Hold my hand_ TejRan fanfiction

Chapter 5: Beyond Business

Tejasswi stared at the message, her heart heavy with indecision. Dinner with Karan was tempting, but could she handle it? Remain composed and in control while alone with him? It was a risk. Years of effort had built the indifferent, cold Tejasswi Chatterjee. A single moment could unravel it all.

Her gaze flickered back to the phone. With a deep breath, she typed: "Maybe another time, Mr. Noon. Busy preparing for tomorrow's meeting."

A wave of loneliness crashed over her as she hit send. Was she pushing away the one person who might understand her pain? Tears welled in her eyes. She squeezed them shut, whispering affirmations of strength.

A notification chimed. Karan's response: "Don't rush a decision. We should discuss the presentation and networking event. Dinner could facilitate that. If you're open to it."

Tejasswi reread the message. Business associates, professional matters, that's all this was. No need to overthink, to inject nonexistent emotions. "Alright, fine," she replied. "Send the location."

"Hotel Park Avenue, 7.45 pm. My meeting ends at 7.30 pm," came the reply.

Evening 

By 7.30 pm, Tejasswi, impeccably dressed in black formal wear, was at the hotel. Seeing a reserved table with a flickering candle and a flower bouquet sent a jolt of irritation through her. Pushing them aside, she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to compose herself.

Unaware, Karan watched from upstairs, his heart clenching as he witnessed Tejasswi's internal struggle. The forced pep talk, the nervous energy, the practiced smile – a facade to mask the vulnerability beneath.

He joined her, their eyes meeting. "Hi, Ms. Chatterjee."

"Hi, Mr. Noon," she replied, her voice betraying no emotion.

He retrieved the bouquet, amusement flickering as he saw her surprise. "This is for you, symbolizing our growth together... he paused to see her shocked eyes telling him a lot of things, and he continued.. as business partners, of course."

Tejasswi stammered, "Oh, y-es." Karan's inward chuckle was a balm to his amusement. "Let's discuss the presentation, shall we?"

The discussion flowed. Karan admired Tejasswi's focus and clarity, a woman driven by professional goals.

Later, Karan, feigning hunger, pleaded in a playful baby voice, "Let's have dinner. I'm famished!"

A genuine smile touched Tejasswi's lips. "Alright," she agreed.

Their contrasting choices – Tejasswi's light soup and espresso, Karan's indulgent pizza and lasagna – sparked a playful conversation about health and happiness.

Karan prodded, "You don't want a bite? It's delicious!"

"I'm good, thank you," Tejasswi replied. 

K: Besides, boring food keeps you healthy.Boring food, boring people," he teased.

T: "Excuse me?"

"Just saying, you know," he chuckled. "Those calories won't hurt. Food is about happiness, not just health."

Tejasswi shook her head, unconvinced.

K: Well, anyway, I'm having a happy dinner with my happiness, you know, so I don't wanna think of anything else...

Tejasswi's brows furrowed in confusion.

Sensing an opportunity, Karan pressed on. "btw Tejasswi," he said, his voice softening. Her gaze met his. "Life's too short to be unhappy. Break free, enjoy it."

"Thank you for the advice, Mr. Noon," she replied politely. "I am content as I am. Health over happiness, that's my motto."

The dinner concluded, and Tejasswi, to Karan's surprise, insisted on paying.

"Let's split it," he offered. "Or, if you pay this time, the next one's on me. You can't escape that.. ."

Tejasswi pondered for a moment before conceding, "Alright."

A silent promise flickered in Karan's eyes. "Many more to come," he murmured. "This unofficial date is just the beginning. We have a long way to go, Tejasswi."

As they left the restaurant, Karan announced, "By the way, we have a business trip to Paris next week."

"I'm aware," Tejasswi acknowledged.

"Be prepared," he said enigmatically.

"For what?" she questioned.

**A smile played on his lips. "The meeting ....and the presentation, of course.. what else I want you to be prepared?" he finished with a teasing smile

Tejasswi couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully. Here he was again, with his double meanings. Still, a warmth bloomed in her chest at the thought of Paris,

T(mind): work and him.. scary combo.. but I wont mix professional and personal life.. Tejasswi Chatterjee is the best.. sorted..

He dropped her to the car and left for his car.

Back at her car, Tejasswi lingered, a thought nagging at her. "Karan," she began hesitantly, "why do I feel like there's more to everything he says? I think I should ignore details.. he was always like that kid.. she smiled.

He leaned against his own car, a confident smile gracing his features. "Perhaps there is a lot of meaning, Tejasswi; I can make you smile.. till the meeting, I was dubious..but today, I could see the Dia in you.. and yes, I want you to smile, laugh, giggle always. Let's see if you can decipher the hidden messages, or if you try to ignore them.

Tejasswi reached home

she replayed the evening's events. The way his eyes had held hers, the playful banter, the unexpected tenderness in his voice – it all made her heart skip a beat. Was he just being his usual charming self, or was there something more brewing beneath the surface?

Tejasswi shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. She wouldn't let herself get swept away. Business was business, and she wouldn't allow Karan to blur the lines. 

Karan's home:

Karan was holding a picture of Tejasswi of the party and a mischievous smile tugged at his lips. Perhaps a little friendly competition wouldn't hurt. Maybe it was time to see if she could decipher his hidden messages, and for making her all out, 

A mischievous grin spread across his face. "I need to bring out the vulnerable, happy Tejasswi. I love her independent, strong side, but I need to crack her shell for her true happiness. And I promise, Tejasswi," he whispered to the picture, "I'll be there to catch you when you fall, when you cry, when you laugh.. and yes, that's a promise..."

With that thought, a thrill of anticipation shot through him. Paris, stolen moments, and the undeniable pull between them – this business trip was about to become a whole lot more interesting.