Match Made In Hotel | Ruturaj Gaikwad ✓

Hum Tum - Part 2

A/n ~ This song comes really close to describing what Rutu and Kriti are feeling in this chapter. Listen to Baby won't you tell me, for a musical communication. Enjoy ✨

Kritika & Ruturaj

3rd April, 2019. Wankhede Stadium
7.18pm

"Yes, we've been told to expect a Kritika Pillai tonight." The official nods as I show him the Id Thala had given me.

He makes way for me to enter the VIP box. I peek into it and see Sakshi Ma'am holding Ziva in her arms, Priyanka Ma'am watching an excited Gracia twirl and show Riva Ma'am her new frock. Before they can notice me, I turn and walk away.

To be honest, I felt out of place without even entering the box. It didn't feel right. It wasn't for me. It was too early to claim any right on any sort of special treatment, that too on Rutu's account.

The additional danger of a camera capturing me while showing their reaction was also a factor.

I hear someone call "Hey" as I step into the lobby.

Must be calling someone else, I tell myself as I notice the lobby is full of people, some staff, some kids.

"Hey...Jersey number 31!" I stop in my tracks.

The caller catches up with me. I see Sakshi Dhoni raising her eyebrows at me.

"Why didn't you come in?"

I look at her in disbelief. She must have noticed me in the few seconds I stood there, weighing my options.

"A lot of reasons. But primarily because I didn't want to attract attention since it's too early for others to know who I am."

A lovely smile spreads on her face.

"And who are you, Miss Chori Chori Chupke Chupke?"

And just like that she helps me release a little tension by making me smile at her nickname.

"I am Kritika Pillai. Nice to meet you, Miss Perceptive!"

Ugh. Hers was way better than yours, Kriti. My brain tells me and I agree.

Her expression becomes thoughtful and I realise that I haven't told her why I am here.

"I am the Head of Management at The Orchid's Chennai branch."

Her eyes momentarily widen in shock before she nods.

"Hotel Management haan, that's my muse." She winks.

I chuckle. "Maybe you can give me some tips." I swear I didn't plan on asking that but it accidentally slipped.

"I'll gladly oblige but for that you'll have to come-" she stops as she notices me shift uncomfortably.

"Hey, it's alright if you don't want to. We'll catch up some other time. Maybe just you, me and Mahi."

I SCREAM INTERNALLY.

But outwardly, I hope to appear calm but miserably fail as I feel my cheek muscles stretch as wide as they can.

Thala, Sakshi Ma'am and me. I allow myself to imagine the blissful setting. Just the thought of it feels surreal. Intimate. Intimidating.

I shake my head, as if to shake the remainders of the fantasy away.

"Th-that would be lovely. But I d-don't want to keep you waiting anymore. I'll leave for the stands."

"Alright. Later, Kritika!"