Page 139 of One Hellish Passion

Sand Dunes Beach Resort

When he stepped out of his vehicle, he found Maya talking to Sharma, the owner of this resort. He had introduced them the last time they were here. She had loved the entire concept of having an artificial beach resort in the outskirts of Delhi, which happened to be partially funded by Ranveer too. She was smiling between her talks, something he had never seen her doing when they conversed. She was either in an argumentative mood, nervous, scared, or frustrated when they talked. That had to change. A streak of possessiveness burned in his heart as he realized she was happy mingling with others and never him. Though he apologized for his sins, that scar would always remain in their relationship. Would he ever be able to mend it like new? Shrugging his inner thoughts, he focused back on her.

“Ranveer,” Sharma greeted him the moment he entered. “I knew you would love to come here frequently with Maya. And don’t worry, your total privacy this time is my priority. I have already arranged your table exclusively by the beach. There won’t be anyone else to intrude on you both. And the chefs and servers will only come out when called. I was explaining the same to Maya as well. How does that sound?”

Ranveer's focus was solely on his prize, his Maya. It was the first time where she had taken the initiative for a moment like this, free from any external presence. Though his hormones stirred within him, he preferred letting them settle for now. It wasn't the time to unsettle her; there was a considerable journey ahead, a reality he hesitated to acknowledge even to himself. She aimed to progress one step at a time in approaching him, while his desire was to embrace her entirely, all at once, and then relive it indefinitely.

“Ranveer?” Sharma shook him to bring him out of the stance. He had been gazing at Maya like a teenage boy on meeting his first crush.

“Sounds very refreshing Sharma. Thanks,” he replied.

Sharma showed them their private table; it was exactly as mentioned, next to the artificial beach with musky breeze around. Ranveer pulled a chair for her. She got comfortable, and so did he, sitting opposite to her.

“I will send the Champagne,” Sharma said.

“We prefer no alcohol tonight. Just bring some soft drinks please,” she interrupted.

A faint smile touched Ranveer’s mouth. She had decided it all on his behalf too. No one would do anything without his will, but she was exceptional. He wanted her to have that right. She owed it completely.

“Perfect,” Sharma left, and his absence suddenly heated the surroundings even more; now that they were left alone with each other.

“I hope you didn’t mind me arranging this dinner tonight,” she took the lead again to begin the conversation.

“I can never mind anything you do to erase the distance between us, Maya.”

She lowered her gaze.

“I am going to remember this for the rest of my life,” he admitted.

The soft drinks were served.

“I hope you remember your promise to share your past,” she questioned once the server left.

“What do you want to know?”

“Whatever you like to start with.”

She did not want to filter anything. She wanted him to take his pace, his time, and bring out even the slightest of his memory which could help her shape what he was back then.

“Give me a hint at least,” he urged.

She agreed.

“You never speak about your mother.”

It was a vast topic for him and the closest to his heart. If she wanted to open that wound, he was prepared now.

“I was an obedient son. After Dad’s demise, I promised never to leave Maa alone. She needed me more than I needed her. I stopped going to school in the worry of leaving her alone at home.”

It was good that he started with his childhood memories because that’s what had hurt him the most, she knew. She was prepared to hear him out, read that pain in his eyes, in his tone, and ease him down if he broke down.

“But it didn’t work for long. She wanted me to study, become a successful man like my father was. It inspired me to join school again while she handled my father’s business. I had no clue what kept her so busy there at work. The same woman whose center of life I was, got time for me only at night because the whole day she slogged in the office. I was hurt. I didn’t know that she was doing this to secure my future. And then one day she suddenly told me she was getting another father for me. I–” he paused. Maya placed her arm over his on the table. She rubbed his arm gently, while he drew some strength out of it. “I didn’t know what made her decide that? I never said I wanted a father. But I loved her enough to deny her plans.”

Poor boy. Maya felt for him.

“I could read it in her eyes. She was sick most of the time. Her health was deteriorating. She stopped going to the office. One day Daadi came to our house. They had a big fight over something. I think because Maa shared her wish to marry Dev Malik. He was my father’s business partner.”

Business Partner? Dev Malik? She had no clue.

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