𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

DHRUVI

The more I try to stay away from Atharva, the more the universe creates opportunities for us to be together. Honestly, if it weren't for work, I wouldn't even go near him. I seriously feel like abandoning my job and retreating to the Himalayas for some soul-searching.I was almost done with my packing, but the suitcase zipper refused to close. Of course, this had to happen now. I tried with all my might, but it just wouldn't budge. Frustrated, I sat on top of the suitcase, hoping my weight would help when Atharva interrupted, "What are you doing?"

I looked up to see him standing there, looking effortlessly handsome with one hand in his pocket and the other holding his phone. I groaned inwardly at the sight of him-he looked like a hero, while I must have looked like a clown, perched on my suitcase.

He walked over and asked, "What's the problem?"

"The suitcase won't close, so I'm sitting on it," I explained. He inspected the zipper and said, "Stay like that." Leaning in to reach the zipper, our faces were only inches apart. He tried to smooth out the zipper and slide it to the middle,
As I continued to marvel at his features, Atharva suddenly looked up, and our eyes met. My breath hitched, and I felt a jolt of electricity. He caught me staring, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. I quickly averted my gaze, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks

"Dhruvi, just move aside," he said with a grin, snapping me back to reality. I quickly moved aside, and he effortlessly closed the suitcase.

"Done," he said with a satisfied smile. Then, without warning, he grabbed my waist and lifted me off the suitcase, placing me gently on the ground. "You are so light," he remarked, picking up the suitcase.

I stood there, speechless and flustered by what had just happened. He had literally lifted me as if I weighed nothing.

He said, "There's a flight at 8 AM tomorrow, can you wake up early?"

"I won't even sleep," I replied. He chuckled and said, "It's not that necessary to stay awake all night. Just make sure you wake up on time."

With that, I took the blanket and settled myself on the couch. "Sweet dreams," he whispered before turning off the light.

---

The next morning came swiftly. Despite my earlier resolve to stay awake, I managed to get a few hours of sleep. We hurried through the morning routine, grabbed our bags, and headed to the airport.

After the flight, we reached the farmhouse. Yes, a farmhouse!

"We could have stayed at a hotel. It's only for a few days," I said as we rode in the cab. He was sitting beside me, close enough that our legs would touch if we moved any further apart.

"I'm leading this project, and it's important for our company. My stay might be unpredictable and could require more time," he replied while typing something on his phone.

"So it requires your time more, not mine. Will I go back soon?" I asked.

He sighed and looked up at me. "You want to be far from me that much?"

Damn, is he hurt? I didn't mean to sound rude.

"No, I mean, what will I do if I don't have work here? My work will finish after the contract deal..." As a corporate lawyer, my tasks included drafting contracts, negotiating terms, ensuring compliance with legal regulations, and advising on business decisions.

"So, spend time with me or explore this place." He smiled at me, and I didn't know how to say no.

"Okay," I nodded. Then there was silence. Trust me, we were going to be like Francesca and John one day, except silence is their love language, and for us, it's just awkwardness.