𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑.22

Next morning

Aarush found himself compelled to leave for his office earlier than usual, as he wished to avoid the incessant teasing that his family subjected him to whenever he lingered at home for too long. While he cherished the warmth and camaraderie that his family provided, there were times when the playful banter veered towards the slightly irksome, bordering on the uncomfortable. In order to maintain his sanity and preserve his peace of mind, Aarush decided it would be best to make an early exit before the situation could escalate.

Stepping out of the regal mansion that housed his family, Aarush inhaled deeply, filling his lungs with the crisp morning air. The sun had barely begun its ascent into the sky, casting a gentle, ethereal glow over the quiet streets. As if on cue, a sleek, luxurious vehicle glided to a halt before him, its polished exterior gleaming as it reflected the burgeoning light of dawn. The driver, ever the consummate professional, stepped out of the car with practiced ease, his gloved hand reaching for the door handle with an almost theatrical flourish.

A a r u s h

In the wake of my questionable conduct from the previous day, I find myself incapable of mustering the courage to face Dhriti at her office today. My mind is inundated with questions, doubts, and regrets about my behavior towards her. I can't help but ponder, 'What is she thinking of me? What must she have thought about the absurd questions I posed?' I cringe at the memory of my incoherent rambling. The mere thought of encountering her today fills me with dread, as I imagine her grilling me, seeking explanations for my unusual behavior. This is a situation I would rather avoid.

As I am lost in these thoughts, my contemplative trance is interrupted by the driver's announcement, "Sir, we have arrived at the office." The sound of his voice pulls me back into reality, and I find myself roused from my internal dialogue. Taking a moment to adjust, I begin to regain my composure.

A guard assigned to my security detail opens the car door, allowing me to step out and proceed towards my designated workspace. Just as I begin to move, a voice startles me, causing me to freeze in my tracks. It is hers, Dhriti's voice, echoing through the office. "Mr. Aarush Malhotra," she calls out, her voice resonating in my ears. My heart races, and I question my sanity, 'Am I experiencing auditory hallucinations?' It is impossible for her to be here; she has never been to my office before. Despite the improbability of the situation, my brain perceives her voice. Unable to bring myself to face her, I decide to continue moving towards my cabin, without acknowledging her presence or turning back.

"Mr. Aarush Malhotra, what's wrong with you?" Again, her voice echoed in my office, leaving me in a state of utter disbelief. She was really here, in flesh and blood. The woman who had managed to dominate my thoughts and emotions, despite my best efforts to relegate her to the confines of my subconscious. How would I now face her? My heart raced at the sound of her heels clicking against the cold, hard floor, each striking a chord within me. I looked back; my eyes helplessly drawn towards her. Why did she have to look so stunning in every outfit? This was precisely why I found it so challenging to maintain my composure when she was around.

Today, her hair was tied up in a ponytail, with a few rebellious strands escaping to hang tantalizingly in front of her face. My eyes, almost traitorously, lingered on her lips. Today, she wore a berry nude lipstick shade, adding a mysterious allure to her appearance. I couldn't help but marvel at the depth of my knowledge about lipstick shades.

Her outfit of choice, a black jumpsuit, only served to fuel my fascination. I was starting to suspect that she had an affinity for the color black. It seemed as though she wore black more often than not. Even so, the color suited her perfectly. It matched her personality, which was as enigmatic and captivating as the color itself.