“If you don’t mind my asking, why didn’t your dad accompany you, given that he’s a part of the business?”
My heart clenches, but I keep my face neutral. “I think you missed the part where it’s mentioned that my dad passed away, and now I’m the sole owner of the café.”
His eyes widen, and genuine sympathy flickers across his face. “I’m really sorry... I must have overlooked that. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. It must be…”
I cut him off, keeping my tone polite but firm. “I appreciate your concern, but can we please get back to discussing the loan?”
He nods, shifting his attention back to the documents. “I see your current outlet is profitable, but your financials indicate a tight cash flow. Have you considered alternate funding options, or is the loan your primary choice?”
“A loan is my preferred option at this stage. I’ve calculated the projected revenue from the new branch, and based on my existing customer retention rate and market research, I’mconfident the café can meet the repayment terms within the given tenure.”
Leaning back, he taps a pen against the desk. “Your debt-to-income ratio is within acceptable limits, and your business credit score is strong. You’ve maintained consistent revenue growth, which works in your favour. Based on these factors, your loan application qualifies for approval.”
Exhaling slightly, I nod, keeping my excitement in check. “Thank you so much. What’s the next step?”
Smiling, he pushes the folder back towards me. “I’ll ask my team to prepare the loan agreement. You’ll need to review the terms, including the repayment schedule, interest rate, and collateral requirements. Once you’ve gone through everything and signed the documents, the funds will be credited into your account within five to seven business days.”
“Understood,” I say with a nod.
His gaze lingers for a moment before he adds, “If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”
“I appreciate that.”
Just as I’m about to ask if I can leave, he runs a hand through his hair and leans slightly forward. “If you don’t mind, can I say something? And I hope you won’t find it… cheesy.”
Raising an eyebrow, I ask, “Please, go ahead.”
A small, almost sheepish smile plays on his lips. “I just… I think you’re cute.” I open my mouth to sayWhat the hell, but he quickly shakes his head, flustered. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. That wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to…” He pauses, running a hand through his hair before groaning softly. “God, just forget what I said.”
I frown, taken off guard by his sudden awkwardness. But when I see the innocent, slightly tense look on his face and the way his brows knit slightly, I can’t help but smile.
“Well, forgetting might be a little difficult now. But don’t worry, Mr. Jai. You didn’t make me uncomfortable. In fact, I take that as a compliment. And thank you.”
“It’s definitely a compliment,” he says with a small smile. “And, if I’m lucky, maybe someday I’ll get to try your coffee.”
“Well, you are always welcome,” I nod. “Now, if our meeting is done, may I take my leave?”
“It was nice meeting you, Sana,” he says as he rises to his feet and holds out his hand.
I stand as well, reaching out to shake his hand. “Nice meeting you too.”
Releasing his hand, I turn and walk out of the room, feeling his gaze linger on me. But I don’t turn around. I keep walking until I reach the door. With a steady hand, I pull it shut behind me, letting out a slow breath.
As I walk towards my car, my heart betrays me again—Him.That arrogant, frustrating jerk suddenly crosses my mind. Why? Why does he still manage to invade my thoughts when I just had a conversation with a handsome man? Jai was polite, charming, and even sweet. And yet… nothing. No spark, no racing pulse—just nothing.
I yank open my car door and slump into the driver’s seat, gripping the steering wheel tightly. “God, Sana, stop it!” I groan, shaking my head. This is ridiculous. I should be celebrating, not obsessing over some insufferable jerk.
Then, a slow, genuine smile creeps onto my face as the real reason for my happiness sinks in. My loan is approved. My café is going places. This is what matters. Not him. Not his stupid smirk or those damn eyes that… Enough!
That jerk has no right to occupy space in my head, I tell myself as I start the car, letting the excitement of my success wash over me. This is what I should be focusing on—nothing else.
Chapter 6
Aditya
“Son, we need to talk,” Mom says, her voice pulling me away from my phone.
We’re sitting in the living room after dinner, just the two of us. Dad’s been called away for drinks with his friends, and since it’s a Sunday, it’s my usual day to visit my parents—a ritual I never miss. Normally, these visits are all about casual chats and relishing Mom’s food. But today, from the moment I walked into my parents’ house, I could tell something was different.
