His Deadly Desires

Chapter - 2

Ashu Davies stared at the door, feeling a mix of panic and tension. Once again, she had returned home without a job. She had witnessed her mother's struggle to support her education after her father's death. Being a mature girl from a young age, she understood the helplessness and poverty her mother endured while working in households, cooking, and washing dishes just to put food on the table and provide for her education.

But what had become of her after studying excellently and achieving top grades?

She was still unemployed, and the reason was her refusal to engage with men who only wanted to hire her for physical companionship.

Was this her fate?

Couldn't she contribute and help her mother?

"What are you thinking?" a pleasant voice interrupted her thoughts, bringing her back to the present. She turned her head and gazed at the tall man standing beside her. His face displayed a warm smile that instilled confidence in her. Every time she felt low and discouraged in the past, he had been there by her side.

And today, he was there for her.

Again!

"Knock on the door without hesitation. This hesitation will be the last for you," he said, his words perplexing yet delivered with a pleasant tone. She smiled at him and followed his advice, knocking on the door.

"Ashu? You're here," a middle-aged woman said with a bright smile as she opened the door. Ashu Davies reciprocated the smile, and her mother assumed she had finally landed a job.

"Mom, guess who's here to see you?" she asked, and her mother's thoughts instantly dissipated as she smiled awkwardly.

"Who would come to see me besides Vedh? I was waiting for him, but it seems he has some work," her mother sighed, disappointed that Vedh Balon hadn't visited.

"Even though I have some work, how could I miss the dishes made by you, aunty?" Vedh Balon's pleasant voice filled the air, causing Hina Davies to beam with delight. She glanced at the handsome young man standing behind Ashu Davies.

"Vedh... Oh... Come, come, come! I've prepared your favorite dishes today," she exclaimed, playfully nudging Ashu Davies aside, grabbing Vedh's hand, and pulling him inside the house. Ashu Davies widened her eyes in surprise and shook her head, amused by her mother's enthusiasm.

"Is she even my mother? She didn't even glance at my wet clothes," Ashu Davies pouted unhappily as she entered the apartment. Vedh Balon observed the beautiful girl emerging from her room, freshly bathed, while she dried her hair. He took a sip of tea, then carefully placed the cup back on the table, lowering his gaze.

"What happened? Didn't you like the tea?" Hina Davies looked at his awkward expression, her face displaying confusion. Ashu Davies walked over to the couch, sat down, and held the cup of tea.

"Mom, did you see him? He got drenched in the rain, and he hasn't even changed his clothes yet. You'll make him fall ill."

At that moment, Vedh sneezed.

"Vedh, go and change your clothes. I'll send Ashu along with dinner," Hina Davies scolded him gently.

Vedh Balon glanced at Hina Davies and nodded with a warm smile. He stood up, intending to look at Ashu Davies, but his gaze seemed frozen, and he hurriedly left the apartment.

"Why didn't you tell me he got caught in the rain?" Hina Davies squinted at her daughter, her eyes narrowing.

"Mom, that's unfair. I also got wet in the rain, and you didn't even look at me. You were just focused on dragging him inside," Ashu Davies expressed her unhappiness.

"He's such a good son," Hina Davies said, her face beaming with a bright smile as she glanced towards the entrance of the house. She stood up from the couch and looked at Ashu Davies.

"I'll prepare food for him. Go and serve him."

"Mom, I'm hungry, too."

"You'll serve him first, and then we'll eat."

"Mom, that's unfair."

"Finish your tea and come to the kitchen."

Ashu Davies gazed at her mother's retreating back with an unhappy expression. She pouted pitifully and began sipping her tea.

…

The room was softly lit, and Vedh Balon stood on the balcony, gazing at the children playing in the apartment garden. His heart fluttered upon seeing her, and he longed to talk to her, to see her, to experience the happiness he felt around her during their school days. He wanted to protect her, just as he had in the past. She remained an innocent, yet brave and sensitive girl. He reached into his pocket and took out a cigarette, placing it between his lips. However, as the lights turned on, he swiftly returned the cigarette to his pocket.

Vedh Balon turned around and looked at the girl who had just set the tiffin box on the dining table. He sighed and shook his head. He was about to be caught smoking, not that he feared her, but he wanted to maintain a respectable image in her presence. He did not wish to smoke in front of her.

"Vedh, come here and eat. Mom has prepared your favorite dishes," she said, arranging the food.

Vedh Balon gazed at her deeply as she tucked strands of hair behind her ears and set the dishes on the table with grace, resembling a perfect wife.

"Vedh," her second call snapped him out of his reverie, and he walked towards the dining table.

"Am I supposed to eat all this food alone?" he asked, pulling out a chair and sitting across from the scrumptious meal.

Ashu Davies sat in front of him and regarded him seriously.

"I’m really hungry, so I'll eat with you."

Vedh Balon felt delighted in his heart and began eating.

"She cooks deliciously," he remarked.

Ashu Davies smiled and started eating as well.

"She loves you more than her own daughter. She told me that I should serve you first, and then we can eat. But I was too hungry and couldn't wait. So, I asked her to pack my food too."

Vedh Balon smiled and continued eating, reminiscing about the days when he used to eat at her house for two reasons: he enjoyed her company as she ate gracefully, and the food was always delectable.

"Thank you for not telling her about the incident."

"If you keep thanking me, I might just have to tell her," he said, wiping his mouth. Ashu Davies smiled and lowered her eyes.

"Will you send me a digital copy of your certificates?"

"Why? I mean, why do you need my certificates?" Vedh Balon sighed, staring at her closely.

"Our hospital has a recruitment division. They help find suitable jobs. I will apply on your behalf."

Ashu Davies stood up and looked at him seriously.

"I don't want any favors." She collected the dishes and headed towards the kitchen.

Vedh Balon watched her retreating figure, shaking his head helplessly. This woman had self-respect.

He stood up and followed her to the kitchen, smiling softly as he saw her washing the dishes.

"I'm not doing you a favor. I will submit your certificates to them, and they will apply for any suitable job positions on your behalf. You'll be contacted directly."

"Really?"

"Yes." He didn't hesitate to tell a little white lie.

"Okay, then I'll send you my certificates."

Vedh Balon swiftly took out his mobile phone to note down her contact information.

"Please share your number with me," she said, wiping her hands and approaching him directly, requesting his contact number.

Things were progressing smoothly and amazingly.

He obtained her number, and he was going to assist her without her knowledge. He noted down her details as she shared her certificates and resume.

"Are you going back to your family tonight, or will you stay here?"

"I'll stay here."

"If you need anything, feel free to call me."

"Okay."

Her smile was truly captivating, "Goodbye, then."

Vedh Balon gazed at her innocent face as they stood in front of the elevator, waiting for its arrival. He wished this smile would never fade away. He was determined to make this smile even brighter.

"Take care," he whispered, smiling and nodding. She entered the elevator, and the doors closed. He stared at the closed doors for a moment, blushing shyly.

The enchanting ambiance dissipated after her departure. With a sigh, he turned around and headed back to his apartment.

The place felt incomplete without her.

Closing the door, he made his way to the balcony and resumed smoking a cigarette.

After a while, he retrieved his mobile phone and sent the certificates to a specific number.

Once he finished his cigarette, he dialed the same number.

"Hello. How are you, Dr. Balon? I'm pleased that you personally reached out to me."

"How is your health, Mr. Wang?"

"I'm extremely satisfied with the medical treatment provided by your staff. I've been doing well these past few months."

"Could you do me a favor?"

"Of course, Dr. Wang. I would consider it an honor to assist you."

"I have sent a document file to your contact. Have you reviewed it?"

"Yes, I have examined it thoroughly. The academic scores and achievements are impressive."

"Can you find a suitable job position for this candidate?"

"Certainly. The company I am currently employed with is actively hiring candidates for various roles at our newly established branch. This candidate would be an excellent fit for a senior position."

Vedh Balon felt a surge of joy in his heart.