Kya Pyaar Karoge Mujhse....

Chapter 41- Partner Up

"What?" Shivaay asked shocked as Annika looked at Eva.

"He was not my boyfriend Eva." Annika said and Eva sat down.

"But you went out with him?" Eva said and Annika looked at her.

"Just a few times. Because he is Sid's friend and because Sid insisted and I could not say no." Annika said to Eva and turned towards Shivaay. "It was Sid's birthday and he was so persistent."

"Oh." Shivaay nodded and gulped. "How was it? The dates?"

"Awkward." Annika shook her head. "We had dinner and then just walked home every time. Nothing special or over the top. He is a good guy, Shivi likes him quite a lot."

"So why didn't you...continue it?" He asked and she chuckled.

"Just because she likes him I should have a relationship with him? She likes the ice-cream man the most so should I marry him?" She laughed. "Nikhil is a good guy, a good businessman but I am not interested in him...personally or professionally. Simple as that."

"I get it." Shivaay said and Eva's phone suddenly rang.

"Sorry it's my Mom. Ma'am, can I-

"Yes please." Annika nodded as Eva left the office to talk outside.

"So...do you need...a partner for the café chain?" Shivaay asked and Annika looked at him. "No, I mean, Nikhil's proposal was about partnering with you for the café chain?"

"Yes." Annika nodded. "I talked about it when we were...going out and he really liked the idea. He insisted we become partners when I told him I may need one and he's just trying to make me say yes."

"But...why do you need a partner?" He asked. "I mean; I saw your finances. They are in great shape. You can start this project single-handedly."

"It's a very ambitious project." Annika shook her head. "And I know I can do it alone but there's still risk involved if I use all my money and it doesn't work out. That's why I was trying find a partner. Even a sleeping partner would do. I only want 30% capital from him, so that I don't use all my money and I am ready to share 30% of my profits. But it's not easy. With such a profitable, although still risky, project, no one wants only 30% of the profits though they are ready to provide 30% of the capital. Everyone wants 50% of the profits which is...wrong."

"And Nikhil is-

"One of those people. Wants 50% of the profits when he will be only providing 30% of the capital." Annika shrugged and Shivaay thought.

"So why don't you...share it? 50-50?" He said and Annika chuckled.

"That will give him equal power as me in my ownbusiness. I told you, I don't like losing control." She said and he smiled, nodding.

"What about 60-40?" He said and she shook her head again.

"I don't want anymore than I need. Only 30." She said and he sighed.

"Well, that's a great trait of a business...woman." He said and she looked at him.

"What? Being difficult? Stubborn? Picky?" She said and he chuckled.

"Being so clear about what you want. Your aim. Objective." He said and she smiled.

"Thanks." She said and sighed.

"If you don't mind, can I suggest something?" He said after a minute and Annika nodded. "How about...Oberoi Industries become your sleeping partner? I have three offices here."