The door to Riya's office opened with a click revealing a tall handsome man in his mid 30s. Dhruv chose to wear his lucky navy blue blazer over a neatly pressed white shirt considering everything should go well while he dealt with the devil.
He walked the length of her office never taking his eyes off the smirking woman sitting cross legged glaring at him with a raised eyebrow. This moment must be exhilarating for her as he had never been this desperate. But desperate times needed desperate measures and he was well aware of it.
He took a seat on the couch and crossed his legs. "It's been a while", he casually said without altering his gaze. His shortly cut black hair shone brightly under the pale light. If it was any other girl, she would've already fallen head over heels for him just with one look. But the person he was facing today was not to be taken lightly.
She nodded nonchalantly at Dhruv's comment. Nobody could erase that ridiculous smirk off her as she was on high ground and absolutely enjoyed being so.
Dhruv put his hands up in the air. "Okay.. Stop smirking. You know why I'm here"
Straightening out her legs, with an icy gaze, she replied, "I am aware" and pursed her lips with fake excitement.
He visibly sighed. "Fine then. Name your price"
"Ah! So direct... Hurts me, Mr. Dhruv" Riya faked a sad expression which irritated him more. He knew she'd be curt and rude, he was well aware of it before coming in, but it still got on his nerves.
"Isn't it always like that? Tell me what you want. I don't have much time!"
"Anything?", she asked with real curiosity like a cute little kid which scared him.
"Yup. Anything". As soon as he replied, he knew he was treading on thin ice and anytime it'll give away. Now we are talking, Riya thought.
She walked around her desk and came closer to him. The left cushion gave in by an inch once she settled in and palmed her face towards him "Marry me and the deal is yours"
He was dumbstruck! But didn't show even the slightest movement as it would give him away to the enemy. He looked at her intently with the best poker face he could conjure at the moment and brought his face near hers with a sly smile "Do you like me? Because last time I checked, I was your archenemy"
It threw her off course. She never expected such a question. Surprise, confusion even anger was what she expected, but not something like that. She rolled her eyes and tilted to face the other side. "No" was all she managed to reply with frustration.
"Then why do you want to marry me?"
She took a deep breath. Her heart raced with annoyance. This man pissed her off so much that she wanted to hurt him so badly and he was the only one whom she hated so much.
"Look... Marry me and act as my husband for six months and then we go our separate ways... Don't ask me reasons. If you do this, I'll give up the deal. Yay or nay?" time to use authority, if other methods fail. One of the important lessons she learnt in business.
"A fake marriage? Why? And why me? I want to know your reason"
"I can't tell you" was what she replied but she thought 'you are a known devil whom I trust will never touch me'
"Then I can't help you"
"Fine! I'll not let go of your deal then"
Like two animals which could pounce anytime, they breathed hard glaring at each other.
"What if you are plotting something? How can I trust you?"
"You don't have to worry about that. We'll have a contract with all the Do's and Don'ts"
He clicked his tongue and laid back with hands resting on stomach. "So, that's your price?"
"Yup"
"Hmm" he rose the next instant and locked eyes with her "I can't do it. Meet you at bidding" he walked away swiftly before she could come up with something to make him listen. Just like that, her one chance was gone.
But she wasn't a woman who could be easily rustled. If she wanted something, she acquired it no matter what. This was just like one of her business deals and she was going to win it.
She went to her desk and sent a message to Dhruv
'You have two days till bidding to give your reply' - Riya
"He'll come around" she assured herself and continued approving the documents awaiting her signature.