PV SS ' The Chase Chapter 12- page 15 (Epilogue)

PV SS - The Chase

She ran into something hard as she was on her way to her father's office. Realising it was not something as much as someone, she apologised.

"Sorry"

He just grunted his acknowledgment and carried on walking.

She was taken aback. That was not the usual response she got from men. And he was hot. He was tall and rugged looking. He looked fabulous in his black suit and white shirt. She stood looking at him as he disappeared down the corridor. Without a backward glance. She went into her father's office.

"How is my favourite dad doing?"

"Wonderful thanks and you?"

"So my dearest dad, do tell me who that delicious specimen is that just left your office."

"Aarti, I swear. Just when I think you can't shock me anymore. I should never have let you live abroad on your own."

"But you still love me. So answer me."

"His name is Yash Scindiya, he is the CEO of Scindiya Industries since his father retired a few months ago. And he is not your type, my angel. He is a busy man and dating is not for him. Especially a frivolous girl like you that changes her boyfriends as often as you change your handbags."

"If I have a type dad, he is definitely it. He is gorgeous."

"And what about Prashant."

"Just last week you were totally in love with him"

"He is too serious. He wants to get married."

"And what is wrong with that."

"Dad, I just got home. I just started working and I don't want to be tied down."

"24 is a good marriageable age."

"And how old is the delectable Mr. Scindiya"

"I think about 28"

"And when will you be introducing us."

"He is planning a huge re-launch of one of their hotels. So if you want to meet him I suggest you get cracking with a great proposal so you can impress him with your great designs. We are not the only company in the running for this project."

"Easy peazy lemon squeezy, daddy of mine. She ran around and hugged him."

He laughed as she ran out the door. He always had a special relationship with his eldest daughter. She was a spoilt brat of note but she was the best at what she does. She had inherited his flair for interior design. He had sent her abroad to study and equip herself well to continue on in the business. His son Pankaj, was 5 years older than Aarti and excellent at running the business but did not have a creative bone in his body. So they made a good combination. Besides Aarti's creativity she had the ability to wrap everyone around her finger so normally her sales pitches and proposals were well received. I didn't hurt that she was a real beauty. They had been receiving many proposals but she refused to consider them, she didn't even look at them. She made her mother crazy with her unconventional way of living though.

2 Weeks later, she was ready for them. If they had this contract in the bag, it would boost their business as Scindiya industries was a multi-national concern that extended to so much more than hotels. She would soon have them eating out of her hand. He was there and so was Suraj Pratap Scindiya his father and his younger brother Prateek. Again he wasn't looking at her. He was busy faffing on his laptop. They had been offered beverages and they had arranged for breakfast snacks as it was early in the morning.

She was dressed in her best designer business suit and her hair was tied up as usual when she was working. She started her presentation. She liked to read the expressions of the prospective clients as she gave her presentations. His father and brother were suitable impressed but his expression was blank. This unnerved her more than a little. But she pushed through. When she was finished her father gave his talk, giving a history of the company and his motivation why their company should be used. But she kept him in her gaze. But not staring outright. Then they started a short general chat and made their way out of the boardroom.

She wanted to say something clever to him but nothing came to mind. He left and he didn't even know how charming she could be. She had never been so anxious to hear about a contract. A week passed and then two and still nothing.

"Daddy, should we not call and follow up about the Scindiya contract."

"Oh didn't I tell you. Yash called me yesterday. He said that he had confidence in the company however that he was not happy about having such a young experienced designer on such a big project."

"What! Did you tell him I am the best?"

"Yes, Luckily I didn't tell him you were modest."

"And what did he say" She ignored her father's little jibe.

"He maintained his stance."

"We will see about that."

And hour later, she was in the Scindiya executive office suite.

"Ma'am, Mr Scindiya is busy with a conference call."

"I will wait"

"It might take a while"

"I said I will wait" she said condescendingly to the secretary.

Eventually he was ready to see her.

"Miss Dubey, Do you see people that just rock up at your office. I am a busy man and I work on an appointment basis."

"I will make it quick"

"Fine, then go ahead"

"How old are you?"

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Everything. You are one of the youngest CEO's of a multinational company and yet your business is still flourishing. Why? Because you are good at what you do and you have been endorsed by people of the best reputation. Well I am also young but I am the best at what I do. Because of my youth my ideas are fresh and innovative, so where do you get off judging me on my age. Are you willing to settle for second best because you didn't do your homework? If you are, then you don't deserve the services of DH Interiors."

"Why do I get the impression no one has ever said no to you?"

"That has nothing to do with this situation"

"I beg to differ"

"I have said what I came here to say. Good luck with your project."

"Hang on, Miss Dubey. Maybe I can start you off on a smaller project to see how you work."

"A smaller project. No thank you. I've been doing small projects with my father since I was 16 years old. My formal education has been completed 2 years ago but I have been working for about 8 years. I have been interning for 2 of the best Interior design companies in the USA. I was offered huge amounts of money to stay and work there. In fact I am still head hunted but I choose to be at home and work in my family business. So you keep your hand outs. It is not needed. Good bye"

He sat looking at the door where she had left with a smirk on his face. She is a real little spitfire.

2 weeks later she had a call.

"Good day Miss Dubey. I am Asha, Mr. Scindiya's PA. I need your details to book a flight to Dehli please?"

"What?"

"For the Dehli hotel revamp."

"Let me speak to him"

"OK."

"Hello" he said

"What is this?"

"You got the contract"

"How do you know that I have time for it now?"

"You will make time. This is the biggest and most advantageous contract you firm has ever had. See, Miss Dubey, I do do my homework. If you not interested, I have someone else lined up. Can I put you back through to my PA now? I am busy"

"Yes." He put her through and she gave her details.

After the call, she sat thinking about their inter action. She had never experienced anything like him before. She was not sure if she liked it. But the sound of his voice gave her butterflies and his gorgeous eyes made melt. She had never felt like that before. She had many boyfriends here and abroad, and she lost interest quickly and no one ever made her feel like this. And people thought she was a bit loose but truth be told, she never went any further than kissing. But he had made her feel things without even being close to her.

She was wasn't sure what she wanted more, this project or him. He was right. She was not used to being refused and she wasn't about to start now.

wow another one..
so our Aarti is different here, spoilt brat and i liked that different Aarti.
why I have feeling that Yash also upto something. lets see. will be waiting

hmmm B just when I think you have outdone yourself you pull another one out of your magic hat of tricks, uhm I mean stories! 😆 I just love the pace with which you write in addition to your style! keep it coming girl!

I love this one Aarti is such a brat 😆 I like her style Yash the perfect no nonsense business man 😆 continue soon ⭐️

congratz for new story.. eager to read more .

interesting concept
I like this new aarti at least she is not some crying doll here 🤗
oops at first sight aarti want yash 😆
her dad is so cool he didn't mind she is having many boyfriends
wow aarti gave yash kate ka takkar 👏
so finally yash decided to give the project to DH company 👍🏼
continue plz

Chapter 2

She had booked into the hotel and has just settled in when there was a knock on the door.

"Miss Dubey?" said the very handsome man at the door.

"Yes."

"I am Aaman Singh. I am the GM of Operations for Scindiya Industries. I will be assisting you in the project."

OMW, she thought. Were all the men in this organisations incredibly hot?

"Do I have something on my face?"

"Huh. No."

"Then why are you staring, Miss Dubey?"

"Aarti, my name is Aarti. I was just deep in thought."

"What were you thinking about?"

"About how hot you were"

He burst out laughing.

"You're not too bad yourself."

"Gee thanks, Mr. Singh. I tell you you're hot and that is all I get. You're not too bad yourself' she imitated. "As you can see I don't mind fishing for compliments." she smiled.

"Please call me Aaman. And you are very hot. Care to go for a drink to cool down all this hotness."

"Only if you allow me to pay" she said.

"It will be on the house. But I will take a rain check for when I take you out some time, non-work related of course."

"Of course" she said. She wanted to find out if she was going to have any dealings with the CEO and whether he would be here, but she didn't want to make her intentions too obvious.

They hit it off immediately. Aaman was great to work with. They were in sync with almost everything that had to be done to spruce up the hotel. Seeing as they both were away from home, they spent a lot of time together after hours as well. Most of the meals were taken together and when they went out, they checked out the talent at the establishments. They were fast friends and nothing more.

They were attending a charity event that was hosted at the hotel. It was a very formal affair and Aarti had gone shopping the afternoon for an outfit. She had popped into a boutique and found a black halter neck jumpsuit that left her back completely bare but was high in the front. It fit very snugly around her bottoms and it got a double thumbs up from Aaman that was forced to go shopping with her. This meant that she didn't have to stress about jewellery and shoes. She just wore her diamante earrings and silver stiletto sandals that she had brought with her. Her hair was loose and swept to one side. She looked beyond stunning. Aaman was wearing a tux and to all who looked at them they looked like a very striking couple. As usual they were watching the people and trying the scout out the talent and they sat very closely and talked into each other ears as the music was loud. As usual they found a great deal to laugh about.

She was holding Aaman by the arm and saying something to him when they music stopped and she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Hello Aaman. Miss Dubey."

Aaman turned around, got up and men hugged.

"Hi cuz, long time no see. Now that you are CEO you are as scarce as the Scindiya shares itself" They smiled at each other.

"It seems you are getting along very well with our interior decorator."

"The hot Aarti Dubey. Of course, she just fell for my charms the moment we met." Aaman said."

He looked at her.

"Good evening, Mr Scindiya. Everything that Aaman said is true."

He raised an eyebrow at that. Then he looked at the lady next to him, that she noticed for the first time. She was an absolute beauty. She felt green with jealousy.

"This is Arpita Gupta. Arpita, this is my cousin Aaman and Aarti Dubey. She is the head interior for this hotels revamp.

Thet greeted and Aaman said. "Please have a seat."

"I didn't know you were going to be here." She said."

"Aaman didn't tell you."

"Was I supposed to?" said Aaman.

They made small talk but Aart was very aware of the man that was now sitting on her right.

"Aarti listen. This is the song we were talking about earlier. Come let's dance." And they left to the dance floor.

When they got back, Arpita had gone off to speak to a friend that she had seen and Aaman went to order drinks. It was just the two of them at the table.

"It appears that you have hit it off with my cousin"

"Indeed I have."

"You too seem extremely cosy together."

"I enjoy his company. He has been a great friend and his input into the new dcor and designs are invaluable."

"I thought I was paying you for that."

"I am good but I love other people's input as well. Maybe you could spare some time for me. That is if Arpita won't mind."

"Why would she mind? You are a business associate."

"If you were my boyfriend, I wouldn't want you to be alone with any woman for any length of time." she said, giving him a most alluring look.

"Are you flirting with me?"

"I am sure a handsome young business tycoon such as yourself would know exactly when a lady is flirting with him."

"You are playing with fire Miss Dubey."

"Call me Aarti. Would you like to dance?"

"Can't you wait for Aaman to come back?"

"I can, but I'd rather dance with you." she was trying her best wiles on him.

"Fine, let's go." he said.

The moved the dance floor just the song ended and slow song started playing. He took her in his arms and it felt like electricity was coursing through her body when he touched her bare back. She leaned into him, enjoying their proximity. He smelt so good. She put his arms around him and they swayed to the music. She was lost.

"Miss Dubey"

"Hmm?"

"The music stopped."

"Oh" She said in embarrassment. And tore herself off him."

When they got back to the table Arpita and Aaman were back.

"I leave your for a minute and you leave me for another man." said Aaman.

"I'm keeping you on your toes, my love" she shot back and they laughed.

They didn't have a late night, and Yash had arranged to meet with her the next day to discuss the progress. So she wanted to be up and fresh for him the next day. He took Arpita home.

She has spent most of the night tossing and turning thinking about him. He wasn't effected by her at all. Is he made of stone? And the more he was being stand offish the more she wanted him.

She took special care with her appearance that morning. She wore a black slip dress and matching jacket with matching blacked heeled pumps. She met him at Aaman's office. But Aaman was not there today. They spoke about the project in great detail.

"So weren't lying Miss Dubey. You're very good."

"That's not what I said. I said I am the best. However if there is anything you don't like I can change it."

"I don't like that you are carrying on a flirtation with Aaman at my company's expense."

"Excuse, Mr. Scindiya. You are the one that assigned Aaman to work on the project with me and we work well together and we work hard as you can see from the progress that has been made. What I do after hours is none of your concern."

"And flirting with me, is that also not my concern. It is highly unprofessional. You seem to think that you are quite irresistible."

She was absolutely mortified now.

"I apologise. I won't do it again. And I assure you it is not a reflection of my ability to do my job."

"And what about Aaman?"

"We are friends. It is not unprofessional to make friends, surely."

"I guess."

"If you will excuse me, I have quite a few things to do as I am going home for a couple of days tomorrow."

"And who looks after things here."

"My project manager is quite capable, with Aaman's supervision."

She had never felt so bad before. This man could make her feel worse than anyone she knows, even her mother. That's it. She made up her mind. She wanted him but she wasn't going to grovel for any man. She could get any other man she wanted without even trying.

She sat in plane, checking her cell phone messages when someone sat down next to her. She smile that she had on her face froze.

"Not happy to see me then, Miss Dubey."

"It's outside of my working hours, Mr. Scindiya. And you shouldn't be fraternising with the help. It's unprofessional." She put her ear phones and closed her eyes, long before take-off.

She fell asleep. She woke up and she lying in his arm. How did this happen. But it felt so good.

"We will be landing shortly. So I would appreciate my arm back and I would like to wipe the drool off my shirt as well."

Of all the seats, on all the planes to Mumbai, she ended up sitting next to him.

"I don't drool" that was it? That was her comeback. She was usually so sharp but she felt like an imbecile when he was around.

Once they were at Mumbai airport, he asked.

"Can I give you a lift home?"

"No thank you. I have made arrangements." She had phoned Prashant and he was already waiting for her. He was very excited to see her and kissed and hugged her when she reached him. She had to pretend to like it. For Yash's benefit. Maybe he would feel a little jealous, but when she looked back, he was gone.

It was a busy time with Pankaj's wedding. He was marrying the most awesome girl. Aarti already loved her bahu. She didn't have a big sister so Vidhi was a welcome addition to the family. She was so busy that she didn't even have time to think about him.

She was busy helping her mother with refreshments when she heard her father say,

"Suraj Pratap ji, welcome to my son's wedding. Please come, have a seat."

She looked up and lo and behold, in front of her was the entire Scindiya clan, mother, father, sons and daughter.

Really? Really? She thought. Even today she has to put up with this man.

"Come Aarti, bring them something to eat and to drink."

She first went the elders and took their blessings and then served them. She was unaware of the looks that were exchanged between the senior Scindiya's.

She tried to avoid him as much as she could during the function, till he finally caught up with her. He freaking looked amazing in everything she thought. The sherwani that he wore made him look like an Indian prince.

"I haven't seen you in traditional wear before. I like it." he said.

"Thank you" she said.

"Want to dance?"

"What! Why is it ok for you to ask me to dance with you?"

"I am not flirting with you, merely asking you to dance. And the music is different to what we danced to before. It will all be perfectly decent."

She wanted to say no, but she wanted to dance with him more.

They looked so stunning on the dance floor and danced so beautifully that people stopped and everyone looked at them. They only became aware of the audience when the song was over.

She was very embarrassed as she lost herself in him again.

"Where is your boyfriend?"

"My boyfriend?"

"The one who collected you from the airport?"

"Oh, Prashant. He wasn't invited. And he is not my boyfriend."

"The way he kissed you, it sure seemed like it."

So he did see.

"Please excuse me. I have to help Ma." she didn't owe him an explanation.

She didn't see him again after that.

It was 2 days later when her mother told her that they are receiving guests and she should wear a nice sarree. She groaned inwardly. Is that all her mother could ever say to her. Wear a nice sarree. She had been wearing them throughout all the wedding rituals and she wanted to wear her jeans. But she did as her mother told.

She came down the stairs and saw that the guests had arrived. It was the Scindiya's. This time it was the only the mother, father and Yash. She greeted them and offered them tea. They accepted.

The elders made small talk and she wondered why she and Yash had to be there. She felt very uncomfortable.

"So Dubeyji and Shobaji, we came for what we discussed at the wedding. We really like your daughter Aarti and we want to ask for her hand in marriage to our eldest son Yash.

Her eyes went big as saucers. She looked at him. Again expressionless, so he clearly knew about this. They continued.

"You know we are happy with the proposal but my daughter has to decide" said her father.

"I'm sure she won't refuse" said her mother nervously, knowing full well that her daughter is likely to upset the whole apple cart right there and then.

She felt ambushed.

"What do you say Aarti" asked her father.

"Mr. Dubey, please can I speak to Aarti alone." he said before she had a chance to answer.

"Sure son. You can have some privacy in the garden."

She was still in shock. For once she didn't have words.

"Aarti. Are you ok?"

"You knew. Why didn't you warn me?"

"I didn't see the point."

"Marriage? You don't even like me."

"I never said that. But nevertheless. I have agreed to my parent's request. But want you to refuse. I am not interested in marriage."

"Then why did you agree."

"Because I am tired of refusing and I knew you would never marry me. After all, you are not a one man woman."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"I'll show you what it means." He grabbed her and kissed her till she was breathless. She could barely stand as her legs turned to jelly.

He stopped and thankfully still held her arms, else she might not have been able to stand up straight.

"See, whether it is me or Prashant or Aaman. It doesn't matter to you. So I am assuming that you don't want to be tied to just one man."

"Are you calling me a s**t?!"

"If the shoe fits..."

She lifted her hand to slap him, but he caught it.

"Stop this drama Aarti and go and tell everyone that you don't want to marry me so we can get his over with.

She walked back into the house angrily and announced,

"I will accept the proposal"

amazing one super so excited to see what well happen btw aarya now

Fantastic B 👏

Superb B ⭐️