Page 8 of Temptation
She patted his hand. “I’m just glad you could make it for a short while at least.”
“We’ll see you soon,” his dad said. “And…don’t work too hard.”
Smiling, he turned away from his parents. He looked around, his eyes searching for her—Sheena—but she was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps it was for the best. It was not like he was going to meet her again. He headed back to the garden outside, intending to exit the same way he’d entered. He crossed the crowd milling about in the Sehgal’s massive garden, heading toward the back gate he’d earlier entered from. This section of the garden was silent and empty. He rounded a corner.
Hushed voices reached his ears. Amusement flashed inside him as he recognized her voice. It didn’t even cross his mind that he was eavesdropping. In fact, he moved a few branches aside to watch her better.
“Mom, stop parading me in front of those men,” Sheena said, looking agitated.
“Why would I need to parade you, my darling?” her mom asked. “You’re perfect. I was paradingthemin front ofyou.”
Sheena opened her mouth as if to say something, then shut it, looking shocked. She began again a moment later, “Actually, Mom, I’m a bit curious. You’ve invited a lot of single men tonight. And if I hadn’t stopped you, then you would have introduced me to several more. But I noticed you didn’t introduce me to that guy I pointed at earlier…Aunty Sara’s son.”
Wait, what? The Sehgal princess was curious about him?! How very interesting.
Mina Sehgal’s mouth tightened. “I know you… You will want someone who is steady, faithful and committed to you. And Rajiv is a playboy; everyone knows that. He doesn’t do serious. He’s never been steady with anyone. He’s, obviously, not your type.”
Annoyance crept at him out of nowhere. He’d deliberately fed the media the image of himself as a frivolous playboy, and yet, it bothered him to be portrayed that way in front of Sheena.
Because the hard, honest fact was that the women, the parties, and all of it was an act to keep the limelight on him. So that others, who depended on him, could continue living safely in the shadows. His image allowed him to keep some very special people safe. Because of it, no one could suspect that he was the one sheltering them. No one could suspect that they’d trust a man as frivolous as him with their safety.
“Mom…” Sheena’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
“So, did you like any of those men?” Mina Sehgal asked. “There are more men inside that I want you to meet, you know.”
“Mom!”
Her mother wrinkled her nose. “You know that diamond merchant was too skinny. And that coal baron was too dark.”
Sheena’s eyes widened. Her hands fell to her sides as she stared at her mother.
Her mom continued. “And that last guy you met, wasn’t he too bulky? Why does he even need to work out? He has muscles in extra, I swear?—”
“—Mom, stop objectifying those men.”
Her mom swatted a hand in the air. “Oh, please. For centuries, men like those and their mothers have objectified women like us when they came toselectbrides. I have a beautiful and intelligent daughter. Why can’t I do the same?”
Sheena’s whole face lit up. She put an arm around her mom’s shoulder and kissed her cheek. “You’re too cute, Mom. But we don’t objectify men or women, okay? It’s not nice.”
Her mom clucked her tongue. “You know how many men rejected me because they thought I was dark, thin, and short? And one even called me plump! I weighed fifty-five kilos, and I was called plump because they thought my hips were big. Ugh! But then your grandfather and mine introduced your dad and me. We saw one another, and nothing else mattered. I promised myself then and there that if I had a daughter, I’d never allow her to go through that emotional trauma ever of anyone objectifying her. That’s why I arranged casual meetings for you with those men. None of them had an inkling that I was parading them in front of you with marriage in mind. Only if you would have found anyone suitable, would I have taken it forward.”
Rajiv smiled. Kudos to Sheena’s mom. His respect for her multiplied. More women ought to think like her. No wonder Mina Sehgal was a force to reckon with in the social circles here.
Sheena flicked her mom’s earring playfully. “Thanks, Mom, for everything. You’re the best, you know that. And Dad would have been so proud of you right now.”
“We really lost him too soon. He was fine one day and then gone the next. So much time has passed, yet his presence lingers always.” Her mom sniffed, wiping a tear. “But he would have been worried about you, you know. That incident changed you. You’ve not been the same since. It’s been ten years now, Sheena.”
Sheena took a step back, shaking her head. “I’m fine, Mom. Just promise me no more husband hunting until I tell you I’m ready for it.”
“See, why do I even need to find someone for you? You ought to have a trail of men following you. But you give no man a chance. You’re only studying all the time. What good is that PhD going to do for you if you don’t work or don’t go out and meet people?” Her mom linked her hand with hers and pulled her closer. “No, you’re not fine, my darling girl. Don’t think I don’t know how you hate all these functions I force you to attend. Despite my social standing, there are people who still talk of you and that incident. I know it still bothers you when it shouldn’t because you did nothing wrong. I know about this whole façade you put up in front of the world. You’re only yourself when you’re with Keya and Raashi. You’re so intelligent, yet you don’t have a job, no career plans. It’s like you’re stuck, unable to move forward. And I don’t want to see you like that anymore. Maybe if the right guy comes along, you’ll be able to move beyond the past and live your life. Perhaps, you’ll find your direction again.”
Surprise filtered through him. What had happened to her in the past? His curiosity about her grew by leaps and bounds. Out of nowhere, he felt the urge to learn all of her secrets. And PhD? She was studying for a doctorate? That was impressive. He observed Sheena. The smile on her face had vanished. Her lips had drooped, and she looked…sad. A burst of restlessness filled his being on seeing her like that.
He shifted on his feet. Sheena’s head turned. The sadness on her face vanished, replaced with raw anger when she caught him listening in on her conversation. He preferred her anger over her sorrow.
He smirked.
Her mouth tightened.
