𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 ( 𝐘𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐯𝐢 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥 )

4

"I didn't know you two already knew each other".

Yashasvi begrudgingly took a seat beside Jemimah while Shreya sat on the arm of Rhea's chair.

Jemimah folded her arms, her gaze locked with Yashasvi's as he moved towards them. "Yeah, we've had the pleasure of bumping into each other before," she replied dryly.

Yashasvi couldn't help but grin at Jemimah's dry remark. "Pleasure is a strong word. I'd say it was more of an... unexpected collision."

Jemimah raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. "Unexpected? Try 'unforgettable.' Though, I must admit, your reaction to a mocktail was quite the showstopper."

Rhea cleared her throat before Yashasvi could retort , trying to steer the conversation back to business. "Well, this could actually work in our favor. I neeed you both to be quiet and listen to what I say. Yashasvi and Jemimah, despite your...... strange past encounters ?, this strategy could benefit both of you. So well Shreya and I have been best friends for a long time now. Few days ago, we were talking on call and we discovered that we had kind of similar problems."

Shreya continued, "Exactly, so we got this crazy idea about fake dating as we informed you both".

Yashasvi's eyes flicked to Jemimah, who was glaring at him as if he were the source of all her problems. He could almost feel the hostility crackling in the air between them.

"Fake dating with her?" he repeated, disbelief evident in his tone. "And you think we're just going to go along with this? Have you lost your minds?"

Jemimah crossed her arms tighter, clearly as unimpressed as Yashasvi. "I didn't agree to this nonsense either. So, why don't you just save us all the trouble and find someone else?"

Rhea's expression grew more serious. "I get that this isn't ideal, but we're in a tight spot here. Both of you have been facing unwanted media scrutiny lately. If you agree to this arrangement, it could divert some of the negative attention and make things easier for both of you."

Shreya nodded in agreement. "Plus, it's only for a short period. Just long enough to change the narrative and give both of you some breathing room. Think of it as a temporary truce."

Yashasvi shot Jemimah a sidelong glance, his irritation mixing with reluctant curiosity. "I still don't see why I should put myself through this. What's in it for me?"

Jemimah huffed. "And why would I want to do this? Especially with someone who thinks 'sadu' is a compliment."

Yashasvi stuck out his tongue and mimicked her. While Jemimag pretended she didn't see it.

Rhea, trying to keep the conversation on track, cleared her throat. "You both are high-profile personalities. The media will have a field day with this if you don't cooperate. We've worked out that if you play along, it will benefit your public images and reduce the current media frenzy."

Jemimah looked at Yashasvi, her eyes narrowed. "I don't see how pretending to be your partner is going to help me in any way. Especially not with you."

Yashasvi shrugged, his expression conflicted. "And I can't exactly see myself being paired up with someone who thinks making a mess of my evening is fun."