Games of Deception

Chapter 8 - Dangerous Liaison

Friday, May 8th 2015

The panoramic view of the beautifully lit up night sky of Mumbai is spectacular from the 34th floor, rooftop.  The transparent windscreens shield from the loud, howling wind, creating an atmosphere of serenity.  The stark white furniture against the dark floor and black accessories adds an aura of sophistication.  The night glow lamps are placed strategically to enhance the intimacy of the settee.

Sitting on the cylindrically shaped, dented bar stools, Rishabh sips on a glass of brandy.  Dressed in a black crew cut blazer, solid charcoal, fitted t-shirt and dark blue denims, he is oozing sophistication and virility.  He looks at his watch, impatient and annoyed.  Half an hour past the time he had given Madhubala Malik, Rishabh Kundra does not tolerate unpunctuality.  He is a firm believer that time management is the key to success and anyone who does not respect time, does not deserve to be respected.  Nonetheless, he mentally concedes, she never agreed to meet him at Aer.  He smiles reluctantly, in fact, given how much she likes to express how much she dislikes him, he should be just thankful if she deigns to show up.

Rishabh turns around and lounges back, leaning his elbows against the white, quartz bar counter.  As if seeking his prey, his eyes hone in on Madhubala, his gaze wholly appreciative.  His eyes blaze with akin interest as they skim over her hourglass figure, clad in the figure hugging, white dress.  They connect with her hesitant gaze and he raises one brow, silently inquiring about her immovable state in front of the glass door elevator.

Rishabh stands up with fluid grace and awaits Madhu's slow, unsure steps towards him.  His dimples in full evidence, he flashes his teeth and curls up his lips into his charmingly deadly smile, that has earned him the reputation of a lovable rake.  With utmost confidence, he leans in and kisses her right cheek in greeting; his lips soft, feathery and moist, sending thrills of anticipation down Madhu's spine.

He pulls away and drawls, "Good evening Ms. Malik.  I knew you would come tonight."

With a gaellic shrug, Madhu states indifferently, "Mr. Kundra don't take this as a sign that I have surrendered.  I was just merely curious to see what sort of nonsensical stunts you would pull tonight to get me in your bed.  Perhaps your efforts would prove to be unsuccessful though amusing."

Rishabh grins with amusement as he holds Madhu's elbow in a firm grasp and guides her to the bar stool next to his.  Sitting down next to her, he raises his hand and gestures to the busy bartender to come and take her drink order.

He turns to the side and faces her, leaning his right elbow against the bar and states softly, "Ms. Malik, why do you persist on issuing a challenge?" Grinning wolfishly, "Now I must try to seduce you and succeed as well."

Madhu flips her hair back in a dainty, ladylike gesture and gazes at him haughtily, "Try as you might Mr. Kundra but you won't succeed."

The bartender comes over and takes her order.  His lips twitch with humor as she orders a typical female drink, apple martini.  Glancing at his amused expression, Madhu quirks her brow in a silent question.

Rishabh shrugs his shoulders and states casually, "Just surprised, that's all.  I assumed you would go for vodka on the rocks or gin tonic.  I certainly didn't expect you would order a typical cocktail like an appletini."

Madhu leans forward and smiles coquettishly, "I can't be defined Mr. Kundra.  I can't be fit into a box.  Just when you expect me to be different, I will go the typical route and vice versa.  So it's best if you are not assumptive when it comes to me."

He raises his glass in mock salute, "Touche." Pointing at the bartender to refill his glass, he swishes it about and asks casually, "So how's Mukund Dixit?  He and I haven't kept in touch since we graduated from college.  You two still together?"