Wounds of the Heart (दिल के घाव)💔

76

.
The boardroom buzzed with activity. Kunj and Abhimanyu stood at the head of the table, presenting their latest proposal to the assembled teams. The air crackled with tension, a mix of competition and collaboration.

"The new marketing campaign leverages both our brand strengths," Abhimanyu explained, his voice smooth and confident. "Khurana's established reputation coupled with Raizada's cutting-edge technology will create an unbeatable synergy."

Kunj nodded, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "The data supports your approach, Mr. Raizada. My team has crunched the numbers, and the projected ROI is quite promising."

A low chuckle escaped Abhimanyu, his eyes twinkling. "Always a numbers man, Mr. Khurana. But isn't there something more... intangible, something that a spreadsheet can't capture?"

Kunj met his gaze, a playful challenge in his eyes. "Intangible? Perhaps. But a well-crafted marketing strategy goes beyond just the bottom line."

Their banter drew a few curious glances from the room, but they expertly steered the conversation back to the project details. As the meeting progressed, Kunj couldn't help but steal glances at Abhimanyu. He looked so... alive, his eyes sparkling with passion, his voice full of conviction. It made Kunj's heart skip a beat.

Suddenly, Abhimanyu leaned in conspiratorially, his voice barely a whisper. "Hope you like the lilies, Kunj. They reminded me of your eyes - a stormy blue that always manages to calm the storm within me."

Kunj felt a blush creep up his neck. "Subtle, Raizada. Very subtle." He cleared his throat, forcing himself to focus. "Lilies? Are we talking about the same meeting, Mr. Raizada?"

Abhimanyu chuckled, a low rumble that sent a shiver down Kunj's spine. "Oh, we're definitely on the same page, Mr. Khurana. Just different paragraphs, perhaps."

The meeting ended in a flurry of handshakes and congratulations. As the room emptied, Abhimanyu lingered by Kunj's side.

"Lunch?" he asked, a hopeful smile on his face. "Just the two of us. No spreadsheets, no marketing jargon, just... us."

Kunj studied him for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. But then, he saw the sincerity in Abhimanyu's eyes, the unwavering affection. He couldn't resist.

"Alright, Raizada," he conceded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "But this time, you're picking the restaurant."

Abhimanyu's smile widened. "Consider it done, Mr. Khurana. You won't be disappointed."

As they walked out of the boardroom, their fingers brushed accidentally. A jolt of electricity shot through Kunj, a reminder of the powerful connection that bound them. Their secret romance, a hidden melody within the symphony of work, promised a delicious new chapter in their love story.

The bustling streets of Mumbai were a far cry from the sterile boardroom, offering a welcome change of scenery for Kunj and Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu, ever the charmer, had steered them towards a hidden gem - a quaint rooftop cafe nestled amidst the city's chaos.

Sunlight streamed through the overhead canopy, dappling the tables with a warm glow. The air carried the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee and exotic spices, a sensory delight that instantly relaxed Kunj.

They settled into a cozy corner, the murmur of conversation and clinking glasses creating a gentle background hum. A shy smile graced Kunj's lips as he took in the scene, a stark contrast to the high-powered meetings he usually found himself in.

"This place is amazing," Kunj admitted, genuinely impressed. "How did you find it?"

Abhimanyu leaned back in his chair, a playful glint in his eyes. "Secret intel, Mr. Khurana. This city holds a few gems only a select few know about." He paused, then added in a low voice, "Just like some feelings, wouldn't you agree?"

Kunj felt a blush creep up his neck. Abhimanyu's blatant flirting was both infuriating and exhilarating. He cleared his throat, forcing himself to change the subject.

"So, Mr. Raizada," he began, a mischievous glint in his own eyes. "What exactly makes you such a perfect fit for this project?"

Abhimanyu chuckled, readily taking the bait. "Well, Mr. Khurana," he countered, leaning across the table, "besides the undeniable brilliance of my marketing strategies, there's the undeniable synergy we create." He winked, sending a shiver down Kunj's spine.

"Synergy?" Kunj raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Is that the official term for the way our ideas seem to... spark off each other?"

"Spark," Abhimanyu repeated slowly, his gaze intense. "Perhaps a better word would be... ignite."

Their eyes locked, a silent conversation passing between them. The playful banter had taken a decidedly sensual turn, the air crackling with unspoken desires. Kunj felt a flutter in his stomach, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

Just then, the waiter arrived with their lunch - a vibrant array of colorful dishes that promised a burst of flavors. As they dug in, the conversation flowed more easily, a mix of business and personal anecdotes. Abhimanyu, with his natural charm, had Kunj laughing freely, a sound that warmed Abhimanyu's heart.

"You know," Abhimanyu said, wiping a stray bit of sauce from the corner of Kunj's mouth with his thumb, a gesture that sent a jolt through them both. "These past few days... Seeing you again, working with you... it feels like coming home."

Kunj's gaze softened, a vulnerability peeking through his usual guarded facade. "For me too," he confessed, his voice barely a whisper. "But Abhimanyu... things are complicated. Can we really go back to where we were?"

Abhimanyu reached across the table, his hand gently covering Kunj's. "We don't have to go back," he said, his voice sincere. "We can move forward. Together. This time, I won't let you down, Kunj. I promise."

Kunj's heart hammered against his ribs. He yearned to believe Abhimanyu, to trust him again. But the wounds of the past ran deep. He squeezed Abhimanyu's hand, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Give me time, Abhimanyu," he pleaded. "Let's... let's see where this takes us, okay?"

Abhimanyu smiled, a warm understanding in his eyes. "Time," he agreed. "All I ask is a chance, Kunj. A chance to prove myself worthy of your love... again."

As they continued their lunch, the weight of the past seemed to lessen, replaced by a glimmer of hope for the future. The stolen glances, the playful touches, they were more than just flirtation - they were a tentative bridge, a promise of a future they could build together, brick by heartfelt brick. The secret melody of their love story continued, its notes weaving a new chapter, filled with the promise of a happily ever after they both desperately craved.