, or perhaps he found me hideously unattractive?

I quickly excused myself and left before my mind could become overwhelmed with questions.

In that fleeting moment, I lost sight of them. I ventured near the catering area, hoping to spot them, but they were nowhere to be found. As I scanned the surroundings, lost in thought, I accidentally collided with a man. "I apologize, I wasn't paying attention," I admitted. "You don't have to resort to these old tricks to catch my eye," the man in his mid-30s quipped.

"I apologize for the collision, it wasn't intentional," I stated firmly, intending to continue, but he intercepted by grasping my wrist, drawing me closer.

"You only have to ask, darling. I wouldn't dare turn down a beauty like you," the man persisted, refusing to release his grip as I struggled to break free.