Along the Lines of Love | ✓

Chapter 40 : Welcome back

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kaise main kahun tujhse, rehna hai tere dil mein

♪

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Nikhil sat on the back seat of his car spaced out. He couldn't get over that hug. He had no clue how she did it, but she always made him feel special with the simplest words and actions. The day had been hard on him, he hated when things spiralled out of control. It was like whatever he had built over years with hard work, sacrifices and sleepless nights would come crashing down like a palace of cards even if one card was displaced. There was the one big client he had lost after an ugly spat and then this meeting that had come put of nowhere.

However, a little time with Sharanya had turned his day around. How was she so calm all the time? He would have a thousand issues on his mind, but when he was with her, they all faded away somehow. He smiled looking out of the window instead of reviewing the proposal draft that was waiting for his comments. He just couldn't get over that moment of closeness and stop that weird feeling that made his lips curve up and cheeks warm. The way her hands went around him, the way she softly spoke over his shoulder, close to his ear.

His smile broadened as he looked at his vibrating phone that flashed the name Sharanya. Taking a few seconds to step out of the dream like feeling he picked up the call.

"You forgot your mobile charger," came his wife's voice from the other end. A panic lining her tone.

"Relax, I have a spare one in the car." He said, pointing to the storage compartment in the dashboard in the front of the passenger seat. The driver took the cue and opened it.

"Charger," He said and the driver quickly pulled the adapter that had a wire attached, and handed it to him.

"Got it, Sharanya! I will put it in my bag right away." He said.

"Oh okay!" He heard her say, feeling the relief in her voice.

"Thank you," He said softly, the phone close to his mouth. He didn't know what words to use beyond them. No matter what words would never be enough to let her know how special she made him feel.

"Welcome."

A brief pause filled the gap. "Good night then," He said, realizing that the silence between them triggered something in the pit of his stomach.

"Good night, call me or ... text me once you board the plane." She said.

"I will text you, you can sleep. I mean you don't have to wait up, for my call."

"It's okay," She said.

He smiled. "Bye then,"

"Bye. Have a safe flight." She said.

He smiled ending the call.

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Sharanya turned and tossed in bed. Sighing she got up to see the time. A frown formed on her face. Why hadn't he texted or called? Did he forget? It was not the first time she was all alone in a house at night but it was definitely a first in this bigger house. She had left the light of the passageway on. Every time the curtain moved throwing shadows on the wall, Sharanya had to talk to herself to convince her it was just the curtain.

She didn't miss Nikhil bit she definitely missed another human around. Bravely she got up and shut the window. Walking back to he bed, she decided to call him. Maybe she'd feel a little better after talking to him. She also had an excuse. Without wasting a minute she picked up her phone and dialled his number.