Chapter 28: Chapter 28

Niharika's POV

I indeed had a satisfying experience today or precisely, tonight. I reached home and rushed to my bedroom.

I called up Arpit to check upon him if he had slept.

He picked up the call immediately and asked, "Hey, Reached!"

"Yeah, I am changing right now." I answered back as I stood in front of my dressing table and removed my earrings.

He chuckled a bit and said, "I wish I were there."

I was taken back at his advancing response. I smirked and said, "You could have dropped in", while I slid down the edge of the sari exposing my red blouse in front of the mirror.

"If I were there, I would be removing the sari trailing the neckline of your blouse." He said as I touched around the neckline of my blouse feeling my breasts. Craving for his touch, my nipples hardened.

Letting out a soft moan over the call, I said, "Then.."

"I will show you soon, dear. You will definitely love it." He said chuckling. He knew I was turned on and now he was backing off just to tease me.

I felt a bit embarrassed but to hide my emotions, I challenged him saying, "Come and show, then."

"Babe, wait for a while." He said not getting lured. I wondered if he was deliberately controlling himself.

Expressing my desires, I said, "So, when are you showing your eight packs to me."

I knew he had an alluring, well-built body. By the time, I had removed the seven yard cloth that was draped around myself and had worn a comfortable nightgown.

"What if I ask the same? He said as I slumped into my bed realizing the moment of sexual urges had subsided.

"I don't have eight packs, dear." I said teasing him though I understood what he meant.

He let out his meek laughter and said, "How about your breasts, darling?"

"Whenever you are exhibiting your eight packs." I managed to say.

"Over the weekend", he said enthusiastically.

"Goodnight" I said, teasing him.

He kissed twice over his phone and said, "Goodnight, sweetie."

I disconnected the call and tried to sleep hoping, sleep engulfs me. After all, I had to go to the office the next day.

*****

The door bell was ringing in the morning. I wondered who it was at seven in the morning. Rubbing my eyes, I got up and went downstairs to open the main door.

It was Sapna, my maid.

"Good morning, madam. I got discharged from the hospital. Should I join from today?" She said she would return the envelope containing her three months' salary.

"Morning, Sapna. Welcome back. Work sincerely. Come at 7 in the morning, finish everything by 9 and leave. You must prepare the dinner also in the morning only. Keep this money with yourself. On weekends, I may call you for maintenance of the house." I said sternly. I couldn't trust her though I could understand that she wasn't directly responsible for anything that happened with me.

I enjoyed my coffee and finished my daily chores to get ready for my day. Wearing a maroon business suit, I got ready only to realize that I should put on red lipstick today instead of pink lip gloss. I finished my look with minimal makeup. I was really happy today as I got to eat scrumptious breakfast, thanks to Sapna. Once she left, I began my way for the office.

I checked my email to find that I was invited for an International Business Summit, an opportunity where I could meet several business tycoons and find investments. It was going to be held in London next week. Such meetings in the past got the best deals and opportunities of internationalizing my business. I called Mr. Bose to make arrangements for my journey.

Reaching the office, I got engrossed into my work. I was a bit annoyed at Arpit's ignorance since morning. I planned to call him at lunch at once but I realized that I should go to the lab.

I had a meeting with Ms. Vandna Kapoor in the morning who had been dealing with the first of its kind, 'The Exquisite Fashion Show'.

I was really impressed at her choice of models for the show. Indeed, the people chosen would really fit in the theme. Unlike the other shows, my show was unique as I planned to bring the lives of people from all the walks of life. I appreciated her hard work and called upon my PR head to arrange intriguing photoshoots and advertisements for desired popularity of the show.

I was happy for everything.

I left my office to go to the laboratory section to see what was happening in my lab and with Arpit.

All the team members were working, I went towards the cabin of the Senior Scientist only to find him not there. I inquired about him from a young intern. She told him that he is in the phytochemical lab.

I rushed towards that side. He must be extracting the required phytochemicals, I realized.

I found him working alone setting up the Soxhlet Apparatus for the extraction experiment as I entered the lab. Slowly bolting up the door, I cleared my throat to gain attention and sternly said, "Dr. Arpit Khandelwal, I came here to inform you that I would like to have the daily progress report of this project."

Continuing his work, he reverted back, "Hey, Good morning."

Before he could speak further, I interrupted him and said, "It's already noon, mister."

"Ah! Whatever.. I mean, okay forget it. I was planning to call you in the morning but my order came. I had procured the plant material and it came in early morning." Taking a deep breath as he had set up the water bath, he turned around and continued, "Then, I had to rush to work. I am sorry." His signature smile and enticing eyes made me smile at him.

"It's okay then, good to know. Anyway, update daily. Thanks. See you later." I blabbered in a go as he approached me. My heartbeat began to race and legs trembled because I never favored office-romance and I knew I couldn't stop myself.

He came towards me while I moved backwards. The room was bolted, this realization hit me when my back hit the wall.

"What happened, are you fine?" He said closing the distance between us. His presence felt like eternity.

"Nothing...no romance during work", I managed to meekly complete my sentence as his lips touched my bottom lip.

He backed off immediately and said, "It's okay but... anyway."

I was annoyed at him and his attitude just because he had an effect on me. I shrugged at him and said, "What...anyway Arpit?"

"You are the boss but I don't differentiate my personal and professional life", he said in a demanding tone with his hands on his back.

"This is not my way." I said as I turned around towards the door.

He caught my wrist and pulled my hand. Pulling me in his embrace, he kissed passionately on my lips biting them furiously. This was seriously not done and hence, I didn't revert at his kissing approach. He bit my lip hard to have the excess inside my mouth. As he delved into my mouth and punished my delicate lips, I was dumbstruck at his audacity to behave or rather, misbehave with me. I wondered if he could even respect me. My inner-me questioned if it's love or lust between us. I was furious by the time he was done.

He left me to let the air in and said, "Babe, I prepared the proposal even at home in my personal life. I picked up the order early in the morning before the office hours. If I can work professionally in my personal life then I can of course, enjoy my personal life in office hours."

He placed a kiss on my neck. A chill ran down my spine but now I had to stop him for my ego. I could have given in if he would have requested but his disrespectful behavior was not acceptable.

I collected all my strength and pushed him hard as he was trying to open the button of my shirt under my lab coat.

"What?", he asked, visibly annoyed.

"We are over." I said and turned towards the door.

He pulled me back again and said, "I am sorry. I was carried away. I won't repeat it again... Please.... Sorry."

He had tears in his eyes. I too didn't expect to end it this way. Taking a deep breath, I said, "It's the last chance, Arpit. Never force me ever for anything. I would give you luxuries, wealth, love and everything in my life. All I want is your support, love, devotion and most importantly, respect. Decide if you are in or find someone else." I said as I disentangled myself from him.

"All I want is your love, Ms. Niharika. I would never cross my line but your luscious red lips looked amazing and I got carried away. I love you. I am sorry." He said looking into my eyes.

"You can meet me after work or at lunch in my cabin for all this stuff. My cabin is pretty safe and sound-proof. I don't want this anywhere else. Plus, I don't want any grapevine about us in the office. I have a reputation and so do you. Please understand." I said burying my head in his chest.

Rubbing my back, he said, "It's okay. See you at lunch. I am sorry. I love you and respect you, your reputation and your hard work. I won't repeat." He kissed on my forehead assuring me. Teasing me, he said, "Now you control and let me too, I know we both have the same desires."

I disentangled myself from his hug and ran towards the door without looking at him. We really couldn't control ourselves, I realized.

I ran towards my office and thanked god since Arpit understood my point. I realized I was annoyed for a moment but my anger had subsided.

I got back to work again.