The girl has regular features, not too pretty, not too ugly. But there is a sensuality in her defined by the curve of her full lips, the way she tilts her head. The indent of her waist is the sexiest I've ever seen and that is saying a lot. The brown hair which reaches till her lower back adds to her allure immensely.

But the thing that arrests me the most are her eyes. Her big, liquid dark, sad eyes.

This girl is unhappy with her life.

I watch her again, this time paying attention to minor things like her fingernails. They are long and clearly fake, but underneath the polish, the scratches in her palm, the rough skin indicate manual labour. I know she is a waitress, yes, but patently she does more than waitressing.

I'd thought her body was slim, but now, I see it as being thin and malnourished.

The face is expertly made up, the makeup light and warm. But it doesn't quite hide the dark shadows under her eyes.

This girl is the very picture of someone trying desperately to fit in.

No wonder Makrand Verma is displeased. Anyone can see that this girl doesn't belong here. Puneet Verma is totally out of her league. She has done well catching him.

Although I am a cynic, I don't want to think ill of her. I want to give her the benefit of doubt. I don't want to peg her as a gold digger. For the time being, I decide to just wait and watch.

She is taking stock of Makrand Verma now. It makes me wonder.

What is going on in that pretty head of her? How is she going to tackle the ruthless arms dealer?

Why am I even thinking about this?

Makrand Verma chose to end his chastising at that moment and turned to me.

"Sorry about that." He waved his son over to us, "Let me introduce you to my son, Puneet." Puneet shuffles on his feet to take my proffered hand, embarrassed, but a perfectly nonchalant expression on his face. I recognize it for what it is- a show.

Puneet Verma may be the heir to Makrand Verma's vast and lucrative arms business, but he is a reluctant and uninterested one. I also notice how he all but ignores his girl, now left standing near her seat by the pool looking distinctly uneasy.

Hmm, she must be new to his world; still unsure of her place in his life. Was she involved with him the night we met? Is that why she didn't take up on my offer? Or is it newer than that?

That means, I might have a chance of stealing her away.

I stopped the mental eye roll with difficulty. I am not stealing her away! I am not a man to come between lovers just to satisfy my libido. Besides, this is a business trip, not to kidnap unsuspecting females.

"Mr. Mizrahi. Welcome to India." Puneet Verma pastes a smile on his face as he greets me. "There seems to have been a miscommunication, or we would have met sooner."

I push my sunglasses on top of my head and smile, "Not to worry. I can see your time has been better occupied."

He gives a tight smile as he looks over at his lover. The girl looks forlorn standing all by herself. She catches his eyes, silently asking him about her next step, and Puneet excuses himself.

Clearly displeased, Makrand Verma takes over the host duties to usher me inside the hotel. As I walk away, I see Puneet planting a kiss on the girl's cheek before wrapping her in a hug.

Something akin to jealousy niggles at my insides and I deliberately turn my head away.

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