"so" Rajat said, smiles." We were discussing marketing angles for the new launch. Miss Devika has some brilliant ideas.
Devika flinched at the mention of her name.
Vikram expressions stay stilled, unreadable and cold.
"She does," Vikram said."that's why she is on this project." Cold voice.
Rajat lifted brow."you sound like youare proud of her"
Vikram said, without even blinking." I am proud of efficient work."
The words were neutral. But still it sent shivers to Devika. He wasn't dismissing her.
It felt strange.
Comforting.
Scary.
Rajat ate a fry and leaned forward like it was a friendly chat. "Well, i am looking forward to working closely with her. We will make good team."
Across the table, Rishi slowly placed his glass on table.
Everyone waited for vikram to say something sharp but he didn't. He simply tilted his head, cold voice."we will see."
That was all.
But everyone at the table understood.
He was not giving permission.
He was issuing a warning .
And only Devika felt terrified and safe at the same time.
The waiter arrived with menus, and everyone pretended to read because it was really obvious no one cared about food. Anymore.
The real meal was the silence between three men.
Ishaan, who had been smiling and relaxed just minutes ago, now sit straight. He was sitting diagonally from Devika, in way that let him watch her face.
Whenever Rajat leans closer to whispers something or point at a section in menu, Ishaan's jaw tightened. But he did not say anything. But his fingers tapped restlessly on the table.
Ishaan noticed everything but controlling himself.
Karan and Arshi noticed everything. But didn't say anything.
Vikram was silently observing everything. Deeply. He saw how Rajat's shoulder touch Devika shoulder whenever he leans closer. How Devika, stay polite and did not pull away. Trying not to be rude. How stranger seemed to radiate charisma and confidence.
The kind of man who walked into a room and expected attention. It reminded Ishaan of someone.
Vikram Oberoi.
But Vikram was different kind of danger.
Where Rajat was sunshine, smooth, charming and easy to like.
Vikram was cold as winter. Silent and sharp.
And right now, winter was sitting across from rajat like a loaded gun.
"Devika" Rajat said, calm voice, he taping on menu, " you should try this grilled chicken. Its one of the cafe's best item."
Devika cleared her throat and said," I am vegetarian."
"Ohh" Rajat said, then again he scanned menu and smiles. "Right, then the mushroom risotto?"
Devika noded politely. She is nervous because she is just get recover from sickness. Also, she found Rajat little annoying.
From opposite side of table, Ishaan leans closer." She actually allergic to some Mushrooms." He said, calm voice but his eyes were fixed on Rajat.
Devika frown,"i am Not--"
Ishaan continued calmly," better order something safe. Tomato pasta. Maybe"
Rajat raised eyebrow, not at Devika but on Ishaan. Like he just been challenged by Ishaan. And Rajat felt something more.
Devika sighed, chose a mild pasta for herself. Also being tired of how she get defended like a child.
Vikram watched all of it.
He said nothing.
No one could read his face, but everyone noticing that the temperature of room is getting cold.
Vikram fingers tapping on table. But his eyes were fixed on space between Devika and Rajat.
Vikram wasn't angry.
He wasn't insecure.
He was just observing. Or something like calculating.
Possessiveness us too loud.
Control is silent.
And Vikram was al controlled.
"So, Devika" Rajat said, leaning slightly towards her. " Are you still studying? You look younger than most professionals i have seen before. And you look talented more then them."
Devika, said confidently" I finished my degree last year."
"Ohh? So you are what twenty? Rajat asked, being curious.
"Twenty two" Devika said.
Rajat smirks like he did discovered treasure."that's exactly my type, young and ambitious."
The table went silent.
Devika frown and got stunned.
Arshi choked on water, when she was sipping.
Karan stared at him like he lost his mind.
Ishaan slammed his fork on table.
That was when vikram looked at Rajat the way he looked at him was extremely cold and terrified.
It wasn't loud jealousy. It was territorial.
Rajat noticed. He gulped hard, trying to laugh it to remove tension" kidding, of course. Just complimeneting. Nothing else."
Devika glanced at everyone. She was shock, why the hell rajat is behaving like that.
"Ambition isn't a type" vikram said, extremly cold voice.
Everyone looked at him.
Rajat frown"what?"
He repeated it in same tone," Ambition is not a type. Its a standard."
The message was clear.
Stop speaking about her like an object.
Rajat didn't argued. But the irriatation in his was too visible. He wasn't used to being checked.
The food arrived.
Devika tried to relax, and focus on her pasta.