Our Secret Love : Office Romance

13. Tara

Entering the office, I half expected Dhruv to be sitting at his desk, but it was empty. He's late today. Which is unusual. He's usually very punctual.

I settled down and started going through my emails, trying to focus on my work. I see him every morning collecting his coffee in the break room, which is almost across my desk.

He's nowhere to be seen.

I collected my files and required materials for the usual daily scrum meeting. He should be there, at least.

I entered the room, and he wasn't there. He never misses these meetings. It is critical to know the next steps in the project.

As usual, the meeting continued, and we discussed new blueprints and ideas.

It's weird not to have him around. He's always around. Either in a meeting room or discussing a project with the treams, in a break room, or in the cafeteria. He always has something or another on his hands.

Am I missing having him around? No, I think everyone is feeling the same way.

Soon the time went by sketching the outline and the blueprints. It was a productive day, but a dull productive day. I look at the clock while packing my bag.

It's time to go home.

I have to hustle to get back home. Especially this time when all the people in this office and the other offices are looking for a cab or a bus to ride back home.

As I got out of the office lobby, a flash of red caught my eye. Parked illegally, practically daring a parking ticket, was Dhruv's car.

He had his back to me and a hand placed on the car, while the other was holding his phone to his ear. He was right beside the stop where I usually stand to get back home.

He probably has some work to do. That's the only plausible explanation for why he was here.

He was not in his work clothes, though. He was wearing formal trousers with a turtleneck shirt and no blazer on top.

It was a sight for sore eyes. He never looked better. He cut the call and turned to look at me. I think he noticed me looking at him but chose not to point it out.

"Hi," he said, smiling warmly.

I looked at him and eyed him suspiciously. I looked back and forth between his car and him.

"You do know you can't park there, right?"

"Guilty as charged, Your Honour," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender, cocky bastard. "But hey, chivalry isn't dead! Need a lift, fair maiden?"

I hesitated. His absence had rankled, but there was something undeniably charming about his audacity.

I looked at him for a little while and shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

He looked pleased and opened the door for me.

He looks happier than usual today. I wonder why. I am curious, but I don't want to give him the pleasure of knowing he has piqued my interest.

"Actually," he said while taking the car out onto the road. Damn him. He definitely has the right set of hands to drive. "We've got bigger things on our plate right now."

My curiosity flared. "Bigger things?"

He took a deep breath, his gaze briefly flickering to the road before meeting mine. "It's Arjun's wedding. Mom's swamped with all the preparations, and I volunteered to handle the groom's side."

"Hmm, that explains why you were a ghost today."

"The thing is, I need some help making decisions. You know, venue logistics, vendor options—all that jazz. Mom suggested Apoorva, but honestly, she's got her own things going on, and lately..." He trailed off, shaking his head slightly. "To be frank, she can be a tad... picky."

My lips twitched. Apoorva's meticulous nature was legendary. Like brother, like sister.

"So," Dhruv continued, his voice laced with regret, "I know I messed up. I should have apologised sooner, and frankly, I owe you a lot better than this awkward silence. But..." He hesitated, taking a deep breath. "Arjun's wedding has thrown everything into overdrive."

He met my gaze with hopeful sincerity. "Look, I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important. But it's also a chance for us—a chance to maybe bridge this gap that's grown between us. I'd really appreciate it if you'd consider helping me out for these three days."

'This doesn't sound like you making up, seems more like unpaid labor to me.' I contemplate on the satire. 

I narrow my eyes at him.

Three days of working closely with Dhruv? Could go really south. I've always wanted to see how he speaks outside of work. I've seen him with his cousins at parties, but the conversation was never directed at me. He never spoke to me until and unless it's a necessity.

The car came to a halt. I looked at Dhruv, and he was staring at me, hope in his eyes, evident.

"Alright, Dhruv," I finally said, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Wait for me tomorrow, would you? I'll pick you up."

I nodded.

Is it bad that I've already decided what my answer is going to be?

Am I being too compulsive?

I can't stop thinking about how much I'm starting to like him.

I don't know if it's a good thing or bad.

Whatever it might be, I'll get to know in the next two weeks. There's no point in rushing things.