𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓷.

Chapter - 10

I need loads and loads of inline comments!!🦋

Shivanya ~

I woke up with a pounding headache, the events of the previous night swirling in my mind like a fog. My eyes fluttered open, taking in the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. For a moment, I lay still, trying to piece together the fragments of my memory.

There had been a bar, and too much whiskey.

Mr. Raichand had found me at the bar and I vaguely recalled him helping me home. I groaned inwardly, my stomach twisting with embarrassment.

"Great, Shivanya. Just great," I muttered to myself, sitting up slowly. The room spun slightly, a reminder of the whiskey I had foolishly consumed. I reached for the glass of water on the bedside table.

As I sipped the cool water, I tried to focus on what needed to be done today. There was the hearing regarding the trademark infringement case and then Radhika and I needed to get to the hotel and check in. Today was her sangeet. I forced myself to get out of bed, dragging my feet towards the washroom. A hot shower was what I needed to clear my head and shake off the lingering unease.

"Why Shivanya, why? Out of all places, why did you have to go where your boss was?" I groaned, annoyed as I turned on the shower and stood under, getting annoyed at myself by the minute for my idiocy last night. My head was beating like it had a heart of its own, the after-effects of consuming too much whiskey, of course.

I finished my shower, wrapping myself in a towel and staring at my reflection. "Get a grip, Shivanya. You have tonnes of work and no time to do it." I squared my shoulders, trying to muster some semblance of confidence.

Dressing quickly, I chose an outfit that screamed professionalism—a crisp white blouse and a black pencil skirt. I pulled my hair into a sleek ponytail.

"Di? Where are you going?" Radhika asked as I stepped out of the living room.

"Good morning Radhika. I have a very important hearing today but I will be done by the afternoon. I have texted Taran, he will pick you and your stuff and take you to the hotel, okay? I'll be there before lunch, I promise." I said while she was making some coffee and toast for the two of us.

"But Di, today is my sangeet and I need you with me! How am I going to manage without you?" She looked slightly guilty at her words.

"My doll, I will be back before you know it. Promise." I tried to reassure her with a confident smile, but my insides were still churning with anxiety. I grabbed a piece of toast and took a quick bite before heading out.

As I stepped outside, I saw to a sleek black car parked just outside my block. The driver, a man in his fifties with a friendly look stood by the car.

"Who on Earth owns such an expensive car in this place?" I muttered as I looked around my apartments before walking ahead to get a cab. My car must be in the pub, making me groan inwardly again. As I was about to get away, the driver looked at me.

" Miss Shivanya Chopra?" He asked, stepped forward, a courteous smile on his face, and opened the door for me with a graceful, practiced motion and I nodded hesitantly.

How did he know me!?

"Good morning, Miss Chopra. Mr. Raichand sent me to take you to the court," he said, his tone respectful and reassuring.

I blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback. A surge of defiance surged within me. I didn't need him to look after me like this. I could handle things on my own. I straightened my posture, gathering the resolve to refuse the offer.