For the first time, I knock some sense into myself and accept the truth I’ve been avoiding for years. This isn't a mere crush because this intense, consuming pull toward her can only be love. And if I have to move mountains, clean up the mess I created, and pay the price for my mistakes, I will.
Just to spend the rest of my life with Amyra.
Chapter 23
Amyra
“Where are we going, Karan? Aren’t we almost on the outskirts of the city?” I ask, watching the familiar skyline disappear as we drive through unfamiliar roads.
“Why can’t you wait a little longer? Didn’t I say it’s a surprise?” he says with a smile, turning briefly to glance at me.
“I’m not a fan of surprises, Karan, especially in new places.” My tone comes out sharper than intended, and honestly, the irritation stems from not knowing where he’s taking me.
I was firm about not meeting him outside the workplace, but he kept pestering me about dinner for days. Eventually, the constant insistence wore me down, and I felt too exhausted and guilty to keep refusing. I agreed, and he chose today. What I don’t understand is the excitement on my family’s faces when I mentioned dinner with Karan, especially my sister’s. She looked far too pleased watching me leave with someone other than Reyansh, and I couldn’t grasp the reason behind it.
The most unsettling part is hiding this dinner plan from Reyansh. I even asked Aditi to keep quiet because I know exactly how he’d react if he found out I was getting closer to Karan. Yet, his anger whenever he sees us together still puzzles me. His overprotectiveness since childhood is almost alarming, as henever hesitates to chase away any guy who lingers around me. And now, I can’t help but fear Karan’s intentions behind this outing. I just hope this is nothing more than a friendly dinner. I’d never forgive myself if it turned otherwise and I ended up misreading him or the situation.
“Here it is!” Karan’s voice cuts in, and the car comes to a sudden stop. I peer outside and freeze. A five-storey, high-end restaurant stands alone amid a vast stretch of barren land, its lights blazing brightly against the darkening sky.
“We could’ve had dinner at any restaurant in the city—”
“We own this restaurant,” Karan interrupts, and my eyes widen as the truth sinks in.
“What? You own restaurants, too, along with industries?” I blurt out, stunned. It’s hard to process. I know his father, Rajiv Mahajan, is a renowned industrialist and the chairman of Mahajan Industries, but this?
“We acquired it when we were early investors in the company,” Karan replies with a subtle smirk, clearly enjoying the reveal.
“Amazing.”
“That’s why I wanted to show it to you. Hardly anyone in the business circle knows about this.”
“Then why should I be the one to know?” I ask bluntly. For a moment, he looks flustered, as if struggling to frame a response.
“It’s… It’s because of our close friendship,” he finally says, the words tumbling out unevenly. Something about his answer doesn’t sit right with me.
God. Did I make the wrong decision by agreeing to this dinner in the first place?
“Come on,” he says, stepping out of the car first and hurrying around to open the door for me. I silently hope he’s just being a gentleman and nothing more.
“Let’s go to the second floor,” he adds, guiding me toward the elevator. I only nod, choosing not to speak. As soon as we step out, the contrast is unmistakable. Unlike the lobby, this floor is clearly designed for elite clients, lavish décor, warm ambient lighting, and an understated luxury that settles into the senses.
“Please,” he gestures at me by walking forward while I follow quietly, sinking into the large, plush velvet sofa opposite him.
“Do you mind me ordering the best food here?” he asks softly.
“No, but please exclude shrimp dishes. I’m allergic to them.”
“Alright.” He places the order with the waiter while I unlock my phone to pass the time only for a notification to pop up.
Rey:
Hey, Ames! Would you like to go for a night jog after finishing our dinner?
Oh God. Why would he even suggest that now? I know I won’t be home anytime soon, so I’ll have to handle this carefully and let him go alone.
Amyra:
Sorry, Rey. I’m feeling really drowsy and restless today, so I’m going straight to bed after dinner.
