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Mallika’s POV

The noise of the crowd reached my ears before I entered the cafe.

The atmosphere made me smile as I inhaled a long breath. I love noisy places. They make me feel that I am not alone. Even if they are strangers, they are right here with me.

I stumbled a bit as a kid bumped right into my feet.

He stared at me as he fell to the ground. His eyes filled with tears but none fell.

I sat on my knees to match his height and his gaze was still fixed on me.

“Are you fine?” The question left my mouth as I made him stand.

As soon as he heard the question, he started crying bitterly.

I couldn’t blame him. This is a human nature.

He wouldn’t have cried if there was no one to ask that he is okay.

I smiled as my hands wiped the tears off his face.

“Where does it hurt?” I asked softly which calmed him a bit.

He shook his head in a ‘no’ as he searched for the wound over his whole body.

“What’s the need to cry then, baby? Be strong and save your tears for the day when you actually have a wound.” I said in a soft tone, cupping his face.

His gaze shifted to a group of children that looked the same age as his.

Without responding, he joined them with a laughter forgetting everything that just happened.

My smile remained on my face as I saw his disappearing figure in the crowd.
‘Now back to work, Mallika.’ My subconscious mind reminded me as I looked around.

My eyes searched for the man that I haven’t even met yet.

A tall figure approached me with a grin as I smiled back at him.

When he came closer, then I noticed those ocean deep blue eyes that could lead ships to wreck, that smile that fills out all voids. His beauty was enough to make heaven fall for grace.

“Rowan.” His husky and hoarse voice made me release a deep sigh as his hand reached out to me.

Even after our handshake, we were still holding onto each other.

“Mallika.”

“Such a pretty name just like you.” He said with a sheepish grin as we made our way to the table that we reserved.

A red color slightly appears on my cheeks at his statement as we both sit down.

“I’ve heard a lot about you and your passion for your job. I really appreciate it.” His smile was enough to make butterflies flutter in my stomach.

“Thank you so much.” I am unable to behave like a normal person in front of him.

If love at first sight is real then I am in love.

The silk shirt that he was wearing fit right into his body like if it was sewed in it as he orders for us.

His smile makes him more attractive and it seems like he is in his late 30s.

Age doesn’t matter in love.

“So Mallika, before we start our professional meeting I would like to know some things about you.” His looks truly match his personality and his arms are now resting on the table.

That was when I noticed a huge-mangled scar on his left arm that reminded me of the giant I used to read stories of. He probably followed my gaze as the next moment I knew his hand was removed from the table.

Is he a terrorist or something? Or why would a normal person have that kind of scar?

What could be the story behind that?

I tried to ignore the thing I just saw and continue the conversation but uneasiness was clearly visible on my face as I tucked a strand of my hair behind my right ear.

He faked cough, trying to clear the tension in the atmosphere but failed miserably.

“Do you want me to tell you?” About the scar that I screwed up your mind with on our first meeting.

I wasn’t sure to say yes as I didn’t want to know a stranger’s personal things. But I nodded hesitantly.

Maybe this would make me feel safe and prevent me from assuming him as a terrorist.

“When I was 21, my closest friend did this unknowingly during one of our fights. His guilt couldn’t wash the mark away.” I nodded, processing everything as the doubts about him vanished.

“You might know him. He is none other than Sumedh.” He continued.

If I am not mistaken, I saw a smirk appear on his face after seeing my surprised reaction at the mention of my friend.

He must be lying. Sumedh would never do this to anyone. I know that I know nothing about him, but he is such a caring guy. He calmed me when I was having a panic attack. Then, why would he do something like this?

“Did he really do that?” I questioned, my voice raising a bit in confusion as my brows frowned.

“Don’t worry. He just got some serious anger issues. I forgave him years ago for this.” He replied with a short laugh as if it was some kind of joke.

Ohh Sumedh, it’s really unexpected.

The waiter interrupted our conversation as he came with our drinks. I didn’t need to reply as his expression was telling me not to expand this topic.

“Enough about me. I want to know about you.” He said while sipping his espresso.
His eyes, which attracted me the most, were staring right in my eyes.

“What do you even want to know about me?” I asked with a giggle which made him smile.

“Umm… let’s start with something unique. Where do you go when you are alone?

“Home. It is probably the best place for me to spend time when I am alone.”
His small smile changed into a grin at my response.

“Who are your closed ones? The people that would reach out to you if you are in trouble.” I found this question a bit strange but still chose to reply.

“My best friends. Avneet and Henry.”

“What about Sumedh? I thought he was your boyfriend.” He inquired as confusion was visible all over his face.

“No no no. He is just my friend.” I replied with a frown.

What the heck?

Who told him this?

“I saw you hugging him at your doorstep like you never wanted to let go.” He replied instantly as his voice raised a bit.

“What were you even doing in my society? Were you the one who was stalking me?” I realized this sounds a little bit rude after the questions have already left my mouth.

I clutched my dress tightly and my heartbeat increased as the flashback of that day came in front of my eyes.

The stalker…

I started circling my ring around my index finger. I always do this when I am nervous.

What if he was the one who…

I couldn’t even complete the question as the fear made me numb and my legs started to shiver a bit.

I am extremely scared of these things. If there is any possibility of him being the stalker, I would never trust anyone.

“You are misunderstanding me. I would never hurt you, Mallika. How could anyone hurt a girl like you? One of my friends stays there and I just went to meet him. It wasn’t me.” He replied as he grabbed my hands.

His eyes stared right into mine as there was a hint of hurt in it.

I felt a pain in my chest after seeing him like this as if someone stabbed me many times right in my heart.

“I am so sorry. I didn’t mean that. I don’t know what got into me. I just…-” I was cut off in between by the feeling of his thumb caressing my hand.

I shivered and my face turned into red, as if I was a tomato, at the sensation of his skin against mine.

“No worries. I understand, Mallika.” He said softly.

I nodded in response as he left my hand.

Now suddenly, I feel the urge to hold his hands again. The warmth that he was providing me is gone now.

I shifted my position and sat straight as we finally started discussing the professional things. Now only work.

I collected and wrote every information that was required for hosting a ball party in the city.

“My PA will message you the rest of the things. So it would be great if you gave your number.” His smile reached his eyes as I gave him my number.

“Now I should take your leave.” He said while getting up. He already paid the bill even after I tried to stop him a lot.

I too got up as we walked towards the exit.

“I hope to see you soon, Mallika. Very soon.” He whispered with a small smirk before embracing me in his arms.

What was that smirk for? I ignored this thought as his scent spread in my nostrils.

My world stopped for a second. I flinched at his sudden action but then slowly patted his back.

It was special and awkward at the same time, considering it was our first meeting.

We broke the hug and he slowly made his way towards his car. I just stood there, silently watching him.

He waved his hand, one last time before the car went away.

I stared into that direction for a long time before looking away.

God, I like him a lot.

I was about to leave too but someone grabbed my hand and pulled me towards them.

I collided with his chest before I could even see who he was.

“Sid?” I questioned as his sharp jaw was clenched and he was looking right into my soul through my eyes.

“Who was he?” The anger in his question confused me.

“My client.” I replied with a frown at his behavior.

“Come with me. Right now.”

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So first of all, I am so sorry for the late update. I got busy with some work and had a massive headache too.

I hope you guys liked this chapter. It made this long as an apology for the late update.

Sorry again.

Stay tuned for the next chapter!