Riya.

"Riya!?"

In front of me was Rohan, Sachin and two other guys.

Save me, dear God!

"What the-" Rohan started, but I cut across him politely.

"Welcome sir," I bowed slightly, my eyes were on Rohan and Sachin, pleading for them to understand my situation.

Rohan seemed to get the message, he nodded slightly and walked inside, tapping Sachin, who was still staring at me.

They walked inside.

"Did they know you?" Annie asked me, confused.

Fortunately, Femi cut across her.

"That's Rohan Aldrick & Sachin Dixit!the hottest guys in business! God, my friends would do anything to get in my place today!"

She is the youngest member of our group, her ever-cheerful attitude is a relief to the rest of us.

"Yeah, I know who they are, everyone does," Annie said beside me.

We bowed again at our next guest.

"I will keep it safe for you sir" I smiled as I took his woollen shawl.

I walked back to put it away and came face to face with Sachin.

"What the hell are you doing here, Riya?" He said, now taking in my dress.

"Working," I said as I carefully arranged the shawl on the hanger.

As soon as I put it away, Sachin grabbed my hand and started to walk.

"Sachin!" I said, angrily. "leave me!"

He dragged me all the way to the balcony and let go when we were alone.

"What's going on Riya?"

"You can see I am working!" I said.

"Don't be ridiculous! go back now! I don't want to see you working here!"

"What's wrong with working here?"

"I can't believe you are doing this, Riya! most of our student body will be attending, if they know you are working as a waitress, they will skin you alive tomorrow!"

"I don't care, the truth is going to be out one of these days anyway"

"Riya!"

"To be honest, I have no way back now, I am trapped already, I didn't know it was Aldrick's party, I was supposed to organise things, but suddenly one of our workers couldn't make it and I had to step in" I said in one breath. "so stop staring at me like that"

"God! so this was his plan! Grandpa wanted to make him come here! I can't believe this!"

"What are you talking about?" I asked him.

"Riya, Grandpa's baiting Neev!"

"What!? what does it have anything to do with me?" I looked at him.

"You are the most clueless girl I have ever seen" Sachin was muttering under his breath, shaking his head slightly.

"What?" I asked him again.

"You are the bait! he wants to make Nivin come here for you"

"Why would Nivin come here for me?" I asked back, confused.

"Because Nivin won't tolerate it if Grandpa mistreats you, he has a soft corner for you!" Sachin said, then groaned. "I can't believe I am explaining this to you!" he added. "Anyways, you should get out of here" he finished, sounding business.

"Don't be ridiculous, Sachin, I will see you around, I have some works now" I said, now turning back.

"Riya!"

"My team is already tired, I have to help them"

"What if everyone at college finds out?"

"I was actually thinking of a way to settle things, this will make it easier," I said, now reaching the doorway.

"Do me a favour Sachin, don't interfere, whatever happens, it's my request, please take it seriously"

"Are you...are you planning something? are you trying to go back?" Sachin asked suddenly.

I just smiled at him, before walking back, determined, not afraid anymore.

*  *  *

Nivin.

"F**k!" I saw the picture and cursed again, I jumped up from the barstool.

"What's wrong?" Rick asked.

"Grandpa!" I gritted my teeth.

"I knew he was not going to leave you alone," Jason said.

"He is gone too far now," I said angrily before storming out and to the bike.

"What is it?" Amy shouted.

"Riya!"

I started the bike.

* * *

Riya.

"It's really you!" Teena said gleefully. Mia and Nirosha seemed happy to see me too; for the first time.

They were all dressed in their barbie-dresses, looking beautiful as always.

"What happened? Did Mehra's architecture firm go bankrupt for you to work here?"

Annie was giving me panicked look, but I took special care not to slip the smile off my face and bowed slightly.

"If you are comfortable, excuse me," I said politely.

"Hey you" Mia shouted and I stopped in my track.

"Get me some wine" She ordered.

Annie looked worried. "I will get it," She said politely.

"It's oka-" I started, but Mia cut across me. "I asked you, Riya Mehra" She pinpointed her finger at me.

"Sure," I said as I walked to the bar.

"They seem trouble," Jijo told me as he handed me the drinks.

"Don't worry" I reassured him and walked back.

"Here" I placed it in front of her.

"I asked you for red wine! go and change it!" She ordered me again.

And so it started and as soon as I came back with her red wine, Nirosha wanted her drink next, then Teena ordered me.

Annie and my team were still watching, worried.

"If that's all," I said after placing Teena's order in front of her. I started to turn back and saw Mia move her glass at me.

I moved away to avoid the spilling, I have no doubt that she intentionally did it to ruin my uniform.

I heard the gasps and watched in shock as Nirosha's cream colour designer dress was stained by the red wine.

Nirosha looked shocked for a moment before she was on her feet and slapped me.

It shouldn't have been a surprise, but it still shocked me, everyone turned to us now, watching the show, the humiliation was what made my eyes filled than the stinging from her slap.

"How dare you!" She said.

"But-" Jijo was beside me, trying to defend me, I touched his hand, stopping him. I know it's not going to be fair anyway.

"I am sorry, I should have been more careful," I said slowly.

"Damn right you are, bitch!" Teena was beside Nirosha.

"Do you even know how much it costs?" Mia shouted.

"I am sorry," I said again. "It was a mistake"

"If you don't even know how to serve, you shouldn't be here!" Nirosha said acidly.

It's okay Riya, its over, just put up with it a little longer, if you lose your temper, your whole team is going to suffer.

"I am sorry," I said again, blinking back my tears, my sound trembled even with trying hard not to show it.

"Ma'am, we are sorry, we will remove the stain for you, please follow me" Annie was beside me and bowed slightly to them.

"Ha! remove the stain? I can't believe it!" Teena said.

"Okay, remove the stain then" Mia poured the remaining red liquid to my face.

It was so unexpected and shocking that I couldn't move.

"Ma'am please!" Jijo said next to me, he seemed to have abandoned his place at the bar.

I couldn't take it anymore, I turned and fled, only to be stopped by the manager.

"Ms.Mehra, apologise properly before you go" He stopped me.

"Yeah, let's hear that apology" Mia crossed her hands across her chest. Nirosha was still glaring at me.

"I am sorry, it was an accident" I can no longer see anything, the wine was already stinging my already teary eyes.

"A proper apology, Mehra, get on your knees," Mia said.

I can't!

"Riya Mehra! now, she is the only daughter of Vishwam industries" Manager hissed at me.

"We will accept that apology if you get down your knees now," Teena said.

"What's going on here!?" I heard Sachin's voice.

"Nirosha! What do you think you are doing?" Rohan sounded furious.

Both of them pushed their way through the others.

I couldn't look up any more, I had lost the battle now, tears were streaming down my face, my dress was still stained in red.

I felt something covering me before I felt the strong hands around me.

My eyes met up with the stormy eyes of Nivin Rosh Aldrick's, he was dressed in formal clothing, his hair neatly made and his blazer was currently around me, possibly even staining with the wine.

If I was not in this situation, I would've been awed by his look!

And Neev, he was covering my wine-stained shirt with his expensive one!he was still holding me to him! l would have slipped away if it was not for the fire in his eyes.

Silence filled the room. "Let's get out of here" I heard Neev's gentle voice, he sounds like he's trying hard to keep calm because I could hear the cold suppressed fury underneath it too.

"She started it first!" Nirosha said, now looking angry.

"Nitosha! I can't believe you went this far!" I heard Sachin's angry words.

"Take her out of here, Neev," Rohan said slowly, I could hear the anger in his voice too, he turned to the others,

"She's the head of the event management team here"
He said.

Nivin slowly guided me to walk out of there, All of my team members were frozen, looking shocked and speechless with this new turn of events.

"We only wanted her to apologise!" Mia added, Nivin stopped.

"She said it was a mistake," He said coldly before walking to the exit, too many flashes were going on and I tried to move away.

I know Nivin is going to be in deep trouble if he's seen with the lower class, but he still held on to me firmly.

"Nivin" I heard Grandpa's voice ringing behind me, but Nivin was already walking to the elevator.

He pressed the button and we were down in no time. He was still guiding me to the parking lot and I was still having difficulty in controlling my tears.

"Get on," he said, stopping in front of a racing bike and I stilled.

He slipped the helmet on my head and started the bike.

"Riya," He said slowly, I didn't want any more encouragement as I wanted to escape from the reality.

I hopped behind him and hold on to his shirt tentatively.

"Hold on tight," Neev said to me, He removed my hand to place it around his torso, making me lean to him and we took off.

Neev.

I was driving around for about an hour now, I know Riya was crying all the way. I couldn't exactly hear it, but I felt the small trembling from her body that slowly comes to a stop now.

I was surprised at my own reaction to her, I couldn't stop my fury, I really wanted to shout at everyone there when I saw her standing there, helpless, in front of everyone!

The sight just made my blood boil and it took the whole of my willpower not to do something stupid, like shouting the lungs out or throwing Nirosha and her two best friends out of the room.

Instead, I had controlled myself and dealt it with calm. But what shocked me more was my reaction to her tears.

I feel this aching deep in my heart and I want to protect her from all the harm, I want her to be safe.

Don't get confused Nivin, she only reminds you of the weak you, who used to be pathetic, helpless and prone to Grandpa's every manipulation!

I now climbed the small slopes and the zig-zag road through the woods. It was a small hill in the outskirts of town, it belonged to my father, It is the only thing Grandpa has no control over; Apart from the penthouse.

I stopped the bike at the top, Riya climbed down and walked to the opposite direction, the helmet was still in place.

I walked near. "This is the place I used to come if I want to relax, or if I have to make a tough decision, I will share it with you today," I said, now taking the helmet from behind.

She was still refusing to look at me.

I took my handkerchief and placed it on her hand.

"Take your time" I walked back a little and leaned to the bike, waiting.

Riya.

I started to wipe my eyes when I get hold of myself.

I turned slightly to look at Neev. He was looking far ahead, towards the cliff area, thousands of lights could be seen far below, it made me look around the area and I realised that it's a beautiful place.

"Thank you for sharing this place with me," I said to Neev, now coming to stand near him.

"No problem" He smiled genuinely and my heart skipped a beat. "Are you alright now?" He asked, looking concerned.

"Yeah, thanks for standing up for me, even though it was the most impulsive and stupidest thing you have done"

"It was the most rational thing I have done in a long period of time now," He said and took the kerchief out of my hands.

I was confused as he lifted it up to wipe my face.

"What-"

"Your eyeliner is a mess, you look funny," He said, smiling.

He lifted up his phone and I saw he was right, it really was a mess.

"I will do it" I took the kerchief back and started to wipe it. "I am sure I must've looked pathetic today"

"No Riya, You were really brave today," He said and the sincerity behind it caused my eyes to fill again.

I don't know when it happened precisely. Before I knew it, I was wrapped up securely inside his hands, I started to resist for a moment, but he tightened the grip gently.

"Relax, I know you are brave, it's okay to just let down that guard now, you are safe," He said.

And I did exactly that, l closed my eyes and let go of all the worries, feeling warm and safe. Even as I tried to, I couldn't bring my hands around him, so I just let him hug me.

"Okay, let's make you cheer up now," He said happily, slightly separating me from him and wiping my eyes with his thumbs.

I looked up at him.

Cheer me up? that's not going to happen, at least not today...

"Close your eyes" Nivin ordered and I did it without complaint. I felt him clasping something on my wrist.

It can't be!

I opened my eyes in wonder.

"Ta-da!" Nivin chuckled.

"My bracelet! where did you...you played the basketball for this!?" I looked up at him.

"You can just thank me!" Nivin winked.

"Thank you," I said sincerely.

"Let's get you some good clothes now," He said and lifted up his hands, He took the clutcher off my hair and loosened my hair.

"Mm..that's much better," He said as my hair fell to my shoulder freely.

..........

"Just skinny jeans and a top will do," I said again.

"That dress looks good on you" Neev insisted, but I shook my head.

"Okay" He sighed, we started to walk and I winced as the pain started to become unbearable from the shoe bite.

I am still wearing that high heels from work.

"I told you, we should get a new pair of shoe for you," Nivin said firmly.

"It's not going to help since I am already bruised," I said, wincing again.

"Come on" He grabbed my hands and walked to the nearest seat.

"Sit" He gently pushed me down to sit there and knelt down in front of me.

I watched shocked as he took my leg in his hand, inspecting the damage.

"Neev" I protested when I became aware of all the sales girls and the other few customer's eyes on us.

"Relax," He said easily, then pulled my now new skinny jeans slightly below my heel so that the bruise is covered from further injury.

"It will do until we get a plaster," he said, offering his hands to me.

I stared at him.

I don't think he's the same person I met before!

"Riya?"

"Um...yea"

"Let's go" He smiled, unaware of the envious looks of others around me.

...........

"What are we doing here?" I looked around in the small but cute restaurant.

"It's one of my favourites," Neev said and I raised my eyebrows at him. He looked strangely out of place in his formal look-minus the blazer, which is now folded neatly in my hands.

Neev moved the menu towards me. "You can get the best seafood here," He said. "We used to hang out here," He said.

"Thank you so much, Neev, but shouldn't we head back no-"

"Wait a minute" He held up his hand and took out the mobile phone that was vibrating.

"It's been irritating me all these time," He said and switched it off. I opened my mouth slightly,

"Grandpa must've been trying to get you all this time!" I exclaimed. "Oh God, I dropped my phone at the party! they must've tried calling me too!" I said, panicked.

"Relax, just enjoy the food now," He said as an old man put two plates of steaming food in front of us.

Nivin smiled and nodded at him.

"We are in big trouble, Neev! It's past our curfew! Grandpa's going to kill us!" I said, now coming to my senses.

"Nothing is going to happen, don't worry, I know you were starving the whole day, try it" He pushed the plate to me.

"But-"

"Trust me, okay," Neev said, He started with his food and I nodded slowly.

When he said the food here is tasty, it was no joke! it was the tastiest food I had in a while and Soon we were having a food competition, both of us were ordering again and again.

"Ah... I am full!" I finished my third plate and clutched my stomach. "Ha! I won!" I said looking at Neev, who was yet to finish his third plate.

I stared at him, I couldn't believe this easy going, cheerful person is actually Nivin Rosh Aldrick!

Both the sleeves of his shirt was folded up to the elbows, the top two buttons of his shirt were open, giving me a clear view of his muscular chest, his hair was a mess from driving around the whole time, All in all, I think he looked sexy!

He groaned. "That's not fair! you were starving yourself from the morning!" he said, his mouth full.

I laughed at him.

"Are you laughing at me!?" Neev narrowed his eyes playfully at me and I laughed again.

"Come on"

Neev and I started to walk out after paying the bill.

"Thank you, Uncle Jose," He said cheerfully to the old man.

"Just come back with your girlfriend Neev" he smiled. "It's nice to see you like this"

My traitor heart seemed to go out of control again, I blushed.

"Um..actually-" I started, but Neev pulled me away.

I watched him from the side, I know I am watching the sweet side of him, he has let his guard down, giving me a small glimpse of the true one.

Neev started the bike and was waiting for me to get on.

"But...Where are we going, your apartment?" I asked.

"As much as I love to, we can't, Grandpa's men will be already waiting there"

"Then?"

"You will see"

........

"This?" I looked around in awe, it was another mansion.

"Uncle" Neev nodded to the watchman, who has now started to open the gate.

"They were waiting for you," He said pleasantly and Neev nodded again, we moved inside the gate and Neev stopped in front of the steps in the front yard.

"Neev?" I said, getting off the bike. "where are we?" I asked him.

"Takes you long enough!" I heard a woman's voice and turned around.

It was a gentle woman with a kind smile on her face, she looked to be in her forties.

"Thank you, Auntie," Nivin said to her sincerely.

"It's my pleasure Neev, it's been so long since I last saw you," She said pleasantly.

"Riya, this is the only place you will be safe, Grandpa's going to look at all of my friend's place" Neev turned to me now. "I can leave you here without worry"

"Leaving me? What!? Where are you going?" I was panicked now.

Even though the woman looked kind and welcoming, I can't think of staying here!

"I will crash at Jason's" Neev said.

"But-" I started to panic.

"Auntie Nandini is here, she will take care of you," Neev said.

"Neev, you better come in, Grandpa's going to kill you after the stunt you pulled today," Auntie Nandini said.

"Just take care of her," Neev said.

"And where are you going?" I heard the all too familiar voice and turned around for the second time.

"Sachin!? What are you doing here!?" I asked in surprise.

"Ha! You see Riya, This happens to be my house" Sachin said, now folding his hands across his chest.

I can't believe I am watching a sleepy, sweatpants, casual tee Sachin here!

-----------------

Guys!

So what do you think about this new side of Neev? Do let me know what you think of the chapter!

I was sooooooo happy to hear from you:D Thank you so much.