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His throat caught. He was going to miss her a lot.
It sucked that Tiya wasn’t his destiny. And even though his heart rebelled at the thought, as he’d expected, he had to let her go.
Some lucky man would be able to have her as his partner. He’d get to enjoy the wonderful woman she was.
Vihaan was just glad that Tiya didn’t hate him that much. They would break up, and he would win the bet with Dev. And his family would live in peace knowing that Dev Luthra was out of their lives once and for all. It was what was best for everyone involved.
Jatin Sood joined them at the dining table and they all sat as dinner was served. The conversation carried on smoothly between them all. Tiya’s parents were very active on the Dubai social scene and they spoke of several of their friends and acquaintances. Tiya knew all of them and she gave her inputs to the conversation. Since Vihaan didn’t know anyone they spoke of he kept silent, enjoying the camaraderie between Tiya and her parents.
Once dessert was served, Vihaan said, “Sir, I’d like to talk to you aboutSood Cement. Like I told you, our cement needs are going to increase substantially and, therefore, it makes sense for us to buy a cement company. Hence,KeyStonewould be honored if you consider our proposal to buy your prestigious firm.”
Jatin Sood exchanged a look with his wife before saying, “I’m in talks with Luthra Inc. and we’ve more or less finalized something.”
“Mr. Sood, my brothers and I would really like an opportunity to present our case to you,” Vihaan pressed. “Just hear us out, please.”
“Like I said, I’m committed to Dev and I can’t back out of it.”
“Dad,” Tiya interrupted, “You’ve not even heard his proposal.”
The older man shook his head.
Disappointment filtered through Vihaan, followed by rage. Dev Luthra, the bastard, was always a step ahead of them.KeyStonehad to resolve their cement problem. Most of their key suppliers had already been bought over by Luthra. And with the Kuwait project coming up, they really did need to be in control of their cement supplies. They had to make sure such a situation never came up and no one could manipulate them again.
“That’s not fair, Dad,” Tiya pushed. “Why won’t you even listen to his offer?”
“My hands are tied, Tiya,” Jatin Sood said, sounding grim. “Even if I want to, I can’t say no to Dev Luthra.”
Tiya exchanged a surprised look with Vihaan. His instincts blazed to life. What did Dev hold against Tiya’s dad? Did he really hold something against him or was it Vihaan’s imagination working over time? A thought even worse hit his brain. What if Jatin Sood had been complicit with Pritam Luthra all those years ago and he continued to support his son now?
But if that was the case then why was he entertaining Vihaan in his house as his daughter’s boyfriend? Before Tiya had arrived, both her parents had been perfect hosts to him. After interacting with Jatin Sood a few times, Vihaan didn’t get any bad vibes from him. But what did he know? He’d been wrong about Dev in the past. He could be wrong about Tiya’s dad too.
“Didn’t you want our company to remain in the family?” Tiya’s annoyed voice cut into his thoughts. “Isn’t that what you told me? Shouldn’t you then at least considerKeyStone’s offer since Vihaan and I are together?”
“I’ve already decided, Tiya,” her dad answered. “I’m signing the deal in a few days.”
“But—”
Vihaan held her hand. “Hey, baby. It’s okay. Your dad’s a sharp businessman. I’m sure he has his reasons for deciding what he has.”
And Vihaan had to learn what those reasons were. If only he knew how to.
“But—” Tiya began.
He squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, really. My brothers and I will figure out a solution forKeyStone. We always do.”
The look on Tiya’s dad’s face was one of relief, making the whole thing even stranger. Their dessert plates were soon cleared and they all stood. Vihaan’s phone pinged with the message that his cab had arrived.
Vihaan thanked the Sood couple warmly and when he turned to leave, Tiya stopped him.
“Let’s go toKomobayfor a quick drink,” she said.
He frowned. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She faced her parents. “I’m going out with him for a bit. I’ll be back soon. Don’t wait up for me.”
“Oh, no worries, sweetie,” her mom said. “Your dad and I are meeting some friends too. We’ll be out late. We’ll catch you in the morning.”
Once the cab pulled away from her house, Vihaan asked, “What happened?”
