AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A label with his name was written on top of it, indicating the contents belonged to him. He slowly opened the seal and saw that the cover also contained his wallet and watch. Ignoring them, he pulled out his phone. And then, praying there was enough charge in the phone, with slightly shaky hands, he turned the phone on.
Luckily, it turned on and he saw several notifications. Ignoring everything else, he went to the messages marked with Tara’s name. Wondering if she was still cursing him in the messages or sending him more tempting pictures of her, he opened it with a smile of anticipation.
But his smile disappeared when he read the message that was sent three days before.
Tara:Dheeraj and I got married. I decided to spend the rest of my life with him as he and I have several shared interests and a bright future together. Please don’t bother us or cause us any trouble. I wish you all the best for your future.
CHAPTER 1
Seven years later…
“Isn’t this neckline a bit too low?”
Sitara Narayan stood in front of a tall mirror in her bedroom while smoothing the long red dress she wore. As a scientist who spent most of her time in a research lab, she was mostly used to wearing comfortable clothing under her white protective lab coat.
“No, it’s perfect for the occasion!” Preeti, her personal assistant, replied. “You look awesome! I knew it as soon as I saw this dress in the boutique. Pack it!”
Sitara was going to attend the annual Pharma and Biotech summit. She had packed a couple of business suits for the summit, but since she was going to attend an after-event party and then go on a cruise vacation, Preeti offered to help her pack for the two-week long trip.
“Let’s hope you will drive some hot, nerdy scientist so crazy at the convention that he will beg you to take him to the cruise with him.”
A laugh burst out of Sitara at her assistant’s outrageous remark. “I already have company for the cruise.”
But Preeti was determined as always. As a personal assistant who had turned into a good friend over the past five years, Preeti also felt personally invested in Sitara’s life.
“I respect Dr. Pathak,” Preeti said. “But I hardly think she’d make an ideal cruise partner.”
Dr. Pathak was not only Sitara’s business partner, she was also her mentor for the past seven years.
Sitara smiled. “Dr. Pathak was the one to suggest the cruise. And I enjoy her company.”
“That’s the problem. You both will go to the cruise, but will end up discussing research and work stuff rather than checking out hot men on the cruise to date and bring back home.”
Sitara shook her head in amusement. “I’m not interested in dating, with hot men or otherwise.”
Sitara saw Preeti’s face soften. “Well, you should be. Dheeraj has been gone for well over two years now. Don’t you think it’s time to move on and have a companion?”
A small lump formed in Sitara’s throat at the mention of her late husband. Before she could say something, her friend’s face brightened. “What about Dr. Venu? Or even Dr. Mohit? They are quite interested in you. I could sense their interest in the emails they sent to you.”
Sitara shook her head again with a laugh. “They are fellow scientists who were congratulating me on my recent award.”
Preeti continued to look determined. “But they are the only ones you ever interact with! You hardly ever go out.”
“I’m fine, Preeti.” They had been having variations of the same conversation from the past six months. Sitara knew Preeti’s concern was genuine rather than wanting to meddle.
Preeti sighed. “Okay, but promise me you’ll at least try to find someone hot and awesome on the cruise?”
“The cruise is only for thirteen days,” Sitara reminded.
“A lot can happen in that time.”
Sitara laughed. “Okay, I’ll look.”
Preeti seemed content with the promise for the time being.
“By the way, I confirmed the helicopter ride for you and Dr. Pathak to the cruise ship,” Preeti stated. “Captain Ravi Chandran is your pilot’s name.”
Sitara nodded. She knew there wouldn’t be time to catch a flight to the cruise ship after the summit and the after party. Dr. Pathak had suggested it was easier to take a helicopter ride directly to the cruise ship.
