Chapter 12: Chapter 12

*Prathap Pov*

I leaned back after watching the whole video and couldn’t believe I forgot the advertisement I was a part of it but it was because of Vikranth as he just let me know the video will be used and I ignored it realizing there is no problem if it is done.

But what I didn’t expect is the feeling I am experiencing right now after observing her expressions rather than the whole thing.

Why? Why does that look feel so unfamiliar? It’s as if I never saw someone looking at other people like that and definitely not directed towards me.

I shifted my hand away from the mouse before rubbing my forehead with it. Why am I even thinking so much about it?

However, I don’t think I will forget this until I get some kind of explanation regarding this if I think about yesterday night how I couldn’t sleep while thinking about it.

What do I want to hear as an explanation? That it is just acting from her side? I guess? But I am not sure whether that’s what I want to exactly hear.

“Damn it!” I shouted hitting the table with all these thoughts before opening my eyes only to find Deepak staring at me with a questioning look.

“I knocked on your door but there was no response. Is something wrong? Is it related to the restaurant? Do we again need to postpone opening the second floor part?” he continued to ask and I wish I am right now thinking about them instead of a video that belongs to three years past.

“Don’t worry! Within a month we will open that part.” I said smiling at him and he nodded before passing a list we made yesterday for the supplies.

“By the way, everyone is calling your story as a fairy tale. As it is going around that she has a crush on you for the past three years, her fans are guessing who proposed whom first.” He smiled and I stared at him.

“Why are you so sure that it is just for three years?” I asked folding my arms as he is still young and can understand all this better than me.

Wait! He is just two years younger than me and I am acting as if he is a kid before me. I shook my head but kept quiet when I found him with a thoughtful look.

“I don’t think it is acting from her side as I saw other commercials and let’s not forget her web series. This advertisement showed how she was awestruck and then slowly falling. Her look showed everything and that’s why the video is being passed around.” He explained.

“What?” I asked sitting straight.

“Yeah! You don’t know about the video?” he asked frowning.

“You need to search her name and you can find that video along with fans’ reactions. I saw that advertisement again and now GH homeware is also trending while talking about their products.” He explained.

I was accepting all the words he was describing which I felt too but when he said about the video being spread around I couldn’t stop myself from feeling dumb.

Did I lose a chance set by my Dad by going through these lengths to get the video while it’s already being spread around and I could have found it so easily?

“Why are you still so disinterested in public topics like these? You can understand the developments for the restaurant more and understand public opinion. That would reduce my job too and it’s not like you are too old to ignore all these things.” He mumbled shaking his head before leaving the cabin while I continued to think about the lost chance and the video that is paused on my screen right now.

I groaned opening another tab before following his advice and found too many articles that are talking about yesterday’s interview.

I shook my head and closed all the tabs and even removed the pen drive to forget about everything and just concentrate on my business.

****

“What are you watching so intently?” I got startled hearing Bharaghav’s voice and turned away from the system to stare at him before removing the earphone from one ear.

“I am watching something.” I replied pausing the video before closing the tab.

“And what is that?” he asked curiously but I just shrugged not wishing to say that they are just some commercials.

“I am just researching something.” I replied as even after two weeks the doubt just continued.

So, I am just checking whether her first video is different from others and they are definitely different but I am just making sure it is the case before confronting her.

“I am here to talk about the invitations. Why are you not calling your fiancé as a special guest?” he asked frowning.

“Right!” I mumbled finally realizing I can take this opportunity instead of thinking how to confront her or where.

She didn’t even call me back after ignoring my calls and I didn’t call her again after getting this video. So, this could be a chance to get the doubts cleared.

“She will be here as my fiancé instead of as a special guest. That is the correct way to do, right?” I pointed out and he slowly nodded.

“I am preparing many specials for that day and want her to taste them. She likes to taste new dishes wherever she goes and it is her passion too.” He explained smiling and I nodded already knowing it.

These two weeks I was not just obsessed with the video or her other videos but about the things that her fans share or post too to understand her better.

I don’t even know why am I doing this but after getting called out by Deepak like that for not being interested in public topics, I am just changing myself a bit.

After he left, I called Vikranth instead of her before saying, “She needs to be here on that day. My staff is already curious why didn’t I make her a special guest and I told them she will be attending as my fiancé.”

“Okay! I will be passing the message to her manager. Why don’t you invite your Dad instead of me as a special guest?” he asked after pausing for a bit.

“I want people who actually want me to succeed.” I replied frowning at that suggestion.

“Don’t think like that. He just wants you to achieve more and to be protected by every one of us. At least go home once in a while for your Mother. Aunty is stuck between both of you.” He pointed out.

“I am talking to her regularly but she is asking to meet my so-called fiancé. So, I am not going home these days.” I explained and he sighed.

“I think Uncle put that condition that you can’t tell everyone about the truth behind it as he is scared Aunty will scold him for allowing you to involve like this.” He mumbled and I chuckled.

“Of course! He is scared of her scoldings just like me. She will be here and maybe have to meet Anitha that day.” I sighed at that thought as I don’t know how will Mom react.

“Don’t worry! Even if she opposes it, there are just nearly ten months left.” He pointed out and I nodded to myself while checking the calendar on the table.

We both cut the call as he assured me she will be here as after two weeks she needs to prepare for the script by herself and will have no schedules but right now she is busy with meeting others for the movie.

So, after two weeks I will finally have the answer to all the questions and I can finally be at peace. I am sure all these thoughts are completely wrong and she actually doesn’t have any crush on me and she was being honest when she explained the interview on phone.

*Anitha Pov*

“You are not this nervous even when you were going for the first-day shoot.” Keerthi commented while adjusting my dress inside the car.

“I know!” I whispered wishing I am not this nervous just with the thought of him finding the truth even though it is silly of me.

If he knows the truth then I can’t act indifferent with his one-sided crush story and he will also be awkward in my presence.

Even for a year, I want some memories and that too good ones to take away from this fake relationship. I am not expecting anything else other than that and if there is a possibility of bad memories then I am fine with no memories.

“Don’t worry! We both will stay with you continuously. Just think about the prospect of you going to buy a home soon after we filter the good ones next week. You already bought a vehicle yesterday and soon a house. Isn’t this your dream?” she asked changing the topic and I nodded looking at her.

“See? You need to think about those things and this.” She added and I took a deep breath before smiling at her words.

Yes! Right now I am inside the car I own and not a hired one. And soon I will be buying a house even though in installment payment but it will be my home.

I need to check when will Kanika be free as she needs to help me with this. I used to talk to her about my dream house all the time and I am sure she must remember those details more than me.

After reaching the restaurant, I got down and found the restaurant packed with people but my eyes searched for Kanika as she said she is already here.

“Let’s go! He will park the car and return to us.” Keerthi said adjusting my dress again before we slowly walked inside.

“Did you call the reporters?” I heard Vikranth’s voice as we found Kanika and started walking closer to her.

“Of course not! I just called one of the reporters for publicity but they all came because the word passed about your presence and also Anitha.” I paused hearing his voice but then smiled brightly reaching them.

“I hope I am not late.” I said reaching Kanika’s side with Keerthi.

“No! There is still time for the occasion.” Prathap commented looking at me with an accused look and I turned away to stare at Kanika.

“I love your saree, Kanika. Where did you buy it?” I asked looking at the design.

“You really like it?” She asked with a smile and I can see the happiness on her face when I nodded at her.

“Don’t tell me…” I trailed off and she nodded to my unasked question.

“Your design improved a lot.” I whispered checking it again and she smiled brightly.

“What design?” we heard a new voice and turned to find Shrishti smiling at us before reaching closer near Prathap.

“You managed to come today? I thought you said you may have to stay for a few more days last week.” Prathap asked her smiling.

“Well, it’s my best friend’s other important day. How can I do any work? Did you ever see me skipping any important days of both of you?” she asked raising her eyebrow making him chuckle while I looked away feeling irritated.

“Your feelings are showing.” Kanika whispered beside me.

“Just think yourself as a female lead right now who is waiting for this party to finish so that she can go and meet her hero.” She added just like how she used to add whenever I got angry during the past.

I smiled hearing that before trying to adapt that scene and turned to stare at her and she smiled nodding at my expression.

“Let’s go!” Prathap called us and we all followed him to look at the second floor where the restaurant is extending with more luxurious design.

The guests were not many and managed to get seated while I continued to stick to Kanika and Keerthi.

“Where is he?” Keerthi asked no one and I know Manoj is still not here.

“It must be troubling to find a parking spot.” I replied and she nodded sighing before concentrating on the speech Vikranth is giving right now and that followed by Shrishti.

I can say they both are proud of him and their words show affection for him. I smiled looking at Bharghav who is waving at me from the stage and I waved back.

“Now, I would like to ask another special guest to say a few words and that is none other than Anny.” I stopped smiling and also waving after hearing those words from Bharghav.

I sighed standing up with a smile before taking a few steps to reach the small podium they arranged and stared at others.

“I already tasted a few amazing dishes prepared by this wonderful chef here and I must say I am glad he is working in my fiancé restaurant instead of somewhere else. As I would have gone to any place where he is working. Prathap is always good at managing things and we all know that. I am happy for this amazing progress and I hope they start new franchises soon with huge success.” I said feeling a bit awkward but someone said whatever came to my mind.

“Any personal message?” Someone shouted and I cleared my throat before glancing at Prathap who is looking back at me with a smile but there are questions in his expression.

“Personal message should be delivered personally, right?” I asked him and everyone laughed while his eyes widened showing the expression I am familiar with on his face.

I returned to my place as the dishes were slowly served to every table. I can say the major benefit of attending this occasion would be the dishes.

“Amazing!” I said the moment Bharghav reached our table after finally getting the desserts served.

“Which one you liked among these two?” he asked showing the two dishes I just finished before the dessert.

“This one!” I replied showing the plate and I heard a chuckle making me turn to stare at Prathap who just chuckled after reaching our table.

“He already told you that he will be preparing this dish, right?” Bharghav asked looking at me and I felt surprised but slowly nodded at the excuse he just prepared.

“You can’t stick to your fiancé like this. But I am glad to see a romantic couple too.” Saying that he left while Prathap sat down.

“Why did you even cooked today? You had to stay most of the time in the kitchen and couldn’t eat anything.” Shrishti commented passing one of the dishes to him.

“I don’t feel like eating anything right now.” He mumbled pushing it away while leaning back with a tired look.

“Bharghav is always cheerful even after spending all this time in the kitchen. You chose the right chef.” I commented and he turned to stare at me.

“Yes! He is cheerful no matter what happens.” He said and I nodded using the tissue to pat my lips before glancing at Keerthi.

“What is he doing?” I asked and as she frowned lifting the call she just received from him.

“What?” she asked frowning before glancing at me.

“What happened?” I asked when she calmly cut the call after giving that expression.

“It seems when he was parking the vehicle, someone from the wrong side hit the car. So, he is right now waiting for the issue to get settled and the back headlight is damaged.” She replied calmly while I just stared at her.

I can’t believe this happened when I am using it for the first time today. She gave a guilty look which caused me to come out of my sad thoughts.

“It’s okay! Make sure he is fine and it’s better if you are with him so that he doesn’t burst out his anger.” I mumbled but she frowned.

“How can I go by leaving you here?” she asked and I gestured Kanika who is sitting beside me.

“They will drop me and ask him to not think too much about it.” I replied and she gave a reluctant nod before leaving.

I turned towards Kanika to explain the matter but found her staring at some other direction. What is going on now?

I thought looking at Vikranth and Shrishti talking right now at other side of the room and Kanika is just staring at them.

“Don’t think too much about it. They are having a normal talk.” Prathap commented and we both turned to stare at him.

“It must be if he is sitting here calmly like this.” I assured her and he stared at me with a shocked look.

“Don’t worry! She knows about it and even Mr. Vikranth.” I added and he coughed but this time I am not smiling because I am angry at everyone.

“Stop it!” Kanika mumbled patting my shoulder.

“I… I bought it just a few days back and started using it today. I shouldn’t have bought it right?” I asked looking at her.

“Don’t say things like that. It just happened as you said and it can get repaired soon too.” She replied with a worried look.

“Vikranth is calling you, Mrs.Vikranth.” We both frowned hearing that name and turned to see Prathap looking at her with an awkward look.

I smiled ignoring my bad mood after hearing that and also the way he is looking at her. She stood up before walking towards those two and he finally turned to stare at me.

“We need to talk.” He mumbled standing up before gesturing me to follow him and I sighed following him as guests already left the place and only a few are remaining.

He actually made me climb the stairs and reach his flat and this is a good thing otherwise someone may listen and some other article will get published by tomorrow morning.

“How did they know? You told them?” He asked frowning the moment he closed the door behind him and I shook my head.

“I don’t know about Kanika but Mr. Vikranth knows about it for a long time and I got to know from his actions. That’s why Kanika was asking me to not keep any hopes on you as you are in love with your best friend and I said I will not because I will be another woman if I do that.” I explained walking towards the couch before sitting down.

“Really?” he asked sitting beside me with a shocked look and I stared at the change of expressions on his face.

“Don’t worry! They are hiding their own secrets too.” I mumbled as even after a few minutes he still looks startled.

“Then tell me your secret. Did you like me three years back? And you fell for me on that day?” he asked in a serious tone and this time I got startled with the change of topic.

Why is he hitting the nail on spot like this? I didn’t think he would ever reach those conclusions.

“What are you saying?” I asked looking away and he placed his hand under my chin to turn my head back to his direction while I stared at him with wide eyes because of that gesture.

“You need to tell me the truth. I am going mad for the past month with these questions.” He literally gave a pleading look.

“What will you do if I say yes to all those questions?” I asked folding my arms and he dropped his hand hearing that.

“Exactly! I don’t know why are you even thinking about them when there is no use even if you find out the truth.” I added shaking my head.

“Did you forgot that last year you thought I was a love interest of Mr. Vikranth and groomed me so that you can take me to the restaurant to expose that matter near your friend? If I really liked you then how will you feel while remembering that incident?” I asked and immediately stood up hearing those words.

“No way!” he mumbled and I slowly nodded while he looked away with a frown.

“Fine! I will forget this topic and will not ask you again. I don’t want to think of myself as the dumbest person for sure.” He added and I smiled nodding at him.

He lift the call hearing his phone ringing and talked to them for a few minutes after reaching his bedroom before walking back towards me.

“It seems Vikranth left the place with his wife. Didn’t you say you will take a lift from her?” he asked frowning.

“What? Didn’t she hear my words?” I asked no one in particular.

“She must have not listened. Why don’t you stay here until they return after settling the issue? You can give thema call. It is better if you don’t travel alone during this time and I can’t drop you as I drank some wine earlier.” He explained and I stared at him hearing those words.

I slowly nodded before messaging Keerthi and groaned after remembering the incident again. Why did it happen? I am all ready to get a new house and now I am scared to take a step towards that dream.