THE PERFECT DECEPTION

Chapter 3

Anupama 

My jaw dropped for a good second as my eyes absorbed the grey walls, and the couches clad in stark black leather contrasted with the surrounding walls. "Holy shit," Naomi muttered under her breath as I blinked several times.

"Wow!" I heard Aarya exclaim excitedly as a chandelier sparkled against the rising sun. "Anu, is this yours?" Baa murmured into my ear, whispering as the others gasped in awe. I let out a deep breath from my chest as Vanraj sneered, "Anu, have you won? It seems the judge took a liking to you," his voice dripping with condescension for an achievement I hadn't sought.

"Ms. Joshi, whenever you're ready?" My eyes fluttered as I turned to see a young gentleman observing me with a courteous smile, his hand extended for a handshake, and his suit sure to impress with his towering height. I chuckled nervously, watching as those around me remained in wonder. I rubbed my palms against my saree, creased with emotion.

I slowly shook his hand, allowing a warm smile to grace my lips. "This, Ms. Joshi, is the state-of-the-art apartment," he announced, leading the way. I felt nervous at seeing the intricately carved ceiling and a fully furnished home waiting for me. The tiles were so polished I could see my reflection in them.

My eyes sparkled at the modern layout and the strategically placed furniture. "Everything is included, from the plants to the little ornaments," he said, his voice excited and passionate about this rich-feeling establishment.

Bapuji held up a gold statue, his face widening in surprise, his eyebrow raised. "Yeh bhi?" he asked softly. Baa took it from him, twirling it gently in her hand as Kinjal approached. "Yes, Baa."

"Yehan?" she whispered in shock. "Anupama, ki bhi hai??" Her voice shook slightly as her eyes roamed every corner of the place. I drifted to the kitchen, my palm gliding over the marble and the oddly shaped sink that smelled like a million dollars.

"We could have many dinner parties," Naomi murmured, draping an arm around my shoulder. It had been a week of organizing the restaurant and signing papers in my name, with Naomi and Kai as business partners and friends. Friends who, aside from Devika and a few fleeting acquaintances, were genuine. Every smile and hug felt like a warm welcome to a world I never thought existed.

I had been hesitant about moving in, but they persuaded me, and perhaps being pampered wasn't so bad. Kinjal had playfully insisted, claiming I was invading her privacy and she needed some 'me' time—an easy excuse given the increasing media attention and the interviews with small-time channels I had been managing.

Vanraj scoffed, "It's beautiful, but how will you ever afford the rent, let alone buy it?" His voice carried a snicker. "Mr. Shah, I only invited you because of Baa and Bapuji," I smirked.

"Only if you were the owner," he retorted with a smirk. His ego was as large as a hot air balloon; pop it and watch him steam with anger like a child. "She is," Kai stated firmly, without flinching, and with a coy smile. "As if," Vanraj muttered, growing annoyed by the constant argument and correction of the insult he had thrown.

A gentleman interjected with a professional cough, which sounded almost formal, perhaps because all this was new to me. "Sir, I have the legal documents here, and they are official. Mr. King has specially ordered this establishment, which means she is the owner. She can sell, stay, and do as she pleases."

Me, Kai, and Naomi turned, crossing our arms with smirks curling on our lips, as Vanraj clenched his fist, his eyes wide. It felt good to have power and control over a situation without having to defend oneself. "Even then, she still has to pay for water and lights," Vanraj stated sternly. The man nodded, "Prepaid electricity, and of course, water is a constant price, only if she exceeds a certain amount, we penalize her with $200."