Kian had already boarded the flight to the US but his thoughts were with Alysé. This unexpected meeting had ruffled his heart. He never knew what she meant to him until today. His heart ached at her plight.
He recalled the day he had first seen her. She was dancing in the arms of Ryan Banks – the latest Tennis sensation. At the young age of twenty, Ryan had everything going his way – 4 Grand Slam Titles, money, fans and twenty-eight matches winning streak. Sponsors and brands competed against each other to sign him.
Anyone who saw Alysé could tell that she was infatuated by this flamboyant young man. He was suave and confident. She was the prettiest girl in the school. He had laid his heart under her feet. That's what seventeen-year-old Alysé meant to him – a beautiful and precious trophy in his arms.
They were introduced to Kian by a common friend. That's when he realized she was his friend Milan's little sister. He was told that she had missed her exams to be with Ryan and to support him throughout his campaign in Wimbledon. Such was her passion towards him.
"That's youth…passion…romance," said his business partner Eion.
"It's Puppy Love – a seasonal infection which will be cured with time and maturity." Kian scoffed. "There is no such thing as Love. All human relations are based on 'give and take.' Beauty attracts money – it's economics, not Love."
Eion sighed, "There rattles Mr Sceptic."
"I am sane, sensible and practical. Tell me how long can this love last. A few months, a year at the most. Tell me, will he ever sacrifice his career for her the way she has done for him?"
"Maybe not," said Eion thoughtfully,
"See my point! In this relationship, she is giving more than she is getting. The day she realizes it, they will break up and she will regret not taking her studies seriously."
Eion sighed, "Mr Sceptic, at this rate you will never get married."
"What makes you think I want to?" Kian retorted
"Someday you'll meet a girl who will steal your heart."
"That day will never come," he said emphatically
"It's been five years since then." Kian thought, "She hasn't changed much. Still can't take care of herself. Still doesn't know what's best for her."
While Kian was reminiscing the past, Alysé thought about their present meeting. Her embarrassment knew no bounds; especially because she knew how practical and hard-hearted he was.
"He must be scoffing at me, thinking that I am a fool." – she moaned. "Of all the people in the world, I had to run into him…and in this condition too!" She sighed in anguish.
A little later when her agony had ebbed, and she could think rationally, she realized that he always comes to her rescue. "How does he know when I am in trouble?"
The reference was to the night of the charity ball. She was dancing in Ryan's arms. They were both lost in each other and were oblivious of the world around them. So, they did not realize when and how their drinks were spiked. She became dizzy and Ryan had one drink too many.
She wanted to splash some water on her face; so, she made her way towards the powder room. She did not realize that someone was following her until he intercepted her. "Come with me," he said. She thought it was Ryan. If it hadn't been for Kian's alertness and his timely intervention, how things might have ended is anybody's guess.
Kian not only rescued her; he took both of them to his room, he fed them and cared for them. The next morning, he waited for Ryan to sober up before slapping him hard on his cheeks. "Don't be with her if you can't protect her." he enjoined.
From that day onwards Ryan gave up drinking. And, from that day onwards Kian had a special place in her heart.
About an hour into the flight, the temperature dropped and she pulled the overcoat around her. It warmed her body and her heart. She realized if it hadn't been for this coat, she would have frozen again because she barely had the time to purchase one for herself. She pulled out his note and read it again,
"Coats are like friends; they always keep you warm and safe."
"But we aren't friends. Friends don't refuse requests," she muttered in annoyance.
----
Back home, Kian had important meetings lined up one after the other. They were scheduled in the conference room of the Ritz hotel. His secretary had booked a suit for him there. Kian preferred staying near the meeting venue; it saved him time and cut the annoyance of commuting.
Coincidently, Ritz happened to be the Merchant family's 'home away from home. Alysé's father and brother, who had come to New York on business, were also staying there.
The Merchant(s) had just entered the hotel foyer when Milan caught sight of Kian. He and his secretary were headed towards the conference room. Milan smiled with a glint in the eye.
"Are the Jindals also bidding?" he asked his assistant.
"I will check for you, Sir." said the P.A. and went to the front desk.
"What is it?" asked Cyrus Merchant, Milan and Alysé's father and the CEO of the conglomerate run by the Merchant family.
"I saw Kian, Dad." said Milan, "He went into the conference room."
"The boy seems to be doing quite well for himself." Mr Merchant said; "That reminds me, what happened to the proposal Alysé sent him?"
"He refused it."
"Refused? But why?"
Milan sighed, "He didn't give a reason."
"He does inherit his father's temper." Mr Merchant was visibly annoyed.
The P.A. returned and informed them that the conference room was booked under the name of 'Neotech'.
"So, he is bidding for the company." thought Milan. He turned to his father, and said - "Dad if you do not need me tonight, I would …"
"Mm… go ahead. Invite him for breakfast tomorrow. If he refuses, tell him I want to talk to him."
Milan nodded and went to the reception. He scribbled a note, concealed it in an envelope and gave it to the receptionist with the instructions – "Please have it delivered to Mr Kian Jindal immediately."