Learning to Love

Chapter 31

Priya crept behind Aman, and he could feel her fear at once.  Rakesh stepped forward and continued to talk.

“Welcome to Detroit. Can I offer you a ride?” Rakesh said.  A sense of dread came over Priya. She did not want to be in a car with Rakesh.  

“No thanks.” Aman said curtly.  

“Why not, Aman? I’m trying to be hospitable here.” Rakesh replied.  

“We’re capable of finding our own way, but thanks for the concern.” Aman said, walking away.  

“Don’t worry, Priya.  I had a hotel booked out of the city.  He won’t know where to find us.” Aman reassured Priya as a taxi pulled up.

Priya was grateful that Aman was so clever.  She had no idea that Rakesh was going to be attending this business conference in Detroit, otherwise she would’ve refused to come.  After nearly an hour of driving, they finally pulled up to their hotel.  It was a fancy, five star hotel, probably the most luxurious in the whole state.  Aman had booked two enormous suites for them.  The suites were adjacent to each other and even had a connecting glass sliding door.

“Take your pick.” Aman said once they entered one of the suites.  They looked identical, except the one next door had the bed positioned so that the person could look through the glass double doors when they laid down.  Priya decided to go for that one for no particular reason.  

They arrived a day ahead of the start of the conference but Aman didn’t feel like touring the city, instead he wanted to relax at the hotel.  Priya heard the sliding glass door slam  as Aman slid it open and entered her room.  

“I wonder why this is here.” He was thinking aloud.  

“Probably for married couples who don’t stay in the same bedroom.” Priya replied sarcastically.  

Aman let out a laugh.  It was the first time he’d ever heard Priya speak with a sarcastic tone.  He liked this side of her.  

“But actually though. There’s no privacy.” Aman pointed out.

“There’s a curtain that can be drawn.” said Priya as she noticed the fabric on either side of the double doors.  

“There’s no need for that. It’s not like we’re strangers.” Aman said, pulling Priya closer to him.  

“Aman, what are you doing?” Priya asked.  

“What do you think I’m doing?” Aman replied.  He didn’t give Priya a chance to reply.  He gently placed a kiss on her lips.  His phone rang, interrupting their kiss. Aman sighed as he answered it.  

“Hello?” Aman said into his phone.

“Aman...where are you staying?” Hiten’s voice asked through the phone.

“Hiten? Are you in Detroit?” Aman asked.

“Duh! Did you think I wouldn’t find out where you went?” Hiten replied dramatically.  

“Oh my god, such a drama queen,” Aman laughed.  

“Tell me where you are!” Hiten whined.  

Aman told Hiten where the hotel was located.  Hiten agreed to come to the same hotel after some complaining about its far proximity from Detroit and after a little convincing from Aman.  

“Hiten found us.” Aman told Priya, who smiled back in response.  

“When does the conference start?” Priya asked.