THE MISTRESS ✔️ (COMPLETED)

58~ It's All in the Past

Jhanvi stood excitedly outside Dominos Pizza outlet. She was waiting anxiously for Eshaan and kept shifting her weight from one feet to the other. She pulled down the slim fit long sleeve of her white Tee and glanced at her wrist watch. 1pm. Then, she looked around. Eshaan had said they will meet here at 1 but in eagerness to be with him she had arrived at the venue half an hour early. She looked to her right and then to her left. Eshaan had said that his office was walking distance and so he would come soon. He had always been punctual. Jhanvi bit her lip and instantly regretted as she tasted the glossy lip-gloss.

'Yuck!' She made a face.

Generally, she doesn't wear lip-gloss and kohl but watching Monica get ready she thought to try them. Plus, she was highly tempted to use her lip gloss and Kohl.

She was busy smudging the lip-gloss when she heard a voice. She was startled and turned her head. A smile appeared on her face upon seeing Eshaan standing beside her. He smiled back. She leaned and hugged him. He hugged her back.

'Sorry, I got late. We had a shoot and-'

Jhanvi held his hand and he stopped speaking, he looked at her and she smiled.

'You needn't give me any explanations.' She said and then dragged him with her.

************************

Once they had ordered Eshaan handed the menu card to the waiter and looked at Jhanvi. She had folded her arms and resting them on the table.

'Nice place.' She commented looking around. Eshaan nodded shifting in his seat. He kept thinking of Monica's words about marriage. Though he didn't want to pay attention to her somehow it got stuck in his head and he wanted to talk to Jhanvi about it. But wasn't sure how to steer the conversation there.

'Jhanvi?' – He began, and she looked at him, - 'You were saying,' – He adjusted his tie and shifted, - 'your parents were talking about your marriage, so?' – Jhanvi's smile dropped, - 'What are your plans?' He asked.

Her posture changed, and she took a moment to herself before saying, - 'Eshaan? Why this topic all of the sudden?' She asked looking at him. She held her breath wondering if the Ranawat's told him about their alliance.

What if he rejects me? – She thought worriedly.

Eshaan forced a small smile, - 'Nothing. Just like that.' He said. Jhanvi let out the breath she had been holding.

She bit her lip as she thought – Should I tell him? It is now or never. He has brought the topic himself.

'Um, Eshaan.' She pulled her chair closer to the table. Eshaan looked up from the salt stand. She forced a smiled and continued.

'My parents have gotten an alliance, and this time I am interested.' She said uncertainly. Eshaan shifted placing his arm on the table.

'Great. How is the Bakra?' He said and laughed. Jhanvi forced a smile.

'It's- I-know him personally and he is a great guy, but I am not sure if he is interested in me.' – She paused for a second before adding, - 'his parents are, though.'

Eshaan extended his hand and held hers, - 'Nonsense, Jhanvi. You are a wonderful girl. Only a fool will say no to you.' – He squeezed her palm, - 'Anyway, tell me who is that lucky man?' He asked.

Jhanvi gulped softly, though his words had given her some hope she was still hesitant. She held his gaze and replied, - 'You.'

Eshaan felt his heart drop when he heard her.