CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Aayan comes out of his room getting ready after he cleans the house. He looks at Alia who's on the floor with some papers shattered around her. She has a pen tucked behind her ear.

"Lia what's all these?"

"Bank forms. I am applying for loan."

"Why do you need a loan for?" He asks taking a seat on the couch opposite to her.

She looks at him,"duh.. to open my bakery.."

"Why do you need a loan?" He asks again.

"A, to open my bakery I'd need money. And to get money I'd need loan.. " she explains to him.

"Yeah I get that , that you need money to open your own bakery. But why would you want to take a loan?" he asks not understanding, "by God's grace, we are loaded with money.."

"I know, A.." she gets up collecting the papers and sits on the couch,"please don't tell anyone about this.. but I don't want to take any money from dad or papa. I have to do everything on my own."

"Dad and Armaan mama are going to be really pissed, you know. And I don't even want to think about what mom and Riddhi maa would say.." he warns her.

She looks down ,"I know but they have already done so much for me. It's time I stop being a burden on them and just like bhai, I make things work myself. "

"But you don't have to, Lia. And you know it very well you're not a burden on anyone of them. In fact they will be delighted to help you." He tries to make her understand.

She shakes her head,"I agree with you but they have already given me the world. I think it's time they stop worrying about me and start looking for Amy and Riddhan.... and Meher."

"Lia, Riddhan has one of the best security companies. He is successful as it is. And Amy and Meher works with dad and mama. Once they decide to retire, their company will be given to both the girls. What are you talking about looking for Meher, Amy and Riddhan ?" He is really upset that she thinks almost like Aarul.

Aarul went out of the family and worked so hard to become an artist. He didn't took their help and that thing hurts them so much. They all regret not looking for Aarul any which ways and if Alia did the same, they will be distraught.

"I know A, I know they will happily give me whatever I want but having my own bakery is my one dream and so close to coming true. All I want is that to happen with my own hard work.."

"You have already worked hard. Lia, I have never seen anyone who is so good at something already and still work so hard for a competition. So compassionate and always trying to make more effort. You've proven that you deserve it and you've already worked so hard for this." He holds her hand," all you need to do is take the opportunity and do the best with it."

He has seen her how restless she was till the moment of the workshop. She could easily just buy a certificate but no, she was certain to earn the certificate and she worked really hard and well for it.

"But A, atleast let me try.. you know if things do not go the way I want, I'd ask help from them.."

"Wow... Lia." He pauses worried about their parents reaction if they even get an idea about what she's talking," Lia listen.. you should talk to them and then decide what you really want to do."

"I have always decided, A. You promise me not to tell them anything.." she asks him.

He looks at her not sure if he should promise her but when he looks determination and finality in her eyes, he gives in and nods.

Something struck him and he turns to her," what if I help you?"

"Help me how?"

"Well, you are best at your work.. I help you with the money and in return you deliver whatever desserts our customers asks from your bakery. The menu will be approved by you?" He looks at her, hoping she'd agree.

It will be so wrong if she goes out and get money from the bank, pay with more interest when there's no need and when he can easily help her. And in some ways, their family will be the one supporting her.

They have enough money, not that he's bragging about it. But his family has worked really hard to earn the business and thankfully they are very successful.

He himself took advantage of the family money. And he's not ashamed nor he is overweening about it. All he did is, take the opportunity he got and make the best of it. All of them, all his siblings. Their parents have enough money but as their parents taught them, they all believe in hard work.

"How about I take the loan and still do as you are saying. And you pay me as you'd pay to anyone else and I pay off the loan sooner?" She suggests excited.

He looks at her and when there's nothing left to argue about, he nods," fine but if anyone at home gets to know then I am saying I have no idea.. because I'd rather lie then agree and get their wrathful. "

She nods and gives him a hug," thank you A. And please don't say anything to our parents.."

He signs on zipping his lips and locking, then giving her the keys.

"Breakfast?"

"Yes sure..." he says and gets up walking to the dining table.

"Hey A, I need a realtor or someone who'd advise me about things.." she tells him at the dining table as they eat.

"I will ask Javed to get me the best business advisor and he can help you with everything." He says and dials Javed's number and puts the call on speaker," now let's have some fun.."

"Javed, I need the best business advisor in the city. Make an appointment." He orders.

"What am I? Your PA? You pay me just only to work in the hotel." Javed arrogantly replies.

"Javed Riddhi maa is asking for it.. should I tell her you're too busy sneaking girls in your rest room?" He smirks. Alia smiles at his antics.

They all know Javed is Riddhima's pet and he'll do anything to look good in form of Riddhima.

"Asshole.. " Javed mutters but they both hear it and laugh," fine... but I need extra money for that.. or I will tell Riddhima ma'am that you are selling drugs in name of sugar. I will replace the sugar with drugs if you tell Riddhima ma'am anything."

"Keep dreaming, Javed.. Riddhi maa will always like me more than you.." he laughs and before Javed could rant, he cuts the call.

Looking at Alia he smiles,"done!"

"Why do you hate him so much?"

"You have no idea the hard time he gave me when I was working as an intern there.. he was such a pain in the ass." Aayan recalls the days,"he made sure I worked extra than the other interns he got from some agency. That asshole.."

"And why does he hate you?"

Aayan laughs, "he was Riddhi maa's favorite staff. I went and took all his attention. He started getting jealous.."

They both finish the breakfast talking some more. Once Aayan is done, he gets up,"what are you planning to do today?"

"I was thinking to go meet Riddhan. He can help me with few things.. " she tells him.

"I can help you.."

"No worries, A. You are anyways always busy with the work and all the franchises you're working on.." she politely decline," Riddhan said he'll help.."

Disappointed he slightly nods,"still.. if you need any help.."

She nods and he walks to her side of the table, drops a kiss on her head walking out.

Not really understanding why it bothers him so much that he's not asking for his help. First the money and now this. Though he's glad she asked about the advisor but he's free for her and he can always help her any which ways she wants.

He can even give her the money she needs for the bakery but she's very self responsible. Even Before offering, he knew she'd say no.

Shaking his head he walks out of the house still thinking of ways he can help her.

************

Alia frowns at Aayan as he drops a kiss on her forehead. She keeps staring at his back as he walks funnily out of the door.

"What's wrong with him? He kissed me the third time in these last seven days.." she even remembers the kiss, no not the kiss but a small peck he gave her outside the workshop venue. Not that she's keeping a count.

And he even danced with her and what's all that about the gazing and smiling and being so sweet to her. He's never been sweet and caring to her in a decade. They were teenagers when he started repelling from her and they were never the same again and now 12 years later, they are married and ready to divorce.

Everything is clear. They were about to get married with all the rituals and it didn't happen but they got married by law. They decided to have a divorce and it's their trial. After exactly 135 days, they will be divorced. Not that she's counting.

But what she doesn't understand is when she made up her mind and ready to move forward why he's so keen to be this sweet to her and do things he's not supposed to. Why is he trying to give her hope.

He never cared and she was use to it and now he's waiting for her at the workshop, calling her brother to come and visit and now he's offering in money matters. Which would bound them further and she's not ready for that.

She has decided her mind, once they are divorced, she'd mind her business and never come face to face with him. It's difficult to through as it is and thinking of the divorce for the marriage that they never had was bad enough. Though her Riddhi maa told her she should try it but the first week together and how he stayed away from her was hint to clear any chances she thought, they could have.

Sighing she gets up and walks to her room to get ready. Once she's ready, she goes to the bank to submit the loan form and goes to meet Riddhan.

"What are you doing here?" She ask as she walks in Riddhan's pent house and finds Meher lying on the couch with a bowl of popcorn on her stomach watching Tom and Jerry on the TV.

Meher gives her a shrug and gets back to watch the TV. Alia looks at Riddhan who shakes his head walking towards her and hugs her.

"What's she doing here?"

"Don't know and don't want to know.."

"Don't you have to be at work?" Alia ask Meher who passes her half empty bowl to Riddhan and orders him to fill it.

He gives her a look taking the bowl. Meher sits up patting next to herself for Alia to sit," I have people who work for me so that I can rest.."

"Don't you work for dad and papa?" She asks amused.

Meher shrugs, "ugh.. what's with all the don'ts you Aalu...."she irritated growls at Alia,"I let them think that way.. I have surpassed them at the age of 19."

"She's a lazy ass.." Riddhan says passing a can of soft drink to Alia and giving the bowl of popcorn to Meher. Meher eyes the drink in Alia's hand.

"You want?" She asks and Meher nods instantly grinning.

"Lazy, my ass.. I don't work hard. I work smart." She snorts,"when I can pay people and make them work for me why would I go and sit in a cabin of 12 by 12 to get bored to death?"

"You are such a marauder. " Alia slaps her laughing," and lazy.."

Meher snorts and pushing herself down she lies down keeping her head on Alia's lap,"marauder.. what's marauder??"

"The one who takes credit for other's work.... like you.." Alia slaps her,"how did you come here?"

"My car.." she snaps.

"Hey how come everybody gets guards and you don't? You do as you please and he doesn't even get to know??" She asks pointing at Riddhan.

"I kicked his guards' balls when they tried to follow me. I am Meher. I don't need someone looking at me all the time.." she laughs.

"Riddhan, how'd you approve of this?"

Riddhan gives her a stare and when his phone rings and he walks away to answer.

"Tell me how come you don't have anyone following you when I gave two people looking at me all the time.. " Alia complains.

"Kick their asses... they'll run away.." she suggests.

After few minutes, he comes back,"mom dad's on the way here. They want to talk to you." He points at Alia.

"Why?"

"You know why.. why'd you apply for loan?"he asks her.

She looks at him, her eyes widen,"they know?"

"Of course they know.. "he says taking his laptop and sitting aside.

"I told A not to say anything to them. He broke the promise.." she angrily dials Aayan's number who answers immediately and she angrily spats,"you promised you'd not tell them... I gave you reasons after reasons why I don't want to take money from them and you went and told them. How could you?"

"Woah.. woah.. calm down Lia.." he says very patiently, "whom didn't tell what?:

"About the loan.. to dad and Riddhi maa.." she says in verge of crying.

"Hey, I didn't tell them.. I promised you and I would never break the promise I made you.." he says,"where are you?"

"You didn't tell them so who did? I just discussed it with you, A. There's no way anyone else could know.." she shouts

"Lia... I promise I didn't.. I didn't even talk to them today.. not even mom." She could hear his voice very impatient and eager but right now she doesn't care. He broke the promise.

One thing she wanted to do on her own and one thing she told him to keep from their parents for the first time and he went and did the opposite of it.

"Lia where are you?"

"Why do you care.. go tell the world about it now." She disconnects the call.

Riddhan raises his brow at her but she shakes her head and walks to the spare room to calm herself down.

45 minutes later, She's in the room lying on the bed thinking about how she spoke to Aayan and how rude she was. She never spoke to him like that. But she's so angry at him right now, she could kick his ass right away.

"Where's she?" She hears Aayan's hurried voice.

She Winches and sinks in the bed covering her head with the pillow.

"You all need to stop showing up unannounced.." she hears Riddhan's calm yet irritated voice.

"Lia.. open the door.." he knocks on the door loudly.

"Go away, A.."

"Lia listen to me.. I didn't say anything to anyone.."

"Go away.." she shouts," I don't want talk to you right now.."

"Aalu.. open the door.."Meher says after a while,"Riddhi maa and Ammy are here.. come out.."

Alia pouts. Now because of him they'll scold her and then they'll not let her do things her way. She drags herself off the bed and opening the door she walks out.

Aayan holds her arm just as she steps out," Lia, I didn't tell them.." he says.

"Then how'd they know?" She snaps and

When she doesn't find Armaan and Riddhima she turns to Meher," traitor.."

"I don't know,Lia but I promised you I won't and I didn't.." he tries to make her believe shaking her a little.

"He didn't.." they all hear Riddhan. When they all continue to stare at them he continues, "dad got a call from the bank. They said you've applied for loan.."

"Ohh.." she says..

Aayan leaves her hand sighing loudly. Riddhan gives him a look then again at Alia," dad's is really pissed. And mom shouted.. at me"

They all close their eyes. Armaan is pissed at her. And Riddhima shouted on Riddhan. It doesn't sound good at all.

Aayan turns to Alia, "now do you believe me?"

"Ohh cut it out bhai.." Meher pushes him away from Alia, "she doesn't trust you.. you already broke her heart once.."

Alia snaps her eyes at Meher and Aayan stands there just looking at Alia.

To be continued...