Chapter 21: Chapter 21

Niharika's POV

I reached home in the evening. The weather was really pleasant and birds were chirping in my lawn. My mind seemed to be relaxed after the hectic day today. My tired body urged for a hot shower. Entering my house, I bolted the door from inside. I rushed to my room and immediately went to my bathroom.

I relaxed my body as the lukewarm water drenched me completely.

After a while, I came out of the shower wearing my mint colored towel. I saw my image in the mirror and admired my hair locks caressing my cheeks. I wondered if I looked pretty as I looked in the college as I began massaging my body with the body lotion. I wondered if Arpit would like me the way I am. I remembered his deep amber-green eyes and my instant urge to dive into them. I realized that the turmoil of my business is sorted and now it was time to concentrate over personal life. I mentally planned to observe Arpit and discover if he is fine for me. I mentally planned to find out if we could get back to our friendly relationship and if I could spend my life. I wished he wanted to spend his life with me.

My thoughts were interrupted when the doorbell rang. I wondered who it was now. I just wished that something bad must not be coming up.

I went out of the room rushing to realize that I was still in the towel. I mentally cursed myself at the blunder I was at the verge of committing and went back to wear my clothes, a purple colored T-shirt and loose white shorts. I wanted to relax and this was indeed the best attire.

I was irritated as the doorbell rang again. I wondered who the idiot was at the door. I rushed downstairs at the main door.

Opening the door, I was astonished to see the pair of amber-green eyes waiting impatiently.

It was Arpit at the door. I faked irritation and snapped at him saying, "From which village are you from that you are ringing the doorbell again and again, Mr. Khandelwal?" I wondered how he would feel at the villager remark.

"Congratulations, Niharika for handling everything so wonderfully. You are indeed, an inspiration." He congratulated me for the victory over Mr. Vikram Walia. I wondered if he was the first one to appreciate me for coming out of the turmoil. He offered me my favorite yellow roses and I realized he still remembered my choice. My heart melted like butter at his efforts and I smiled letting him in the house. I took the bouquet of flowers and placed them at the side table near the main door.

I managed to say, "Thanks Arpit.”

“Now we can concentrate on the new project. Your family is completely safe. Are you ready?" I asked him enthusiastically as he sat on the accent chair in the drawing hall placing his office bag on the sofa. I realized he came directly from the office to meet me as I rushed in the kitchen to get water for him.

I offered him the glass of water and sat on the sofa at the other side of him. He said, "Yes madam. I am ready. The proposal is ready and I can present you tomorrow." Making a puppy face, he drank a sip of water and continued, "My researcher brain is dying to see the labs and begin working. Ask Mr. Bose to show me the labs tomorrow." He chuckled, commenting, "It is a sin to keep a researcher away from the lab." He winked at me.

"Okay, scientist." I exclaimed. Looking at his eyes which were leering shamelessly at my body, I continued, "Your wish will be fulfilled tomorrow. We will be having a corporate party tomorrow where I will be announcing the project now." I smiled at him.

"We don't have any prior information about the party, madam". He said dramatically.

"Sir, please check your email", I said smirking at him.

"Coffee or tea?" I asked him.

"Black tea with lots of sugar." He said with twinkling eyes. I remembered he preferred black tea when he was tired. He hated milk in his tea because he felt milk spoilt the taste of tea. I always faked anger at his choice in college. I did the same today. I said, "Ugh.. Who drinks black tar-like liquid, Arpit" faking disgust like those good old days.

"I do", he chuckled. We both laughed reminding those college days when we used to sit in the canteen to have our snacks and his special tea.

I went into the kitchen and prepared the tea for him and a strong coffee for me. After all, I wanted something to drink and I was famished after the hectic day today. He just came after me and asked, "Hope you won't mind me coming in the kitchen" with a signature smile on his face.

I smiled imagining him working in my kitchen in future if we would be together ever. I chuckled at my thoughts and turned towards him. His eyes were on me. I wondered what he was thinking.

He suddenly said, "Niharika, you look beautiful. You must dress in casuals frequently."

I smiled at him and I said jokingly, "Casuals are indeed a good fit for a businesswoman, right!" and we both laughed out loud over this.

"By the way, you look amazing in a business suit too", he said with his eyes leering upon my perfectly toned legs.

"Yeah, I know that, Mr. Khandelwal. Now enjoy your tea. Hope you will like it." I said offering him a cup of his special tea and took my mug of coffee, moving out of the kitchen.

While drinking our beverages and munching the cookies, we kept talking about our college days. We laughed at our stupidity and each of us realized we could have talked to sort out our altercation much earlier.

It was getting late at night and his mom called asking him if he would come late. He left my home bading a smiling goodbye as I stood at the main door while he sat in his car and drove off.

I ordered some meals from the nearby restaurant. Having my dinner I slept with a relaxed mind in a happy mood.