Becoming Sweethearts [✓]

Prologue

"Stop that lift!" A loud feminine screech echoed in the lounge of the building, and one of the persons in the elevator quickly pressed the button to open the doors that were almost closing. A woman in her late twenties tried to walk as quickly as possible without trying to trip, mentally cursing herself for agreeing to wear a saree to office.  Her heels click-clacked on the posh marble floor with a practised poise.

"Thank you" she murmured to the man who held the doors open for her with his foot. He seemed to be slightly flustered and nodded with a shy smile, happy to be the one recieving attention from the only woman in the elevator.

Silly man, she mentally chuckled and then shook her head. The elevator doors opened with a ding at the eighth floor and she quickly stepped out without a glance behind.

As she walked into the office and proceeded towards her cubicle, she heard a few whispers in the passage. She was the hot topic of discussion. After all, on the whole floor that was dressed in western business formals, she was the only one in a bright pink cotton saree.

The moment she reached her cubicle and dumped her bag on her table, she heard a snigger. It had to be that jerk she called her best friend. At least, at work, he was the only man she could call her best friend. The only man who took the liberty of openly laughing at her.

"Naari in saree? Again?" He asked, his eyes gleaming with a teasing mischief. "Oberoi ke bachche, tujhe toh main baad mein dekhungi!" She said with a frown, and then with am uncomfortable expression, tried adjusting the pleats of her saree, trying to block out his laughter from her ears.

"Gauri, honey! What are you doing?" Gauri Kumari Sharma, who hated her middle name since she believed it did not go with her image, frowned when she heard Ishana's voice. "Minding my own business, Ishana. You should try that too. It's quite a healthy practice!"

"I was just wondering how come you turned up in a saree this morning. HR hasn't even announced Ethnic Day yet" she said, and without waiting for any reply, she sashayed towards the cubicle beside Gauri's.

"Good morning, Omi" she said as she batted her lashes. "Good morning, gorgeous!" He said and she giggled. Gauri rolled her eyes, still adjusting her pleats and the pin carefully, so it wouldn't poke her skin.

"I made breakfast today - Spanish omlette and some toast. I bought some for you too, Omi. Won't you join me for breakfast at the canteen?"

Omkara swiftly rose from his seat and flashed her a charming smile. "After you, babe" he said, allowing her to walk ahead. She giggled as she walked in front. Omkara locked his laptop, and in the next moment, he flung his arm over Gauri's shoulder. "Let's go, Sharma"

Ishana's smile vanished as she heard Omkara dragging Gauri along. She hoped to have some lone time with the handsome man, but he simply had to drag Miss Gauri around like his favourite toy! "Umm, Omi, I've packed breakfast only for two" Ishana tried to hint that she did not want any company apart from Omkara, who smartly said, "Oh, don't worry, sweetums. Sharma and I will share what you've made for me."

Gauri noticed Ishana's crestfallen expression, as she appeared quite desperate to have him alone with her. Part of her felt sorry for the woman at the way Omkara deliberately avoided going alone with her every single time. Be it breakfast, lunch or even coffee, he always dragged Sharma around, even when she wasn't in a mood to tag along, like today.

"Oberoi, you go. I have some work to finish" Gauri said and saw the joy on Ishana's face. Omkara with a small frown looked at Gauri, and then exclaimed, "Oh yes! We've got to complete the team report that Krishna asked for." Turning towards Ishana, he said with the most sincere apologetic tone, "Ishana, I am terribly sorry. We really want to have breakfast with you, but if we don't submit the reports by 10 this morning, Krishna will be skewering our heads for a barbeque. Sorry, girl. Maybe some other time?"