Ethereal

Legerity

Legerity
(n.) a surprising quickness of mind

I find myself adrift in a sea of uncertainty, hoping that by assuming Ruhi's role, Nirvan would finally engage with me. Instead, he has actively shut me out, ensuring I remain on the periphery of his world. The ache in my heart is relentless as I witness this change in him. We used to exchange pleasantries, however fleeting, but now it's as if I'm a ghost. The person I encounter in the office bears little resemblance to the one I once knew. It's disorienting and deeply painful to feel this disconnect with someone who seems to be so close to me yet is light years away

Kaia abruptly halted her journaling as Nandini's call interrupted her thoughts. Nandini's stern tone softened as she instructed Kaia to come to the home office.

Kaia lightly tapped on the mahogany door before stepping into the office.

"How's everything at your new job?" Nandini greeted cheerfully.

"Good," Kaia replied tersely.

"Is everyone treating you right?" Nandini continued with concern.

"Absolutely," Kaia assured her.

"How about our other employees? Are they happy, no unionization or anything, right?" Rajiv interjected, his presence almost unnoticed until now.

"Not at all," Kaia responded, feeling the weight of his scrutiny.

"Good, good. I heard about today's episode," Rajiv shifted the conversation abruptly.

"What episode?" Kaia asked, her gaze flickering away.

"The one where my son behaved inappropriately with some new girl from the finance department, though I am yet to know the reason" Rajiv stated matter-of-factly. Both Nandini and Kaia stiffened at this revelation, as Nandini was well aware that Kaia was the subject of office gossip.

"Nothing of that sort happened, I was there," Kaia defended herself quietly.

"Well, he is doing something right," Rajiv's condescending tone grated on Kaia's nerves. Despite Nirvan's occasional grumpiness, his sharp mind and leadership qualities made an undeniable impression and was impeccable in his field.

Nandini was in the midst of discussing something when Kaia noticed the neatly wrapped turquoise file containing the financial report for the last month on the table.

"Um, I'm sorry for interrupting, but can I see it?" Kaia pointed towards the file.

Rajiv paused, setting down his pen and fixing his attention on Kaia. He pushed the file in her direction without a word.

Kaia sifted through the pages, her movements growing more frantic with each turn.

"This can't be right," she muttered aloud.

"Who gave this to you?" Kaia inquired sharply.

"Sandeep, the finance head. He is the one who submits it to me without fail every month " Rajiv replied, his tone edged with curiosity.

"What about this month?" Kaia said furrowing her thick brows

"It's in the office, what about it?" Rajiv straightened his back

'Nirvan doesn't have it how does Mr.Malhotra?'

"Was I not supposed to have it?" Rajiv inquired sharply

"This is not the report," Kaia stated firmly avoiding answering his question

"What?" Rajiv's disbelief was evident.

"The balance sheet doesn't add up," Kaia continued, her voice gaining urgency.

"I checked it myself," Rajiv retorted brusquely.

"This is not the original," Kaia insisted, her tone resolute.

"I suggest you pay more attention. The finance department creates a single handwritten copy for verification, and the rest are typed. This should be the only original copy—the handwritten one."

"No, I know, but this is not the original, and it's also short by a few lakhs," Kaia emphasized.

"You need some rest," Rajiv dismissed her, snatching the file away abruptly.

Kaia moved silently toward her room, her mind swirling with thoughts, when she unexpectedly collided with someone and stumbled. Strong arms instinctively wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

Slowly, Kaia opened her eyes, which had closed involuntarily, to find herself enveloped by Nirvan's commanding presence. Her breath caught as she studied his face closely; his stubble seemed darker, his eyes more intense.

In that moment, Kaia's thoughts shifted abruptly from her troubles to her husband, who mirrored her captivation with their intimate proximity.

Nirvan hoarsely coughed as he steadied Kaia on her feet, then turned to walk away.

"Nirvan!" Kaia called urgently, her voice carrying a plea.

His heart raced at the sound of his name from her lips. Pausing, Nirvan stopped but didn't turn back.

"I really need to talk to you," Kaia implored, her voice lowered.

"I am busy," Nirvan replied curtly, his reluctance evident.

"It's about the files," Kaia pressed, stepping closer and speaking in a hushed tone.

"What about them?" Nirvan asked, his curiosity piqued despite himself.

"Let's discuss this somewhere else... please," Kaia pleaded, her eyes pleading with him.

Reluctantly, Nirvan agreed. He gestured for Kaia to follow him, leading her to a quiet corner away from prying ears. Tension hung thick between them as they walked, the unspoken history and emotions palpable.

"What about the files?" Nirvan repeated as they entered the room, his tone urgent.

"I don't think they've been misplaced. Mr. Malhotra has them," Kaia replied, her voice steady despite the gravity of her words.

"Dad? But I haven't ratified it," Nirvan exclaimed, his brow furrowing in concern.

"Sandip sir gave it to him. But it's not the original. The handwriting is different, and the balance sheet doesn't add up," Kaia explained, her eyes serious.

"Are you sure?" Nirvan asked incredulously, struggling to process the implications.

"Yes, absolutely certain. I filed it myself. I'm good with numbers; I can rewrite it," Kaia assured him, her confidence unwavering.

Nirvan sank into a chair, his mind racing with confusion. "When did you file it?" he inquired, trying to piece together the timeline.

"About three weeks ago," Kaia responded promptly.

"But it never reached me. I'll have to ask Sandeep," Nirvan muttered, his thoughts racing.

"You can't. I'm afraid someone is stealing from the company," Kaia asserted, her voice tinged with concern.

"Our employees are honest," Nirvan countered, though doubt crept into his tone.

"I'm sure, but what else could it be?" Kaia pressed, her eyes searching his face.

Nirvan sighed, reluctantly conceding to Kaia's reasoning. "We need to figure out whose handwriting it is,"

"How will we know if it's not the right one?" Nirvan pondered aloud, his brow furrowing.

"Oh my god, I forgot! I have a copy on my desk," Kaia exclaimed suddenly, realization dawning on her.

"I'll take care of it right now," Nirvan decided firmly, his resolve hardening.

"Where are you going?" Kaia asked, concern lacing her voice.

"To the office," Nirvan replied without hesitation.

"I'll come with you," Kaia offered immediately, their unspoken understanding solidifying their partnership in resolving the unfolding.

~~~~~~