“This was at the Sehgal Plaza inJuhu. Rhea was attending a wedding function at the lawns there and she called to tell me that someone gate-crashed the event,” he let out a deep tired sigh. “Apparently, some guy was photographing the guests with a high end camera. Initially, no one suspected anything. Everyone thought he was an invited guest. However, one of the hosts found his behavior slightly suspicious and asked around about him. But no one seemed to know him. They confronted him thereafter. The hotel security was called in immediately, but he managed to escape. I just spoke to the GM of the Sehgal Plaza and he confirmed the incident.”
“Oh, I am sorry to hear that,” Raashi told him genuinely.
“Yeah, well, the staff is searching the hotel premises to see if he is still there. I doubt it though. I just hope this doesn’t turn into another publicity nightmare for us. The media were all over the car theft at The Marquis.” He grimaced. “Anyway, it’s just one of those days, I guess. Can I get you some tea-coffee, anything?”
Raashi pointed towards an empty cup and saucer, on the table in front of the sofa she had been seated on earlier.
“Oh, OK! Shall we get on with our meeting or wait for grandfather?”
“It’s late. Let’s start without him. I’m sure he won’t mind,” she replied confidently.
Sameer gestured towards the chair in front of his desk. She came forward and took a seat on one of the plush leather chairs facing him. He rounded his desk and sat in his own chair. He took his time assessing her, searching her face for any expression but there was none whatsoever. She only gave him an expectant look, waiting for him to continue.
Here he was, finally face to face with her, feeling nervous as hell because he knew that whatever he proposed next would decide his future and that she had the power to reject it all.
He gulped in a breath before he started, “Raashi, you and I have been on crossroads regarding this land issue for a while now. We need to come to a resolution and find a common ground.”
“I am all ears,” Raashi perked up.
Sameer didn’t miss her sarcastic tone but continued, nonetheless.
“I want to help you restore the villa and I will build the restaurant for you, just the way you want it. You can have whatever design you wish, spend whatever you want. The final say will be yours.”
She narrowed her eyes. “OK! You got my attention, Sameer. What is in it for you?”
“I would like to work with you and use the remaining land surrounding the villa to build my spa. Your restaurant will be attached to the spa. I can extend The Marquis and make the spa as a new wing adjacent to it.”
“This doesn’t make sense. The land belongs to me. You want to use my land to extend your hotel onto it and add the spato it? I don’t get how this could work. What exactly are you suggesting?”
Sameer watched her silently for a moment before dropping the bombshell on her.
“In reality, it will work if you allow me to buy the land back and let me lease the villa out to you for a ninety-nine year unbreakable lease.”
Raashi sat back in her chair, shocked by his words. She couldn’t believe his proposal. He was just so sure of himself. Why would she want to give him her land at all?
She opened her mouth to say something scathing, but Sameer raised his hand to stop her.
“Please, Raashi, don’t react without thinking this through. I can see from your face that you are not too happy with what my proposal and are itching to give me a mouthful. But think about it. It’s perfect for both of us. You get to have your vintage restaurant and it will have the added benefit of immediate clientele by lieu of being connected to The Marquis, plus I am willing to build it for you, free of cost. I am also agreeing to buy the entire land back from you. Consequently, you get to fulfill your dream for free, at no cost to you at all.”
Raashi tilted her head to the side. “You are quite something, Sameer. Why would you think that I need money from you of all people to build the restaurant? I can manage the money on my own. I don’t need to sell to you at all.”
What was her problem? He was offering her dream to her on a platter. If only she would let go of her prejudice against him, she’d see that this was a perfect solution for the both of them.
“You’re being obstinate just for the sake of it,” Sameer said.
“No, I am not,” Raashi retorted.
“Why do I get the feeling you had already made up your mind before you even came here? You’re dismissing my idea without even considering it.”
“Oh! I’ve considered it and...” before Raashi could finish, the door opened and Janak walked in. She stood up, turning when Janak came towards her and gave her a warm hug.
“Hi, Janak!” Raashi said.
“Raashi, my angel! How are you?” Janak replied, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
Raashi smiled at the gesture; something he had been doing since she was twelve. “I am fine.”
Janak turned to look at Sameer. “How is it going? I trust you have told Raashi of your plans.”
