Atharv Kapoor.

Every man wanted to be him .Every woman wanted to sleep with him .He was the most powerful man in the world- This is an understatement. Over the course of his career, he had made a hell of money, but his business interests remained shrouded in secrecy.His wealth, though, was nothing compared to his body.He had the sort of physique that would make the Greek gods blush.It was printed on magazine covers from Mumbai to Manhattan.But his sexiness went beyond his looks.He was a mystery- an enigma.Nobody was quite sure where he lived.Whether he was married, whether he had kids.Any paparazzi who got too close disappeared suddenly.What mysteries hid behind those steely dangerous eyes?

"Vedika, open up, now!"

The pounding on my door made me jump. I threw aside the copy of Forbes magazine with Atharv Kapoor's face splashed across the front cover.

I groaned. I knew the voice of the person pounding on my door. The devil himself was here.

I gathered up my strength and opened the door of my apartment. Giving my landlord a tight smile, I plopped down on the beanbag chair, knowing he wasn't going to leave anytime soon.

"You might as well have a seat. No need to act like a guest."

He sat on the sofa facing me. "When are you going to pay me?"

So much for pleasantries.

"Amit Ji, you already know about my situation. I lost my job, and money is tight. I don't have a penny in my bank account," I said, frowning.

Never in my life had I imagined I would see days like this.

I'd worked as a chef for great pay, but my asshole of a head manager had threatened to fire me if I didn't sleep with him. I flinched, remembering his cruelty and how sorry I'd felt for his innocent wife—she didn't have a clue.

Before he could fire me, I resigned, which had inflamed his male ego. Out of cruelty, he'd made sure that I didn't get another job.

"You're already three months late. I don't care if you have a job or not, I just want my money.  If you don't pay by the end of next month, you're out."

Sighing, I nodded glumly. He stood up and stormed out of my apartment.

I groaned as I thought about the bills I needed to pay. I didn't have enough money to pay them all.

My empty fridge urgently needed to be filled. I'd become addicted to those instant noodles, since they were the only thing I could afford. Why hadn't I saved money all those months I was working?

Because you just had to buy all those clothes. And all that jewellery!

There was nothing left to do but cry.

My phone started ringing somewhere in the mess of my apartment. I searched around and managed to locate it and answer before it stopped ringing.

"Hello?" Who was calling me at this hour?

"Hello, Ms. Vedika Mathur. I am Meera Sharma. The reason I'm contacting you is because we have a job, which I believe is something you may be in dire need of," the lady on the other end said.

I pulled the phone away from my ear and checked the caller ID. It didn't look like a spam call.

"Okay... What kind of job is it?" I asked her. I didn't remember applying for any positions recently.

"Ms. Vedika, if you are free, can we meet? I'd prefer to explain the details in person."

"Sure, I guess. Send me the location."

As soon as I ended the call, I received a message from the mysterious lady. If I'd been in a better place, I would've forgotten about the call as soon as I ended it. I would never have gone to meet a random woman who'd called me out of the blue.

But I was in a desperate financial situation.

I washed my face and changed into a white button-down shirt that I tucked into my denim jeans. I brushed my hazel brown hair into a high ponytail and dabbed on a bit of nude lipstick. After putting on my confidence-boosting yellow sandals, I walked out of my apartment.

Luckily, the address the mystery woman had given me wasn't that far from where I lived, so I had enough gas in my car to get there and back.

When I reached the place, I opened the impressive-looking front door and entered a small waiting area. I messaged the lady—Meera—and took a seat.

I gazed around the waiting room, as there wasn't much else to do, and noticed an ornate AK carved into the wall behind the reception desk. It looked like some sort of logo.

What kind of mysterious organization was this? I'd never seen a company logo that looked like that.

Before long, a slender lady dressed in classy clothes walked toward me. I was impressed by the way she was dressed. She looked sophisticated compared to my jeans-and-sandals casual look.

I stood up as she stretched out her hand, and we shook.

"I'm Meera. I'm glad that you came," she said, glancing over my clothes. She nodded her head, seeming to approve.

"Well, I had to come, since I'm badly in need of a job."

She laughed softly at that.

"I know everything about you, Ms. Mathur. The reason I chose you for this job is because of your previous work."

She sat and crossed her legs, sitting up straight as she spoke to me.

Something about this lady intrigued me.

"First of all, what kind of job is this?" I really wanted to know what I was getting myself into.

"Childcare."

I looked at her as if she'd lost her mind.

"Sorry to say this, but I think you've mistaken me for someone else," I said, starting to think it was time to leave.

She smiled at me softly, which was actually kind of sinister.

"You were a chef. You left the job because of your manager. Twenty-four years old, never married. Bills to pay and a negative bank balance. Did I get all that right?"

My mouth dropped open, and anger flared in me. How dare she investigate my personal matters?

"Look, Ms.... Meera, I may not have a job right now, and there may be bills to pay, but I will get the job I need," I replied.

"I am not interested, or qualified, to babysit anyone," I continued. "Oh, and by the way, it's illegal to stalk someone," I finished indignantly, standing up to go.

"Five Lakh Rupees, a month, if you say yes."

My mouth dropped open again, and I gave the lady a hard look.

"What? Are you kidding me? Five Lakh Rupees for babysitting? Have you lost your mind, or are you trying to make a fool out of me?"

Meera raised an eyebrow and gave me a mysterious smirk, as if she was really enjoying this.

"Ms. Mathur, I'm not trying to make a fool of you. The 'babysitting,' as you called it, includes taking care of the baby's diet and a few other things."

"Like?"

"If you are ready to accept the job, I'll tell you about the other things."

I thought about it. I'd never seen a more than one lakh every month in my whole life. I wouldn't have to work for asshole managers or put up with threatening landlords anymore if I had that kind of money. I could start my own business.

"Okay," I agreed, and she pulled a file from her bag and placed it in front of me.

"This is the contract, which states that you will take care of the baby starting tomorrow, for at least one year.

"You need to move immediately to where the baby is. You must cut all ties and go without anyone knowing where you are. Your phone is not allowed. You will be provided with a new one."

"But...can't I stay in my own place? I can drive to the kid's home every day."

"No, Ms. Mathur. It's a confidential matter so I can't give you more details at this time, but we don't want you to travel."

I went through the contract and read the conditions.

"Okay. Where do I need to sign?" I signed the papers before standing up.

"Our driver will be at your place tomorrow morning to escort you to your new home. Pack everything you need tonight."

I excused myself and drove home to start packing.

I didn't really need to cut ties with anyone; there was nobody I was that close with. I'd had a few friends at work, but they'd faded away once I'd left. I had lost my parents when I was fourteen and even left my relatives place three years ago when I got the chef job.

Half the girls my age that I knew were getting married, and here I'd never had a real boyfriend. I'd never even had sex.

Being a book girl, I was a huge sucker for those erotic and BDSM romance.

I paused in my packing, and my eyes flicked down to the discarded magazine on the floor.

Atharv Kapoor's chiseled face glared up at me. I couldn't help but shiver.

I was going through my clothes and other belongings when I heard a loud knock at my door, which made me jump.

"I'll have money soon! I just got a job!" I shouted.

When I got no response, I walked over to the door to tell Amit to go away.

When I wrenched it open, to my surprise , it wasn't my landlord standing on my doorstep.

It was Meera. Two muscular men with sunglasses and black suits stood behind her, scowling.

"Hey, Meera..."

"I hope I'm not disturbing you, Ms. Mathur. I forgot to tell you a few other things. I thought I might inform you now, if you are free," Meera said.

"No, no... I was just packing my bags. I'm free to speak."

"Good. Be sure to bring everything that's important to you. You won't be coming back to this apartment."

I pressed my lips together tightly as I listened to Meera.

"Hmm. So, Meera, I won't be able to visit my apartment if I want to? I mean, I might want to come back here on my days off," I said.

"I understand, Ms. Mathur, and I apologize, but you did sign the contract. I'm not free to elaborate at this time, but you won't be able to return here. . I hope you understand how important it is to bring anything you'll want with you."

"Hmm... Okay, Meera."

I thought she was going to leave, along with her scary goons. But she didn't.

"Oh, and Ms. Mathur, please don't take anything other than your clothes, important documents, and personal belongings. Everything you need will be provided at the house. You don't have to worry about anything."

Feeling a little uneasy, I nodded.

I tried to close the door, but one of the muscles-for-days bodyguards held it open with his very strong-looking arm.

"What now?" I asked nervously, looking from him to Meera.

Meera smirked at me before she stepped over the threshold and into my apartment.

"I'm afraid there's been a change of plan. You're going to come with us. Now."

-------

I watched as the two bodyguards took my luggage in their hands and started walking toward the narrow staircase. I let out a sigh, shrugging my shoulders. I followed their steps, observing everything.

Last night, they'd taken me to their waiting car, a fancy Mercedes, and we'd driven all night.

I must have looked like an exhausted wreck when I got out of the car at the crack of dawn and saw my new home.

"Oh my holy lord...," I whispered, looking at the property. I couldn't keep my jaw from dropping. It took a minute to regain my senses. I felt like I was in a dream.

I was curious to know who I'd be working for.

They'd brought me to some strange place that seemed like a royal palace, but it wasn't a royal palace, because the royal monarchy usually is in Rajasthan, not here in Mumbai.

The two men who escorted me were like robots. Their bodies were stiff, and their expressions were neutral. They hadn't spoken a word on the journey.

I had been bored to death. I mustered the courage to talk first, and just then, we'd reached the place.

It hit me immediately that this place looked like the palace kind of mansion from the movie Me Before You.

"I hope you're well rested, Ms. Mathur. Today, you will get acquainted with your new home," Meera said.

I turned my gaze from the walls to Meera, who looked perfectly rested, of course.

"Good morning, Meera."

She smiled a little. "I will escort you to your room, and after the house tour, you will be meeting Arvika."

My eyes widened at the mention of a house tour. I didn't think I had enough energy for this whole mansion.

"Arvika?" I questioned her.

"Arvika. The girl you are going to take care of."

"Oh."

"This way."

The room they gave me was beautiful. I loved the bed, as the mattress was soft, and it was spacious enough for me to roll around. I would have my privacy here.

Meera showed me around, taking me to see the kitchen, Arvika's activity room, a dance room, an art room, a study, and a playroom.

Why so many rooms?

"Meera, now that you've shown me all of Arvika's rooms, why don't you show me Arvika?"

She raised her brow at my comment before smiling.

"Sure. She's probably up from her nap."

I gave her a tight smile. She took me to Arvika's room, which was opposite mine.

I entered the room with Meera, observing that the room that didn't look like it belonged to a kid. Am I babysitting a teenage girl?

"Arvika, meet your nanny."

Hearing Meera's clipped tone, I started looking around. I waited for the teenage girl to come out, but I didn't see anyone.

Meera was looking down, and I lowered my gaze to see a cute little girl about three or four years old, hiding near her bed.

She shyly lifted her head to see me. I was amused, seeing her cheeks turning red from the attention she was getting. At least someone blushes because of me.

"Hey!" My voice was soft, and to make her comfortable, I waved my hand, smiling at the cute girl with hazel brown hair just like mine.

She took three steps forward, waving her hand. "Hello."

"Arvika, brush your teeth while I talk with your nanny."

Arvika nodded her head adorably at Meera before running to what I figured was her bathroom.

"Ms. Mathur, I want you to remember a few things regarding Arvika. Never ever ask her about her mother. Her father is very busy, so you won't be seeing him. He hardly stays here, which is why we hired you to take care of Arvika. Don't leave this area of the house unless it's very important. I don't live here and will be on my way now that I've finished your orientation, but there are housekeepers who live on site. They will be available to help you if need any help."

"Um, okay." I was too busy trying to absorb her somewhat strange instructions to say much more.

Meera left the room, leaving me alone with this little girl who was still brushing her teeth. I felt weird about all this.

The room was plain...very plain for a cute three-year-old girl. It seemed like the room of a middle-aged woman with no taste. It needed a major makeover.

I plopped down on the bed, thinking about the changes I was going to make to this room. Hearing quiet steps, I turned toward the bathroom. Arvika was standing near the door, looking at me with her big eyes.

"Come here, little fairy."

She padded over to me. She was wearing pajama pants and a T-shirt, which looked cute on her. Her hair was long for a three-year-old.

I pulled her up and made her sit on the bed beside me.

"I'm Vedika."

"I'm Arvika. Your name is pretty, just like you!"

"Well, your name is pretty, too, but you are prettier." I patted her cheeks.

"I wish, I looked like you. How come you are this pretty?"

I chuckled at her question. "Hmm if you looked like me, how would you be prettier?"

She giggled and I kept talking, asking her few questions and answering her questions, to make her feel comfortable with me.

"Hmm... You aren't like those old nannies. They were bad to me."

I frowned at her words. Had they treated her badly? "What did they do?"

"They never cared about me. All they did was complain to Meera, and then Meera would tell Papa, and he'd get angry with me."

"Oh." I didn't know what to say to that, so I hugged her, hoping to put her at ease. Trying to divert her attention, I asked, "Are you hungry?"

She nodded her head.

"Let's go and fill your belly. What do you want to eat?"

She licked her lips and said, "Can you make strawberry pancakes with chocolate syrup? They are very yummy!!"

"Sure."

She took my hand and wrapped her small fingers around it, making me smile at her innocence. I loved children, but I'd never gotten to spend time with them since I didn't know anybody who had kids.

As I was making the pancakes, she started asking questions.

"Can I call you Flower?"

"Flower?" I looked up in confusion from the batter I was mixing.

"Your name, Vika, I told you na, Its pretty and flowers are pretty too. It's my nickname for you."

"Okay." I chuckled at my new nickname.

"What's your favorite color?" she asked me. This kid was interested in everything.

"Pink. Yours?"

She thought for a while. "I like all the colors except orange. What's your favorite Disney movie?"

"Tangled," I replied. "What's yours?"

"Beauty and the Beast."

She questioned me about all my likes and dislikes, and told me all of hers in return. Very helpful, as I quickly got to know her likes and dislikes. It helped me feel closer to her, and I was hoping it was doing the same for her.

I already felt at ease with this little girl. I might actually enjoy staying here and taking care of her.

"Here you go," I said, placing the pancakes down in front of her and handing her the chocolate syrup.

"Thank you," she said, and picked up her fork.

Being not entirely sure if a three-year-old could handle a knife, I'd cut the pancakes into small pieces for her.

I watched her as she started eating. I had my share of doubts about the situation, but I didn't want to break my deal. The pay was good, and I already loved my room.

A lot of questions had started running through my mind after Meera's instructions, though. Since Meera told me not to ask Arvika about her mother, it might mean that Arvika's parents got divorced. Or Arvika's father might have had a one-night stand.

After seeing this palace, I concluded that Arvika's father, whoever he might be, was a very wealthy man. Even so, who would pay five lacs a month for a stranger to take care of his daughter?

I looked around the kitchen. This whole place was mysterious, and so was Meera, with her silent goons, her middle-of-the night road trip, and her cryptic words. There was something about her that warned me to be careful.

I could tell that Arvika's father was a powerful man; the whole mansion had security guards and personal bodyguards patrolling the building and the grounds.

If Meera and this place were mysterious, then Arvika's father was the biggest question mark of all. Everything that had happened so far gave me quite an urge to know more about Arvika's father.

Why would he leave his daughter all alone in this big palace?

Why were there bodyguards in every chamber and hallway?

What did Arvika's father do? Was he a politician? Or was he a businessman? Or was he into something illegal?

I shook my head at the last thought; since I was stuck here, I might as well think positive.

Maybe her father was an old man who worked all his life and built this empire and unexpectedly had a baby late in life. But then wouldn't he be more likely to have settled down in the mansion with her? I dismissed that theory, and my thoughts went in an entirely different direction.

Was he good-looking? Was he superhot? Businessmen in suits...usually very attractive.

I bit my lower lip as I imagined Arvika's father, tie loosened, jacket tossed aside...

For a moment, my thoughts drifted back to the magazine in my apartment, with Atharv Kapoor's sexy face glaring up at me from the front cover.

I remembered the stylized AK carved into the wall behind reception.

What could AK stand for?

Could it be? Was I crazy for imagining it?