“It is,” Ambernath agreed, coming to a stand slowly, with effort, until he was facing her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. “But some differences are too large to overcome even with good work. I don’t want you to make plans that may end up hurting you, beta.”
“Plans?”
“You like Little Master, don’t you?”
Vera couldn’t look away from her grandfather’s all-knowing gaze. Of course he had observed her increasing closeness with their employer’s son. Of course he’d noticed that she didn’t breathe fire every time Vihaan visited now. It wasn’t as if she’d tried to hide it from Nanu either. She simply hadn’t found the right opportunity to express it in plain words yet.
“I know how teenage feelings work,” he said. “I saw your mother fall in love often, flitting from one boyfriend to another like a butterfly in the garden searching for the prettiest flower.”
“You think I am as frivolous as her?” Vera asked, hurt.
Age roughened hands cupped her cheeks, patting them with fatherly affection.
“No. On the other hand, you are too serious. Always have been. Which is why I worry more for you. Because I know your feelings are not momentary and superficial.”
“Don’t you like Vihaan? You always told me to be nice to him and now that I am—”
“I do like Little Master,” Nanu interjected. “He’s a good child with a good heart, even if a little lost. But he is an heir to multi-millions. And you are their driver’s granddaughter. In asociety that still judges a person by their bank balance, this difference is too large a chasm to overcome. Will your pride survive if people think you are with him because he has money? Will your feelings survive such conjecture if your self-respect is hurt?”
Her heart ached. It wasn’t that the difference in their social status was hidden from Vera. But she’d stubbornly believed that it was something she and Vihaan could overcome. She’d thought that, like always, her grandfather would agree with her. She hadn’t considered that his outlook would be this bleak.
“You’ve never asked me for more than what I could give, and I have never asked you to limit your dreams in return,” Nanu quietly said. “But this? A relationship in that family will not come without challenges. I have never stopped you from making decisions for yourself because you’ve always been mature beyond your years. Think about what I’ve said.”
She nodded, accepting his words, not letting him see how disturbed she was.
At one time she would’ve said that Vihaan’s presence in her life was inconsequential. But how was she supposed to consider the alternative now?
Now, when he’d promised her an always.
Now, when she’d finally begun to believe him.
Now, when she’d already fallen in love with him.
14
Velocity
Vihaan
She was here.
Vihaan couldn’t believe his fucking luck. It was like he’d invited some sick karma by declaring to himself that he’d avoid Vera because life had quite literally brought them both to the same nightclub.
He’d landed at Velocity, a fairly well-known club, with his closest friends. Their semi-private booth on the upper balcony had been the perfect spot to relax until he’d seen Vera’s unmistakable form walk by. He’d rushed up to the railing and searched the darkened edges of the room, confused when he’d not spotted her again.
That single glimpse had been enough to put him on edge all evening. Was she on a date with Jay, dressed like that?
Maybe I’ll try him out tonight and let you know.
Her crude promise rang in his ears, draining all his enjoyment. His irritation worsened when Rian and his houseguest, Aditi, ended up having an argument out of the blue. Really, it was Rian actinglike a brainless ogre, Vihaan decided, before setting off to find Aditi. What awaited at the end of his search however, put him right back on guard.
His gaze swung between Aditi and Vera as he approached them. What these two strangers could be talking about, he didn’t know, but his hackles rose when Vera caught sight of him, her smile freezing instantly.
“What the hell are you doing here, Vera?” he asked, coming to stand beside Aditi.
Vera glanced between him and his new friend, every semblance of gentleness draining away as the seconds ticked by.
“If it’s because of him,” she announced, speaking to Aditi, “it’s definitely not worth it.” She stalked off without glancing his way, leaving him behind with a curious Aditi.