Guys, I've just written a big chapter! Now, it's your turn to dive into the story. Please take a moment to read it and let me know what you think. Your votes and comments would mean a lot to me ❤️
As the meeting began, Anaya sat quietly at the side, observing everything with great interest. The conference room was filled with Azaan's team, all engaged in discussion as Azaan led with authority and confidence. His voice was calm but commanding and every word he spoke was backed by sound logic and strategy.
The projector displayed charts and graphs that highlighted their marketing strategies. Azaan explained them effortlessly, leaving no room for confusion. His team chimed in with their insights and Anaya could see how much they respected him. The ideas being shared were practical and innovative which made her realize just how efficient and dedicated his employees were.
Anaya watched in awe as Azaan handled each question and concern with expertise, his responses quick and insightful. It was clear he wasn't just their boss—he was a mentor and guide.
When the meeting ended, Azaan glanced at her as she gathered his documents. "Anaya, sab theek laga meeting mein?" he asked casually, sensing her curiosity.
"Bilkul. Tumhare strategies bohot impressive hain. Tum sach mein apne kaam ko leke serious ho" she admitted, feeling a newfound respect for him.
Azaan raised an eyebrow. "Tumhe laga main mazaak karta hoon office mein?"
Anaya shrugged with a small smile. "Pehle lagta tha, par aaj dekh kar samajh aaya ki tum bohot talented ho."
He smirked at her rare compliment. "Aakhir tumhe samajh aa hi gaya."
After the meeting, both of them returned to Azaan's cabin. Anaya picked up her tiffin box, delivered earlier by the driver.
As she prepared to leave, Azaan casually said, "Kaha ja rahi ho? Ek sath lunch karte hain."
Anaya gave him a brief look before replying, "Mein aaj Zayn ke saath khana khaungi" her tone nonchalant as she headed for the door.
Azaan froze for a moment, her words echoing in his mind. He tried to keep his expression neutral, but the sudden heaviness in his chest betrayed his emotions.
He watched her leave, forcing a smirk to mask his dismay. "Of course, fiancé ke saath hi hona chahiye" he muttered to himself, though his voice lacked its usual teasing edge.
Leaning back in his chair, Azaan sighed deeply. The room felt quieter, emptier. No matter how much he wanted to brush it off, her words lingered, leaving behind an ache he didn't want to acknowledge.
Anaya went to the finance floor which was in 8th floor and knocked on Zayn's cabin door. He looked up in surprise when she entered.
"Anaya, tum yaha?" Zayn asked, his voice filled with surprise.
"Actually, lunch time ho gaya hai, toh maine socha ki aapke saath lunch karoon" Anaya said with a cheerful smile.
Zayn let out a sigh, looking a bit overwhelmed. "Anaya, main tumhare saath lunch nahi kar sakta. Main abhi kaafi busy hoon. Tum Azaan ke saath lunch kar lo"
"Zyada time nahi lagega aur aapko bhi timely khana chahiye" she suggested gently.
"Anaya, mujhe bhook lagegi toh khaunga, abhi tum jao" he said firmly, trying to end the conversation. "Aur please, agar koi zaroori kaam ho toh tabhi mere cabin mein aana. Main yahan sirf kaam karne aata hoon aur kaafi serious hoon" he added in a stern tone.
"Okay" Anaya replied quietly, her disappointment clear, and left the room.
Anaya returned to her office, her thoughts clouded by Zayn's indifference. She felt uneasy, replaying his dismissive behavior over and over in her mind. He could take time to stop Urwa from resigning but didn't even bother to have lunch with her. The feeling of being sidelined lingered.
