Aarohi And Dev

CHAPTER 16

Dev POV

As I arrived home, I tenderly placed her sandal near my bed, my gaze lingering on it for a moment before I succumbed to a peaceful slumber.

The next day, I went to my office, Aman waiting for me in the cabin, "Aajkal Tu mere cabin mien zyada nahi aa raha hai?"
[You're not coming to my cabin much these days, are you?]

"Bhabhi ke baare mien news lekar aaya tha, jaa ab nahi deta, jaara main", he said with a fake pout.
[I brought news about sister-in-law, but I won't tell you now]

"I didn't mean it as a complaint," I interjected hastily, reaching out to detain him from leaving.

"First, admit that you enjoy my company and acknowledge that I'm superior to you," he declared, tossing his imaginary locks.

As I observed his theatrics, I couldn't help but think, 'If he were a girl in a past life, he'd surely be a drama queen.'

"Are you aiming for an early retirement?" I said, arching an eyebrow in a calculated manner.

"Fine," He said rolling his eyes. "So, Rajveer, one of Bhabhi's friends, is on the agenda for today's meeting regarding the Youth Investment Program," he elaborated.

"Reschedule it tonight", I stated.

Bhabhi, huh? Interesting, I chuckled to myself, relishing the thought.

She has an interview now, her first one. I need to be there with her, even if she doesn't know I would be there.

Hurriedly, I dressed and rushed to where her interview was taking place. Learning about her financial struggles from Gabriel hit me hard.

Despite her family's affluence, she's been deprived of basic luxuries like having her own car, relying instead on rides from friends. It breaks my heart to think about the life she's been forced to lead despite her background.

At first, I was inclined to intervene, to assist her financially and dissuade her from taking that job. However, now I've changed my mind. I won't stand in her way.

She should pursue her dreams, whatever they may be. If she encounters obstacles along the way and requires assistance, I'll be there for her. I want her to achieve everything she's ever dreamed of.

Despite the sweltering heat, I stood across the road, watching her enter the cafe, as stunning as ever. I refused to miss even a single moment of her presence. It was evident she would come out eventually, and I yearned to witness the joy on her face.

As she emerged from the cabin after a solid thirty minutes, her radiant happiness warmed my heart, making my day brighter. However, my joy faltered as I noticed her embrace with the person whom I presumed to be her friend. Questions flooded my mind: Why was she hugging him? Why was he being so touchy with her?

I want a hug too. The mere thought of her hugging me made my heart skip a beat. Oh, how I longed for her embrace, for that simple act of affection that would mean the world to me.

As she and her friend headed towards a restaurant, I anticipated her hunger and decided to act. Taking a shortcut, I arrived at the restaurant ahead of them. After a quick word with the manager, I arranged for everything to be offered to her for free and paid him a 20k advance.

Witnessing the person you adore relish their meal is truly one of life's most gratifying experiences.

As they parted ways after the meal, she walked ahead of me, her silhouette dancing gracefully on the pavement. I followed behind, trailing my fingers along the outline of her shadow.