Ain't Meant For LOVE..!

The Botanic Garden

Tasha’s P.O.V

Remind me why do we need to work?

I picked the Management book in front of me with both my hands and enclosing it with my left thumb to see it’s thickness for the ‘nth time; I ran my thumb across it to bring back it to the front cover. This way, all the pages flipped at once giving off an air. I groaned looking at the 385 pages book and threw it on the table (not with a loud thud), leaning back on my chair and closing my eyes.

“Uh... Whyyyyyy? Why did I have to apply for the management course?” I whined.

-Because you wanted to handle everything without a mistake. Remember?- my conscience mocked me.

I stomped my feet lightly on the floor whining like a stubborn teenager as I heard a chuckle from my side.

I quickly stopped doing it and put my usual poker face on and turned to see an amused Edward.

-‘Thank God it’s him.’-

I sighed heavily as I closed my eyes again trying to fight off the pressure occurring at my head. Then I realized, I hadn’t had my breakfast and it’s past the lunch hours.

Damien was away with a client meeting and since they knew each other too well they decided to take it to the club that Mr. Gonzales owned and renovated. I am pretty sure they would be playing snooker now. My dear friend Edward was nowhere to be found and Katie and Leina are on their 5 days vacation to Bahamas, leaving me alone here so I didn’t feel like having my lunch.

I felt Edward’s hand on my temple as he lightly massaged it and I automatically relaxed. I remembered the first time he did that. It was a year ago. It was a month after I came to New York. I was strolling through the city when I bumped into Edward like for the fourth time in that time duration.

Flashback

I was feeling tired and my body weighed tons. My legs refused to do what they were meant for and so, I started to search for a drug store nearby. You see, I have these issues in my blood where the serum sodium, potassium and calcium are never stable. So, I had to keep up with my medications. Luckily or unluckily, whatever you consider; as soon as I was at a good distance outside the mall it started raining heavily. I tried to duck my hair under my coat as I dashed under the nearest shed in the process, running straight into a wall.

*Ouchhh!* I groaned.

“Ahhh...” someone said near to me. I tried to put my hair away from my eyes and then swiping away the excess water into my eyesight.

“Hey! Enjoying the rain?” I heard a very familiar voice. I blinked my eyes a little and saw a dashing man standing in front of me. The corner of my lips curved up as I shook hands with him.

“Not really. It’s just that I didn’t expect it to rain this sudden.” I smiled at him taking in his manly fragrance.

I must say, he smells... delicious? Wait! From delicious I realized that suddenly I feel hungry. Arrrghhh! I was parched till now and now I am hungry as well.

“I really want to share my umbrella but guess what?” he asked excitedly.

“Is there someone else with you?” I tried guessing it but couldn’t help looking at the menu beside him.

“No... I don’t have it right now!” he grinned and I just stared at his face for few seconds. He studied my face and the grin disappeared as he averted his gaze looking embarrassed.

I laughed taking him aback. “That was good but what’s better you know?” I asked him in between laugh. He shook his head with confusion evident on his face.

“Your expression Dumbo. You were so excited saying that lame joke and then the way you suddenly changed your facial expression. It was enjoyable.” I blurted out and stopped realizing I called him Dumbo.

-Seriously Tasha? Dumbo? He isn’t your colleague. So what if you guys are running into each other lately that doesn’t mean you can be so friendly-

“I am sorry. It just slipped out.” Now it was my turn to feel embarrassed as he laughed.

“Oh yea now I can see what made you laugh back then.” He patted my shoulder after trying to compose himself and gave me a cheeky grin. I rolled my eyes and dashed inside cafe. He followed my trail.

I saw it was an exclusive coffee shop so I ordered my fav. cappuccino and a cupcake to go. Usually I don’t take something sweet but I found only this to give me a better taste for now.

“Cupcake...” I saw him looking at me as he did the same. Now sitting beside me at this cafe we were eating and sipping in silence.

I didn’t know that I was actually trying to get all the crumbs that I could of the cupcake as he chuckled and shook his head. I didn’t stop then and continued what I was doing before.

“I didn’t know you would dug that deep to finish your cupcake.” He said with amusement as we were now walking outside and thank god it was now raining lightly.

“if it weren’t for the others, I would have turned the paper inside out and licked it as much as I could have.” I said shrugging as he laughed again.

“Oh God! I have this feeling you can murder anyone for that? But you are just like a cupcake you know? Sweet... Just the right amount.” He said winking at me as I blushed.

“Umm... thanks but I guess I am 50-50 c***k Jack Biscuits; you know little sugary little salty. ;-)” we laughed together. My headache increased now shooting pain through my body as it reminded to get my medicine from the store.

He must have sensed my discomfort as he looked at me with furrowed brows. “I need a medicine so I will get going now.” I said apologetically.

“What has happened to you? I will accompany.” He said sternly.

“It’s just body weakness and No, you don’t have to. I will just get it and head home.” I refuted. Of course! I can’t bother him just because I am in pain.

“To inform you, I haven’t heard what you said now. Let’s get going.” He started walking grasping my wrist and the rain started getting heavy.

We now ran back to the parking lot holding hands as we stopped to face each other and laughed. I would say I liked that. To have someone by your side, I felt joyous. He slid into a car and honked to signal me to get inside.

After we bought the medicine, he insisted on dropping me home so here we stand inside my apartment. I offered him a beer and settled myself with a warm tea. My head was throbbing as if someone was hammering a nail inside it. I rolled my head back on the couch and sat with eyes closed and not long, I felt someone touch my forehead as I jolted.

“Shhhhh... Relax! Let me handle it. Your face shows how much this is bothering you. Your eyes have turned red as if you were doing drugs and the face is strenuous so, don’t be stubborn refusing it.

Let me add, I have a magical touch.” He pulled me back as I closed my eyes again. His hands and fingers did their magic and I drifted to sleep.

Flashback Ended.

I heard him moving slowly as I grabbed his hands. Opening my eyes I saw him looking at me with a grin on his face.

“I thought you have drifted to sleep. Regarding your situation; aren’t you taking your meds?” He said slipping on a chair in front of me.

“Actually I zoned out to the time when you visited my apartment for the first time.” I smiled at him.

“Ooh yea! I had been before but never stayed for long. That was the first time I showed you my magic right?” he wiggled his eyebrows and I laughed.

“I am still mad at you. You left me alone and I am starving since morning. About the med. Part I keep forgetting it.” I pouted a little and he smacked my head as I glared at him.

“No doubt you seem like a zombie. i***t those are important medicine. What are you so busy with nowadays? Don’t tell me you are doing the deed with him.” He said disapprovingly.

I gaped at him, “Shut up! I am not doing anything. Its just that I literally doesn’t feel refreshed so keeps forgetting it. Gosh! How can you even think of something like that?” I gave him a disbelievingly look.

He sighed and stood up from his chair. “Let’s eat something then. I haven’t eaten anything because I thought to ask you if you are free.”

I stared at him. –Wow! So he didn’t eat without me?-

I went to him and hugged him. Taking deep breathe I smiled to myself. “How lucky I am to have you Ed. To be honest I don’t think I can live without you for a head. I mean Damien is Damien but you...” I pulled back and looked at him then snuggling into him again. “You are so much more Ed. You are always here whenever I need you and when you aren’t, you make efforts to fulfill the absence.”

He stroked my hair and sighed heavily. “I am flattered but would have danced in public if you have chosen me over him. By the way, I need to tell you something but let’s get something to eat first.” I nodded and we went to the cafe.

***

Zac’s P.O.V

I was back to New York a couple of hours ago and before meddling into other’s business I thought of enjoying my own time first.

“Are you ready?” I asked the magnificent lady in front of me.

-Yups, Manasvi agreed to come here. Guess? Apart from me she wanted to surprise Tasha. Fair enough!-

Since we were hanging out for more than a week now, I decided to take her on a date. I have planned something special for her and I wish she would love it.

I saw her looking breathtaking in a sleek dark grey dress with 3 inch black heels. She had a black jacket and a black hat. Her neck adorned with a sleek diamond pendant going well with big circular earrings. I must say she is fashion fiesta. Just at the look of her in the dress and that raised eyebrow she held now, I was turned on.

Clearing my throat, I gestured her with a perfect sign. She smiled and flipped her long straight hair back and said, “I knew it!”.

-This woman will be my death someday.-

I chuckled and went out with her hand around my arm. We drove in my black Maserati as she appreciated my car.

“Wow! So you love cars?” I asked. I liked it as she complimented my baby.

“Well yea, I like cars and bullet as well. I mean Royal Enfield.” She said as if that wasn’t a big deal.

-Cool! This woman is perfect.- Although I still doesn’t have much about this Royal Enfield.

I nodded and we headed to a restaurant. I was waiting it to be 8 PM. When we were done with the dishes, I practically shoved her into the car and headed towards the next stop. We parked our car and headed straight inside to be only stopped by the guard to give us our pass and letting me know everything was perfect.

I sighed and looked at Manasvi as she seemed confused. She searched the surrounding and said. “Oh!”

We headed inside and she left my arm and placed her hands on her mouth as she watched in awestruck.

I had booked the botanic garden for an hour. The garden was decorated as per request. Lightening everywhere and a board installed after every 50 feet with a message on it. Yea definitely with her name to start with. They had decorated it with light as well and I must say I was impressed. They surpassed my expectations.

Judging from her wide eyes and glee in them, I take it as yes! She loved it. She had tears in her eyes as she turned to face me!

“Is this all... for me? You did that?” she asked with so many emotions on her face.

“Well yes it’s for you and basically I requested them my ideas and it’s them who have actually done it. Did you like it?” I asked still curious to hear from her. I saw her lips quivering up as she frowned.

“No, I didn’t like it.”

What????  I felt something in my heart. Like disappointment.

“I loved it you silly.” She ruffled my hair as I sighed in relief.

“Gosh! You had me there. I am thankful though you loved it because I haven’t put these much efforts before so dare you say no.” I playfully glared at her as she laughed.

I kept watching her face as she slowly snuggled to my side. I sneaked my arm on her shoulder and we kept walking. Walking in the garden under moonlight with stars was so peaceful. We talked about each other, telling likes and dislikes with memories and sharing pasts with each other. We reached to the end of the garden when I fished out my phone and texted the authority saying ‘NOW’.

I waited as I made her turn around facing towards the left end as my feet tapped in anticipation of her reaction.

-Please, please, please let it go well.-

And then there it was. Music erupted in the silent night. Slow and soothing...

I took her hands and bowed a little. “May I?”

She grinned nodding her head and we started dancing there. After five songs done she rested her head on my chest as the music played and smiled to self, loving the feeling at moment.

She seemed perfectly fitting me, say it in her body frame, hands built or nature. She was all that I could dream of. She is sweet, caring, sassy, smart, hot and sexy. I tapped her shoulder and pointed a finger to the sky.

She followed my direction and then.

*Whizzing*...... Boom! *Sparklings*

The fireworks started as she stared in amazement. I saw the sparkling in her eyes and she looked the fallen angel standing in front of me.

-She’s beautiful.-

Rachel’s P.O.V

I was fuming at the idea of time wasted here. I know I was earning a pretty good amount but I don’t prefer working my ass off. All I wanted was to throw my charms and my work was done.

I thought telling Damien about my child would get him back but I was wrong. He is really hooked up with that b***h and this is eating me up. I never thought he could get away just like that. I knew how affected he was back then with my touch and my body but it is just the opposite now.

I huffed thinking about everything happening around me. I would have followed my plan but then only one thing awaits- the confidential file.

I dunno why but I prefer to wait to see what is there in it as that lady said that I might want to look at that. I have no f*****g clue how she have that idea but something about her spoke domineering. So, I have believed her unknowingly. But that s**t face Ben hasn’t told me what is there in that.

I scoffed as I flipped through the TV and sipped my coffee when my phone chimed.

Ben: I have found it.

I stared at the screen for few seconds and then blinked.

-Wait! He did found it? But what? What is that?-

Me: What have you found?

Is it really something that important? I cannot help but feel that it is.

Ben: The document that we were searching. Let’s meet at 3 tomorrow nearby cafe.

So, I guess I am right. There is something important that we need to see. That means, I can really take my other step.

***

I anxiously waited for the clock to strike 3 as the suspense was killing me. I heard that the lady would be coming there too, so it indeed was something unexpected.

The lady hasn’t disclosed her name and I dunno why but I think there is something different about her. She just looks and I always forget to ask her name and so I have settled calling her as ‘The Lady’.

When it was time, I left message to the two people and headed to the nearest cafe waiting for them. About ten minutes later we all gathered giving away our orders.

There was a tension growing and I turned to look at Ben, he seemed serious. I sighed after what seemed like ages, our order was passed and we sat there waiting for Ben to continue.

He took out a document after making sure there was none near us. The lady picked it up before I could and saw nothing on her face. She put it back and it was my turn to see what was there in this piece of paper.

My eyes bulged out at the contents and I re-read it like for the third time. I gaped and rubbed my eyes but no matter what I did, the f*****g s**t remained the same. I slowly put the paper down as slowly faced the two sitting in front of me.

“If you don’t want any fly to visit your mouth, close it.” Ben said nonchalantly.

I quickly shut my opened mouth and cursed.

“f**k! So, Damien isn’t the real CEO and it is—“

“Yea! You might want the credits to self if it reaches the paparazzi. You are f*****g talking too loud!” Ben raised his voice with each word.

I lowered my volume and ignored him as I looked at the lady. She was so calm about it but what I don’t get it is why is she interested in all these? How did she even know about something like that? could it be possible that she is one of the Williams?

I studied her closely and then it shocked me. Yes indeed! She is one of the Williams. She had the striking blue eyes and black hair and that cold attitude. I giggled at that thought.

But who is she?

“Excuse me ma’am what I don’t get is how you knew about it? And who are you?” I asked her.

She stilled for a moment and I could see anger on her face which suddenly changed to her calm one.

“I am nobody sweetheart. I just happen to be there in your situations and since I am a mother, I thought to help you kids.” She answered with finality.

Although I didn’t take what she said but the look she gave stopped me from asking further questions.

“You should do something now when you know who the CEO is.” She said in a strict tone.

I found myself nodding and sneered.

“It just made things easier. I could hit two birds with a stone now.” I said viciously.

A loud bang beside me had my attention.

“You won’t do anything that will make you regret!” it was Ben who seethed at us but I just flipped him off.

-Now the real game begins.-