Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 14: Preparing for Triumph

As the preparations for the event intensified, Meena found herself juggling an armful of papers as she hurried into Aoom's office. Caught up in the flurry of activity, she didn't notice the small obstacle in her path until it was too late. With a gasp, she stumbled forward, papers scattering in every direction.

Before Meena could hit the ground, strong hands reached out to steady her. She looked up to find Aoom standing before her, a concerned expression on her face.

"Are you alright, Meena?" Aoom's voice was laced with genuine concern as she helped Meena regain her balance.

Meena felt her cheeks flush at the sudden contact, her heart pounding in her chest. "Y-Yes, I'm fine," she stammered, grateful for Aoom's quick reflexes.

Their eyes met, a shared moment of understanding passing between them. For a heartbeat, time seemed to stand still as they lingered in each other's gaze, the air charged with unspoken tension.

Just as Meena felt herself leaning closer, drawn in by the magnetic pull of Aoom's presence, the sound of the office door opening shattered the moment. They both startled, quickly composing themselves as if nothing had happened.

"Ah, Meena, Aoom, I have the latest updates on the marketing strategy," Ice announced, stepping into the room with a stack of papers in hand.

Meena's heart still raced with the residual adrenaline of their close encounter, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. As they dove back into the preparations, Meena couldn't shake off the lingering warmth of Aoom's touch, nor the electricity that sparked between them with every shared glance.

As Ice presented the updates on the marketing strategy, Meena couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over her. She wondered if Ice's keen observation had caught the subtle tension between her and Aoom earlier.

After the meeting adjourned, Meena found herself alone with Ice in the hallway, the tension between them palpable. Ice fixed her with a scrutinizing gaze, her lips curved into a knowing smile.

"So, Meena," Ice began, her tone laced with subtle intrigue, "how are things going with you and Aoom?"

Meena's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected question, knowing full well that Ice's insight into Aoom ran deep. She chose her words carefully, aware that Ice could easily read between the lines.

"Um, things are... complicated," Meena replied cautiously, trying to gauge Ice's reaction.

Ice arched an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "Complicated, huh?" she echoed, her tone betraying a hint of amusement. "That's not exactly the impression I got earlier."

Meena felt a knot form in her stomach as she struggled to maintain her composure. She knew that Ice was more perceptive than most, and she couldn't afford to let anything slip.

"Ice, I..." Meena began, her voice faltering as she searched for the right words.

But before she could continue, Ice's demeanor softened, her gaze filled with understanding. "Hey, Meena, I know Aoom better than anyone," she said gently, placing a reassuring hand on Meena's shoulder. "I can tell that things have been tough lately. Just know that I'm here for you, whatever you need."

Meena felt a wave of relief wash over her at Ice's words. Though the situation between her and Aoom remained complex, she knew that she could count on Ice's support and understanding every step of the way.

"Thank you, Ice," Meena murmured gratefully, a weight lifting from her shoulders. "I appreciate that more than you know."

As they parted ways, Meena couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Ice's unwavering support. With friends like Ice by her side, she knew that she wouldn't have to navigate the complexities of her relationship with Aoom alone.