Kshitij got Kritika [Completed✓]

CHAPTER ~ 10

POV :~ KSHITIJ

I was sitting at my desk, my mind wandered back to the conversation I had with Kritika five days ago. It had been a surprisingly smooth and comforting talk, but that one line has hit me,

“It's not like I'm going to force you upon falling in love with me.”

I had felt so awkward that I had ended up making excuse and disconnecting the call. But I had also sent her message saying that she can text me, because it had immediately hit me that she was joking, it's not her mistake.

I am glad she hadn’t called me after that day. We shared simple texts—good morning, good night, and the occasional update on our days. It felt manageable, a way to stay connected without diving too deep into the complexities of our situation.

I leaned back in my chair, staring out the window at the bustling city below. Despite my initial reservations, talking to Kritika had felt good, no offence. She was understanding, patient, and surprisingly easy to talk to, as a friend.

My thoughts got interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Rishikesh, my hotel manager, holding a stack of reports.

“Sir, here are the financial statements for the last quarter,” he said, placing the papers on my desk. “And we need to discuss the upcoming event schedule.”

“Thanks, Rishikesh,” I said, shaking off my reverie. “Let’s go through them.”

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I thought of sliding it out but,

“Sir, about the conference next month,” Rishikesh’s voice brought me back to the present. “We need to finalize the guest list and the catering arrangements.”

“Right,” I said, focusing on the task at hand. “Let’s get that sorted.”

We spent the next hour going over the details, ensuring everything was in place for the upcoming events.

After Rishikesh left, I took out my phone to check out emails. But as soon as the screen lightened, I saw her name.

I clicked on the notification.

Kritika : Hey, Can we talk on call tonight?

Call.

Me : I'm slightly busy.

Kritika : Not now, Kshitij. "Tonight."

Tonight, okay.

Me : Okay. 11:30p.m. Will you be okay with it?

Kritika :  Ofcourse, I'll call you. Bye, take care.

It's better on text actually. Atleast I get a chance to think before replying her anything. On call. God, the voice gives really different feelings. Specially when the one on other side is your to-be wife.

~

It was nearly 11 PM by the time I finally walked through the front door of my house. The long hours at the hotel were draining, but the familiarity of home always provided a sense of comfort.

I headed straight to my room for a quick shower, the warm water washing away the day's fatigue.Fresh and dressed in casual clothes, I made my way to the dining room where my family was waiting. The table was already set with a simple yet appetizing spread. Everyone else had slept, my mother was awake, talking with her bestfriend.

My mother greeted me warmly. “Long day?”

“Very long,” I replied, taking my seat. “But productive.”

Kritika's mother, whom I affectionately called Aunty, was also at the table. Her presence has become a part of our nightly routine.

Despite the exhaustion, the home-cooked meal was rejuvenating.