Chapter Fourteen
Rajneet
Ajay’s mother insisted that, before everyone got to work, they all sit and have a quiet lunch. Raj politely accepted even though she was honest enough with herself to admit that she was terrified Ajay’s family wouldn’t approve of her.
As they surrounded the large marble table and talked about Bharat and Ajay’s family, Raj thought about her mother, and how every time family friends came over for a meal, Raj was required to help in the kitchen and put the food on the table. Her mother would praise her, would tell everyone what a good girl she was and how great a wife she’d one day become. Ajay’s mother didn’t look like she expected the same from the women her sons were involved with. But, of course, Raj would have to reserve judgment.
She was, after all, a soon-to-be divorcée, and even though she wore that badge with pride as she started the next part of her life, she wasn’t ignorant of the fact that people in her own community were going to judge her.
Ajay must’ve sensed her unease because he kept asking her if she liked the food. Which she did.
It brought memories back and forced her to face the fact that she’d have to make a decision about seeing her mother soon.
Less than an hour passed over food and conversation before everyone stood from the table, ready to get to work.
“The daal was truly excellent, Aunty,” she said to Ajay’s mother.
Unfortunately, the woman began tearing up again.
“Oh, I’m—I’m so sorry,” Raj added in English before Mina ushered her outside and down the path toward the houses in the distance.
“I don’t understand. Was it something I did or said?”
Mina shook her head. “You spoke to her in Punjabi. That matters to her. She’ll calm down now that Ajay and Hem are working at the main house and we’re not right in front of her face. Ajay gave you the code to his place?”
Raj nodded.
They headed toward the bungalows lined up against the backdrop of shrubbery and idyllic landscaping. Ajay’s place stood in the center, and Raj couldn’t think of anything but how adorable it looked with its front porch and potted plants.
“I don’t know why Ajay lives in the city when he has this,” Raj said.
“I told Hem the same thing. I think the only one who doesn’t really stay on the property often is Zail. Come on. Let’s get set up and start on this offer. Did your legal team send you anything? It’ll be faster if I help.”
Raj punched in the code on the front door and stepped inside to the smell of sandalwood and lavender. The honey-colored wood floors gleamed with polish, and the masculine decor was equally elegant and homey.
At first, being in Ajay’s private space felt invasive, but they were together. They’d agreed to trust each other. This was a part of that . . . wasn’t it?
She walked over to the frames sitting on the mantel under the mounted TV. Ajay and his brothers smiled back at her from the pictures. She didn’t know if his mother had decorated for him, or if he’d taken the time to frame those moments himself. Would he ever frame a picture with her in it?
Raj sat down at his beautiful wood dining table as she thought about the short time they’d shared together. The dinner, the Fire Lounge, the date. She’d opened herself to him. She’d trust him, just like he’d asked her to, and he’d told her that he expected more from her.
He better frame pictures of their time together.
And if he was even thinking about being patronizing and dumping her after he bought her company . . . Well, he’d have bigger problems on his hands than a company mole selling trade secrets.
“Do you want something to drink?” Mina asked as she rounded the kitchen island and pulled out water from the fridge. “He’s pretty stocked, but if you want chai, I can make that, too.”
“No, darling,” Raj said, trying to tamp down her self-righteousness. “Sit. I want to get started.”
Mina complied. “Can I ask you something first?”
“Of course.”
Her best friend twisted her hair on top of her head, and then folded her long legs so she could hug them against her chest. “Between the meeting in Ajay’s office where you asked him to make an offer for your company and now, you’ve slept together.”
Raj let out a deep breath. “Yes.”
“Is it serious?”
Leave it to Mina to narrow in on the most important thing. Wasn’t that what she’d just been contemplating?
“Let’s just say,” Raj started slowly, “that we’re exploring all options.”
Mina snorted. “You’re so full of shit,” she said.
Raj grinned. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready to be straightforward.”
“You better. I want details.”
“Of course,” Raj replied. “Remind me to tell you about how he came to get me from the Ice Palace.”
Mina’s eyes widened. “Why can’t you tell me now?”
“Because, darling.” She picked up her phone to dial in to the conference line her assistant had set up for her. “We have work to do.”
Two hours later, Raj knew why Mina was considered one of the best mergers and acquisitions attorneys in the business. She was ruthlessly meticulous about details and made sure that she remained fair as she helped Raj position her company in a way that would get her a premium price for her business. She felt such immense pride in her friend and wished that there were opportunities for them to work together more often.
“Thank you,” she said as she shut her laptop. “I think that’s all we can do until Ajay gets here.”
Mina nodded and stretched her arms above her head. “Hem just texted and said they’re done, too, so Ajay should be back soon. Apparently, it took them a while to get Zail under control, which is why their call ran longer than ours. He’s not very happy.”
“Zail? Why?”
Mina opened her mouth to answer, but then she got a look in her eyes that had her pausing. “How about you ask Ajay? I think it’s better he explained their brotherly . . . disagreement.”
Raj wanted to press for more information, but the sound of the front door opening had her shifting in her seat.
Ajay stood with a haggard expression on his face at the entrance. “Sorry I’m late,” he said. He toed off his shoes, strode over to the dining table, and set his laptop down. “Mina? Hem is next door. Raj and I will finish up in here, and if we have any questions, we’ll come find you.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah,” he said.
Mina began gathering her things. “Getting a framework together for an offer is doable,” she said. “It helps that Raj’s company is a smaller size, and her records are meticulous. We also have a market analysis for you to review.”
She looped the strap of her bag over her shoulder and, with one last wave, walked out. Seconds later they were alone, and the house was blissfully silent. Ajay dropped into the chair that Mina had just vacated. He tilted his head back and let out a deep breath.
“I’m assuming that not everyone is in agreement with the plan,” Raj said. “Mina mentioned that it was hard to get Zail under control. She suggested I ask you about that, but I think I can figure it out on my own. Your brother doesn’t want you to buy me out.”