𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑.17

D h r i t i

It was quite disconcerting to observe the man as he casually threw his sarcasm in my direction and it left me wondering how I would manage to work alongside him. I couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that his mannerisms and words were tinged with a certain scorn towards me. How will I tolerate that Aarush Malhotra until his project get completed? Working with him is the last thing that I wanted to do now. 

Aju's voice broke through my thoughts, "Riti, what's on your mind?" He asked with a hint of concern. I hesitated before responding, as I wasn't quite sure how he would react to my thoughts about Aarush Malhotra.

"I was actually thinking about Aarush Malhotra," I began, watching Aju's face for any sign of a reaction. "When he entered the cabin earlier, he simply wouldn't take his eyes off me. It was almost as if he was trying to convey some hidden message."

Aju chuckled at my concern, 'How can anyone resist staring at you, Riti? You look absolutely stunning with your thick black hair and your sparkling dark brown eyes. It's no wonder Aarush couldn't take his eyes off of you," he said, his words tinged with a certain warmth.

I couldn't help but laugh at his flattery, "Oh stop it, Aju."

Just then, Ruhi walked into my cabin, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Riti, why didn't you call me for the meeting earlier?" She asked, her voice filled with a hint of disappointment.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Ruhi, I know how busy you've been with the new project, so I didn't want to disturb you. Besides, Aju was around, always ready with a buoyant presence and a free schedule." I said, giving her a reassuring smile.

Ruhi didn't seem convinced, "But why didn't you call me, Riti? I could have helped out if you needed me," she said, her voice a little more insistent this time.

However, Aju's response was as unexpected as it was sharp. "Oh, this girl. I was flirting with Riti, and you had to come and ruin the moment." Ruhi didn't seem to appreciate Aju's comment, and her voice took on a serious tone. 'Oh, sorry for ruining your moment, but can I ask something? Why do you only flirt with Riti and not me?" It was then that I noticed a change in Ruhi's demeanor; when Aju paid attention to me, a sense of unease washed over her. I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to her feelings than mere annoyance at Aju's antics.

Aju replied, "Because she looks hot and is always dressed in stylish clothes, unlike you. You always wear sarees and Anarkalis, so how can I flirt with you?" The comment was punctuated by a wink in my direction, an action that, while intended to be teasing, missed its mark in light of Ruhi's wounded expression.

I couldn’t allow the situation to fester, a responsibility I took upon myself. "It's not cool, Aju," I spoke earnestly, feeling the weight of Ruhi's pained silence.

She didn’t linger long, choosing to leave my cabin swiftly, her departure echoing the sudden silence that enveloped the area.

Sensing an opportunity to right the wrong that had occurred, I urged Aju to make amends. "Aju, go and say sorry to her…she is hurt by your words." Determination set in both Aju’s gaze and carriage as he heeded my advice, the pair of them fading into the hallway.

In the aftermath of the sudden change in atmosphere, I found myself once again engrossed in my work.

_____________________________

After finishing all his work at the office, Aarush arrived home. Upon his arrival, he noticed that Aashvi was sitting on the couch, still not in a good mood after the incident that occurred the previous night. Ayaan and Aryan, were attempting to lighten her mood. Meanwhile, Karthika, Meera, and Dadi were engaged in a serious conversation about Aryan's upcoming wedding. Jaidev, Jayesh, and Dadu were also involved in their own discussion.