chapter 17

Kabir's POV

Kabir stared at his phone, rereading Aria's message for what had to be the fiftieth time.

Aria: Hey. I never really said thanks for last night. So… thanks. For not pushing, for just being there. You didn't have to, but you did. And I appreciate it.

It wasn't long. It wasn't dramatic.

But it was Aria—someone who didn't say things unless she meant them.

A smirk played on his lips as he typed back.

Kabir: I feel like I should frame this message. A thank-you from Aria? Unbelievable.

Her reply came fast.

Aria: I'll believe you made it your screen lock when I see it.

Something about that made his smirk turn into a grin.

Kabir: Wanna come over now and see it?

No reply.

He wasn't surprised. He could practically see her reaction—rolling her eyes, shaking her head, maybe even biting back a smile.

The thought shouldn't have made his chest feel lighter, but it did.

He leaned back in his chair, phone still in his hand, and—without really thinking—he actually set the message as his lock screen.

Just for fun.Just to mess with her.That's what he told himself.

"You're a lost cause, you know that?"

Aisha's voice cut through his thoughts. Kabir turned to see his assistant—or, as she liked to call herself, the only reason his life didn't fall apart—standing in his office doorway.

She took one look at his phone and gasped.

"Is that—wait, is that Aria's text? As your lock screen? Oh, this is rich."

Kabir sighed. "Aisha."

"No, no. Don't try to cover this up." She marched forward, grabbed his phone, and held it up like it was Exhibit A in a court case. "I need to document this. The great Kabir Oberoi, framing a thank-you text like it's a national award."

Kabir swiped his phone back. "You're being dramatic."

"Oh, I'm being dramatic?" Aisha crossed her arms. "Who's the one saving texts like love letters?"

Kabir ignored that. "Did you need something?"

She narrowed her eyes at his deflection but let it slide. "Yeah. The Meraki team is coming to the resort next week. I need to know how involved you want to be. Casual meet-and-greet? Or full-on 'Kabir Oberoi, charming host' mode?"

Kabir thought for a moment, then asked, "What do you think?"

Aisha blinked. "You never ask me that."

"Because I already know you'll give your opinion anyway."

She huffed. Fair point.

"Honestly? If you play this right, you can make her fall in love with the resort. And maybe with you."

Kabir gave her a look. "Subtle."

Aisha grinned. "You love me for it."

He sighed. "Go on."

She perched herself on the edge of his desk. "Here's what I'm thinking. You give them the tour—personally. Not just the fancy, curated bits. The real experience. The hidden spots, the best views, the food—especially the food."

"Because food is the way to a woman's heart?"

"No, because food is the way to Aria's heart. Have you seen her? She eats like it's a competitive sport."

Kabir huffed a laugh. True.

Aisha continued, "Also, let her see you in your element. She's only seen 'CEO Kabir.' Show her why you built this place. The passion, the vision, the effort."

Kabir leaned back, considering it. "Not bad."

"Not bad?" Aisha put a hand to her chest, mock-offended. "That's brilliant. You're welcome."

Two days later, Kabir was on a flight to London.

It was meant to be a quick trip—back-to-back meetings with investors, scouting locations for a new venture, the usual. He should've been focused on work.

But instead, in between calls and emails, his thoughts drifted.

To a certain someone.

He wasn't about to text her—not yet.

But that didn't mean he couldn't be a little… strategic.

That evening, he posted a picture on Instagram. Nothing obvious. Just a shot of the London skyline from his hotel window, the city lights glowing against the night sky. No caption. No context.

Would she see it? Would she guess where he was?

Not that it mattered.

Except, apparently, it did.

Because the next morning, Aisha called him, barely able to contain her laughter.

"You're not gonna believe who just called me," she said.

Kabir stretched in his chair, still shaking off jet lag. "Who?"

"Paul."

Kabir sat up. "Aria's Paul?"

"The one and only." Aisha sounded way too entertained. "He wanted to know if you'd be at the resort when the Meraki team visits."

His stomach did something weird at that. "And?"

"And when I asked why, he said—and I quote—'Aria feels he should be there when we visit.'"

Kabir exhaled slowly.

Well, well.

"So?" Aisha prompted. "What do you wanna do?"

Temptation flickered through him.

He could text her. Call her. Tease her about asking for him.

Or he could play it cool. Let her wonder, just like he had.

After a long pause, he said, "Keep the itinerary as planned. I'll be back in time."

Aisha sighed dramatically. "You're no fun."

"I think I'm plenty of fun."

"Yeah, yeah. Just don't overplay it, Oberoi. Aria likes that you're not pressing into her life. Don't mess that up by trying too hard."

Kabir huffed a laugh. "You sound like you've been doing this for years."

Aisha smirked. "Unlike you, I actually pay attention to people."

Kabir rolled his eyes, but he couldn't shake the small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips.

Aria wanted him there.

That was enough. For now.