Tere Ho Ke Rahenge (on hold)

Chapter 12

Adarshini stared at the computer screen, her mind racing. The news of the stolen idea had spread through the office like wildfire, and the atmosphere was charged with tension. They had only a few weeks to redo months of work, and the pressure was mounting.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The project was crucial, not just for the company's success, but for her own career. Failure was not an option.

She closed her eyes for a moment, visualizing the path ahead. They needed a new approach, something innovative yet feasible within the tight deadline. Her mind started to sift through the possibilities, discarding the ones that wouldn't work, honing in on a few potential solutions.

Adarshini stood up from her desk and walked over to the whiteboard. She began scribbling ideas furiously, her mind a whirlwind of creativity and determination. She knew she couldn't afford to second-guess herself. Every minute counted.

As the hours passed, the whiteboard filled up with diagrams, notes, and strategies. Adarshini worked tirelessly, fueled by adrenaline and a deep sense of responsibility. She knew her team was counting on her to lead them through this crisis.

The night wore on, and exhaustion began to creep in. Adarshini forced herself to take a short break, stepping outside for a breath of fresh air. The cool night air helped clear her mind, and she felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Returning to her desk, she glanced at the clock. It was well past 8, but there was still so much to do. She debated whether she should stay at the company or leave for home. Finally deciding she packed her bag and walk out to reach her house as soon as possible so that she can resumed her work.

When Adarshini finally reached home, she noticed the lights were on and felt a wave of relief. Stepping inside, she saw Eshanth sitting on the couch, focused on his phone. His presence was a steady anchor in the turmoil of her day.

Eshanth looked up as she walked in, his face calm and composed. He didn't say anything, but she could tell he had been waiting for her. This silent understanding between them was their way—no grand gestures, just quiet, dependable support.

Adarshini slipped off her shoes and walked over to him. The table was set for dinner, a simple but comforting sight. There was a silent promise between them that they would always share their evening meal together, no matter how late it was or how trying their days had been.

Eshanth put his phone down and stood up, waiting for her to join him at the table. She managed a tired smile, appreciating his patience and the sense of normalcy he provided.

"I'm going to freshen up before dinner," Adarshini said softly, her voice carrying the fatigue of the day.

Eshanth nodded, his eyes conveying his understanding. He didn't need to say anything; his presence was enough.

As Adarshini walked towards the bathroom, she felt a bit of the day's weight lift from her shoulders. She knew that with Eshanth by her side, even in his quiet, steadfast way, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Adarshini emerged from the bathroom, feeling slightly refreshed, she joined Eshanth at the dining table. The meal was laid out simply but invitingly, just as it always was. Eshanth took his seat across from her, and they began to eat.

Usually, their dinners were filled with light conversation about their days, but tonight, Adarshini found herself lost in thought. The stress from work lingered, making it difficult to muster the energy to talk. She picked at her food, her mind still racing with ideas and concerns about how to tackle the problem at the office.

Eshanth noticed her unusual silence. He observed her carefully, his eyes showing a flicker of unknown emotion, but he didn't say anything. He knew Adarshini well enough to understand that she needed space to process her thoughts. Instead, he simply continued eating, respecting the silence between them.