Chapter 18: Chapter 18

*Shrishti Pov*

“Why are you smiling at me like that?” I asked frowning at her while she just smiled before glancing at the couch.

“I heard you changed the couch yesterday. Why?” she asked turning back while I ignored her stare.

Well, he had a good sleep but it looked uncomfortable and I can rest sometimes if I change it into a comfortable one, right?

“It’s okay! No need to tell me but should I keep in mind to send everyone home on time and not stay back to do overtime?” I covered my face with the file while shouting.

“He is just my friend. And that… the previous one was uncomfortable. He is not going to come here every day.” I pointed out removing the file from my face.

“Oh! I thought coming every day for a whole week means coming here every day in the future too.” With that, she turned to leave while I shouted her name.

“Just my friend and you can meet him too. Don’t assume it as something more otherwise I will feel uncomfortable with him.” I stated and she didn’t say anything to that.

I didn’t plan that he will come here every day after that day. He doesn’t stay long except for an hour to have dinner with me and just leave.

I can’t stop him from coming here when I already promised him that he can come here anytime he wants to take a rest, right?

“I am just teasing you. I was not thinking of making you feel stress about it. But if you really like him then you can give this relationship a try, you guys are already meeting because of a marriage proposal, right? There will be no trouble with family accepting your relationship or anything.” I shook my head hearing her words.

“We don’t feel like that with each other. I will not feel like that for him.” I stated and she slowly nodded smiling before walking out.

With a sigh, I ignored her words and just concentrated on my work. I am already kind of disturbed with his words from that day when he talked about our kiss and he brought it up a few more times as if it’s nothing.

It was really nothing for me but hearing it like this is not a comfortable thing too. I was not lying when I said I don’t like him in that way.

He is my friend and I want to help him no matter what it is but spending my life with him is a big no.

Wait! I forgot an important matter because of this discussion. I called her up and asked, “This weekend, ask everyone not to come for work.”

“Why? Is there something wrong?” she asked in a worried tone.

“No! I have some work and I want everyone to take leave. You are also a part of that and rest for two days.” I explained not in straight words as I know she will tease me again if I tell her the truth.

“Okay! Let me know if you want help with anything.” I cut the call saying that I will ask her if I need anything.

I stared at the document where I noted down everything I need and crossed the detail making sure no one is present on that day and the next day.

I need to cross another main detail too and if it fails then all this is unnecessary. With that thought, I messaged him before going through other details.

This is kind of exciting as it’s been a long since I planned anything and the last time I planned just turned into a disaster.

I shook my head to remove those thoughts from the past. It’s okay! Everyone acts stupid at some point in their life and I just need to make sure to not act that way again.

****

“Shrishti! Are you sure?” Dad asked while I adjusted his necktie.

“I just want to rest at home, Dad.” He frowned hearing those words.

“Why are you not coming to any of these gatherings? Before you used to be the one to arrange everything. Later you were busy but now you are staying at home but still staying away like this. Did something happen?” he asked in a serious tone.

“Nothing like that, Dad.” He didn’t sway with my words.

“I will just ask Vikranth then. He must know something. I would have asked Prathap but he is also staying away but I can understand his reason to stay away from Pramod. Everyone is asking for you.” I glanced away before stepping back.

“I will go for now but I want you to be honest with me as soon as possible otherwise I will involve three families to ask you.” Saying that he walked away while I sat down on the chair groaning.

I thought everything is fine as none of them asked why am I not coming to any gathering but then I was away for most of the time.

Now, that I am home, I can’t just hide but I am not ready to act before them. I know I have to face them someday but I don’t know whether that day is anytime soon.

If I actually don’t stay at home then they will be fine with my absence I guess. Wait! That’s a brilliant idea, I thought smiling and stood up feeling relieved.

Why didn’t I think about this all this time? I immediately called Jenny to inform her of my decision which kind of shocked her.

“Are you sure?” she asked and I assured her.

“This is a new branch and it needs time to get settled. If I handle it then it’s good and I also want a change.” I explained.

“Don’t worry! I am not saying this is final as after everything gets settled we can exchange too.” I pointed out and she laughed before accepting my words.

“Now that we decided, we can rush up the process of appointing new staff. I want you to handle that as you will be serious about it unlike me. And I am very bad at selecting too.” We cut the call after exchanging the details and I choose his number to communicate the same but paused.

It is better to tell him directly instead of a message. I nodded before closing the contact and started freshening to go to sleep.

****

“Are you sure?” Dad asked frowning as I just informed him about my decision when we sat down for breakfast.

“Yes! It was decided long back and that’s why I stayed there for so long.” I replied lying through my teeth while hoping he believes it.

“What about him?” he asked leaning back.

“Who?” I asked frowning this time.

“Nitish! Aren’t you meeting him with the thought of marrying him? If you both stay separately then…” he trailed off while I smiled.

“I am not going to settle there completely, Dad. It is just for a few months until everything gets settled and the business runs smoothly and also to train the new staff. Jenny will handle it later.” He smiled hearing those words.

“Then I am glad. I don’t want you to settle far away from our home.” I felt guilty hearing that but this will give me some time to settle myself.

I am not doing this because I still like Vikranth as I don’t feel that way at all for a long time. It is also not because of the awkwardness between Prathap and me.

I want to lead my life without disturbing anyone of them and also to see them when I don’t feel guilty about my actions anymore.

I have already decided to leave the city for a few days at that time and I am taking the same decision. But last time I was desperate and this time I am looking forward to my life away from everyone and see how much I can achieve by being independent.

*Nitish Pov*

“Are you really going to postpone today’s meeting?” Rohan asked frowning at me and I nodded checking the time.

“Where are you going every day? You used to stay back at work until midnight but these days you are leaving way before that no matter what work you have.” He pointed out.

“It’s a secret!” I replied smiling at him and he just gave a weird look.

“Are you dating?” he suddenly asked and I froze for a second.

Dating? Is this what called dating? Meeting every day and pushing myself to finish work early to see her and having dinner with her and also talking to her about everything?

“Yes!” I replied smiling at him.

I know I was trying to make her not just think of me as her friend by talking about the only intimate thing that happened between us but the way she is changing the topic every time made me feel disappointed.

I didn’t know why was I even trying to do all that but now that I think about it, I am flirting with her all these days but she is just turning a blind eye to it.

Today I will just tell her that I… I like her. Yes! I definitely like her but I don’t know how strong is that.

This feels sudden but every day we spend time with each other or even a single message makes me smile and also feel the warmth.

“I am leaving then. Why don’t you finish the other work I asked you to and report me tomorrow?” I asked standing up while he just stared at me.

“You forgot her?” I paused hearing those words when I reached the door.

“Do you want me to stay single my whole life just because of first love?” I asked back and he shook his head slowly.

“Exactly! I am happy and I prefer my friend to be happy about my happiness.” With those words, I walked away leaving him alone.

Sometimes I really feel like pushing all of them away with the way they talk and behave but they are my friends and how can I do that.

They didn’t change all this time and I am the one who changed from my past self. So, how can I expect them to do the same?

I shook my head to forget all these things and try to reach her place as soon as I can. Last week she especially mentioned to come to her place this day no matter what.

I made sure to finish all my works to reach earlier than every day. I am excited to see her for longer than every day for sure.

However, the main entrance is locked making me frown and I immediately called her which she didn’t lift until I called her the second time.

“What is it?” she asked with an impatient tone and that just froze me.

“You… you asked me to come here today…” I trailed off and she didn’t say anything for a few seconds.

“Sorry! I didn’t check the caller ID and thought it’s my assistant.” I smiled hearing those words as for a second I was disappointed thinking she forgot about her message.

“And you are early today.” I cleared my throat hearing those words.

“Are you busy? I can come later.” I offered with a sigh and she immediately stopped me with her words.

“Don’t! I guess we can just do it right now.” She mumbled while I frowned.

Do? Do what? I thought while she cut the call saying she is reaching the entrance. I stood there for a few minutes and the door is finally opened but there is no light.

“Why is it so dark? Any problem with the electricity?” I asked looking at her holding her phone in her hand.

“No! I just… just cut it off to save the bill.” I gave her a weird look while she just smiled and held my hand.

“Let’s go!” I smiled letting her lead me inside and she safely locked the door.

“Why don’t you turn it on?” I asked when we nearly hit the wall but she stayed silent.

“You are right! Why don’t you enter my cabin while I go and turn on the lights?” she offered and I nodded taking out my phone to switch on the flashlight after stepping into the cabin but the light is suddenly turned on and there was a blast sound above my head.

“Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday… Happy Birthday… Happy Birthday to you! I know tomorrow is your birthday but I thought you will be busy and…” she trailed off while walking to stand before me and I just stared at her.

I looked around her cabin and found it is decorated with balloons and other decorations and there is also a cake.

“I…” I couldn’t say a word as it’s been a long since I celebrated my birthday as we all were busy every time except for last year when I stayed with Grandma.

That day I thought if she is not there then I will never celebrate the day again as I didn’t think I would have someone interested to celebrate with me.

“Cut the cake, Nitish! I had to hurry with a few things and it could have been better if you had come at the time you generally come.” She shook her head smiling and pulled me towards the table.

“Shrishti!” I called her name but she shook her head and offered the knife.

My hand trembled while cutting it but I couldn’t help but smile every second of it. After feeding her a small piece and her doing the same, she took it away saying she will store it in the fridge.

“You remembered?” she smiled nodding hearing that question and sat beside me.

“Of course! How could I forget my friend’s birthday? I asked my staff to take leave today and tomorrow.” She explained.

“Why two days?” I asked frowning.

“Today to arrange everything and tomorrow to clean everything.” I laughed at her plan.

“I thought of arranging it somewhere else but it would be tiring for you. And also I felt you feel comfortable at this place.” She continued while I nodded.

“Thank you so much, Shrishti!” I whispered while she smiled before taking out her phone to order dinner for us.

“Shall I order your favorites? I even brought the DVD for your favorite movie. We will watch a movie and enjoy the food. I even got a good wine from my Dad’s stock.” She said showing the bottle on the table.

I just nodded without saying anything while staring at her. After a few minutes, she sat down asking about how my work is going and if everything fine while talking about a new contract she signed.

We sat together on the couch after it is adjusted to make it more comfortable while having dinner and even watched half of the movie after which she stood up to take away the empty dishes while I helped her out to clean up.

Before I could play the other half of the movie she stopped me saying, “I need to tell you something.”

“What is it?” I asked turning towards her and found her hesitatingly smiling at me.

“I am going to shift soon to handle the new branch. Jenny and I were deciding who will do it but recently I decided to go. I wanted to inform you but thought of saying it directly and these few days you didn’t come here because of work and I kind of forgot too.” She explained while my smile slipped and I just stared at her.

“I know this is sudden but don’t worry. We can still chat and this will help you with your Dad’s query on us too. You can just say I am away and he will not say anything.” She added smiling and frowned the next second seeing my expression.

“Nitish!” she called holding my hand and shook it.

“Was it such a shock?” she asked smiling again before taking her hand away but I held it back.

I pulled her closer using her hand and placed my other hand on her cheek while she froze in her place.

“Nitish!” she whispered with her eyes widened and I closed my eyes while pressing my lips to hers.

I leaned back to see her expression and when she didn’t push me away, I leaned forward again to kiss her properly and not just brush my lips.

Releasing her hand, I moved my other hand to hold her face properly and traced her lips with my tongue before pushing it in.

She finally snapped out of it before pushing me away and I stared at her but didn’t let go of her face.

“What are you doing? Are you drunk?” she asked frowning while checking my face.

“No! This time it’s because I like you, Shrishti.” Saying that I leaned over to kiss her but she turned her head which landed my lips on her cheek.

“How can you…” she trailed off while I shifted my lips to kiss her cheek again and trailed them down to her neck.

“Nitish! You are drunk!” she whispered and gasped feeling my lips reaching her neck.

“No! I am not drunk, Shrishti. I really like you and that’s why I was trying to talk about that kiss all these days thinking there will be some change in you.” She turned her head to stare at me in shock.

“I thought of taking my time to tell you this. However, when you just told me that you will leave… leave… I don’t want to waste any time. I like you and I don’t want to be just your friend. Don’t you feel something for me? Anything?” I asked staring at her while she just stared at me.

“You are my special friend.” She whispered after a few seconds.

“I will always be but I want to be more. Do you… you feel disgusted because I kissed you or uncomfortable?” I asked tracing my fingers over her cheeks.

“Be honest!” I whispered when she opened her mouth and she shook her head in negative.

“Even I don’t feel awkward and I don’t want to just kiss you.” I whispered honestly and her eyes widened again making me smile.

“It… it could be just physical.” She pointed out clearing her throat.

“I don’t think we both would have shared this much and cared for someone this much or will even do it in the future with someone else. We both were there for each other when we were at our lows.” I pointed back and she closed her eyes hearing those words.

“Just say one word that you don’t want to be anything else other than my friend and I will leave right now and we will try to be just friends again.” I promised seeing the conflict on her face.

She opened her eyes hearing those words and slowly placed her hands on my waist to hold my shirt tightly.

“I am fine to not go through this path if I am going to lose you as a friend.” She stated in a serious tone.

“You will not lose me as a friend no matter what will happen with this new relationship. This is my promise, Shrishti.” I promised without a doubt in my head because her friendship is also important for me and I will never lose it.

She stared at me in silence before leaning closer saying, “I like you but I don’t know how strong is that, or is it just simple like. However, I definitely want to kiss you back right now.”

“I am taking it as a promise.” Saying that I kissed her and this time she kissed me back but what shocked us is the passion we felt and somehow we couldn’t stop anymore.

“It’s my workplace.” She whispered when I started tugging her clothes and I smiled nodding.

“Don’t worry! We will try at my workplace too if you feel it is unfair to just use your place.” I assured her and she slapped my shoulder but smiled to unbutton my shirt.

“Isn’t it great that no one will disturb us in the morning?” I added staring at her and she looked away.

“That was not the reason at all.” She whispered while blushing.

“I know! If it was in your hands then you wouldn’t take such a gesture for the next decade. Aren’t you glad that I am bold?” I asked pressing my lips on her neck and trailed down.

“Maybe I should take some time to think about this.” I paused hearing those words but pinched her hand when she laughed at my look.

“I like you, Shrishti!” I whispered kissing her again and again not having enough of it and even though she didn’t say the words back, I don’t need to hear those words as her gestures are enough for now.