Rajas : Passion Unveiled

Chapter 17

Ishani's POV

I was about to leave when Aradhan aunty and Devika aunty stop me.

"I am not letting you go without having dinner" Aradhana aunty says. I try to object but Devika aunty intervenes, "No we won't take no for an answer, you are having dinner with us and that's final" she says. "No its fine I should get going" I says. They both turn to Rajveer sir and he sighs.

He stands up and comes towards me. "Beta itna kaam kar rahi ho humara. Ab main kehe raha hoon ki ruko aur humare saath khana khao. Mehemano ko yu hi thodi jaane denge hum." He sees my hesitation.

He smiles at me, "Tumhare dadaji ke umar ke hain hum. Ab apne dadaji ki bhi nahi sunogi" he says and pats my head. Oh god this family. My heart swells and my eyes tear up but I prevent the tears from falling. I nod at him and let my designers leave. We go to the dining room.

Rajveer sir sits at one end of the table while Mr.Ranawat goes to sit at the other end, the head of the table. I stand there unsure of where I should sit seeing that clealrly there is an arrangement. Mr.Ranawat notices my state. I am startled as he comes to me and holds my elbow and drags me to the chair on his right side. His touch sends shivers down my body. He pulls the chair back and motions for me to sit. I look at him for a second.

"Gradasso" I mutter as I take a seat. [ translation - show off / boaster (Italian) ]

I see a small smile play on his lips as he takes his seat. 

His family looks at me shocked. Everyone just stares at me and then at him. I sit there confused thinking whether I have done somethng wrong. Maybe I shouldn't sit here, I think. I am about to get up when Mr.Ranawat clears his throat and motions for everyone to join the table. 

Finally the food is served and we begin eating. I was starved and this food is oh so delicious. Mr.Ranawat is silent the whole time. I talk to his family while we eat. The elders ask me about my work. I get to know that Aradhana aunty owns an NGO and is involved in a lot of social work. The youngsters tell me abot their college drama as if I was their closest friend and confidant. I smile as I look around.

They put me at ease. It was like I was used to this. I could get used to this, I think.

No Ishani what are you thinking. You came here for business and that's all. Don't be stupid.

After dinner is done I thank them and take my leave. Trilok uncle comes to me and says, "Beta I want to invite you to the party", everyone else too asks me to join and I politely accept. "Why don't you come with your family?" he says. "I have known Kailash for a long time. Tell him that I have invited all of you". I stiffen at the mention of my father. I smile at him and say, "You know him. I think if you invite him then he will be more than happy". He thinks over and nods. He then turns to Mr.Ranawat who was engrosed in his phone, again. Seriously how much is this man attached to his phone. Who ignores such a beautiful family, I wonder. Trilok uncle calls him and he looks up.

"Ayansh go see her out" he says. Mr.Ranawat looks at me and sighs frustrated, as if the thought of just being with me is that aggravating. I control my facial expressions in order to not seem rude. "I believe she can walk by herself. Can't you Ms.Agnihotri?" he asks looking at me. 

" Of course I can" I say with a smile. I turn to Trilok uncle who is fuming at his son "There is no need to bother him uncle" I say politely. "It was a pleasure meeting all of you" I say and everyone smiles at me. Aradhana aunty turns to Mr.Ranawat "Beta go and see her out" she says and he huffs with a bored expression. He walks forward with a bored expression.

I bid everyone good night and Mr.Ranawat waits for me at the door of the dining room. We walk outside in silence. We reach my car. I thank him for the dinner and he nods. I turn to got to my car when I hear his voice , "Wait".

I look back and see him coming towards me. He stands in front of me and looks at my face. I stand there confused but then I realise that he is checking my cheek. My heart flutters seeing that he remembers. 

No Ishani , don't overthink this, I say to myself.

"Its gone" I say softly. He raises his hand and his fingers touch my skin lightly over the area. He steps closer, "I know" he whispers. His hand now settles over my cheek as he looks in my eyes. My breath hitches as he leans towards me. I feel his breath on my skin and I bare my neck subconsciously. I feel him smile. I can feel his hot breath as he whispers in my ear,

"Non sono uno che si mette in mostra , Tesoro "

[ translation - I am not one to show off, darling (Italian) ]

My eyes widen in shock. He understood. Shit.

He leans back a little and smiles in victory at my shocked face. My eyes stare at his lips as he smiles.

I feel his hand at my cheek move and hold the back of my neck while his other slowly moves across my waist. He pulls me into him, our faces millimeters apart. My breathing turns hard as I feel his hand on my bare waist where my kurti has ridden up a little.

"What-what are you doing?" I ask as I grab his arms to steady myself.

"What do you mean?" he says while looking in my eyes. A smirk plays across his lips as I feel his breath on mine. His thumb grazes over my pulse and he smiles as he feels the fast rate.

"Let me go" I gasp as I feel his hand go further under my clothes. His arm is now around my waist and he pulls me even closer. Our bodies almost touch each other. Almost.

"Why should I ?" he says looking in my eyes. I lick my lips and his eyes follow the motion. "What has gotten in you?" I ask "First you don't even talk to me and now this?" I ask frustrated both mentally and physically.

"Didn't know you were so eager to talk to me" he chuckles and the vibration shoots down between my legs. "I don't" I snap back. He laughs at me as if amused by my reaction. "Hey bhagwan kya ho ky gaya hain tumhe ?" I ask confused. Is he bipolar ? Why has he changed so suddenly?

"You know why , don't you?" he says and I realise that I said the last part out loud.

He leans towards my ear and whispers , "Kya karu, saanp hoon na. Badalna toh meri fitrat mein hain" he says and then suddenly steps back with a smirk. The loss of his body makes me shiver in cold. It takes me a minute to register his words and I turn to see him go inside.

How the hell?!

I hope you liked this chapter.

Vote, Comment and show some Love!!