Lie and Love

8 : First Steps into 'Nirvana'

"Hey, Ani. What are you up to?" Rohan asked over the phone.

I couldn't exactly tell him that I've been going through files on his sister--background checks, financial records, social media activity, and notes on her recent whereabouts, "Oh, just browsing my phone," I replied.

"Great, get ready. I'm coming to pick you up," he said.

Was giving orders a signature Adani trait, or what?

"And where are we headed? And why do you think I'll come?" I countered.

"You're coming to my place to teach our head chef that amazing, healthy ladoo recipe," he states confidently.
Head chef? Were they living in a home or resort? "And just a reminder, you promised to share the recipe, so no backing out,"

Why would I? Kanhaji had presented me with the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Adanis on a silver platter, afterall.
"Fine, Rohan. I'll get ready."
What do billionaires wear at home?
Are they as over-the-top as Ekta kapoor showed Indian billionaire families in her serials?

A pant suit would be too formal. A short sundress, too casual.

I settled on a plain Indian suit. You could never go wrong with an Indian suit when visiting a traditional family like the Adanis.
As I finished adjusting my dupatta, the doorbell rang. I grabbed my bag and opened the door to find Rohan leaning casually against the door frame.

"Ready?" he asked, flashing his signature smile.

"Ready," I confirmed, locking the door behind me.

The ride to his home, 'Nirvana' was filled with Rohan's effortless chatter and my careful listening. My mind, however, was racing with thoughts about meeting the Adani family and how much I could learn from this visit.

"Here we are," Rohan said as we reached Nirvana.

"Everyone, this is Anika. She'll be showing us how to make her special ladoos today." Rohan introduced me to the staff.

The head chef, a man in his fifties with a kind face, greeted me warmly. "Welcome, ma'am. This boy hasn't stopped talking about your ladoos that will not spoil his diet."

"Thank you," I said, rolling up my sleeves. "Let's get started."

"Rohan, Shankar said you were in the ki...?" A stunning woman in a mauve pink saree halted mid-sentence as she caught sight of me and Rohan with their chef inside the kitchen.
Her eyes, kind yet perceptive, shifted between Rohan and me, assessing our dynamic.

"Badi Ma, taste this. I made these ladoos," Rohan said, holding out a plate.

"You did?" she asked, very well knowing Rohan.

Rohan grinned sheepishly. "Well, I mean, I helped her make the ladoos and even shaped a few."

"You haven't introduced me to your guest, Rohan," she said, turning her attention to me.
I knew exactly who she was-Mrs. Anjali Adani. I felt a bit like a stalker for knowing so much about her.

"Anika, this is my Badi Ma, Anjali Adani. Badi Ma, this is Anika, my friend," Rohan said, bridging the introduction.

"Namaste, Mrs. Adani," I greeted, bending down to touch her feet for blessings.

"Aunty will be fine, beta," she said warmly.

"So, only a friend, Rohan?" she teased.

"Ji ha, Badi Ma. Only a friend," Rohan confirmed with a hint of amusement.

"I've never seen you bring a friend into the kitchen before, Rohan. I couldn't help but wonder. Can you really blame me? It's about time one of my sons brought home a lovely lady."