He slanted a glance at Tiya. “You’ve been talking to your mom about me?”
“I…” she cleared her throat, not looking at him. “I…”
“I quite like it,” he said softly.
For some strange reason, he did like the fact that she’d been talking about him to her mother. He caressed the top of her hand with his thumb. She discreetly removed her hand from under his.
To her mother, he said, “Actually, I’m Shaurya’s brother. You know him, right?”
Her mother’s eyes widened a fraction, and then her face gleamed in approval. “Oh, of course. I should have made the connection immediately when you mentioned your name. How lovely.”
Which meant that either her mom wasn’t aware he was the same Rajpoot whose family had been considered dead in Shimla or she hadn’t made the connection to him yet. Besides, Tiya had been only told of Shaurya’s identity and that he’d made the Rajpoots his family. She didn’t know more. Myra wouldn’t have told her more; of that he was a hundred percent sure. His brother’s wife was loyal to them to the core.
Vihaan was aware of the history between Tiya’s and Myra’s families. Although Tiya’s family had left Shimla and the life there years ago to make Dubai their home, till date, Myra’s dad and her dad were good friends. They each visited one another, either here in Dubai or in Shimla were Myra’s dad ran a successful timber business.
“I hope everything was to your satisfaction here,” Vihaan checked, looking from her mom to Tiya. “Sweetheart, was everything okay? You need anything more?”
“Mom, Vihaan owns this restaurant, along with his brothers,” Tiya said, finally finding her voice.
“Oh!” Her mom smiled at him. “Tell me more about yourself.”
Vihaan began to explain his business interests to her mom, and with each word that he spoke, her mother was looking more and more impressed.
“Where did you two meet?” her mother asked when he finished.
“Uh…” Tiya began.
“We actually met at a few months ago at my other restaurant,Komobay,” Vihaan cut in.
He snuck a glance at Tiya and found her chewing her lower lip, looking worried.
He didn’t know what game she was playing by telling her mom that he was her boyfriend, but he’d relate their first meeting honestly to her mom. After all, he remembered it like it was yesterday.
“Well, Tiya and Myra got into a fight with some Russians there,” Vihaan chuckled, “It was amusing to see them go head-to-head with those two huge men.”
That was the first time he’d seen Tiya, and she’d stolen his breath. She’d fearlessly tossed her drink at a man—twice her size—for trying to intimidate her. And then she’d punched and kicked the man, without any concern for herself.
“Oh my God!” Her mother glared at her. “You simply have a penchant for getting into trouble.”
“Mom, please. They were trying to bully us. I wasn’t going to stand for it.”
“Actually, it was quite admirable the way they stood up to them,” Vihaan said, sneaking Tiya a smile. “I think I fell for her in that moment.”
Tiya lowered her lashes, refusing to look at him. She was in a fix. He knew that and so did she. He was curious to learn why she’d gone down this road in the first place and why involve him? Whyhim? Did Tiya Sood feel something for him? A thrill shot through him at that prospect.
“Aww…that’s sweet,” her mother chirped. “And what about you, Tiya? When did you know he was the one?”
He smirked, waiting to hear what story she’d make up.
“We have to go,” Tiya quickly said, pushing to her feet.
“Coward,” he muttered behind her back.
She gave him a sideways glance. “Shhh. Be quiet.”
He followed the ladies outside as they handed their individual car slips to the valets.
“Vihaan,” her mother began while they waited for their cars to be brought around. “Tiya’s friend, Jash, is getting married soon. His parents and us are great friends. I’m sure you must be aware of that.”