Page 42 of The Redemption
Instead of chasing him again, I turn away and head towards the bigger lawn outside the lobby. Suddenly, a small movement catches my attention. A child, probably around ten years old, is trying to angle his phone just right for a selfie. In his enthusiasm, he turns a little too quickly and bumps into an older gentleman standing nearby. The man stumbles slightly but manages to steady himself just in time. However, his phone slips from his hand and hits the ground.
The child freezes for a second before bolting away, wailing for his mom. I move without thinking. By the time the man bends down to retrieve his phone, I’m already there, picking it up and handing it back to him.
“Here,” I say, smiling.
“Thank you,” he says, returning my smile as he takes the phone from me.
He presses the button and tries to switch it on, but nothing happens. I watch him try again, to no avail. Instinctively, I reach out to him and ask, “May I?”
He hands it over without hesitation. I press the button and hold it a little longer this time, but still nothing.
“It’s not switching on,” I murmur, glancing back at him regretfully.
“Oh,” he sighs, clearly disappointed. “My son gifted this to me last year on my birthday,” he says, almost fondly. “Looks like it decided to give up today.”
I look at the phone for a moment before meeting his eyes again. “You can replace a phone. I’m just glad nothing happened to you. And anyway, that kid wasn’t at fault either. He was just… too caught up trying to get the perfect angle for his selfie.”
For a second, he simply looks at me. Then a slow smile spreads across his face.
“I’m amazed,” he says. “These days, people are more worried about their phones breaking than about getting hurt themselves. Even if they fall, it’s fine… as long as the device is safe.” He shakes his head slightly, watching me. “And here I am, meeting someone who values a person more than a phone.”
I let out a soft chuckle. “Well, I may belong to this generation,” I admit, “but my thoughts are still a little old school. And I like it that way.”
His smile deepens.
“Although…” I glance at the phone in his hand, “I do feel bad for your phone. I hope it turns on.”
“Don’t worry,” he replies easily. “I will get it repaired.”
There’s something about him that feels so calm and grounding.
“I’m Kailash Shergill,” he adds after a moment and extends his hand for a handshake.
“Siya Vardhaan.” I shake his hand.
He studies me briefly. “That’s a beautiful name, Siya. Are you a guest here?” he asks. “Did you come with your family?”
I let out a small sigh. “No, I’m alone here. Just with my guards.”
He nods, as if that answers more than what I said. And then, without meaning to, my eyes drift again to Raghav. He’s standing a little distance away now, talking to Esha, completely unaware that I’m watching him.
My brows draw together before I can stop them. I don’t even realise I’m still looking at him until Kailash Uncle’s voice pulls me back.
“Is something wrong?” he asks curiously.
I shake my head. “No.”
He holds my gaze for beat, then smiles thoughtfully. “There has to be. I saw the way you were looking at that man. Do you know him?”
I follow his gaze, even though I already know whom he’s referring to.
A sigh escapes me before I can hold it back. “He’s the owner of this place,” I say. “Can you believe that?”
He raises his brows, mildly surprised. “Oh? Owner? I’ve heard good things about him.”
“I’m sure you have,” I reply, slightly amused. “Looks like I’m the only unlucky one who has to deal with his tantrums.”
That catches his attention. I see it in the way his expression shifts slightly, more interested now.
