Love deserves a second chance

Shriya smiled in relief and asked "Then about his surname and did she get married, I mean how ?"

Abhi said "Ahh Claire didn't want to put Rick in Malhotra family register. She put him under her family register and he became Rick Smith.

When Rick was five Claire and Dad went on a business trip and there they met Jason Matthew, My dad's business friend and his friend's relative.

He was from Dallas and attended the same business meeting as dad. There he saw Claire and at the very first sight he fell for her."

Abhi then looked at Shriya and said with a mysterious face "And you know what, he asked dad for help".

Shriya asked with shock "What ?" and Abhi smiled and asked "What's with that exaggerated expression ?"

Shriya said calming herself "No, I mean they had ... how did dad react then ?"

Abhi said deep in thought "Well, dad was shocked tobe precise, but yeah he calmed down and said something interesting to his friend.

Flash back

Mr. Malhotra almost spat the water out which he was drinking when he heard that. He asked his friend "Who did you say you fell for again ?" and the man who was sitting opposite to him was also shocked with the reaction he got.

But he said "Your secretary" and Mr. Malhotra confirmed "You mean Claire?" and the latter nodded but asked "Why are you reacting like that ?"

Mr. Malhotra calmed down a bit and said "She is not as simple as you think". He didn't want to tell his friend about Claire being a single mother that too to his own child.

He looked at Malhotra with unpleased look and the latter said "Jason, I am not disappointing you. I am not trying to stop you you but just stating the facts."

The man named Jason "Come on bro, you got to help me. Just tell me a few details about her and I will manage the rest?" and the latter sighed in helplessness knowing his stubbornness and asked "Like what ?".

Mr. Malhotra asked "I am not trying to be nosy but are you serious about her ?" Jason asked "Ohh, you must have a good relation with her seeing how protective you are towards her. Of course I am serious. By the way do you treat all your employees the same or Is she someone special ?"

Mr. Malhotra froze for a second but said "She is special and someone close to her is also close to me. She is a very kind and good woman. I have seen her transform from a cheerful young girl to a decent and graceful woman. She will be special and I will be the most happiest person if she leads a happy life but I don't want her to get hurt".

Jason said "Wow, It just gave me chills. But just give me her details. No just tell her all the good things about me and introduce me to her. And also make sure to give her some time off in the evening. I am planning to ask her on a date".

Mr. Malhotra sighed and said "Hold your horses bro, She is not an easy person. You are expecting too much from me and I doubt she will take my advice."

Jason put on a pleading face and Mr. Malhotra said "I will just introduce you to her and give her some off time. But if she doesn't like it, you shouldn't pester her."

Jason stood up and said in a loud voice with excitement "Of course, Thank you, thank you so much bro". Mr. Malhotra looked around in embarrassment and tried to calm his friend down saying "Shuuu, What are you doing, are you insane"

Jason sat back and said "Thank you." Mr. Malhotra said "I am doing this for her. I am indebted to her anyway".

Jason didn't hear it and was in his own train of thoughts abd didn't give it much thought. Mr. Malhotra called Claire and asked her to meet him at the restaurant in ten minutes which she did without any delay.

She was stilll in her usual attire a pair of jeans and a white floral top and her hair left loose. She didn't look like a woman with a kid at all.

She looked young but matured and dignified. She greeted her boss and gave a smile to Jason.

Mr. Malhotra said to Claire "This is Mr. Mattews, our business partner and my friend" and Jason "She is Claire Smith, my secretary".

Jason extended his hand said with a beautiful smile "I am Jason Matthew, you can call me Jason". She shook his hand and said "Claire, you can call me Claire".

Jason asked "Let's have something first," he asked Mr. Malhotra "what do you want bro ?" and he said "A Black coffee".

He then asked Claire and she offered "Let me go order ?" to which he shook his head and said with a cheeky smile "I can't let a beautiful woman like you to do such errands".

She looked at Mr. Malhotra and he nooded at her. She was worrowd because it's her job as his secretary. She said "An americano". Jason said "Well then, let me go get it first".

The cafe, it has self service and Jason went to get the order. Mr. Malhotra looked at Claire and said "He is my friend and he wants to know you".