Shadows of The Heart

CHAPTER 8

people have a weird way of surprising you.. make sure you return the favour!

***

The rhythmic clacking of keyboards and the soft hum of office activity filled the air at Singhania Industries, a bustling hub of productivity and innovation. Amidst the organized chaos, Aryan found his thoughts drifting more often to Maya, his colleague whose dedication and expertise had earned his admiration.

That afternoon, as they found themselves alone in the break room, Aryan seized the moment to bridge the professional distance that subtly separated them.

Aryan: "Ms. Maya, do you have a moment?"

Maya looked up from her laptop, her eyes meeting Aryan's with a mixture of curiosity and warmth.

Maya: "Sure, Mr. Aryan. What's on your mind?"

Aryan took a moment to gather his thoughts, his gaze meeting Maya's with a newfound openness.

Aryan: "I know we've been dealing with a lot lately, especially with the cyber threat and everything. But I wanted to say that I appreciate your dedication and expertise."

Maya's smile widened, a genuine sense of appreciation reflecting in her eyes.

Maya: "Thank you, Mr. Aryan. Your words mean a lot to me, especially coming from someone I respect so much."

The air between them seemed to lighten, a subtle shift in their dynamic as unspoken feelings lingered beneath the surface.

Aryan: "Listen, Maya, I was thinking... Would you like to grab dinner with me tonight? Just a casual, no-work-talk evening?"

Maya's heart skipped a beat at Aryan's invitation, a mix of surprise and excitement colouring her expression.

Maya: "I'd love to, Mr. Aryan. That sounds like a wonderful idea."

As the day progressed, Maya found herself looking forward to the evening, her mind wandering to the possibilities of their dinner together.

The clock struck six, signaling the end of the workday as Aryan and Maya made their way to the restaurant. The ambiance was cozy, with soft lighting and a gentle murmur of conversations creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Aryan: "I'm glad we could do this, Maya. It's nice to have some time away from work."

Maya nodded, a smile playing on her lips as she took in the surroundings.

Maya: "Definitely. It's good to unwind and just enjoy the moment."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on topics ranging from work challenges to personal interests. Aryan shared anecdotes from his travels, while Maya talked about her passion for technology and her love for adventurous hobbies like hiking.

As the evening progressed, a comfortable familiarity settled between them, their laughter blending seamlessly with the ambient sounds of the restaurant.

The evening at the restaurant had a magical quality to it, as if time slowed down just for Aryan and Maya. Amidst the soft glow of the ambient lights and the gentle hum of conversations around them, their connection deepened with each passing moment.

As they delved into more personal topics during dinner, Maya couldn't help but notice the way Aryan's eyes sparkled with genuine interest whenever she spoke about her passions and dreams. Likewise, Aryan found himself captivated by Maya's enthusiasm and the way she effortlessly balanced her professional demeanour with a charming, down-to-earth personality.

Maya: "You know, Aryan, it's not often that I get to talk about my hobbies like this. Most people at work only see the tech side of me."

Aryan nodded, a warm smile gracing his lips.