Roop's POV
Today was a bit different for me. I honestly want to go home to my Mamma or just lock myself inside the bedroom. The main reason why I dread today was that I don't really know how to face Parth sir after what happened last night. I think I assumed too much that he will kiss me. The sad part, what if he's just checking on how I will react? I should have just run or pushed him. I sighed. It's over. I already blushed too much last night. Why am I too weak for this?
The only consolation I have was it's already Friday. I can go home tomorrow morning or tonight. Depending on Moon's sleeping mood. He sometimes sleeps late on Fridays.
I suddenly remembered Hrithik. Oh gosh. Why did I just remember him now? I haven't met my true friend for a long time, now thinking that if I had accepted Hrithik's first offer and got a job in his office, I might have got a chance to escape from Parth Sir's tricks. Well, I am doing all this only for Moon. Perhaps God has sent me here only for the happiness of that girl.
"Hrithik! Care to meet?"
I texted Hrithik and since it's morning, I know he's still in bed. He's such a brat and usually goes to the office late. I'll wait for his reply later. I hope he's available.
Meanwhile, I cooked Rajma rice for Moon. She requested it. I added cheese, mushrooms, and red bell peppers to the dish for her daily dose of veggies.
"Good morning Roop!" Moon greeted me with her sweet smile. Behind her was her father who looked very casual today in his denim jacket and denim pants. I noticed he'd been growing his hair and it honestly made him more handsome.
"Good morning princess. Good morning Sir." I greeted them as I tried to avoid Parth's eyes.
Moon sat down and looked at the food on the table. I saw her smile. "Wow! Thank you for the Rajma-rice. But why did you put the other vegetables?" Moon pouted.
"Princess, I told you before that vegetables are good for a princess like you. So you eat that. I put a lot of cheese." I smiled. I got the spoon and handed it to her.
Moon grinned and though hesitant, she ate her food. I think she liked it as she spoons one after another.
"How's school Moon? I heard you're doing well." Parth asked.
"Yes, father. My grades are high. Roop-ah is a good teacher." Moon mused as she looked at me with a big smile. I can feel the heat building on my cheeks.
"No princess, it's because you are very smart and you study really well." I countered. Please, change the topic..not me..not me...
"What else do you do with Roop-ah?"
"Uhmmm... We play a lot father. He lets me play in the pool. We build Lego houses for my dolls. Then we cooked pancakes. I know how to cook pancakes now father! Roop taught me." Moon felt so proud of herself.
"Wow! That's good. Good job Moon!" Parth was a completely cold Monster in the office but at home, he was nice to his maids. And he really is a father figure to Moon. "What else baby? Do you talk with him about something?" Parth's tone was very suggestive. I think I choked on my food.
Moon thinks for a moment then her eyes widen and she nods her head frantically, "Yes father. And I want to tell you something also!"
Oh no! There you go!
"What about it Moon?" I saw Parth smirk as he looked at me. I swallowed hard. I think the rice got stuck in my throat. I knew it, this is what he wanted. He will humiliate me again. This time in front of Moon, Naraymi, and the maids.
"Uh..sir.."
"Let her speak Roop. I want her to start telling me what's happening to her during the day. I guess it's a good bonding for both of us while having breakfast. Am I correct?" I sigh at Parth's words. He was precisely correct. "So tell me Moon, what's that?"
"Father, I asked Roop to be my papa." This kid. I heard the maids giggle. And my face is now as red as it can possibly be. "But he said that's not possible. He said you don't like him. But I like him, father. Can you like him? I want you to marry him, Father. I want him to be my papa. Can you do that?" As much as I wanted to cover Moon's mouth, it was not possible. Moon, she just sucks my soul out of my body. How could a five-year-old do that to me? How I wish the floor to swallow me. I want to sit on the floor and just throw my tantrums or maybe roll over and die. What a shame, what a shame.
I heard Parth chuckle and then look at me, "What can you say about that Roop?"
What can I say about that? Nothing. Father and daughter tandem they are. My stomach lurches from extreme nervousness and shame. I really do think I'm going to vomit anytime. But before I can even open my mouth.
"You don't need to answer that." He said to me then he looked back at his daughter. "Moon, let's just talk about that some other time okay?" Moon nodded.
"You looked so nervous, Roop? Breathe! You looked like you're having a heart attack." His tone was as sarcastic as Ranbir's.
My phone vibrates. I forgot it was on the top of the dining table. I glanced and I saw it was Hrithik. I just pick it up and put it in my pocket. I'll just reply later.
"I will drive Moon to school today. I will pick her up as well. His driver was sick." Nice to hear. I'll stay at home. I don't want to be in the same car as you.
"Okay sir, I'll just wait for her here at home," I said. Feeling excited. I want a quick nap as I have a sleepless night last night.
"Wait for her here? You will come with me. That's your job remember?" Okay, all my plans were aborted. And right, that was shady again. Of course, that's my job.
"Sorry sir, I thought you want to bond with her." Lame excuse Roop.
"And I think Niyon needs your help." He said as he finished eating the last piece of the Sausage.
"Okay, sir." I bowed.
He stood up. "Okay Moon, eat faster and get ready for school."
"Yes, father."
I picked up Moon's bag and we went out to the driveway. Parth sir was already in the driver's seat. I opened the backseat door for Moon. And now I am distraught about sitting in front or in the back. But Parth sir will be so pissed if I will sit with Moon. I don't want him to look like our driver. So I went to the passenger seat and buckled up.
On our way, "Roop-ah, you said we will have ice cream every Friday. That's your promise."
"Yes, princess. We will eat ice cream after school. But you need to eat lunch first okay?" Moon nodded.
"And sir by the way, once I already put Moon to sleep tonight, I will go and see a friend. If it's too late already, I'll just go home to Mamma." I was expecting that Hrithik is available tonight.
"Who will you meet?" He asked, never looking at me.
"My childhood friend sir," I answered.
"Name?" He asked again as if he knows who my friends are.
"Hrithik sir." I want to roll my eyes.
"Hrithik? As in Hrithik Om Roshan?" He looked a little surprised.
"Yes sir. You know him?" I'm also surprised that he knew Hrithik.
"How did you know him?" He answered my question with another question.
"We met during high school days sir. And we study at the same university." Well, Parth sir owns the biggest company in Golden Bird. Of course, he knows Hrithik.
He just nods. I'm excited to meet Hrithik tonight. I have so many things to tell him... And I'm glad Parth sir allowed me.