Page 43 of The Redemption
“I’ve been trying to speak to him since morning, but he’s busy ignoring me,” I add, before I can stop myself. “Because he doesn’t want to havethatconversation.”
Seeing Kailash Uncle intrigued, for some reason, I continue talking. “You know, since morning, I’ve been pushed into attending the vineyard tour today. Nothing against this place. It’s beautiful, and I do love it here. But it should be my choicewhen I want to book something. How can RK decide that for me?”
“RK?” he repeats, startled. “You call him RK?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” he asks, clearly interested now.
I tilt my head slightly and glance at Raghav, who is still busy talking to Esha.
“Umm… I don’t know,” I admit with a shrug. “I’ve never really thought about why I call him RK instead of his full name.”
Then I look back at Uncle and continue. “Anyway, the point is, I don’t want to go alone. I know there will be other guests, but they’ll all have their own people to talk to and enjoy the tour with, unlike me. That’s why I never booked it in the first place.”
Kailash Uncle looks at me, a little surprised. “They are insisting you join this tour without your permission?” he asks slowly. “And the owner himself is trying to get you booked for it?” His eyes narrow just a fraction. “Why would he do that?”
“Exactly my point,” I say, agreeing with him. “But with RK, it could be anything. He’s… a bit of a devil when it comes to me.”
The words slip out before I can stop it. Kailash Uncle studies me with interest, almost hiding a smile.
“Oh,” he drawls slowly. “So it seems you have had some… experience with the owner of this place. I’ve only heard impressive things about him, though, so I’m a little surprised.”
I let out a small breath, my lips curving just enough to keep it from sounding like a complaint. “Don’t get me wrong. He might be all hot, broody, and stupidly good-looking from the outside, the kind of man people notice without even trying.” I lower my voice, as though letting him in on a secret. “But if you ask me, he’s one of the most arrogant men I’ve ever come across.”
Uncle almost controls his laughter, as I keep on venting my frustration.
“I don’t understand how he manages a place like this,” I continue. “Everything here feels so… soft and peaceful. There’s so much warmth in the way this place is built. Good people, lovely weather, and such amazing hospitality. And then there’shim,” I add, my gaze narrowing just slightly. “He’s so dominant, distant, and controlling, as if it’s his second nature. I don’t see how the two fit together.”
I let out a huff. “It feels like he doesn’t belong here. And yet… he owns every inch of it.”
Kailash Uncle listens to every word without interrupting. And then, unexpectedly, he laughs. Not mockingly, just an amused sound that makes me look at him again.
Before I can question it, his gaze shifts past me, and his expression softens into a smile.
“There you are,” he says to the person behind me.
Before I can even turn to see who it is, Raghav is already there, standing next to me. Although he looks annoyed, I immediately start pouring my frustration onto him.
“You finally found time for me, huh?” I say, turning to face him. “I almost thought you were planning to avoid me all day.”
Raghav stands there, his gaze moving over me as he clenches his jaw. But I don’t let him speak. “By the way, does this resort have a phone repair service?” I ask, gesturing towards Kailash Uncle. “His phone fell and it isn’t working.”
Raghav’s demeanour changes instantly. His brows draw together as he turns towards the older man.
“What happened?” he asks, stepping closer to Kailash Uncle with a concern I haven’t seen from him before. “Are you okay?”
I blink, taken aback by the change in his expression, as if he actually cares for the old man.
Kailash Uncle shakes his head lightly. “I’m fine, Raghav. The phone just slipped from my hand.”
Raghav’s gaze sharpens, assessing him anyway. “You didn’t stumble because of weakness, did you? I told you to eat properly, but you never listen,” he says, more firmly this time. “Show me your phone. I’ll ask someone to get it repaired.”
For a moment, I just stand there, watching the two of them. This is not how Raghav usually reacts to guests. I’ve seen enough since I arrived to know that. He is respectful, yes. Attentive too. But this… this feels different. This feels more personal.
Kailash Uncle shifts his gaze between us, then slowly smiles. “I’m fine, Raghav. Don’t worry. In fact, I was just talking with this beautiful lady here… Siya,” he grins at me, almost teasingly, “and she had nothing but good things to say about you.”
My brows pull together in confusion.
