Chapter 2: Unexpected Arrangements

The car pulled up to the grand entrance of the hotel, and Audrey stepped out, her eyes wide with wonder. The building was a mix of modern and traditional Indian architecture, beautiful and imposing. Vishal helped her with her bags, and she thanked him, assuming she would see him again whenever she needed a driver.

As she entered the bustling lobby, Audrey approached the reception desk, only to be greeted by a harried-looking clerk. “Welcome to the Lotus Palace Hotel. How can I assist you?” he asked, his English accented but clear.

“I have a reservation under Audrey Young,” she said, smiling politely.

The clerk typed away at his computer, his brow furrowing. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Young, but it seems there has been a mistake. We are overbooked, and we do not have a room available for you tonight.”

Audrey’s smile faded. “What do you mean? I booked this months ago.”

“I apologize for the inconvenience,” the clerk said, his voice genuinely regretful. “We can help you find another hotel, but given the late hour and your obvious fatigue, it might be challenging.”

Audrey felt a wave of exhaustion hit her. The thought of traipsing around Delhi looking for a place to stay was overwhelming. Just as she was about to ask for recommendations, she heard a familiar voice.

“Mrs. Young, is everything alright?” Vishal asked, approaching her from behind.

Audrey turned to him, her eyes reflecting her weariness. “There’s no room for me here. They’re overbooked.”

Vishal looked at the clerk, who shrugged apologetically. He turned back to Audrey, his expression thoughtful. “You know, I have a small apartment not far from here. It is not much, but you are welcome to stay there for the night. You look very tired, and it is the least I can do.”

Audrey hesitated, considering the offer. She barely knew Vishal, but the thought of finding another hotel seemed daunting. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

Vishal smiled warmly. “It is no problem at all. Come, let us go.”

They drove through the crowded streets, and Audrey found herself dozing off in the car. When they finally arrived at Vishal’s apartment, she was struck by its simplicity. It was a small, one-bedroom flat, sparsely furnished but clean.

“I am sorry it is not more comfortable,” Vishal said, setting her bags down. “But you can rest here. I will sleep on the couch.”

Audrey thanked him, feeling a mix of gratitude and discomfort. The apartment offered very little privacy, with the bedroom separated from the living area by a thin curtain. She changed into a simple nightgown, feeling Vishal’s eyes on her as she did so. There was something both unnerving and exhilarating about his gaze, a sense of being seen and appreciated in a way she hadn’t experienced in years.

As she lay down on the bed, she could hear Vishal moving around in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The scent of spices filled the air, and she felt a strange sense of contentment. Despite the unusual circumstances, there was something comforting about being here, in this small apartment, with this young man who seemed so eager to take care of her.

She drifted off to sleep, the sounds and smells of India lulling her into a deep, dreamless slumber. When she finally woke, the room was dark, and the aroma of cooked food was even stronger. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, and saw Vishal standing in the doorway, a plate of food in his hands.

“You slept well, I hope?” he asked, his smile warm and genuine.

Audrey nodded, feeling a flush of embarrassment as she realized he must have watched her sleep. “Yes, thank you. What time is it?”

“It is late,” Vishal said, setting the plate down on the small table beside the bed. “But I made you some dinner. You must be hungry.”

Audrey looked at the plate, her stomach rumbling. “Thank you, Vishal. You’ve been so kind to me.”

Vishal shrugged, his eyes lingering on her. “It is my pleasure, Mrs. Young. Now, eat. You need your strength for the adventures ahead.”

As Audrey began to eat, she felt a sense of anticipation. This trip was already turning out to be far more eventful than she had imagined.