Akash blinked. “What? Why? Vir hasn’t told me anything.”
He pulled out his phone, and sure enough there was a message from Vir.
Vir: Heard you’re invited with the bride-to-be for dinner at ours on Sat. I’m looking forward to seeing you and her together. This shall be fun.
“Fuck,” Akash cursed. “Vir messaged me.”
“Wait,” Shauna said. “Why does Suveer Malhotra want to meet us for dinner?”
“Because I told him about your engagement, and he wants to see for himself whether the two of you are truly suited to each other.”
She frowned. “Is that what he said?”
Janak sighed. “Suveer is difficult on most days, and it’s obvious he’s invited you both to see if the two of you can make this work. Everyone at Sehgal Media knows that you both have a history of being at odds with each other. I suppose he wants tosee if that’s changed… and if this marriage can truly work for you and for the company.”
“I don’t like this,” Akash said. “We were going to announce our engagement to the board on Monday anyway. Why did you accept his invite? Why do we have to go through this… test?”
“The only reason I accepted his invite is because it’s what’s best for the two of you,” Janak said. “If Suveer is convinced, the rest of the board will fall in line.” His gaze flicked between them. “All you need to do is behave like a normal, happily engaged couple for a few hours. No sparring, no snapping at each other.” His lips curved. “And from what I almost walked in on… I’d say that shouldn’t be too difficult, right?”
Shauna’s cheeks reddened, and Akash chuckled.
“Alright, Janak,” Akash finally said. “If you think this is the right way forward.”
“It is.” Janak studied him carefully. “How are you doing after last night?”
“I’m fine.”
Akash sighed.
Fuck. For a few fleeting moments he’d forgotten that his father’s shadow still loomed over them all.
“Do you have any news from VJ?” Shauna asked, a look of concern on her face.
“Not yet,” Akash replied. “It’s too soon.”
Janak clasped his shoulder. “We will find out. Don’t worry about him.”
Akash nodded.
“Well, I’ll see you on Saturday at eight at Suveer’s. Don’t be late. You know what a cantankerous fellow he is.”
With a quick wave, Janak left, pulling the door shut behind him.
Shauna made a face. “I don’t like this dinner plan.”
“It’s just dinner, Shauna,” Akash said.
“With your ex-girlfriend,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Excuse me for not jumping with joy at that idea.”
The corner of his mouth pulled upward. “Jealous?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” She crossed her arms.
He reached for her, his hands settling on her waist as he pulled her in. “Just say it. You’re jealous.”
“Fine.” Her eyes met his. “I am.”
He kissed her forehead. “You don’t need to be.”
