Hold my hand_ TejRan fanfiction

Chapter 4: Twisted Emotions

Happy reading:

Karan's POV:

So, she lied. I thought she'd acknowledge it, maybe explain it away with professionalism, courtesy, or some other business jargon. But she flat-out denied it. He smiled 

Does she remember me then? She wouldn't have denied it if she didn't. A genuine smile played on my lips.

Game on, Ms. Tejasswi Chatterjee. You've just fueled my determination to make you mine. Until last night, I was filled with doubt and hurt. But now, I know pursuing this is right for both of us.

Sure, this confident, sassy Tejasswi is attractive, but I miss my sweet Dia, the girl with a million stories and an infectious laugh. I need to understand what happened. How did my bubbly chatterbox transform into this composed, guarded woman? Why the "Access Denied" sign around her heart? Is it everyone, or just me? Maybe there's an exclusive key I haven't found yet.

Whatever it is, I want to see her genuine smile again, the one that crinkles her eyes and lights up her entire face.

Tejasswi's POV

I couldn't even think in my wildest dreams I would meet Ritwik again after 12 years. My heart hammered in my chest as I had the conversation with Ritwik. He is Mr. Karan Noon for the business world, and we are having a new venture and collaboration together. How did I miss who Karan Noon was?

His cryptic comment about remembering something and his eyes had thrown me off balance. I maintained my calmness without breaking my shields. I can't this time. 

He asked about the "first meet" yesterday, and now he thanked me for dropping him home; yes, I did it, though I denied it. I couldn't allow him to make a mess over there being drunk; I also felt he glared at me before hitting the bar after our conversation. I could be wrong.  

But I should not have denied it. I could have told the reason as professionalism and courtesy. Did he suspect something? 

The realization hit me like a tidal wave. Did he remember Dia? But even if he did, things were different. Dia was gone, lost along the way. They were two paths that diverged.

I replayed the conversation in my mind, searching for any telltale signs of recognition. But there was nothing, just a playful smirk on his face that sent a shiver down her spine.

I opened my purse and took out the guitar keychain. 

Cradling the guitar keychain he gifted me, a reminder of a bygone era, I felt a surge of panic. The last thing I needed was Karan uncovering the secret buried deep within – my past life - I don't want to be the sweet, chatterbox, carefree "Dia", I guess so.

With meticulous care, I have built this new persona – Tejasswi Chatterjee, confident and guarded. A shield against vulnerability. "Access Denied," I whispered, a bitter taste in my mouth.

Walls enclosed my heart, a defense against further hurt. But was I shutting everyone out, including Karan? Guilt pricked me. He'd been my rock, a beacon of support despite the physical distance.

Should I tell him the truth? About the betrayal that shattered my dreams,

Should I be honest with him? 

The fear of rejection held her back. What if he saw her as a failure, a liability? The doubt gnawed at her, leaving her feeling conflicted. No, Tejasswi Chatterjee is a strong woman. No one can affect her. Dia got lost long back. Karan can't bring her back.

A few days passed with meetings and business calls; they were having video call meetings with teams.  They steal glances of each other.

After 4 days

Later in the evening, suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Karan.

"Dinner tonight? My treat. Let's talk about the networking event."