Shayna wakes up at six on the eighteenth. She does her morning business before going down to the gym. She works out for an hour before returning to her room. She showers and wraps a towel around her before going to her closet. She puts on her undergarments and black Nike shorts before going to Kabir's room. She fishes out a white button-down shirt from the bags and wears it.

She goes down to the kitchen and makes herself a toast along with some green tea. She makes chocolate chip waffles for Kabir while watching the news. She pours the coffee into a thermal mug for him. She puts the plate and mug in the tray along with a spoon, fork, napkin, whipped cream, maple syrup, strawberries, water, and his medicine. She jots down a note and places it along with it. She makes her way to his room.

His room is modern with gray paint and white furniture. There's a queen-size bed against the wall on her right while a closet on her left along with the bathroom. In front of her is a glass wall giving a panoramic view of Bangkok. There's a coffee table and two wing chairs by that wall.

She places the tray on the coffee table, not wanting to disturb his sleep. She sees him shivering due to the air conditioner. He is sleeping on his stomach, shirtless. She sees faint red marks on his back. She covers him with the duvet and lowers the room temperature. She takes out a black t-shirt, boxers, and shorts along with a towel and a few essentials. She places them in the bathroom before leaving the room.

Kabir wakes up after a few minutes as the smell of chocolate hits his nostrils. He is surprised by the feel of a soft mattress underneath him instead of the one made from straws. He takes a minute to observe his surroundings. The reality settles in and he goes to the bathroom. He freshens up and slips into his clothes. He cleans up the room.

His eyes fall on the coffee table. He takes hold of the note that says, "I know you don't want to deal with me at this time, so have your breakfast in peace. You better take your damn medicine because I ain't about to listen to your doctor go off on me at your next appointment!" He shakes his head before attacking his breakfast.

It's around ten when he goes downstairs. He does the dishes and cleans up a bit. He is standing in the living room, confused, so he decides to give himself a house tour. He goes to the hallway by the stairs. He sees there are three doors. One on his left and right, and the other ahead of him. He grips the handle of the room on his left and steps in.

He is greeted by the view of Shayna sitting on a plush black chair behind a brown wood desk in the middle of the room. Her legs are raised, so they are on the table. They are crisscrossed at the ankle. She is holding a file with one hand and a coffee mug with the other.

His eyes travel down to her honey tan legs. They look smooth as butter and have a natural shine on them. His eyes linger there for a while. She looks up from the file and sees him staring. She follows his line of vision on her legs. She smirks.

Shayna: Liking the view, Mr. Balakrishnan?

He quickly snaps out of his trance and looks away. She puts down her mug and crosses her arms. He looks back at her to see her infamous smirk plastered on her face.

Shayna: I asked you a question, Mr. Balakrishnan!

He presses his lips together and lets his eyes roam around the room, but never settle on hers. She chuckles at his nervousness.

Shayna: You look like a deer got caught in a headlight!

A tinge of red is visible on his face.

Shayna: Don't tell me it's your first time seeing a girl sitting like this?

He keeps quiet.

Shayna: You never did anything with your fiance?

Kabir: No, because relationships are bound by emotions, not physical needs and attraction.

Shayna: Aah... there we have our love philosophy for the day! You have to agree to the fact that physical attraction can drive you insane more than love.

Kabir simply rolls his eyes.

Shayna: I can prove it!

Kabir: How?

Shayna drops off the file on the desk and models her away to Kabir. He steps backward as she moves towards him in a lady-like manner. His mind becomes blank as he continues to walk back. She stretches her arm and closes the door behind him with a thud.

Kabir: W-what a-are you d-doing?

Shayna: What am I doing, Kabir?

His back hits the door and she is standing in front of him with sheer confidence. His breath hitches in his throat feeling her just inches away from him. She stands on her toes and wraps her arms around his neck. His body stiffens as her hot breath fall on his lips.

Shayna: Are you nervous, Kabir?

He parts his mouth, but nothing came out of it. He's still in shock from her boldness. She stares at him for a minute or two with a seductive look before a smirk takes place of it. She moves back and he lets out a sigh.

She jumps on the desk and crosses her legs, elegantly. He gulps down seeing her. He scans her from top to bottom, again. Her hair is tied in a messy bun on top of her head with a few tresses falling around her face.

Shayna: You could barely breathe. Your hands are sweaty and there is sweat running down your forehead with the air condition on. Your heart is beating wildly in your chest. Did you ever get that with your fiance?

He thinks about it for a few minutes. Looking at his facial expression, anyone can say he's confused.

Shayna: I guess not from your expression. You saw that a few seconds of physical proximity drove you insane compared to what you call, love, that you felt for approximately two to three months with her. That little heart in your chest has nothing to do with who you like or not. It's your brain! Learn to control it if you want to survive this world!

The next few moments are spent in silence.

Shayna: Let's get a bit serious! I already had a word with you about staying out of my bedroom and office so?

Kabir: I-I know! I was just touring the house. I didn't know this was the office.

She nods. He turns around to leave.

Shayna: Do you really love that girl?

He turns around looking a bit puzzled by her question.

Shayna: Inaya or whatever her name is.

Kabir: I do love her!

Shayna: Knowing she used you?

Kabir: There has to be her side of the story. I can't conclude the relationship based on what I heard. I also need to hear her side of the story.

Shayna: You miss her?

He nods his head as her forest green eyes make contact with his grey eyes.

Shayna: But you forgot the thing that connects you to her!

Kabir: What?

She jumps off the desk and goes to the bookcase. She takes out a small red box from somewhere in between the books. She sits back down in her chair and opens the box. She slides it across the table towards him. His gaze flickers between the box and her.

Shayna: Are you going to come to take it or what?

Kabir: H-how?

Shayna: I got it released from the investigating team.

Silence falls over the room. Shayna starts working again.

Shayna: Thank you?

Kabir: T-thank y-you.

He is rooted in his place as he continues to stare at the box. After a few minutes, she decides to knock him out of his trance.

Shayna: Kabir, you have to come and wear the ring on your own. I'm not going down on my knees and sliding it up your finger.

Kabir: Wait, how do you know that?

Shayna: Do you tend to forget that I'm a lawyer? I do my research before making a statement.

He picks up the box and takes out the ring. He slides it on his ring finger.

Shayna: Close the door on your way out! If you're bored then, I have two files sitting on the coffee table in the living room you can study them.

Kabir: About?

Shayna: One is regarding the process to send you back. You can review it and make yourself familiar with the process.

Kabir: The other one?

Shayna: It has some information regarding me that you need to learn.

Kabir: Why?

Shayna: You will be meeting my parent next month when they return from their holiday in Switzerland. I have no idea what they will ask you, so just some things, pretty much the basics.

He just leaves the room without a word. He decides to go to the gym and work out to build up some stamina. He makes himself lunch around two and has it alone as Shayna hasn't stepped out of the office since their last encounter. He decides not to bother her either because she isn't someone he would want to hang out with.

Around five in the evening, she steps out of the office and goes straight to her bedroom. She changes into a blazer and pants set. She grabs her purse and goes downstairs to see Kabir watching the news.

Shayna: Aran will be here in a few minutes.

Kabir: Why?

Shayna: I have to step out for two hours or so.

Just as she finishes her sentence, the bell rings. She opens the door and lets Aran into the house.

Aran: I heard about the contract Kiet is making with you. What is your decision?

Shayna: You'll find out!

Aran: Don't mess with that devil! He's ruthless!

Shayna: Then, I'll have some fun with him! Aran, don't worry about it! You know I don't do anything unless I have a strong reason.

Aran: But..?

She moves to the living room and grabs her purse with Aran on her trail.

Shayna: Make yourself comfortable and don't attempt anything. I'll be back late, so have dinner! And you, Mr. Balakrishnan, medicine!

She leaves and Aran locks the door behind her. He joins Kabir in the living room who is busy watching tv.

On the other hand, Shayna hails a taxi to Kiet's office. She reaches the office in half an hour or so. The receptionist guides her to Kiet's cabin on the twentieth floor. She knocks twice on the door and steps in hearing a come-in. Kiet is working behind his desk and doesn't bother to look up or address her.

Shayna: I can visit another time if you're so busy!

She comments and he can undoubtedly hear the impatience in her tone.

Kiet: You are one haughty female, Ms. Bakshi!

Shayna: That I am! I hope you know what you're signing yourself up for.

He looks up from the file and motions towards the chair across from him. She rolls her eyes and takes a seat. He entwines his hands together and rests them on the desk.

Kiet: I signed up for it the minute I laid my eyes on you. That attitude and ego make you even sexier!

Shayna: Well, thank you then!

He lets out an audible sigh.

Kiet: You are one fine lady, Ms. Bakshi, that has everything a man would wish for. Your looks are to kill for.

Shayna chuckles then, smirks.

Shayna: Let's get started with what I came for!

Kiet: What is your decision?

Shayna: I am ready to sign the contract with you but on one condition.

Kiet: What is your condition?

Shayna: No one will get in my way of work and no one has the right to question my decisions, including you!

Kiet thinks about it for a minute before nodding.

Kiet: I accept your condition!

Shayna: I want you or someone to give me a tour of all the properties that are connected with the company or you.

Kiet: Why?

Shayna: I can sense some disagreements already!

Kiet: That's not what I meant, sweetheart!

Shayna: Better if you keep your endearments for your bed warmers that you pick up from clubs, Mr. Wang!

Kiet is truly amused and impressed seeing Shayna's blunt nature.

Kiet: Well... Ms. Bakshi-

Shayna: I think I can sense some disagreements between us so I'll end the deal as of now.

Kiet: That's not what I meant! I have never had a lawyer ask me to give a tour of any property, so the curiousness in me-

Shayna: I need to know what I'm dealing with when it comes to a property because those cases can take eternity if not given the attention they require.

Kiet: Very well then. I'll take you on a tour tomorrow!

Shayna gets up from the chair and extends her hand for a formal handshake. He gladly takes her hand in his and gives it a little squeeze. He winks at her suggestively that is anything, but formal. She turns around and starts for the door. She grabs the doorknob and opens the door slightly. She turns her body from the waist and winks at him. His mouth falls open. He quickly closes it and thinks for a reply, but she leaves before his mind is able to form a coherent sentence. She takes a cab back to her apartment.

Aran leaves once she is in the house. She heats up a ready-to-eat veg biryani package and gives it to him. She has a fruit bowl herself and heads to bed. Kabir also retires to his bedroom.

**********