Vikram had a bead of sweat appear on his head and trickle down his face.

Meanwhile,  Juhi's father took her phone,
" Hello, Vikram?"

"Yes, Hello uncle! How are you?"

" I am good. So how is business? You seem free to talk to my daughter early in the morning."
His voice was stern.

Vikram gulped, searching his head for some excuse.
" Business is good. Actually, I called her by mistake."

" So, you take long time to apologize and to get back to work, boy."

Vikram rubbed his jaw and said,
" Sorry sir, actually I fell asleep last night and couldn't reply...."

Now, Vikram had dug a bigger grave for himself. He flicked his forehead. 'What is wrong with me today?'
" Couldn't reply to what, Vikram?", Juhi's father seemed angry.

Vikram explained, " To her text, sir. I wouldn't want to cause chaos in the morning for you all, sir."

Juhi's father smiled with mirth. " Very well. I will let it slide for the first time."

Vikram heaved a sigh of relief, which was heard by her father.

He smiled but kept his voice stern, "How did you get her number? I don't remember, you asking for it?"

" Sir, my friend Rahul Sinha, is a mutual contact. He gave me her number or rather saved it on my phone."

" Sinha , the event manager guy?"

" Yes, sir."
Vikram hoped Rahul had a good image, otherwise this bet would turn the tables.

" Quite a talented friend you have there, Vikram. That chap is good."

Vikram thanked the lords at least Rahul was good in his work, his dedication towards his work saved Vikram.

" Yes, sir."

" Quit with the formalities, young man, you are family now."

Vikram was grateful for the change in his tone and said, " Yes, sir.. I mean Uncle."

" Good!"

" Uh..sir, if u don't mind can I take Juhi out in the evening? I swear, I'll bring her back safely at time." Vikram asked scratching his head, hoping for his approval.

Juhi's father was delighted, he just asked what he wanted him to ask. " You can...but she should be back by 10:30 max."

" Don't worry, about that sir. She would be home before 10:30"

" Good! Now, I should go."

" Yes, sir...uncle. Have a good day!"

" You too, Vikram!" , and he hanged up.

He walked back to his daughter, who was sitting idle in the car. He knocked on the window to gain her attention. When she looked at him, he gave her phone back.

" You can meet him tonight. Be back before 10:30. No funny business."

Juhi looked at her dad, he had a serious expression on. She nodded and grabbed her phone.

Her dad sat on the passenger seat and off they went to office, with Juhi fumbling with her phone to somehow know what the two men talked about.