A Tale Of Schemes... #1,#2,#3

Chapter 19

*Anitha Pov*

"Why are you already back?" His manager asked the moment Prathap entered the restaurant compound and turned to reach the stairs instead of entering the restaurant but we both stopped when he rushed towards us.

"I made sure to get the dessert delivered and it is also packed properly. Was something wrong with it?" He added and I can see Prathap's hands fisting when he brought out the dessert topic.

"Everything was fine! He just got a headache." I said before he can say anything and that's when his manager saw me and gave a startled look.

"Okay! I will go back inside and I will lock everything up too." He assured Prathap before going back into the restaurant and I stood there waiting for him to move without saying a word.

He finally moved after a few seconds and we both climbed the stairs silently before entering his flat.

He suddenly turned to stare at me while I calmly closed the doors with too many thoughts in my mind.

After entering his house, I was already upset with the way his mother ignored me but then I didn't mind after thinking about how I am a stranger to her.

But the way they both ignored my Kanika was too much for me and I had to open my mouth which could have caused her to dislike me more I guess.

"You are working too hard, Shrishti. Why don't you just get married? You are beautiful and talented and anyone is lucky to have you as a partner." Aunty said smiling at her while I sat silently beside Kanika who is lost in her thoughts.

"What did you buy?" she asked coming out of her thoughts while pointing the shopping bag I am holding in my hand.

"I heard Uncle is interested in gardening. So, I bought a pair of boots and gloves for him to use." I replied and she smiled hearing that.

"Do you know what I bought?" she asked and I shook my head.

"What?" I asked curiously.

"Gardening set and also a few seedlings." She replied and I chuckled hearing that.

"I have been behind him to just let the gardeners do their job. But he never listens to me at all. People don't know and just buy anything." I heard Aunty complaining and felt she is talking to Kanika whole smile slipped but turns out she is still talking to Shrishti who gave an awkward look.

"But I bought him a hat to protect himself from the sun while working in the garden." Shrishti commented with a frown and I couldn't help but smile at that as Aunty felt uncomfortable.

Wait! She is Prathap's mother. Why am I treating her so badly in my mind? Why am I already thinking her in the wrong light without her doing anything to me? But Kanika doesn't look comfortable at all and even though I like him, she is important for me.

"Of course! You were thinking about his welfare. Thank you!" Aunty smiled composing herself.

"No one would get harm by using the gifts bought by Kanika and I. Even we are doing the same, Aunty." I said turning my body to face them and Aunty turned to stare at me with a frown.

"I heard you are an actress." She said looking at me and I gave her a nod while waiting for her to add anything.

"She is very talented, Mrs. Pramod." Kanika said and I felt her hand holding mine which is between us as a protective gesture.

"So, when will you go back to abroad? I heard you don't stay here much." Aunty added ignoring Kanika.

"How can I go back when my darling Prathap is here?" I asked not liking the look in her eyes.