Passion & Dilemma

4. Puffs and Proximity

Prerna's POV

"Wow," I amazed looking at the city's night life through the car's window.

It's been a while since I came out at night as I have been advised (threatened) to be home by 8:30 p.m. and it was currently 9:45.

"We have reached." I was informed and the chauffeur opened the door for me.

I stepped out and looked at the fancy restaurant. I had always wanted to come here but never got a chance and today when I'm finally here, I'm hating it.

Its been a week since I agreed to get married and today I am meeting Ashish Bedi. And mind when I tell you I hate dates.

I have met many men, thanks to my father, some of them were questionable but a few magically turned out to be decent. But being decent does not do shit if I'm not interested in being in a romantic relationship with them.

But today it didn't matter whether I was interested or not. My fate has been sealed, or I might say 'traded' by my father.

I walked in and asked the staff to help me find my table. When I reached there, the staff left me on my own and I thanked them.

The man in front of me had his hung low and hands clasped together. He hadn't noticed me yet. I took a step forward and put up a small fake smile.

"Ashish?" The man's head shot up at my voice.

My mouth fell apart at the sight of him. What. A. Striking. Man. Perfectly shaped eyebrows, long eyelashes, clear skin, hair long enough to reach his eyes and, oh my god, the deep chocolate brown eyes! He was gorgeous enough to make a woman envy.

He stood up to hus full height, "Prerna?" He asked in his velvety voice.

I came out of my trance and cleared my throat. "Yes."

He gave a gentle smile. "Nice to meet you," he came near me and pulled a chair. "Please, have a seat."

I sat.

He settled back in his chair and I shifted in my chair.

How the fuck did Dad manage to find such a man?

"Let's order first, hmm? I assume you haven't had your dinner yet." He asked and I nodded.

What the hell? Why am nodding again and again? What happened to my voice? Oh woman, are you swooned by a man? A man? Stop being embarrassing.

"What would you like?" He asked and I shrugged, to which he chuckled lightly. "I see, you don't speak much, huh?" He joked and I bit my tongue in embarrassment.

He ordered for both of us and I suddenly felt awkward. My knee bounced under the table and I pushed my hands beneath my thighs in nervousness.

Well this was one the reasons why I hate dates. Because I suddenly get all quiet and awkward as soon as it's time to talk.

I gulped anxiously and huffed a bit too hard.

"Are you okay?" Ashish concerned and passed me a glass of water. "You're sweating." I emptied the glass in one go and wiped my forehead.

"I, uh, I am just bit tired. Thank you for asking." I nodded and took a deep breathe and composed myself before finally looking at his face.

"Okay," he drawled. "So you've been on many dates before, right?" He tried to run a conversation.

I tightened my grip on the edge of the chair and nodded, "Yeah." I chuckled at a thought and continued. "You yourself must have met many women. I mean, you are the only son of Bedi family." I said and leaned back in the chair, trying to feel a bit relaxed.