Page 101 of A King's Oath
He had taken an oath to never marry and have a family. He hadn’t sworn off women. She couldn’t hold it against him that he had women now… or could she? Why had he never thought of her? But then, would she have been ready for just these flings?
Maybe yes. Considering she wasn’t big on marrying or settling down either, she would have said yes to a fling with him, accepted his time, whatever little it was, with both arms. The fact that he hadn’t even deemed to ask was an insult to not only their relationship but their years of friendship. Could that even be called a friendship? Considering they had only exchanged birthday calls/ voice notes.
“Fuck it.”
Avantika tapped her favourite Punjabi music on her phone and made a mental note to get some good speakers for the house. She was making new friends at work and sooner or later she would want to invite them home, entertain them, host movie parties and dinners. She would need speakers.
Her intercom buzzed and she flung the dishwater from her hands, wiping them on a towel and reaching for the button.
“Hello?”
“Bonsoir, madame. Monsieur Solanki est de retour.[41]”
She saw red.
“Je ne reçois pas de visiteurs ce soir.[42]”
A pause. Then — “Ava, hi, it’s Samarth. Can I come up for a second, please?”
“How are you getting my concierge to hand over his phone to you?”
“Please?”
“As I said to him — I am not accepting visitors tonight.”
“Is somebody there with you?”
“Yes.”
Another short pause.
“I am sorry for today. Just… I may have an idea what you think but let me talk to you and clarify.”
“All good, Samarth. No worries.”
“All is not good. Let me take you out to lunch tomorrow.”
“I am working through lunch.”
“In Paris?” His solemn voice was suddenly amused.
“Yes, inParis.”
“Alright… then, come to my match tomorrow. I am leaving your VIP Pass here.”
“I am working.”
“It’s later than today. 7.30 pm. Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. I can send a car to your office. Van Cleef, at Place Vendôme, right?”
“Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll be able to make it…”
“I’ll wait for you. Please come, Ava. Please.”
She began to press away from the button when his voice crackled — “I lost today. My helmet buckle snapped off mid-chukker.”
Avantika jabbed the button back. “I don’t have a bleeding heart anymore, Samarth.”
“I hope not. The world doesn’t deserve it.”
