Billionaire's Lost Love

First Date

Present time

Kolkata

Alisha's pov

After I dropped Joe to her school, I drove to my work shop, The Essence. Yes, I work as a fashion designer. My dream work, I have my little shop here in North Kolkata, with a good number of customers. Okay I am not very famous, but I am happy, except the fact that sometimes I feel too lonely and hollow from inside. I know I should stay strong for Joe, but I can't help it.

I parked my car outside went to open the door.

I looked at my dairy for the deliveries of the dresses. Debu, would be coming any time now. I have hired him for delivering the dresses. I checked the list for the deliveries we need to do today, there are 4 in total. Wait. what?

How can that be unless....

Holy s**t! Mrs. Mukherjee's is dress is not here. And from as much as I remember, I have made nothing for her.

I instantly went to my table and took my note pad, to look up what she wanted in her dress.

Darn it! She wants a ball gown, for her first marriage anniversary. ..................The party is on the day after tomorrow. I don't have time to prepare a dress now. What will I do? What will I do? Mrs. Annie Mukherjee is a sweet young woman and most importantly rich. She is so rich that she is not expected to visit my shop. She is expected to be seen wearing signature dresses of Gucci and panash. But she likes my dresses and visit my shop more than often and pays well off for my dresses. So whenever I designed her dress, I used to put extra effort in it.God knows how did I forgot to make her dress this time. Two years ago when she wore a white satin and net ball gown to a family function designed by me she was more than happy with the compliments she got wearing that dress and asked me to design all her function and party dresses. I will loose a big client if I disappoint her this time, this is going to be a big day for her and I am going to be the one ruining it.

I again looked at the note pad.....preferable color......pink and white. Suddenly I remembered that baby pink chiffon dress, my first dress. I had made it and was quite happy with it's appearance and I put into the blond dummy and placed it in front of the large glass window. For months it was there up for sale, but unfortunately it was never sold.

I thought it was beautiful off-shoulder with a large satin white rose up the chest. But obviously people thought otherwise. The upper part of the gown was of silk, tightly hugging the body and lower half was of satin and net, which gives it a classy and elegant look.

Perfect! Now all I have to do is find it and make amendments in it. I went towards the store room in the back side of my shop. I was searching the cartoon boxes one after another when I heard the sound of the wind chime. Signal that a customer is here! I left the store room and went back and found Debu waiting for me in his old faded trousers and the same old orange t-shirt.

I have found him five years ago when he was fifteen and used to work in a small canteen, I used to visit when I was pregnant and had no one by my side. I was all alone! One day I was sitting in that cafe and ordered an espresso, debu was bringing it, but suddenly he tripped and fell, the China cup broke into the pieces. The owner of the shop came running and started to hit him. I stopped him and paid for the coffee as well as the mug the boy broke. I asked him why did he work here when the shopkeeper treated him so badly. He said that he don't have a choice but to work here because he can't find another job now. His father have died two years ago because of the lack of treatment. And here he is forced to work to earn living for his family. I felt bad for him, so I offered him the job to become my assistant in my shop. The shop which I was successful in establishing with the money I saved from my pocket money papa used to give me during the collage. He agreed happily and started to work with me.

He delivered dresses, keep the supply of materials in check and took care of the shop when I am busy with Joe. I was thankful to God that I got this little boy, he is really helpful. He is twenty now and had grown into a fine man I had to say.

"Debu have you seen that baby pink silk gown, I need it urgently." I said to him.

"Oh, the one with a rose in the middle? "He asked me and I nodded.

"It is in the second shelf of the store room. "

•

"Thank you! Debu, now will you please deliver these? " I pointed at the cartoon boxes in front of me with address slips, stuck in the back. He nodded and took the boxes out.

***

I started to work on that dress, I like it very much probably because it was my first creation but I doubt that it will be the same way with Mrs. Annie.

When the clock stuck two, I hurried out of the shop to pick up Joe from school and we had our lunch in a nearby McDonald's and sent Joe home with debu because I had no time to go home and come back.

I worked till it was five in the evening and finally I was satisfied with the look. With slight amendments at places it looked fantastic. Now it's time for Mrs. Annie to see it, lets see how much she likes it.

I called her and told her that her dress is ready and within fifteen minutes a black Rolls royce-Phantom coup pulled in front of my little shop and Mrs. Annie steeped out of it.

"Oh my God Alisha, it's.....it's so beautiful! Is it really for me? "

I was so relieved to know that she liked it. "Yes, Mrs. Mukherjee, indeed it is! "

"Thank you Alisha, I will look my best that day. " she looked at me and smiled.

And I smiled back at her.

"Oh and I forgot to mention, you and Joe are specially invited on my wedding anniversary and don't forget to bring a gift! " She said and giggled. "Here!" She handed me a card.

"Thank you, we will surely come. Mrs. Annie. "

I went back to my desk and sat down and remembered the last ball I attended six years ago.

Flashback

Mumbai, India

Six years ago

Alisha's pov

The makeup artist gave a final touch on my face and finally I was ready in my chocolate brown designer gown caked up like a doll. Oh I hate it!

"Ali how many days would you take to come down for God's sake? We are going to be late! " my elder brother Surya shouted from downstairs.

I looked at my reflection in the full size mirror. It was so unlike me, I never wore full length gowns and that too of chocolate brown color? Yuck! My hair was folded into a French bun whereas I like my hair open in it's natural flow. Okay, I looked good but not me. I looked like anyone but me. But it gave me a satisfaction as well because if he is really a playboy he will never agree to marry me specially when I am dressed up like papa's little princess. I took my silver clutch from the dressing table and hurried down the stairs where my family was waiting for me. We were going on the inauguration party of a five star hotel owned by the Singhania company where I was expected to meet my future husband for the first time. Here I could only cross my fingers and pray, pray that he will disagree to marry me.

Part 2

Flashback

Six years ago

Mumbai, India

Alisha's pov

"Himadri"

'Strange name for a seven star hotel.' I thought.

The wide board held this name with twinkling white and golden lights vertically on the wall of the seven star hotel of ninety eight floors. The entrance was decorated with beautiful white lily and roses. My favorite!

I came out of my Lamborghini and was greeted by numerous white flashes of cameras. For a second I can't see anything, soon enough Surya pulled me to him and we headed towards the grand entrance of the hotel with mom and dad, ignoring the long line of reporters and photographers present there, seeking for our attention. Some people are here to get all the attention they could find including the Bollywood stars but not us. My father is a business man and we all like to stay off the radar.

We entered together in the hall and literally I was dumbfounded, the large hall was extremely beautiful plus it was lavishly decorated. The fragrance of Jasmine was all over the place, neither too strong nor too weak but it was there. In fact everything was just perfect!

I looked around the grand hall the peach curtains were in contrast with deep blue colored walls, it was adding to the beauty of the place. I have never seen these two colors together, but I had to confess that the combination looked beautiful.

Now back to the floor I saw most of the known faces business men, Bollywood actors, actresses, the famous models.

And I was here dressed up like a little girl in a full length gown with my brother by my side.

Oh I hate this! Most of the people here were with their dates or girlfriends. I rolled my eyes at them and looked away. A soft music started to play in the hall and soon people started dancing with their partners. I looked up above my shoulders to find my brother still there, his eyes glued to his phone's screen. Ah- I rolled my eyes at him, don't he have something important to do? Like go and ask a beautiful lady for a dance? There are plenty here.

If it would have been any other time I would have loved and enjoyed everything but then, I am here to meet my fiance, the Aditya Singhania who owns this hotel where we currently are, the Himadri on it's inauguration party. I can't help but roll my eyes again at the thought of that playboy Casanova being my husband.

Suddenly the music stopped and everyone including me looked at the direction of the stage where the orchestra was. A man in grey Armani suit was standing there, the laughing, talking everything abruptly ceased and each pair of eyes in the hall were on him, I could bet. He was sinfully handsome, with his stunning green eyes, well defined jaw line, high cheek bones and a perky long nose. His one hand was in the pocket of his grey pant and the other was carrying a microphone?

My heart started to jump in excitement when he started to speak, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen I am really happy that you all came here on my invitation and for that I thank you all from the depth of my heart.....on the inauguration of this hotel which has a special place in my heart, it has the name of my Grandmother. "

Ah-so Himadri is the name of his grandma?

Then he started talking about business and I stopped paying attention to him anymore. He introduced his business partners and thanked them all and bla-blah-blah! I was not listening to him anymore. Why do I? I don't like business and stuff and that's why unlike my brother and all my other cousins I took a fashion designer degree and not a business management one.

Soon enough his speech ended and the host announced to go for the dinner in the dinning hall. The music started to play again and then suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder, I looked back and found my dad and mom standing there.

"It's time to meet him dear. " my mom smiled sweetly at me to cheer me up because she knew I don't want to marry but I don't know exactly why she can't say anything to dad about it.

I sighed heavily and nodded, God....please. .please, let him say a no. I don't want to marry him....please God.

I was now walking with my mom and dad on my either side feeling more nervous with my fingers crossed. We entered into the dinning hall and dad told me to go and sit with mom.

We were seated in one of the chairs in the dinning hall when mom excused herself saying that she needs to go to the washroom, I knew what was coming next, Aditya Singhania. Obliviously mom did it deliberately! I looked at my feet nervously, what was going to happen now?

"Huh-huh-" someone cleared throat and I looked up. It was the same man, I recognized him the gorgeous green eyes.

Oh my God is.....is he Aditya Singhania? Of course yes, you stupid head.

"Hello, I am Aditya, aditya Singhania! "

He said while giving me a charming smile.

You could charm those models out there but not me Mr. Singhania not with that ediotic smile, definitely not me!

Getting no reply from me he said again, "Alisha? Right? "

I nodded and started to fidget with my fingers. He took a sit beside me and started to talk and slowly I started to answer as well. Mostly rubbish but still I enjoyed talking with him, he seemed like a nice guy. We talked about Indian culture, Chinese food, about our degrees and education. But the topic of marriage never came up, thank God! Suddenly he excused himself and went away.

I saw him moving towards a girl who was standing near the bar, rolling my eyes I looked at them carefully she was dressed up in a yellow revealing dress and even from the side view I could see her whole back bare.

As she turned around with her drink, Aditya was there.....they were talking and then the girl which is'bitchy' (I usually judge so quickly) kind started to giggle, she put her left hand on her mouth to control her laughter. Oh So this was the way he does it! Seconds earlier he was talking with me and sharing jokes with me and now he is there flirting with someone else! So everything those tabloids said were true! He's a playboy.....

Seconds later they were still talking when a middle aged women joined them she was about my mother's age and still beautiful. She was dressed beautifully and her way of walking showed elegance. She looked at Aditya with anger and said something after which he left them and walked back to me.

Didn't got the girl Mr. Billionaire? Go and ask her to accompany you to hell!

He took the seat beside me again and I in turn I stood up and left him. It was rude right? But I don't care....keep on flirting with whoever you want Mr. Billionaire don't come after me. I walked in the grand hall to look for mom or dad and when I finally spotted them together talking to the same middle aged lady who have just had a encounter with Aditya and that yellow dressed girl.

I went to them preparing my speech that I am not feeling well and my head is aching and I wanted to go home soon. But when I was just a few feet away from their table, I saw someone in front of me kneeling on floor. "Aditya-" I mumbled as I saw him stretching his one arm and offering it me. If I say I was surprised it would be a understatement now.

"Will you dance with me? " He looked up at my face still kneeling down. "Please! " he added. I heaved a breath which I was holding for a time now. Wasn't it a too dramatic way to ask for a dance, the little scene he created had made the whole crowd to look at us. Everyone was looking at us even my parents and that lady as well. Once again a strange and awkward silence engulfed the place. "Of course !" Do I have a choice after the little drama you did? I wanted to add but didn't. I smiled and kept my palm on his hand. He smiled and stood up as the crowd started to cheer for us. Gosh!

We were in the middle of the hall hand in hand when the slow sweet song changed into one of my favorite, atlas.

Some saw the sun

Some saw the smoke

We started to dance and I was impressed by him, he was quite well in it. Our shoulders brushed and I felt a strong tingling sensation within me.

Some heard the gun

Some bent the bow

He twirled me around and then suddenly pulled me closer.I was almost crushed into him. I felt so small and helpless in front of him, I felt his strong masculine biceps through his shirt. He was so manly.

Sometimes the wire must tense for the note

Caught in the fire, say oh

We're about to explode

I looked at him and he looked back at me, the look was intense. Moving on the rhythms I forgot where I was and the people around me. I just remembered those stunning green eyes. He smiled again and pulled me more closer till his breaths fanned my face. Our foreheads touched and our lips just a few centimeters apart.

Carry your world, I'll carry your world

Carry your world, I'll carry your world

Was he going to kiss me? No stop him Ali! Stop him from kissing you! My head told me but my heart was singing the opposite tune. I closed my eyes due to proximity. His breathing was still fanning my face. I could feel as he inched more closer to me.

Some far away

Some search for gold

Some dragon to slay

Heaven we hope is just up the road

Show me the way, lord because I am about to explode

And suddenly I was away from the sweet warmth I was feeling in his arms, I opened my eyes as he twirled me around again.

Carry your world, I'll carry your world

Carry your world, I'll carry your world

Carry your world, and all your hurt

The song ended in a sweet note, and we parted as a large number of people around us clapped and cheered and that is when I realized that only we were there on the floor dancing.

Later I went to my parents table and sat with them that lady was still there.

"Hello Alisha I am Kaveri Singhania, Aditya's mom." She smiled at me genuinely.

"Hello Mrs. Singhania. " I greeted her.

"Oh please don't call me that." She shrugged her shoulders.

"By the way did you liked Aditya? I....I mean did he....irritated you....or something like that? "

Whoa! That was fast. I knew what she meant. Was I agreeing to marry him or not? Well then this was my chance! I mean she was asking for my opinion and I would tell her the truth that I liked him, that he is a nice guy but I don't intend to marry him, or anyone, not now at least. And then even my parents won't be able to force me to marry him.

"Aunty-"

I was abruptly cut off by my father.

"No of course not Mrs. Singhania, he is such a gentlemen and Alisha looked so happy with him, and together they looked so good. " My father exclaimed.

Tears started to form in my eyes, how could papa do this to me? How could he? I thought he loved me more than anyone even mom.

I looked at mom she was looking at me with pity. I felt my eyes full with water, I was about to cry. No I can't cry like this, I have to stop myself from being vulnerable in front of so many people.

"Excuse me I need to go to the washroom. " I was able to mumble and then I stood up and left.