The boy who stole her heart

Chapter 5. His POV

"Please Randhir. Pretty please?" She pouted like a petulant child while showing her best puppy eyes possible. I refrained from rolling my eyes.

Rihanna can sometimes be a child. And it's not at all cute. Along with her mother she stayed here in California for three days now and it's starting to irk me. They are not the normal mother daughter duo. Hell what's a normal mother daughter duo anyways? They were the hyper kind of tourists wanting to see everything. My mother forced me to become their driver. I have never seen California as much I saw in past three days.

Seriously Mr Stephen should get a reward for bearing with these ladies. They are tough to handle.

"Will you stop it Rihanna? It ain't working on me. Pardon me but I need to work here." I sighed whorl opening my laptop and turned my attention towards the blank screen.

"Pardon? What are you, a Shakespearian now?!

"I don't think Pardon is a Shakespearian word. It's French origin...."

"Blah blah. Potato potato." Rihanna sighed and as if she remembered something she shook her head.

"Don't distract me. Common Ron its our wedding and all you care is about work?" She angrily huffed at me and crossed her arms to the chest.

"Don't call me Ron."

"Did you hear a word I said?!" She exclaimed.

"Of course I did. Rihanna my work is important and so is our wedding, okay? I just need to get this done. And besides I gave you the card. Just go shop anything you need." I sighed looking at her.

I usually don't bear such tantrums from girls but this girl is seriously stubborn and I don't know how am I going to bear her for the rest of my life.

"I don't need your card Randhir. It's not about money. Don't you understand? I want you to act like a groom. Is it too much to ask?" Rihanna yelled while raising from her seat. She took the purse from the table and searched something for a while and then in a second I was hit by something. I flinched releasing it was the card I had given her. I sighed.

She did have a point. A valid point from her side. It's not like I have been acting like a jerk to her but I just ignored her most of the times.

"No. You're right. I... What do you want me to do? And no I'm not being condescending"

I was not at all prepared for another lecture. She grinned like a kid on Christmas. Sitting back in front of me she smiled.

"How about you come back to New York with us?... "

"No" I yelled

"Hear me out. As the ceremony is in New York all the arrangements and shopping should be done there so I don't see a reason for you to stay here besides your boring work. You can with us and we can shop and discuss everything together."

"But what about my work?" I questioned.

"God in which era are you living? Work from home." She rolled her eyes as if I didn't know that. It was not a piece of cake to work from home. Only if she knew.

I thought about it for a moment. It's not like she's going to leave me alone. And besides mum did want me to leave early for New York. Also I can't avoid this shopping and additional work forever. I have to do it.

Suddenly I remembered Samuel. I have his company shares. Maybe I can work with him for a while. He's very intelligent businessman just a tad too much excited and lively for a businessman.

Maybe he's not that bad. I only met him thrice and even tho they were brief I could tell he had that potential in him. His aunt sure did chew my ears off praising him.

With this I get the opportunity of seeing how my money's been doing. Hopefully I'll learn a thing or two from him.

"Fine. Yeah I'll come along but I won't be staying with you. I have a apartment there."

"Oh. But it's fine. I'll just go book your tickets. Bye" She excitedly got up from the chair and walked out of the room.

Sighing I fished out the phone from my pocket and called Samuel. Within two rings he picked up the phone.

Surprisingly he agreed, not that he has some power over me. He also promised to keep the cabin ready for me. But for some reason I had the sinking feeling that something was going to happen.

***

As soon as we stepped out of the airport we were greeted by the driver. Looks like Mr. Stephan decided to stay home.

Settling inside the car I took a huge breath. The drive from airport to his house was one long hour. Again why did I agree to come?

To my absolute delight Rihanna and her mother chose to nap instead of talking like they did on the flight. Five hours of useless gossip, tricks of beauty and online shopping talks bored me.

As soon as the car started and we crossed the airport a thought popped in my mind. 'Is she still staying in this state?'

I was scared to answer the question. I don't want to face her not because I'm afraid but I know she'll hate me. I can't bear to see hate in her eyes. The only girl I promised of everything and I broke every promise.

As we passed by the familiar streets my heart twisted. Though we lived in the city outskirts but I still do recall that we used to sneak out here for long drives and get whiff of city air. We used to wander here in the middle of night after watching the late night movies in the theatre.

She used to love watching old movies. And because of that I used to accompany her on the late nights.

Even after so many years I can't seem to forget her. There's this image of her instilled so deep in my mind that I am sometimes scared of its intensity. The thought of her hating me sure scares me but the thought of her being with other man kills me.

What if she moved on? What if she found the one? Can I see her happy in other man's arms without getting crushed?

Before I could answer my own questions I experienced a stop.

"Finally! We are here" I heard Rihanna's tired voice broke me out of my thoughts. I was so lost in her that I did not even understand that the car came halt.

As soon as Rihanna pressed the doorbell it was opened by a older servant. He greeted us with warm smiles. We made our way inside the house.

*********

"Okay thanks butler..." The faint voice could be heard from the living. Soon I could hear the footsteps.

"Ciao young man. Surprise you came. How are you?" Stephen's raspy voice boomed throughout the living room. I tilted my head in his direction and saw him walking towards the couch. He smiled looking at his wife and daughter.

Rihanna and Stacey were perched on the couch with obviously tired even after taking a nap.

"Good morning sir. I'm doing good. What about you?"

"Bene! Io? I'm excellent. Very happy. And...Ah there she is. Sanyukta, come meet your sister and her fiancé. They just arrived."

Sanyukta. My heart raced hearing the familiar. What are the chances of her being here? None. Shaking my head I looked ahead and suddenly stood up from my seat. My eyes widened looking at her.

She looked different. She looked incredible. Her beauty never fails to astonish me. The way she holds herself and the way she thinks before talking, afraid that others will judge her. The way she nervously bites her lips. The way she stares and glares until the other person accepts his faults. All these little things made me fall for her. Was she still the same? Even though her physical appearance changed I could still smell the familiar perfume. It lingered in the air.

What was she doing here? She mirrored the same expression as mine. She looked pale. Almost ready to faint.

Before she could utter a word Rihanna who was standing besides me rushed forward and hugged her.

"I'm so glad you came."

Even though she looked surprised at the gesture she didn't show it, instead her eyes were trained on me.

"Yeah. I had to." I heard her whisper.

How does Rihanna know Sanyukta? Are they friends?

"Sun this my fiancé Ron. Uh... I mean Randhir." Rihanna giggled at her mistake. How many times have I told her to not use that nickname? She loves to ruffle my feathers.

I gave her a hesitant smile, not knowing what to do. She directed a glare towards me. Only if looks could kill.

"Hi. I am Sanyukta, Rihanna's sister. It's nice to meet you."

What? Sister? How?

"You are her sister?" I asked.

"Yes Randhir. She's my step sister. I told you yesterday, remember?!" Rihanna nudged me.

Liar. I don't remember Rihanna mentioning Sanyukta. Hell she did not even said she had a sister.

I could feel everyone's stare on me so I gave a smile.

"Yes, yes I remember. It's nice meeting you Sanyukta."

"Randhir! Why don't we go have breakfast?! I'm pretty sure you are starving." Stacey exclaimed raising from her seat. I quickly left her hand and nodded in her direction.

"Butler! Set the table." Stacey yelled.

"Sanyukta, honey will you be joining us for breakfast?!" Stacey asked her.

"Nah. I'll be running. But I'll join you guys on dinner. Bye"

"Randhir...let's go" Rihanna nudged me and dragged me towards the table. I so badly wanted to hear her voice. I wanted to hear the way my name rolled down her lips. I turned around only to see her disappearing through the door.

Stephen had a huge smile on his face. I can't believe he his her father. What an ass hole! He left her and Sanyukta's mother all alone. A wave of anger boiled in me. I so badly wanted to hit him and yell at him but I couldn't do that. Not without exposing my relationship with Sanyukta. And I'm pretty sure Sanyukta would hate me for that. I couldn't have her do that.

***

"Are you happy now papa?" Rihanna whispered as Stephen walked towards the dining table. It was as if something was stuck inside his mouth for his lips were pulled in a huge smile.

"Si. Si. Very much happy."

I looked in the direction of Stacey who rolled her eyes.

"Never thought she would come" Stacey said her voice a bit snarky. I avoided looking into her direction.

"Mom" Rihanna said as if reminding something.

"Anyways Randhir hun is sausage and beans okay with you? Don't worry he's making a omelette as well."

"It's fine Stacey. I'm good." I picked the buttered bread from basket and started munching on it.

"So are you staying here Randhir?" I heard Stephan's voice as he pulled a chair beside Rihanna's.

"Yes"

"You are?" Rihanna asked surprised. She kept her half eaten bread on the plate and turned her attention towards me.

"Well I forgot to tell you. My apartment needs furniture and also there's no water connection. The Secretary said it may take a week to get everything fixed so I thought I'll stay here. If it's a problem I can book a nearby hotel." I lied. The Secretary got everything fixed. In fact he even got a plant as a gift, if his w******p status is any proof.

"Nonsense we have enough rooms Randhir. Don't worry."

"Si. Don't you dare stay in any hotel. Butler will arrange a room for you." Stephen said while picking at his food. He raised his eyebrows for effect.

"Thanks."

"Signora do you all want anything else?"

"A chai please."

"I want a green tea."

"Make that two" Stacey replied.

Everyone looked at me.

"I would like a coffee if you have. One sugar. Skimmed milk."

Butler, or whatever his name is nodded and walked back inside the kitchen.

After breakfast we all moved back to the living room.

"So Randhir got any plans? I was thinking maybe we could check this fishing point out." Stephen asked forwarding a booklet.

"Dad he has plans." Rihaana interrupted before I could answer.

"Sorry Stephen. I have to go check on my company." I mumbled apologetically.

"New company?" Stephan asked curious and I don't know if I imagined it but Stacey's while body tilted towards us.

"No. It's just a company I had bought shares years ago. The CEO is really nice so I thought I could go work with him for a while. You know check if the investment is worth it."

"Good good. Never expected you to wander the city with me" Stephen laughed and I felt a bit guilty.

"Stephen. Let the boy be. You can go with Butler." Stacey smiled at me.

"Yeah..."

I felt like a intruder all of a sudden. My gaze wandered in the direction of Rihanna who was busy on her phone.

"Anyways I'll be leaving then. Don't wait on me for lunch. I'll join you guys for dinner. Bye" I stood up and adjusted my suit jacket. My glasses were sliding down so I removed them and tucked in the jacket.

"Rihanna" Stacey elbowed her daughter to get up and look at me.

"Okay bye Randhir. Have a good day." She yelled from the same place not even budging a bit. Her fond was so forced and disinterested that I wanted to roll my eyes but I held myself back. Seriously! How!

"Thanks. You too have a good day."

With that I left the room ready to go back to the office.

***