Ray n Riya (COMPLETED)

Chapter 1

HIM
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'Mr D'Cruz...this is a fabulous offer. Look...All we are saying is...we offer you the land and it's the finest location. It's a beach facing one. You guys build the hotel as and how you like. If you want we will do that too. We are here because Abdullah Sir loved your hospitality and warmth that we have seen in the last one week. As per Abudullah Sir, we are ready to compromise the way you like, but we need you and your team along our side... that's it!!!' said Mr Abudullah Sheikh's assistant who was a rich businessman from Dubai who visited and stayed with us for last one week. I was pleasantly surprised but I had to be honest with him. He is a good man.

I smiled and said 'Sir...I am thankful for your trust and belief in me and my team. But I have to be honest with you Sir. I'm overwhelmed by your offer but I certainly can't take it!!! I'm sorry' I said politely. His assistant who was also his translator looked shocked and he conveyed my message to Abudullah Sir who said something and the man translated it back to me.

'Is it money? Partnership? What is it? Is what Sir is asking and not just Sir...Mr D'Cruz even I'm curious. You are running a chain of resorts which has an excellent team, fantastic management and a wonderful owner like you. The hospitality here is better than any international seven star hotels. My boss is extremely judgemental and I have never seen him make this kind of an offer to anyone in last 12 years that I'm working for him. He's a big business magnet Mr D'Cruz. You will flourish!!!' he said and I smiled saying

'Thank you Sir. Thank you Abudullah Sir but...I still can't take it up. Somethings are beyond money and status. Few things money can never buy!!!' I said and they discussed again while the man asked

'It might be personal...but if we could help...I mean Abdullah Sir insists' to which I smiled saying

'I heard Abudullah Sir also has 3 daughters. I am sure he would...It's my 7 year old daughter. Lydia. She is all that matters!!!' saying I stood up buttoning my blazer.

'Mr D'Cruz if it's about your daughter and her education...I mean you can take her there too...We will get your daughter admitted to the finest in Dubai!' they offered a counter again and I smiled saying

'Thank you Sir but I can't seperate a child from her mother. And her mother wouldn't want to travel with me because she has her own life. So I'm sorry Sir but it cannot work out. Please enjoy your stay here and do let me know if you need anything...Ray D'Cruz always at your service!!!' I said politely and although they looked disappointed they smiled and nodded.

Just then my phone began ringing and I smiled and picked the call

'Ray??? Where are you huh??? We asked you to join us for lunch today. Why didn't you come along.. your uncle is fuming here!!!' Fari Di said and I chuckled when I heard phone shuffling and I heard Uncle Al

'Where are you Mister Busiest of all D'Cruz? It's the Christmas week and you are supposed to visit us. Are you really okay to miss the chocolate cake made by your mum?' he asked and I chuckled saying

'Sorry uncle but was stuck up with a few VIP guests. I will come soon!!!' I said and he said

'My darling nephew...we hardly stay 4 kms away from each other. And you still behave like we stay in different countries. I don't care. You are coming down for Christmas and so is Riya and Lydia. Get it? Even your mother is not with us for Christmas this time. I don't know why she went to meet your brother to London instead of asking him to join us here. Especially during Christmas. You know I want my family together during Christmas. Even Neha's family is joining tomorrow. Kids are going to have so much fun.' he sounded super excited. And I chuckled. I couldn't believe this was the same heartless ABD who ran away from family functions, hated the Christmas season and stayed all alone on the holy night. Look at him now. He is a complete family man.