CHAPTER -11

                                    

                                          
SHIVIKA'S POV (ONE MONTH)
I opened my eyes and moved my gaze toward the table clock. It was 9:00 AM.
I scanned the entire room. 
Where is he?
I got up from the bed and, as usual, noticed the clothes laid out on the table: a baggy t-shirt and trousers. From living here, I had realized that these clothes belonged to him.
I grabbed the clothes and entered the washroom to freshen up.
After half an hour, I came out of the washroom, surprised that he still wasn't here. For the past month, he had always waited for me to join him for breakfast. 
Where is he today?
As my eyes fell on the couch where he usually slept, I saw a note attached to it. I moved toward the couch and picked up the note.
"I won't be able to join you for breakfast today. Sorry. Eat your breakfast, and you can call me if you need anything."
I read the note and put it back down. 
I wondered if this was a kidnapper's behavior. 
"I will never call you, even if I'm dying, Mr. Veeraj." 
I knew he hadn't done anything to harm me the day he kidnapped me, but I couldn't trust him. No wonder he was playing this "good guy" facade. I shook the thoughts from my mind and opened the door to head toward the kitchen through the stairs.
As usual, the whole mansion was decorated with white roses. 
He's obsessed with white roses, maybe, I thought to myself.
When I reached the kitchen, I saw Marie working there.
"Good morning, ma'am," she greeted me as soon as she saw me.
"Good morning, Marie," I smiled back at her. In this huge mansion, she was the only one I talked to, and she always gave me positive energy. But I avoided talking to her because I didn't trust anyone here, and it wasn't like she engaged in deep conversations. She just told me basic things about the house before leaving.
"You wait at the dining table. I will bring your food."
"Give it to me; I'll take it on my own," I said, reaching for the plate in her hand, but she stopped me.
"Sir will be angry if he finds out that I'm giving you work. I wonder if he would spare me, so please let me do my job, ma'am."
I nodded and started heading toward the dining table. Usually, I would insist that she didn't have to do so much for me, but today I felt too weak to talk.
I sat at the table and waited for my breakfast. Just then, my eyes fell on the newspaper lying there. I picked it up and was stunned to see the front page. There was a photo of Veeraj with the headline: 
"Self-Made Most Dashing Billionaire of the Country, Veeraj Singh Shekhawat, Wins Businessman of the Year Title Again."
Is he a businessman or a gangster? What is he?
I was reading the article when Marie came in and served me breakfast. 
"What is this, Marie?" I moved the newspaper toward her and asked.
"Oh, that's sir's picture, ma'am. He won Businessman of the Year again. There's no competition for him in the business world except RIANVEER SIR.
"Is he really a businessman?"I asked, still unable to understand anything.
"Yes, ma'am. Not only a businessman but one of the most successful businessmen across the globe."
I nodded and started eating my breakfast. Once I finished, Marie asked, "May I leave now, ma'am?" I nodded as she left, and I picked up the newspaper again to continue reading about him.
As I finished the article I got to know that he is the Owner of Shekhawat industries 
Shekhawat Industries is a global leader with diverse operations in fashion clothing, real estate, technology, and manufacturing. Known for innovative designs and sustainable practices, the company combines modern trends with traditional craftsmanship. Its state-of-the-art headquarters fosters collaboration, positioning Shekhawat Industries as a benchmark of excellence across multiple sectors.
This man is a mystery in himself, I said to myself.