Haider woke up as a light hue from the sun began to illuminate the sky. He took a deep breath and wore his night-robe. With slow steps, he walked out of the room. With many thoughts running in his head, he glided down the stairs.

He stopped at the entrance of the kitchen. The man, Santosh, lay asleep on the floor over a jute mat. He frowned and cautiously walked up to him.

'Hey!' He called and the man shifted in his sleep. Slowly, he opened his eyes looked at Haider.

'Oh!' He gasped pulling up his legs and covering his face. Haider frowned.

What a weirdo!

Slowly, he moved his hands from his face and stood up with his gaze lowered, - 'Sir, why did you bother coming? You could have asked me for anything that you needed.' He said humbly whilst tugging on his shirt.

Haider looked away, waving a hand at him, - 'No. It is okay. I am here for the tea.' He said opening the top of the kettle and pouring water from the jug. Santosh was looking at him but when he glanced at him, he quickly lowered his head.

Haider asked him to continue sleeping and he agreed without any argument. He opened the top shelf and pulled out the ceramic cup. After the kettle blew the whistle, Haider poured the hot water and began dipping the teabag. Just then, a plate of biscuits was pushed at him. He looked up. Santosh stood beside him; his brown eyes stared right into him. A strange glint in his eyes.

'Sir don't have tea on an empty stomach. It will cause acidity.' He advised. Haider doesn't fail to grasp the strong Bhojpuri accent of the thin man.

'Um, what is your age?' Haider enquired, picking one of the biscuits. His eyes glued to the man.

Santosh gulped, - '35.' He replied averting his gaze.

Haider scoffed, - 'The mustache makes you look like you are in your fifties, but your body makes you look like a teenager.' He commented.

Santosh looked offended, - 'Excuse me, sir. That was judgmental.'

Haider rolled his eyes in response.

'I don't care. Now, do whatever you want I am off to do my exercise.' He replied haughtily and walked away carrying the plate and teacup.

As he climbed up the stairs, Haider noticed the sunlight has gotten stronger. Soon, the rat race of the cooperate world would begin.

After Haider was done with his exercise, he walked into his room, calling for AK as he wiped his sweaty upper arm.

'Is my bath ready?' He called and stopped in his tracks upon seeing Santosh standing at the bathroom door.

'Yes, sir.' He said confidently. Haider shot him a look and turned away. He stilled upon seeing his office wear was on the bed. He frowned and turned to look at Santosh again.

'What is this? Hasn't AK told you just to ready my bath and not all this.' – He gestured at the bed; Santosh lowered his head.

'Sorry, sir. I thought it will be a help for you.' He muttered. Haider let out an irritated sigh.

'You are hired as a butler. You don't have to behave like my wife.' He scolded him. Slowly, Santosh looked at him and shrugged.

'I can't, sir. Same-gender marriage isn't legal here.' He said cheekily. Haider got knocked out by his response. Santosh lowered his head and quietly walked out of the room.

After getting ready for work, Haider quickly climbed the stairs. He pulled up the black coat and buttoned it.

'Haider!'

He paused upon hearing her voice. Haider looked up and scowled upon seeing Roma standing at the dining table. She smiled, leaning her palm over the table. He was unpleasantly surprised to see her. She blinked at him, seductively adjusting the Pallu of her plain golden saree over her shoulder.

'What are you doing here?' Haider expressed his disinterest. She giggled walking up to him and threw an arm around his neck.

'I am sorry, darling. I couldn't come earlier. I had to wait for Danny to go out of town.' She shook her head and tightened her arms, - 'I wanted to console you.' She leaned resting her head against his chest. Haider clenched his fist but doesn't push her away.

'You must be so, so devasted. I should have been with you.' She said with very much fake-sounding concern.

Haider held her shoulder and peeled her off him, - 'Thank you for your concern. Now, leave.' He said with his indifference masked by his tone.

Roma shook her head, - 'Not so fast, my love. Come.' – She held his hand and walked him towards the dining table. On the way, Santosh stood a few distances from them. Carefully, he stretched his leg. Not noticing it, Roma tripped. He quickly retracted his leg. Haider reached out to steady her, but she had fallen.

Haider caught Santosh snickering. But his gaze met Haider's, he instantly stopped laughing. Haider ignored him and rushed to Roma.

'What the hell happened?'- She looked daze as she was helped by him, - 'How did I trip?' She kept glancing around. Haider helped her take a step, but she winced crumbling on the floor. She grabbed her ankle and cried.

'Does it hurt much?' Haider enquired as he helped her remove her high heels. Roma squeezed her eyes tightly and nodded, - 'Don't worry—'

'Sorry to interrupt, sir.'- Santosh intervened, - 'But when Ma'am doesn't know how to wear heels then why is she bothering—'

'Will you shut up.' Haider reprimanded Santosh and he promptly zipped his mouth.

Without a second thought, Haider scooped Roma in his arms. Santosh's eyes widened while Roma looked satisfyingly stunned. Swiftly, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her to the sofa. Gently, he placed her on the plush grey sofa and sat beside her. He held her shoulder as she massaged her ankle.

'I suggest you stay here till you feel better.' – Haider looked at his butlers, - 'Take good care of Madam and send her off when she is feeling well.' He said seriously. AK and Santosh nodded.

Haider rose from his seat, but Roma held his shoulder and pulled him down.

'Please don't leave me alone with these—' she glanced at the butlers with disgust in her eyes. Haider clicked his tongue, - 'I wouldn't have left and personally dropped you home. But I have to go to work else it will fall apart.' He sighed and stood up, adjusting his coat. He asked her to feel comfortable and leave whenever she feels better. Roma nodded slightly in response.

This is Santosh's moustache ;)

Bechare ka plan backfired *laughs*

How was the Chapter, you guys? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay Tuned for the next update *lots of love* *hugs and kisses*