A/N: When I said I can't wait to spill the chai, I wasn't joking. I'm currently on a bit of a writing spree so you might get more frequent updates. As we're speaking I'm already working on the next 2 chapters so, you can expect a shorter update time between the next 2-3 chapters.

***

When Rohit had found out that Shreya had refused to speak to his secretary, and would only speak to him, he got even more annoyed at her. What was so difficult? It was just a yes or no answer. However, when he found out that Deepak was attending on behalf of his father, Rohit was livid. Did Shreya want to speak to him because Deepak had asked her before he did? Did she agree? When did Deepak ask? Why didn't Shreya tell him about the party if she knew? Did she even know about the party before he had asked his secretary to call?

Rohit had to force those questions to the back of his mind as he continued his day. He couldn't even calm down as Kavya updated him. Kavya was at the Arora house, with Deepak's son.

That's it! Kavya!

If he asks Kavya for help, maybe there will be a higher chance Shreya would agree. And in the worst case scenario, he would attending with his daughter. In Rohit's opinion, that wasn't too bad of an idea.

It was about 6pm and Kavya had mentioned she would be back by 8. Taking into the consideration of the traffic and the distance to the Arora house from his office, it would probably take him about an hour, an hour and 15 minutes max. If Kavya wants to reach home by 8, she would have to leave in an hour. If he picked her up at 8, technically, it would count as 'reaching home'. He felt it was a win-win situation. Kavya would get and extra hour to spend while he would get to talk with Kavya in private. Rohit quickly sent a text to the group informing the girls that he would be picking Kavya up from the Arora house since he was 'in the vicinity'. It was a little white lie he was willing to tell for his plan to work.

K. Kavya chimed back.

Ok. Shreya replied.

Rohit turned off his phone and took a look at his workload. It wasn't much left to do except look through new potential business ventures and to approve some company expenditure reports. He used to be able to do it on the way, but after firing his driver over the recording incident, Rohit had became extremely paranoid about it happening again and opted to drive himself. He sighed. Maybe he could quickly finish the expenditure reports and then pick up Kavya. However, before he could do anything, his phone rang.

Tania.

"Hello," Rohit spoke.

"Hi Rohit," Tania crooned. She knew that tone would get his attention every time.

"I'm a bit busy Tania," he stated. "Can I call you back?"

"I won't take long," she quickly returned. "I was just wondering what would you be wearing to the Merchant Guild's party. You know, just so that I can match."

Rohit lets out a huff of air, he didn't want to have this conversation now. Looks like work will have to wait for tomorrow.

"Tania," he breathed. "I meant to call you but I got caught up with something. The thing is, there's an upcoming deal to develop a potential plot of land. My rivals are mainly the Arora Group and the Desai Group. They have a history of partnering up to oust my company. Shreya is related to the Desais."

Rohit went silent, he honestly felt guilty. It wasn't fair on Tania.

On the other end of the line, he heard Tania snickering.

"So you want to invite Shreya in my place?" Tania articulated Rohit's intensions, the words he wasn't able to say. She then continued, calmly. "Go ahead, I understand. After all it's all business."

"Tania," he said. "I sincerely apologize and I want to thank you for this."

"No problem," she responded. "Like I said, all business. We're still on for my fashion show, right?"

"Of course," he quickly agreed. Rohit wasn't going to let her down again.

"I'll see you Friday then," she said and hung up the phone.

Tania finally let go of the breath she was holding. She turned around and almost ran into Deepak.

"I told you didn't I?" Deepak taunted. "Rohit Sehgal cares for no one except his business and himself. Now that he's found a new person who can benefit him, he's going to slowly phase you out of his life. Eventually, it is going to seem like you two never knew each other at all. Ever since Shreya re-entered his life, how many times has he sidelined you? The day he met his daughter? That day after the court case? And now, the party? I wouldn't be surprised if he missed your fashion show. After all, Shreya's line would be launching directly after yours."

"I know what you're trying to do Deepak and it's not going to work," Tania shot back.

Deepak snorted.

"If you're so confident," Deepak challenged. "Let's make a bet. If Rohit Sehgal is present when you walk the ramp, I'll leave you alone. But! If he isn't, you're coming with me to the ball."

"Are you out of your mind?" Tania fumed.

"Why waste a pretty dress?" Deepak teased. "Or do you have that little faith in Rohit?"

Tania seethed. She knew Deepak was setting her up. If Rohit ever found out about the wager, or just the mere suggestion that she even kept in contact with Deepak, Tania could very easily kiss her relationship with Rohit Sehgal (or whatever that was left of it) goodbye. 

"If you win this," Deepak added. "You'll never have to see my face ever again. Unless it's one of those social event. But then again, since you're always with Rohit, it's very unlikely for you to run into me."

The thought of never having to deal with Deepak ever again greatly interested her and after all, Rohit had given her his word.

"Fine," she relented. "The moment I appear on the ramp and he's there, you walk."

"Of course," Deepak smiled. "I'm looking forward to this bet."

***

As promised, Rohit arrived at the Arora house at 8pm sharp. Instead of turning in to head into the house, he waited outside the gates instead.

When he finally caught sight of Kavya, he could tell she was slightly irked that she'll have to walk quite a distance. What he was a bit surprised to see was that she was accompanied by Aarav.

"You could have just turned in," Kavya grumbled as she entered his car.

When Aarav turned around and was about to head in, Rohit wound his window down and called out for him.

"Hey Aarav!" Rohit hollered.

Aarav turned around and made his way towards Rohit's car.

"Yes?" Aarav asked.

"Thanks for watching out for Kavya," Rohit offered.

"I didn't have to do anything," Aarav shrugged. "She can very well take care of herself."

Kavya had to smile at that.

"See," Kavya pointed out to her father. "I can take care of myself."

"At least Aarav ko thanks bolo (At least say to Aarav)," Rohit teased Kavya. "He had to put up with your pagalpan (madness) for the entire day."

"Haan (Yes) uncle," Aarav blurted out. "Iss bachche na, pure ke pure pagal hai (This child is totally crazy)."

Suddenly, Aarav realized what he had called Rohit and he instantly felt a sense of shame. Rohit Sehgal was the enemy, he mentally reminded himself. Rohit was equally taken aback. He was quiet for a bit, digesting what Aarav said. Aarav then cleared his throat, trying to dispel the air of awkwardness between then.

"I have to go," Aarav informed them, although he was looking at Kavya. "Dada's (Grandfather's) home."

"See you tomorrow," Kavya chirped, not quite catching on to the atmosphere.

Instead of replying, Aarav just waved and jogged back to the house. Only when Aarav is out of sight that Rohit pulled away. Now, to deal with Kavya and the impending Shreya issue.

"Kavya," Rohit spoke up after a few minutes of silence. "Can I ask you something?"

"Why do you do that?" Kavya responded. "Ask people if you can ask them something? You're already asking them something, right? If you want to ask, just ask."

"Childhood habit," Rohit remarked.

"Ok fine," Kavya accepted. "Shoot. Ask me the question."

"It's a bit complicated," Rohit started. "There's this Merchant Guild party next week and a lot of the big firms and important people will be attending."

"Sounds boring." Kavya interjected. "But go on."

"I've received an invitation," Rohit continued, nervously. "And my secretary called your mom to..."

"Hold up!" Kavya interrupted, she was absolutely horrified. "Your secretary called mom?"

Rohit nodded and Kavya scoffed.

"You want to invite mom," she repeated, in an attempt to clarify the situation. "And you asked your secretary to call?"

"Yes?" Rohit fretted.

"Does your secretary call Tania to arrange dates?" Kavya asked, trying to make a point.

However, when Rohit nodded his head, Kavya's jaw dropped.

"Will I get a call from your secretary?!" Kavya burst out.

"Probably," he responded. "If the situation warrants it."

"Dad!" Kavya barked at him. "If you want to invite someone on a date, YOU call them."

Rohit wanted to correct Kavya. Technically, he wasn't asking Shreya out on a date. However, given how agitated his daughter was, he let her rant. By the time, she had finished, they were about a few streets away from home.

"Now what is your question?" Kavya finally finished.

"I was going to ask you if you could help me convince your mom to accompany me," he quavered. Rohit didn't know his daughter could be so loud and scary.

"After that secretary stunt you pulled?" Kavya weighed in. "Not much of a chance. You really have to make up for it. And why did you ask your secretary to call her anyway."

Rohit couldn't tell Kavya about the 'moment' he shared with Shreya so he used the most overused excuse in the world.

"I was busy," Rohit lied. "And I wanted to ask her before anyone else does."

Anyone, referring specifically to Deepak.

"As terrible as this sounds," Kavya rattled off. "I don't think anyone in your line of work would ask her out. You kind of scare everyone."

Rohit suddenly remembered something.

"Your uncle is going," he stated. "Arjun Desai."

Kavya sighed, her father might have a point. Despite his good looks and his previous career as a teen pop sensation, her uncle was such a looser when it came to girls. Kavya wouldn't be surprised that he would resort to inviting her if all things failed.

"Fine," she gave in. "In that case, you'll need to win her over. The very first step is to apologize and to promise you'll never do such a stupid thing ever again. Like, forever and ever. Next, you'll need to explain yourself. Tell her what you told me, be honest with her."

Rohit cringed. He absolutely couldn't be honest to Shreya, at least not about this afternoon.

"Lastly," Kavya stressed. "If all fails, try being extremely nice to her, after awhile, she'll cave."

"Maybe I should bring you along to the party instead," Rohit suggested as a joke. "That would be the quickest way to settle things."

"Dad!" Kavya huffed. "Are you invested in asking her out or not? Also, if she ever found out I was helping you, she'll have a fit, so keep this between us."

Rohit pulled up into the garage and turned off the engine.

"Don't worry," Rohit reassured her. "Everything that just happened is purely confidential and will remain between the both of us."

"The last time you said that," Kavya sassed. "Our conversation was aired on national television."

Rohit winced. It seemed that Kavya wasn't going to let that side ever... 'Like forever ever'.

***

A/N: Oh, I'm so excited about the that bet between Tania and Deepak!!! Would Rohit show up or will he not? Also, Rohit and Kavya being partners in crime... How adorable is that? No Shreya in this episode but I can promise she'll be back in the next!