Chapter 5: Unpleasant beginnings

It has been officially decided.

Airplanes and I will never be good friends.

Ever.

That decision was made the minute I stepped out the airplane to New York. But even before that, things didn't start well. I didn't even think they'd end well either.

Kavya had taken the liberty of packing for me, an unpleasant surprise that I found out when I arrived to my apartment the day before I was scheduled to fly. She didn't even let me open the suitcase to make sure she had packed the right items. No, profoundly refusing, the only thing she did let me do is pack my purse, which quite frankly, contained unnecessary cosmetics that Kavya had all but forced me to include.

I was alright with that, I mean, could I really argue with a pixie mind like her? If she wanted something, there was nothing that would stand in her way, not even her best friend. It was quite sad actually.

Anyhow, coming back to my actual story, I grabbed the suitcase that Kavya entrusted to me and met Kabir in the airport. From then on, it had gone only downhill. Literally.

I was walking towards Kabir when a little boy came running towards me. Without a warning, not only did he crush into the suitcase, he also caused me to fall on my ass and break open my suitcase. But oh, I didn't get to the worst part yet. Why Kavya had taken the liberty to pack for me was for one reason and one reason only. She had purchased a whole new wardrobe just for me and placed every single piece of lingerie Victoria Secret owned in that medium sized luggage.

To say my face had turned red was an understatement. I was tomato red as I watched in horror my underwear on the floor with Kabir not even a few feet away. I wanted to cry when I saw him turn away quickly after seeing what my bag contained, probably out of embarrassment at what I had pulled.

The little boy's family apologized but that didn't really erase the horrible memory from my head nor the image of my clothes lying on the airport floor. I was so embarrassed that I was willing to run back the airport door and never show my face ever again.

After that humiliating incident, Kabir acted like he hadn't seen anything. However, I didn't miss the amusement hidden in his eyes when he turned to talk to me. I didn't know what to do with myself. I could imagine what he was probably thinking; something along the lines of seduction by his personal assistant. I could virtually see the wheels turning in his head after he saw my clothes in my suitcase.

Well, what else would you want him to think?

When we finally reached the plane, after an hour of checking out of the airport, we settled in one of the first class seats on a small jet. I was going to forget everything as the flight attendants treated me like a queen if it weren't for the people behind me.

For one, that same little boy who had bumped into me earlier sat directly behind me and whined the whole way to New York, not once stopping to take a breath. If he was given to me, I wouldn't know what to do with him. I was seriously considering murder if it weren't for Kabir' pitiful look and apologizing grin. He melted everything away with one glance, and quite frankly, that didn't make me happy either.

Not only had he gotten me pregnant, but he had also tuned me into a jelly just by his emerald pools pointed at my direction. I wouldn't be surprised if I'd agree to kill someone if he'd ask me to. It was safe to say that I was sickeningly attracted to him to a point that I worshiped the ground he walked on. That wasn't love, it was pure obsession; an unhealthy obsession that was worsening by the seconds.

Yeah, but you love every second of it.

I had the urge to roll my eyes at my own head.

The ride was disastrous as I managed to spill a few drinks, not only on myself but Kabir as well. It felt as if I was hearing voices in my head, all because of that little brat behind me. I could have sworn he was touching my hair when I wasn't shooting him murderous glares.

How exactly are you planning to be a mother if you hate kids so much?

And my mind wasn't helping either. Putting such horrible thought in my brain was only making things worse. I was convinced that everyone was against me, even my own conscience.

Finally, after a few hours of constant mortification, we departed the plane and checked into a nearby hotel.

I still couldn't believe what happened there. It was like a never ending nightmare.

Apparently, because I was too busy with other important documents, Kabir had asked his sister who had recently gotten back from Europe to book us a hotel. What his sister didn't consider was in fact a few really important issues. First of all, Sonali wasn't flying alone. Second, she booked us a private suite in the highest floor that contained only one bed. Third, it was supposedly a honeymoon suite, ensuring the best service for couples together. Fourth, out of all the days in the year, there weren't any spare rooms left to switch us back to a normal sized room.

I contemplated shooting myself as the receptionist continued explaining everything about where we would be staying in the week or so. But seeing that I was brought to New York for a reason and that I was responsible for another human being, I couldn't really commit such a selfish act.

And because you're pregnant, I was reminded continuously. It seemed that all my decisions revolved around this unborn child. Having to grow up independently almost all my life, the fact that I was dependent on someone and vice versa, didn't really sit too well in my heart. I felt trapped, even though I knew that this feeling of claustrophobia inside my own body wasn't normal. This pregnancy scared me, more than I liked to admit.

I shook my head and focused on the current problem. I couldn't deal with this pregnancy right now. I had bigger issues to take care of.

"Didn't you tell your sister that you weren't flying alone?" I asked Kabir when we were riding the elevator. I felt as if I was about to pop a nerve. The word 'disaster' was constantly being repeated in my head.

So much for a vacation.

For the first time, I couldn't agree more.

Kabir nodded in response and narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "I don't understand how she could have made such a mistake. I even left a note on my desk for her," he murmured ruefully.

I sighed and looked away from him, afraid to open my mouth and say that it's okay. Because clearly it wasn't. In fact, it was so far from okay that I was dying to cry out from desperation and anger.

The elevator made a 'ding' sound and the doors opened, revealing a beautiful lobby to a private room. The carpeted floor was blood red, leading us to a golden door that stood across us, surrounded by almost coffee-like walls. It was beautifully pleasant and elegant at the same time, distracting me from my reality for a mere few moments.

With another repentant smile, Kabir swiped the hotel card, unlocking the door. He grabbed the suitcases and let me in, closing the door softly behind him. It was lovely, really. So lovely, that my breath had almost stopped. Everything was brightly lit, brown beddings, dark furniture in contrast with the creamy colours and the soft yellow lights that came from the expensive looking lightings. I found myself walking deeper into the room and noticed how big the kitchen was, how shiny all the stainless steel appliances fit into the white shaded granite and the almost black cupboards. It was so modern, yet so classy at the same time.

"It's beautiful."

Kabir grinned in response, a sigh of what I thought relief escaping from his lips. "I'm glad you like it."

"We have a meeting tomorrow early in the morning, so let's just catch on as much sleep as we can for the heavy week ahead of us," Kabir suggested as we settled into the En-suite. I nodded in response and glanced at the oversized king bed in the far corner. A black leather couch stood across from it, with a coffee table and an LCD TV.

"Sleep on the bed and I'll take the couch," Kabir reassured, as if reading my mind.

I had the urge to protest and say that the bed was big enough for two, but closed my mouth at how unprofessional it would sound. I felt bad but if I'd cross this thin line between us, my whole life would crumple, starting from my pregnancy. I needed to avoid him as much as possible, no matter how impossible it seemed to be since we'd be sharing a house for the next week or so.

"Okay," I finally replied, unable to look at him in the eyes. "I'm going to wash up."

Xxx

The bed was too comfortable to lie in, especially with all the extra space and quality mattress underneath me; I felt like a princess as I closed my eyes. But there was a nagging feeling in my heart, one which I could not ignore. Kabir was on the hard sofa, covered with nothing but a thin blanket that was found in the linen closet, while I was swimming in all the extra space. I knew that the last thing I needed was crossing the bridge between us again, but my conscience was killing me. I've slept with him before; wouldn't I be able to hold my mouth for just one night until this room issue would be resolved? Wasn't I being too immature now? We were both adults and he seemed to respect me enough to differentiate our positions.

"Mr. Mittal, are you still asleep?" I called out, silently hoping he was.

"What is it, Pooja?" Kabir mumbled tiredly at me.

I sighed and took a deep breath before saying anything. "The bed is big and I don't want you to wake up with a back pain tomorrow. I'm sure we'll be fine sharing the bed, we're adults after all," I let out all in one breath, nervous at what his response would be.

Kabir was quiet for a moment before he replied, almost hesitantly. "Are you sure?"

"I am sure."

A moment later, he appeared, half naked and looming over me. I shifted over to the right side of the bed and offered half the blanket to him.

"Thank you," he said once he was settled on the bed.

I nodded in response and stared at the ceiling, which unfortunately had a mirror attached to it, out of all things.

A rush of cold passed through me as he lay on the bed, and I felt even more of a jerk. He was freezing his ass off but said nothing to me out of respect. My mind was playing tricks on me, which was what I thought. Kabir was supposed to be a player, a man without a heart. But why did he act like this. Why in the world did he care about my feelings?

All I am trying to do is to show you that he might not be as bad as you make him to be.

Kavya's voice rang in my head and for a moment I believed her. For a moment I thought that maybe, just maybe this image was all an act, that he was a good man. But as quickly as those thoughts came, they disappeared when I remembered how I got pregnant in the first place, and the list of women that I still needed to send flowers to. It wasn't possible. Kabir wasn't that man, he never will be.

With that final thought, I decided that enough was enough. "Good night, Mr. Mittal," I said before turning my back to him, ready to sleep.

"Good night, Pooja," he replied almost immediately, his soft voice sending shivers down my spine.

Great, how was I supposed to sleep after that?

I shut my eyes tightly and tried to ignore his presence, the warmth that was illuminated from his body. I wondered if he remembered anything from that night, wondered if he at least remembered me at all. I couldn't asleep. I couldn't ignore the electricity that was going through us, the tension that only I seemed to feel. Something was wrong here, something really, really wrong.

Or you might just be playing with your own head.

Seriously? Now? Out of all the times my mind wanted to retort stupid remark was now? I had an impulse to slap myself so I could bring myself to reality, but the tension was killing me and I needed to get out of this bed as soon as I could.

I heard Kabir sigh from behind me and shift a little closer, making me even more panicked, if that was possible. I was surprised I haven't had a heart attack yet; my heartbeat was so quick that I thought it was going to explode out of my chest.

Deep breath. Take deep breaths.

Yes, that was I needed to do. I needed to calm down and pretend that he wasn't there.

It isn't so easy when you can feel him breathing down your neck.

Why the hell was he facing me? Couldn't he at least turn around so I could at least pretend to sleep peacefully?

I froze in my position until my body started to feel sore, waiting for Kabir to fall asleep. Finally after what seemed to be hours, I heard his soft snores and his even breaths. Only then when I was sure nothing was going to happen did I let myself close my eyes and slip away into the dream world.

Xxx

The morning didn't start well. Or maybe "well" wasn't the right word to describe it.

I woke up wrapped in Kabir' arms. My legs were entangled with his, and his arm was lazily slumped over my stomach, while my back was glued to his chest. If we were a couple I would have gladly continued sleeping and even dared to push myself further into him.

But we weren't a couple.

He was my boss.

And I was his PA.

This position wasn't what we'd normally engage in. Actually it was a position that we should never even come close to in a professional relationship.

But seeing that I was Pooja, the woman he accidentally slept with and got pregnant, I couldn't really pull myself away from him, even if I had to. In which case, I really, really had to. I didn't want to forget his breath on my forehead or his hard chest against my back, or his gentle hands protectively positioned on my stomach. No, I just wanted to stay in his arms and never move again.

But real life wasn't like that.

When the familiar feel of vomit rose in my throat, I knew too well that this dream was going to be cut short. Without a warning, I jumped out of his arms, not caring if I woke him or not, and sprinted into the bathroom. Almost immediately, I threw up everything I could have possibly eaten since yesterday night into the toilet seat.

You're such an idiot. You've officially woke him up for sure with all those sounds you were making. You're dead.

"Pooja? Pooja, is everything alright?" Kabir' tired voice called out worriedly from the door.

Please don't come in, please don't come in, I begged in my mind, cringing at his tone. I felt so disgusting and weak, I couldn't even answer him properly.

"Are you okay?"

This time he wasn't behind the door, he was very much behind me, bent down to my level.

Are you serious? Oh my god, this is so humiliating. Kill me now.

"I'm fine," I uttered quickly. "It's okay you can go, I'll be out in a minute." And I went back to round 2.

Instead of leaving like I had originally thought he would, Kabir surprisingly stayed, but not only that, he even held back my hair for me as I continued spilling out my guts.

"I'm sorry you had to see this," I apologized, unable to lift up my head. I felt terrible both mentally and physically. "I'm really sorry." I couldn't stop that awful feeling in my heart. I felt so embarrassed, so frail that I couldn't even stop my own tears falling down my cheeks. This wasn't good, where were my pills?

I felt his other hand on my back, rubbing smooth, relaxing circles, calming me down. "What's wrong, Pooja? Why are you crying?"

Because. Because I look so pathetic it's repulsive, I wanted to answer.

Finally, I looked up, pointing to the bathroom cupboard. "Mr. Mittal, can you please give me the bottle of pills on the shelf?" I never felt so weak in my entire life. I flushed the water and leaned against the bathroom wall. "And a cup of water, please."

I heard him leave for a moment before coming back and handing me a glass of water along with my pill. "Thank you," I said nodding at him appreciatively. "Just give me a minute."

I gulped the medicine along with the water and put the glass down on the floor. I continued to lean against the wall, this time closing my eyes.

I felt Kabir sliding down and sitting next to me. "What happened to you?" he asked in concern.

"I'm probably a bit overwhelmed right now. Plane ride, different time zone, you know?" I glanced at him nonchalantly. "Don't worry about it, it happens sometimes."

"And the pills? Do you always take the pills?"

I looked away and nodded. "They are prescribed for me to take regularly."

"Why?"

That is not where I thought the conversation was going. I sighed in response and shook my head. "Don't worry about it. Can you help me up?" I changed the subject lifting up my arm.

Kabir nodded, unconvinced, but took my hand anyway. I walked to the sink and turned the water tap on and began to scrub my mouth as hard as I could so that the aftertaste would be gone. Kabir was still standing behind me, a worried expression still covering his face.

"I'm sorry you had to see that," I apologized for the millionth time that morning. "And I'm sorry I woke you up."

"That's not a problem," Kabir smiled confidently. "As long as you are alright."

"I am. Thank you," I blushed, shooting my best smile. "How about I make us some breakfast?" I was kind of almost glad I woke him up. God knows how awkward it would have been if he'd know the position we were in.

"Breakfast would be great. Thank you, Pooja."

Kabir proceeded to the bathroom while I went to the direction of the bedroom so I could get dressed. Kavya's wardrobe was definitely...unique: tight pencil skirts, low V-neck styled blouses, lacy underwear. Somehow I still managed to look like a PA despite what she had bought. I just hoped that Kabir wouldn't notice the change.

I fixed my hair, applied a little amount of makeup and then headed to the kitchen area to make some breakfast. The fridge was loaded but we were short on time so I decided to just stick with a quick French toast and some coffee. Making sure to flavour it just like Kabir liked it, I prepared both our coffees and our toasts.

Ten minutes later, Kabir appeared in the kitchen doorway, looking wet and sexy in his Armani suite. His hair was dishevelled, as always, and his clear brown eyes shined brighter than I'd seen them. He looked so good that I had to fight myself in order to look away.

"We're running late so I just made you some toast and coffee," I said, handing him his coffee. "When do we have to be there exactly?" I asked, glancing at my watch. It was almost 8:30.

"As soon as possible," he replied. "Thank you very much, it's delicious," Kabir smiled. "You're amazing."

I blushed and looked away, afraid that I'd break if I did. It's those words that hurt me, that broke my heart into pieces. I was amazing, yes, as his PA, but nothing else.

"No problem," I managed to utter out after a moment. "You ready to leave?"

"Yes, let's go."

Kabir called us a cab and I managed to grab my purse, bag and laptop before disappearing from the fabulous hotel room into the cool New York streets.

"I'm warning you, it's nothing like the firm in Seattle. The former manger really messed up big," Kabir informed me as we were settled in a cab. "I'm really hoping we can fix this. I've already talked to some people so we'll be conducting quick interviews for the first half of the day. We need a new marketing team as soon as possible."

"You'll be fine, right?" he asked me, a worried expression crossing over his features.

"Yes, Mr. Mittal, I'll be fine."

I had the urge to laugh at how worried he looked. And the funniest thing was that he wasn't worried about my work skills but my personal health.

"Oh and call the flower shop and make sure to send flowers to all these people," he added after a moment, handing me a note. "It's really important."

I smiled grimly. "Yes Mr. Mittal. I'll do that as soon as we get there."

You've just ruined it Kabir. You've totally ruined my day.

Chapter 6: Confusion

I could not stand another answer to "What makes you the right candidate for our company?" anymore. I've lost count at the amount of times I heard these people answer it.

I've been conducting interviews all morning, non-stop. My headache had only worsened and my stomach was howling from hunger. When Kabir said that he wasn't kidding, I guess that he really did mean it after all.

The clock struck 12:51 for the third time that I glanced to check over it. Time was just not passing. No matter how many times I glanced to look at it, it still showed the same 4 digits.

Maybe it's broken, my mind suggested. Maybe is been broken for so long that day is almost over.

I glanced over at the clock on the other wall. It read 12:51.

Maybe that one is broken as well. Maybe all the clocks in this floor are broken, or better yet, the whole building. Maybe-

"Miss Pooja, the next candidate is here," Lina, the receptionist, interrupted my insane train of thought.

I sighed in response but quickly managed to pull off my best polite smile. "Send them in."

My stomach grumbled as the door opened and I sighed miserably. Here goes another painful 15 minutes. If I could just disappear, I would have done it in a heartbeat if it wasn't for Kabir' encouraging smile that kept me going.

You're so pathetic, it's disgusting.

I sighed for the millionth time that morning.

I know.

Xxx

During my half hour lunch break, I called the flower shop and gave them the list with all the girls' addresses that Kabir had wanted me to send flowers to. As each name was called, my heart broke little by little.

And you still have another notebook of them in your office back in Seattle.

God how much I wanted to silence my head with those stupid thoughts. More than that, I wanted to slap Kabir and bring him to reality. I mean, was it physically possible to be with so many girls all at once? How much of a man-whore was he? And the worst of all, all of those women were models in our company! I mean, come on, really? Clients? I didn't understand him at all. I shook my head in disgust and proceeded to stuffing down my turkey sandwich with my already gone appetite.

I looked down at my belly that was still thankfully flat and sighed in misery. "Your daddy is a man-whore buddy. I sincerely hope you don't inherit that gene from him."

And just like that, I swear I heard it respond to me with a grumbling noise. Whether or not it was a Yes or No, I'd probably never know.

I finished my lunch and proceeded to go back to the office and prepare for another round of interviews. Half way to the elevator I heard my name being called. "Pooja!"

I turned around to the familiar masculine tone and cringed. Of all the people in this company, the last person I wanted to see was Kabir.

"Yes Sir?" I smiled, trying my best not to show my crappy mood.

"I need some help with the finance and market analysis. Leave the interviews to Mona, I already talked to her," Kabir announced hurriedly, motioning for me to follow.

"But I know nothing about finance," I responded in confusion. I never dealt with the company's financial aspects before.

"Don't worry, I just need help with the completed product. I need a second opinion on it, that's all," Kabir reassured with a grin.

For some reason—really it came out of nowhere—I wanted to throw something at him. I just really needed to wipe that damn smile off his annoyingly handsome face. I wished I had a pan with me, so I could knock it on his head. Just imagining how painful it would be made me smile.

Are you sure you're just pregnant? You're starting to show sign of a multiple personality disorder as well.

It wasn't normal, I knew, but damn it how I wanted to kill him right now. I wanted to complain, to yell about how horrible my day has been and scream that he was oblivious to everything around him.

Instead, as always, I fixed myself with a smile and nodded in response, "of course."

Yup, split personality it is.

We went into his office and he pulled out all the report he was supposedly working since the morning. I skimmed through it quickly and made a mental note to myself what I'd need to look over. "Give me an hour and I'll finish it."

Kabir smiled and at that point I had to physically stop myself from opening my mouth before I'd say something I'd regret later. "You're an angel Pooja. Thank you."

I nodded for the tenth time that day and tried my best to smile. "You're welcome."

"I promise to treat you after this. You probably had a long day," Kabir suddenly said. "Once you're done we can head back to the hotel freshen up and then tour the city a little. How does that sound?" he asked.

My mouth hung open in surprise at his suggestion. That was unexpected of him. I mean, sure I did more than I had done from the usual, but that was my job. I was his assistant after all.

"Sure," I responded as steadily as I could.

He smiled at me, once again sending those same tingles down my spine. "Great, so let's get down to business and finish this as soon as possible."

Xxx

Kabir was a handsome man, but more than that he was extremely intelligent. Unfortunately I had only found out about this when he took me out to one of the most expensive looking restaurants in New York.

It took us about four hours to finish, but the fact that the end result was so satisfying, I really didn't mind the long hours. As much as I hated to admit, Kabir was entertaining to work with, and this as well I found only today.

We've never really worked together. It's always been him giving me orders and letting me complete them whenever. Today, however, we actually sat down and brainstormed together, even though I didn't have the business experience that he had.

It was so pleasant, so interesting to learn new concepts; to hear him speak his mind about new products and ideas. He was so calculative, yet still somehow remained risky. I loved how determined he got when we decided on something or when we tried to find a solution to a problem.

I couldn't take my eyes off him. Not because he was so attractive, but because he was so damn intelligent. I wanted to be like him. For a few moments I felt inspired to go back to school again and upgrade my certification. I wanted to know as much as he did. I wanted to be just like him; bright, strong-minded, and witty at the same time.

It was strange, I've been working for him for over two years now, yet I knew nothing about his personality. For this reason I could see why girls bowed down to his feet so much. He was perfect in every way. He was so perfect that even I couldn't turn down his charm. He was so perfect that I felt as if I was falling for him all over again.

"Pooja?" I heard my name being called, snapping me from my thought.

I shook my head and refocused my gaze. "Sorry, I blanked out there," I apologized.

Kabir grinned and nodded in response. "I could tell. I've been calling your name a couple of times now. Is everything okay?" he asked, concern crossing over his deep brown eyes.

I shook my head once again. "Nothing like that, I am just thinking that we've been very productive today."

"That's for sure. I am starting to have hope for this branch," Kabir agreed with a smile. "You know, you'd make a great marketing agent for a company," he added thoughtfully.

"You think so?" I asked in surprise. "I really don't have much knowledge in that field."

"You have a creative mind," Kabir replied. "That's essential in marketing, plus you somehow found a way to market the new line in merely a few hours," he added. "That's incredible."

I blushed at his compliment and looked away from his gaze. "Thanks," I murmured quietly.

"There's nothing to thank. I am just saying the truth," Kabir shrugged his shoulders. "I do wonder though, why you chose to study information systems rather than a more specific field."

"I was always good with computers since I was a kid. Plus I liked the whole business field incorporated into it. I thought it'd be interesting if I could work as a PA for a while so I could get a hang of how a business works and then maybe start something of my own," I explained.

Kabir nodded attentively. "So you're basically more into the technics than the product itself?" he asked.

"Exactly," I grinned.

"I still don't get why you applied for the position of the PA though," Kabir said in confusion.

"Well, when I applied I was still on my second going into my third year. I didn't have much experience and by the time I graduated, I thought I'd stay for another year or two so I can gain more experience and then apply for a higher position with more confidence."

"That's pretty impressive considering that you graduated with a business degree yet want to work as a PA," Kabir replied.

I shrugged, "I really like what I do."

"And I am extremely grateful that you haven't left me in my misery yet. I am actually not sure where I would be without you," he shook his head. "You're amazing Pooja."

I blushed a darker shade of red at his compliment and grinned in response. "Thank you, you're not too bad yourself."

Our conversation continued this way until we finished with dinner and it got dark enough to leave. When it was time for the bill, he didn't even let me consider paying. Something along "what kind of a man would I be if I let such a beauty to pay?" was what he said to me. Of course, with my quick colour changing face, I could do nothing but let my eyes widen at his compliment.

In the end, he ended up paying, and drove us back to the hotel. I thanked him for dinner and he shot me one of his 'drop to your knees' smile and promised to do it again.

I don't think I've been more confused in my life.

Kabir was nothing like what the tabloids have described him to be. He was polite, a gentleman, and smarter than any man I have met before. He was respectful and had a great sense of humour. The tabloids never mentioned any of those characteristics, unless of course it was all an act.

But I tried hard to catch his other side. No matter what I said though, never did he make a remark that had ulterior motives. The dinner was so natural, so normal, as much as it was strange to admit. I was starting to think that he was different. Yet that flower list always brought me back to reality. Why they hell did he send flowers to so many women in the first place?

It was turning to be a difficult task figuring him out. He was so mysterious even if it seemed as if his whole life was published in the papers. Today I found that he did keep some things to himself, and those things were good. It was a pity the media knew him as a player instead of a nice guy.

Kavya's words of warning replayed in my mind once again, reminding me that he may not be who the media makes him to be. As much as it seemed true right at this moment, I still found it hard to believe that everything the tabloids said were complete lies. Something must have triggered those rumours in the first place, right?

That night when I was getting ready to bed, I sat on the bathroom toilet for a while, thinking. At that second it occurred to me that he deserved to know I was pregnant. That he was the father as equally as I was the mother and we were both at fault. I wanted to somehow bring up that night to light, to maybe remind him that we were together.

I sighed and stood up, taking a deep breath. I looked at myself in the mirror but all I saw was the fear of rejection in my eyes. I had no confidence. Would he at least make an effort to believe what may be insane and unbelievable? I was at my limit; suffering in silence was eating me from the inside.

It was wrong of me. It was wrong for him, for me, and even for this unborn child. Realistically, how long more could I keep it away from him? 1 month, 2, maybe, if I was lucky, 3?

Who was I to keep this away from him? I didn't have a right, I never did.

With another deep breath, I unlocked the door. I walked towards the bedroom area, prepared to spill my guts to Kabir, when I saw him lying in bed, fully clothed, snoring away.

This is a sign from God. Maybe it's a good idea you keep it from him at least until this trip is over.

And just like that my motivation was gone, faster than it appeared. I sighed and proceeded on getting him properly underneath the covers. Slowly, careful not to wake him up, I pushed the blanket under him and moved his legs into the bed, positioning his body so was on his back. Finally, after letting out a huge breath of success I made my way towards my side of the bed and lied down, covering myself lightly with the blanket.

"You know, you found the worst to fall asleep on me," I said lowly, facing his face.

He was more beautiful than ever, with all his face lines tense free he looked no more than a teenage boy. His hair was messy, mouth slightly open, and chest rising up and down indicating that he was heavily asleep.

"I was going to tell you something important but now you're sleeping," I started off. Maybe I needed practice before telling him when he was actually staring at me with his beautiful brown pools.

"That night, when we met in the club downtown...you probably don't remember that, do you?" I asked him, before pausing. I wanted it to feel like a conversation. I wanted to be like he was really awake right now.

"We made a mistake, Kabir. We made a big, problematic mistake. I still can't believe it happened. You weren't supposed to be there and I wasn't supposed to drink like a reckless teenager. We weren't supposed to talk the whole night. Shit, we should have just ignored each other form the very beginning."

"Why didn't you stop me? Why in the world was I so drunk that I lost all my firsts with you? Out of all the men in this world it had to be you. Tell me why? Explain to me how we messed up so bad."

"I wish you weren't a player, I wish you weren't my boss, I wish I didn't have to know that you slept with all the women who came to your office regularly. It's not fair, Kabir, my heart is broken, it's been shattered to so many pieces. But you know what the worst of all is? That I love you? I love you no matter how ignorant you are.

"How am I supposed to do this by myself? Tell me, how? I mean, sure I'm 21 and all but I can't take care of another living all on my own. Kabir, I can't. I am not even sure I can take care of myself these days."

I sighed heavily and looked away from him. Even while he was dead asleep I couldn't say the word 'pregnant'. How was I supposed to say it when he was awake?

You're such a coward. What's the worst that can happen? He's asleep anyway.

I shut my eyes tightly and turned away so that my back was facing him. My eyes watered slightly and I sniffed loudly. I blinked away the tears that were threatening to fall and quickly wiped away my eyes. I wasn't going to cry anymore, I wouldn't shed another tear on him anymore. he wasn't worth it.

Yeah, you keep telling yourself that.

"Shut up," I whispered angrily. "Shut the fuck up."

I took a couple of more breaths and lied on my back, starring at the mirror that reflected me. I looked pathetic next to him. My head was starting to throb if I'd stay quiet for another moment. My mind was floating with accusations all directed at Kabir. I wanted to scream at him but I knew that it wouldn't end well.

"It's all your fault I'm like this," I said, turning my face to Kabir again. "I hope you rot with your player personality. I am never going to tell you about this baby, ever."

And with that I turned my back towards him and closed my eyes tightly. Stupid pregnancy, stupid Kabir, stupid everything. But right before I could blow even more anger, I sensed Kabir behind me moving, his breath tickling in my neck, sending shivers down my spine.

"What?"

Fuck.

Warning: This chapter contains mature scenes.

Chapter 7: Truth

"You're awake." I didn't dare turn to face him.

"Yes," he responded coolly, his breath hitting my neck.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. "Well, I'm not," I said pulled the blanket over my body.

Fuck.

That word ran a hundred times repeatedly in my head. I was in so much trouble. He was awake. Shit, he was awake.

No shit, Sherlock. You've established that a minute ago. Move on.

I didn't want to move on. I was too scared to even breathe, and he wasn't budging either. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

What have I done?

Well, your original plan was to tell him, anyway.

Yeah but when he fell asleep we've established that I'd wait until we would be back in Seattle.

"Pooja, exactly what baby are you talking about?" Kabir interrupted my train of thought.

I shut my eyes tightly and didn't respond.

A moment later I felt myself being tuned around.

"Pooja, this isn't a joke." I could feel his face inches away from mine

I openly shook my head, refusing to open my eyes.

"I am going to continue asking you questions until you answer me," Kabir said with an irritated tone.

I sighed in defeat and opened my eyes.

His clear brown eyes were staring at me as if I was the only person in the room.

Well, technically you are.

Fuck, this wasn't the time for my mind to retort sarcastic comments back to me. I was under a tight situation right not. The only comments I needed were advice of help.

"What baby?" he asked again, searching my eyes.

"I... I... Can we ignore this? I don't know what I was saying... It's nothing important Mr. Mittal, I pro-"

"What baby, Pooja? Don't give your 'Mr. Mittal' shit."

"Yours!" I yelled out quickly without thinking. "Your baby," I repeated with a whisper.

A look of absolute shock passed through him before he let go of my arms and lay back on the bed, his hands grasping onto his head.

"Fuck," he muttered.

"Aren't you going to ask me how?" I asked in surprise. I would think that he's start denying this insane idea that I just told him, but he acted as if he....knew.

"I know how, Pooja. You don't need to explain it to me," he replied in sarcasm.

I sat up, narrowing my eyes. "What do you mean you know how?"

What the hell was going on?

"I heard everything you said, I know we slept together at the club downtown," he replied.

"Wait, wait, wait." I shook my head in confusion. "You know that we slept together or you know because I just told you when you were faking sleep?"

Something was really fishy here.

"Both. I wasn't completely wasted when we had sex," he responded, refusing to look me in the eye.

"You knew?" I asked in shock, my eyes widening. "YOU KNEW?" I yelled out this time. "You fucking knew?"

Oh my god, this wasn't happening to me, it just wasn't. This had to be a joke. It was just a horrible nightmare. It just had to be. I closed my eyes and breathed out a couple of times, before opening them again.

"And you didn't have the decency to tell me?" I asked him angrily, earning nothing but complete silence from him. "You couldn't tell me that we slept together so I wouldn't eat myself over it every single day? Do you know how much I had to suffer because I was so nervous when I found I was pregnant?" I screamed at him, my tears flowing out. "I was so scared that I'd be fired as soon as you'd find out, so scared that you won't believe me. How could you do this to me?" I asked him, letting out an embarrassing sob. "How could you just stay quiet about it?"

"I didn't want to ruin our working relationship. I knew that this job was important to you so I pretended not to know so you could work comfortably," Kabir replied, finally turning his head towards me. "I didn't realize that you could get pregnant."

He looked apologetic and full of regret, but I wasn't having it.

"So you're saying this was all for my benefit?" I snorted humourlessly. "You selfish pig! You are just saying that to convince yourself. The real reason is because you probably thought that I start chasing after you or something. " I shook my head in disgust. "I can't believe this is happening to me."

"Wait Pooja, that's not what I meant," Kabir exclaimed, sitting up. "I never thought that way. It was never my intention to do that."

"Liar," I replied. "You just want to keep sleeping with women without any strings attached. I know about you Kabir. I'm not as naïve as you think I am."

Kabir looked taken back by what I said. I noticed an immediate frown covering his lips. "What are you talking about? What women? What sleeping without strings attached?"

He looked genuinely puzzled, even hurt I might say. This didn't make sense. It was all true; the flower list, the tabloids, the rumours, they all had to be true.

"Are you blind to what people are saying?" I raised an eyebrow. "I know about those women who you make me send flowers to, I know about every single one of your affairs. It's posted everywhere."

"You've really made me up, haven't you?" he asked with a dark glare, this time in an angry tone.

"What is there to make when everything is already publicized everywhere?" I snorted at him, turning away from his stare.

"I can't believe that you actually believed what the paparazzi say," Kabir said suddenly, in a disappointed tone.

I didn't dare look at him. For some reason I felt guilty, even though I knew I shouldn't have since I was the one who was kept in the dark about the whole matter.

Without a warning, Kabir' grabbed my chin roughly with his fingers, forcing me to look into his glazing eyes.

"Look at me when I am speaking to you, Pooja," he stated in a scarily tranquil tone.

I didn't utter one word. My eyes were watering but I refused to blink.

"What exactly did those headlines say?" Kabir asked, sarcasm heavily laced in his tone.

I shrugged my shoulders, refusing to answer. His fingers continued to press against my chin, almost in a painful manner.

"Answer me, Pooja. What have you learned about me to make such a judgment?" His eyes were ruthlessly glaring at me, to a point that I felt uncomfortable under his gaze.

I shook my head against his firm fingers and stayed silent. I've never felt so afraid of a man before. I could feel the shivers tingling from my lower back. I wouldn't have been surprised if I was shaking now.

"Pooja," Kabir warned once again.

And that was when the tears started flowing uncontrollably. I grabbed his long fingers and pushed them away angrily, turning away from him fiery eyes.

"You Bastard," I couldn't help but blurt out, unable to stop my stupid mouth from speaking once again.

"No one can ignore the magazines and the internet!" I yelled out, slowly regaining my strength back. "You're everywhere! There are always women glued to you! In every single function, event, everywhere. What you do you expect me to do, close my eyes?

"And you expected me to be confident and return to work as if nothing was wrong?" I snorted in disbelief. "You order me to send flowers to countless women not bothering to explain why. There are women walking in and out of your office endlessly. You've never initiated that you even knew about that night, never asked me questions. How was I supposed to know what your intentions were?"

My sobs came out in gasps and I struggled for breaths, feeling a wave of dizziness overcoming. I shut my eyes tightly and tried to hold it back. "You'd never understand how difficult it was for me, Kabir," I whispered lowly, wiping the wetness from my cheeks. "Finding out I was pregnant, going to the doctor all alone and scared for my future, worrying about not being able to support this child, to raise it properly. You would-"

My voice was interrupted when Kabir abruptly pulled me into his hard chest. I could feel the muscles flexing underneath his skin and his loud heartbeat. I sat frozen against him, afraid to let one word out of my mouth.

"I'm sorry," Kabir whispered to my ear, sending tingles down my spine. "I am so sorry Pooja."

If anything, I continued to cry even harder, unable to control the tears from falling out. I felt so damn pathetic.

"But you have to believe me Pooja. I swear that all those stories you heard all are lies. I haven't been with a woman since I graduated from college," Kabir explained with no trace of dishonesty in his voice.

"But what about the flowers that I send to dozens of women every day," I couldn't help but ask, mumbling into his warm chest.

I felt him sigh against my ear and shift me closer to him, fully wrapping his long arms around me. "You should know who they are," he stated. I could almost see the usual smirk that he wore as he said this. "You are my assistant after all."

My head drew blank and I couldn't think of how I would know those beautiful women. "I don't know."

"If you remember we just signed a contract with a modelling agency for the new launch of our product," Kabir reminded me with a smile.

I gasped stupidly and buried my head deeper into his chest, embarrassed. Of course they'd visit him. Gosh how could I have been so stupid? Those models were being interviewed one by one by Kabir himself.

"See where your assumptions take you?" he asked, shaking his head. Kabir grabbed my arms and pulled me into face him. I caught his alluring brown orbs absorbing my face, staring at me with an emotion I was afraid to recognize.

"Do you want to know the real reason why I kept quiet all these months?" Kabir asked me, his eyes burning into my soul.

The only thing I could do was nod—I was completely spellbound.

"Do you know how scary it is for, after so many years of mistrust towards society in general, to open up? Two years ago when you started working I thought I was going insane because of you. You don't even know how much I struggled, fighting with myself about you every single day. When I saw you at the club that day, I knew I was a goner. You looked stunning, Pooja," he grinned widely as he said this, letting a faraway look cross over his face. "I knew that no matter what I had to have you.

"I knew you were drunk, but I didn't know how drunk. You seemed to be so familiar with me that I automatically thought that you knew. Imagine my surprise when I woke up and you weren't there. I thought that you'd leave the company the next day.

"But you came back the next day, completely blank and almost unaware of anything that happened that night. The first thought that I came up with was that you didn't remember but seeing that you were the one who left in the morning, I assumed that you were doing everything possible to avoid that night so I never brought it up myself. I thought you didn't want me."

My mouth hung open in response, incomprehensive. No freaking way! What a mess we've made. I couldn't believe how foolish and immature we were. But a billion questions burned my throat, screaming to be unleashed. Was it just me or was Kabir really hinting what I thought he was hinting?

"So what do we do?" I questioned, searching his eyes from an answer. I was more than happy that he found me attractive but what were we supposed to do now?

Kabir sighed and looked away for a moment, thinking thoughtfully. Before I could say anything else, I was suddenly pushed down, his hands locking my own. His head was only a few inches away from mine, his burning brown eyes staring at me as if I was going to be eaten.

And without a warning, I felt his lips on mine, pulling me into one of his passionate kisses, reminding me of that night. His tongue licked my lips before asking for permission which I gladly obliged, opening my mouth and letting him tongue dart over mine. My mind ran blank as he pushed his lips into mine, almost like he was devouring every part of my mouth. He sucked on my lower lip causing it to swell but I didn't give a damn as let myself get lost in the sensation of his soft lips on mine.

He continued trailing his mouth down my jaw, leaving hot and wet kisses until he reached my neck. I let out a moan when I felt his tongue start sucking on my pulse point, a shiver running down my spine. "Kabir," I couldn't help but sigh, pushing my neck back for easier access.

Stop, I wanted to say. We have to talk about this. But the words weren't coming out. The only thing that was repeatedly being called from my mouth was Kabir' name.

Kabir continued attacking my neck until I couldn't think straight anymore which I thought was his mission in the first place. His fingers trailed on my shoulders, pulling the strap of tank top down and leaving kisses all over my shoulder blades.

I felt so hot. Everything within me screamed for him, for his touches, kisses. I could feel it in my core. God, how much I wanted him at that moment.

When I felt my tank top being removed, I knew that I had to stop him.

"Kabir," I finally called out in a coherent voice. "We have to stop."

"Really?" Kabir asked, continuing to trail kisses all over my skin. "You want me to stop, Pooja?" His voiced vibrated against me and I felt another shudder run through me.

No! Don't stop, I yelled inside my mind, struggling to find my lost voice again. I felt a cold breeze run through me and I realized that I was half naked. His hands found my breasts, and his tongue licked over my already hardening nipple.

My underwear was soaked. I could feel the wetness between my legs and I crunched my legs together, buckling my hips.

"Oh no, Pooja. You really shouldn't have done that," Kabir' husky voice responded before I felt his mouth closing on my breast, biting my nipple, hard. "Oh God," I groaned in pleasure, unable to stop myself from moving against him.

Kabir continued teasing my nipple when he finally switched to the other one, giving it the same attention as the other one.

I didn't know what to do anymore. I could feel his arousal against my thighs, reminding me of how turned on he was as well. His hands were now playing with my pyjama bottoms, in the process of taking them off.

There was no way I could resist this man. He was sending tingles all over my body and bringing me into a high that I've never felt before.

I felt my nipples going cool as his lips found my own again, crashing into my mouth, dominating me with his expert tongue. I closed my eyes and pulled him closer to me, if possible, and bounded my hips against him again.

He moaned in response, releasing my bruised lips and stared at me, lust written all over his face.

Without a warning, he yanked my pants down and lowered himself to my stomach, licking his way down my navel. I shuddered against his tongue, crying out his name.

He was driving me insane on purpose. I couldn't even think straight anymore. His hands found my now bare thighs as he slowly stroked them softly, sending soft tingles down my core. My breathing quickened and I could feel myself getting wetter than before.

I felt his hot lips on the inside of my right thigh while his hand held onto my other one, holding me down so I wouldn't move.

When I felt his nose touch my underwear, I knew I was a goner. But I had to try, at least one time before giving in to this torture.

"Kabir," I felt my voice quiver an octave higher, my breath coming in short gasps. "We have to stop. This isn't right. We have to talk about this."

"You really want to talk right now?" his voice whispered against me ear, licking my earlobe lightly. "You want me to stop Pooja?" he questioned, mockery behind his tone. "With you already this wet, you want to stop and talk?" with that, he plunged his index finger into my pussy, causing me to cry out.

"Oh my God," I moaned out, my eyes rolling to the back of my head. I shook my head frantically, "No," I groaned. "Please don't stop."

His deep chuckle vibrated against me and I felt as if I was going to come any minute now. His finger played against my clit, rubbing, twisting and tugging on it until no words came out of my mouth. I felt him push another finger and beginning with a torturously sloe rhythm that had me writhing under him like some sex addicted whore.

"Kabir!" I yelled out. "Faster, please faster," I begged, shutting my eyes tightly.

Kabir complied and added another finger, curling them deep inside me. I stiffened suddenly when I felt everything tighten in my core. With a loud shudder, I came loud and hard against his fingers, gasping as I came.

"Good girl," I heard him whisper from beside me, his face inches away from mine. His eyes darkened to almost as he stared down at my lips. I closed my eyes and moved closer to him so our foreheads were touching. It felt so good, so amazingly good to be so close to him.

I noticed how he was still clothed, only his t-shirt gone. He was pressed against me so I could feel his arousal touching my thigh. At that moment I felt so loved, like never before. He ignored his own needs and took pleasure in making sure he took care of me first.

It was when I felt his large thumb against my cheek did I realize that I was crying. I looked into his deep green eyes noticing the frown on his face.

I felt so complete for some reason, even though I should have been completely and utterly mad at him right now. For the first time, I felt like I was cherished by this man as he kissed me and loved me a few moments ago.

"Pooja?" I heard him question in confusion. "Why are you crying?" he asked before realization dawned in his face.

"Oh God, Pooja, I didn't mean it. I am sorry, I know you asked me to st-"

I placed a finger on his lips, silencing him. I let myself smile reassuringly and shaking my head. "I am not crying because of that."

"Then why are you crying?" he asked, taking my finger off his lips and gently holding onto my wrist.

"Because I realized something that made me really happy," I replied, smiling.

The puzzled look on his face disappeared with a new expression that I have yet to see. His eyes brightened playfully and a grin broke out on his face. He lowered his lips to mine and smiled against them, as if he already knew the answer.

"And what is it that you realized?" his lips vibrated against mine, making me hungry, once again, for the feel of them.

"That you love me," I answered before boldly grabbing onto his face and crashing my mouth into his.