Love Me If You Dare

81 - Between Silence and Care

Writer's POV

Cafe Mystre

Tina handed a list of things that needed to be delivered to COSMOS for their anniversary celebration to Lakshmi.

"Why would Dev visit our cafe just to place this order? " Through a mumble, Ria asked Ishaan. 

In response, Ishaan muttered, "This man is unpredictable."

"This list is a trick; he is here for Lakhsmi." Turning in Ria's direction, Nina replied. 

'' The truth is, we're going to clo...... '' Just as Varun was about to announce that the cafe would be closing, he abruptly stopped and agreed to take up the order.

"We'll do it." Varun said

Everyone stared at Varun with shock. We are going to wrap things up, then why would he pick up that order?

"Varun..." Trying to ask Varun, Lakshmi gripped his hand. He glanced at Lakshmi and begged her to believe him.

With jealousy blazing in his eyes, Dev watched them both. He was unable to speak when he told Lakshmi that he did not wish to continue their relationship but still he can't forget what happened weeks back at night.

"I came here by myself to give this order because... this function is very important to me. That day, I don't want any drama of any type from any one of you.'' Dev said haughtily.

'' Feel guaranteed that everything will arrive on schedule.'' Varun gave Dev assurance.

"You.... I want you to hold yourself responsible." Dev stated, pointing his finger at Lakshmi. She frowned as she gave him a startled expression.

"You'll be at COSMOS for the entire event" Dev said, his voice firm but not heartless. 

"I don't want any confusion or tension because of you... or this café." He paused for a second, his eyes flickering toward her before he looked away. 

"Just... don't make me regret trusting you." Without waiting for her reply, he turned and walked off, leaving Tina explain them everything in detail.

Tina also departed the cafe after completing all the details. Everyone gathered around Varun to listen to his justification.

''As before, the plan is simple, but this time, you must accomplish our goal of going straight to the server.'' Varun said, glancing at Lakshmi.

Lakshmi muttered in a sorrowful tone, "Of course... I have to."

"But why would Dev come alone just for these few orders? Don't you guys think something's off?" Lakshmi asked, glancing at Varun and the rest of the team, her brow furrowed in suspicion.

Varun shot her an incredulous look, completely dumbfounded, and silently walked off toward the operations room.

"You seriously don't get it, do you?" Ria said, exchanging a look with the others.

Lakshmi blinked, clueless. "Get what?"

"Who's going to tell her that he was here for her?" Ishaan muttered under his breath, following Varun and Ria into the room.

Nina gave Lakshmi a sympathetic smile and patted her shoulder before leaving too.
Left alone in the now-quiet café, Lakshmi sighed deeply, staring blankly into the dim space that suddenly felt emptier than ever.

COSMOS Headquarters

Zahir entered the conference room in a hurry, where Dev was seated with Mohit and Gaurav, scanning through reports. He handed over a tablet with the extracted data.