Encounter - A RaYa Journey

Chapter - 14

Back at the office, Anita pulled Ram away from the crowd and informed him about a rumour that the Khaneja's were eyeing the hotel, which meant Priya couldn't afford to make them angry. Sighing, Ram fake a smile at Anita.

"Priya is strong enough to handle them and we all are with her right?" he assured her, but deep down he knew he was worried.

"You don't understand Ram"

Ram laughed at his friend "Understand what? What are you trying to say here?"

Anita hit him in his head "This is not a matter to laugh. This Kunal and Sheila Khaneja are scary people, that's what I have heard from our seniors. "

Ram scoffed "What does that have to do with me?"

Anita was really annoyed; she was almost in tears "It has everything to do with you" she shouted at the top of her voice. "I don't want you to be involve in Miss Priya's business anymore"

Her words weren't affecting him. He knew she cared about him and she wanted to protect him but he ... he wanted to protect Priya "Are you worried about me?" Ram asked with a smile in his face.

"Ram please" she pleaded.

"Ahh, don't worry about me. They might be scary but I am me. I can be scary when it comes to people I love and care."

Anita had a light smile on her face "I know. But do you think Miss Priya has your back?"

"I can't say for her. But I will always have her back"

"See, even if you get mad I have to say this because I can't see you get hurt. If you keep on getting on their nerve you will make both of your life difficult. They are aiming at the hotel, they can go at any heights to make her life miserable. Do you think she will think about you then, she will have your back at that state?"

Ram did not like whatever his friend was saying, he was protecting someone he liked and he did not like to be questioned. He gulped back and stared back at her "Thanks for your concern, I must get back ork" saying this he left to return back to the room, leaving Anita behind.

**********

The IVY Hotel opening day was finally here. From Ram to Priya and everyone involved were very busy with the last moment preparations. They did the final check of the stage, the hallways, the food and the rooms.

While Ram was getting the room's checked, he bumped into Priya in the hallway. She was wearing a very beautiful, pink saree. She always looked elegant in her office attire but today there was something in her eyes; a kind of confidence which Ram has never seen in her before.

"Everyone is looking for you. They are going to start the ribbon cutting ceremony" Ram said joining her and walking beside her in the hallway.

"Yeah, I already had a talk with Neha. So Ram, are you excited?" Priya asked with a charming smile.

"Yesss" he said enthusiastically "And all thanks to you. You helped us alot."

"No. It's all you and your team's hard work." saying this her eyes landed on Ram's tie. She felt disappointment creeping in seeing him wear his old blue tie and not the one she had gifted him.

"You did not like the tie? It wasn't free you know" she teased looking at him sternly.

Ram blushed "Well, I---I... the thing is" he pulled out the tie from his inner pocket "I have it right here, but I don't know how to put it on. The length is either too long or too short" his words came out very low.

Priya bit her lower lip trying to control her laughter "Untie that one" she ordered and took the tie from Ram's hand. She stepped closer to him and looked him in the eye, good thing that she was wearing her heels today. She easily slipped the tie around his neck and started knotting it.