In-yeon

Chapter 6:- The Lovers

Hello!  People

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Present

The room is crowded with people, but all Karishma can hear is her heart's loud thumping. In a surprising turn of events, An unexpected face landed in front of her.

Her gut delivers a relentless internal blow, similar to the sensation of the heart plummeting while riding a rollercoaster on its steepest drop or the momentary terror that grips you as you anticipate a collision on the road. The feeling of the stomach-churning twist of dread that signals imminent threat, an instinctual warning that whispers of the forthcoming danger is precisely what Karishma's body is feeling.

"Karishma? Oh dear phulan devi?" Abhinandan called, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. A light thump on the table finally captured her attention.

Karishma discreetly took deep breaths, hidden from the rest of the office. She hoped her racing heart would slow, allowing her to don Karishma Singh's professional mask once again.

"I am pleased to introduce you to Haseena Malik. ", says Abhinandhan.

When making a formal introduction, extending a handshake is the customary gesture, symbolizing mutual respect and a willingness to connect. However, in this instance, Karishma found herself utterly incapable of standing or extending the courtesy to Haseena. Sensing the situation's awkwardness, Haseena chose not to exacerbate the discomfort by insisting on formalities. She simply offered a smile. The encounter was unexpected for both of them. Rather than following the usual protocol of a first meeting, Haseena opted to convey her greeting with a warm, understanding smile.

Karishma tries molding her lips into a smile, struggling to conceal the storm of emotions swirling within her. She doesn't want to raise suspicions about her behavior, but everything inside her rebels against faking civility. The situation feels overwhelmingly strange. The meeting, the silence, the tension—everything is noticeable. Yet, no one else in the room could have guessed the complicated history between the two women. To the others, it might have seemed like just an anomaly.

"Nice to meet you, Haseena," says Karishma in a dead professional but low tone. "Malik"

"Okay! Now, as I was telling you, Karishma...Haseena is our guest. I would love her to be involved in the project. She is from Islamabad, and she is here for.... "

"I am sorry, Abhinandhan, but I have to go somewhere," Karishma said, glancing at her watch. "I came to the office to inform you that I will take a few days off for personal reasons. I am sure Miss Malik's time is precious, and I would hate to waste it. Trisha will get her acquainted with whatever you need her to know. Now, please... excuse me."

Karishma picked up her bag and strode out of the office, leaving a trail of confused faces. The most bewildered of all was Trisha, who had just spoken with Karishma moments before, everything seeming as normal as it had been a few days ago. What could be so personal that it would drive Karishma to leave so abruptly? Karishma never took sick days. So, it was utterly out of the ordinary for her to request personal time, especially amid the team's frantic efforts to get the Bridging Borders project to Pakistan. Before Trisha could chase after her and throw her under thick layers of questions, Karishma had already ensured that Trisha was occupied with the newly arrived guest.

Abhinandan smiles at Haseena. "You see! What you have to handle as an executive producer. Unexpected crises. " He sighs. "You want to join your boss in the walkout?" he asks Trisha with a wry smile.