Chapter24

"I will call Ananya and inform her that Ava would be on leave tomorrow" Janani told Armaan
who was working on his laptop.
He has opted to work from home for a few days, incase of any emergencies.
"Yeah. That would be nice. Let her take rest for another day" Armaan agreed
"Armaan, I would like to join for work" Janani said
She really didn't have to ask for his permission for work, but then he had brought her here
and he had also paid off the debts in her name, so she thought asking him is justifiable.
"Work?? Why do you need to work?? You want money??" He asked and her lips thinned into
a straight line.
"Why does his every talks ends up on money" she mumbled to herself
"What??"
"No. I have been in touch with Ananya Mittal since Ava joined school and one of the
teachers there is going on maternity leave. I think I could take up the temporary post if it is
available. Anyways I have the experience" Janani said.
Armaan sighed.
He should have known.
There is no way Janani is going to let Ava out of her sight any sooner.
"What about Advi??" He asked
"I can take him with me. I don't think Ananya would mind. Advi would obviously love it. He
used to enjoy being at the nursery where I worked before" Janani said
When did she get time to work in the nursery and get Advi used to it, Armaan wondered.
Wasn't she partying away in Delhi?
The thought of her fooling around with other men brought an illogically strong rage in him
and he clenched his fist tightly to control himself from saying something that would end up
hurting her.
Why does it matter to him if it hurts her anyway??
Armaan sighed, he didn't have answers for any of his questions.
Maybe it's time he did a proper analysis of his feelings and come up with an answer.
He looked up and saw Janani looking at him expectantly.
"If that's what you want, go ahead," he said. The smile that appeared on her beautiful face
was worth it.
And he realised he could do anything for that one smile.
"Thank you, thank you so much" she said and hugged him in excitement.
A shiver ran down their spine jolting them out of any other thoughts.
All that exists are them.
Armaan and Janani.
Armaan, stunned for a moment, soon wrapped his arms around her petite form.
How can he miss such an opportunity to have her in his arms?
Janani embarrassed at her impulsive act pulled back a little and looked up to see his intense
eyes focused on her face.
She sucked in a sharp breath.
What is happening to her??
What is this feeling??
She had been in love once. And this is not how it felt then. So obviously this can't be love.
She is attracted to him, she accepts herself.
There is nothing more to it, is there??
"You have beautiful eyes" he said huskily looking into her eyes making her gulp.
Does he mean it??
Does he feel the same as her??
Then the only part of Shreya's words she heard last night came into her mind.
Your brother is a heartless monster who uses woman as per his wishes and throws them
away whenIs he using her too??
He obviously can't feel anything for her, can he?
He hates her. He told her so many times.
She had been heartbroken once.
There is no way she is going to risk it again, when she knows Armaan Verma is a
commitment phobe.
She pulled away abruptly, startling Armaan.
"I am sorry. I will just call Ananya" she said and hurried inside.
Armaan frowned.
What happened to her suddenly??
She was there with him. He could feel it in his bones that whatever he felt was reciprocated.
Then she pulled away abruptly.
Was she playing him??
Fluttering her lashes and blushing at will, give them little and pull back leaving them craving
for more.
Was that how she works her spell with men??
The innate mistrust in him poked him in the chest and reminded him of what kind of a
woman she is.
The one who stole your son!
The one who partied hard and fooled around with men irrespective of their age!
The one who would stoop to any level for money!
Being cooped up in the house with two children might have toned her down a little.
Maybe he could show her a glimpse of what she was missing.
The glittering world of the rich.
Let's see if she would pick up the bait and go back to her previous lifestyle.
If she is still susceptible to the charm of riches and sophistication then it would be better to
know sooner.
He doesn't want his children to get attached to her any more than they already are.
******
Janani called Ananya and talked about her taking up the job.
Ananya was happy to find a new teacher.
Janani forwarded her CV via mail and everything was fixed.
Janani and Advi would accompany Ava to school from the next week.
She heard a knock on her door as soon as she disconnected the call.
She opened it to find Armaan standing in front of her and his eyes were no longer warm as
they were before.
What happened to him suddenly??
"There is a charity gala I have to attend tomorrow. It's a fund raiser for pediatric oncology
dept of Medical Mission Hospital. I would like you to come with me. It's a formal event."
Armaan said coldly
It had been a while since Armaan used that tone on her and she flinched slightly
"What about Ava and Advi"
"Mrs Seth will look after them.Anyways they can't always depend on you. They need to learn
to be without you too" Armaan reminded both of them something they were on the verge of
forgetting.
She is temporary.
Janani sucked in a shaky breath.
No way is she going to show him how much it hurts.
"Sure. I will be ready" she said flatly.