Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh (Completed)

Chapter 75: He Offers

Manvi had been tirelessly searching for a job but hadn't been able to secure one. It was becoming increasingly difficult for her to manage as she had rent and monthly bills to pay. She found herself in a cafeteria, sipping a coffee, lost in her thoughts. 

Aarav entered the cafeteria with one of his clients and settled at a table opposite to Manvi's. They engaged in a discussion about a project. Manvi glanced at him and was surprised to see him there. After finishing the meeting, Aarav walked over to her.

"May I?" Aarav asked, gesturing to the seat opposite hers.

Manvi hesitated for a moment but nodded, "Haan Aaravji, baithiye." she replied, unsure of his intentions.

Aarav settled down and Manvi asked, clearly curious, "Aap aur meeting yahan?"

Aarav smiled warmly, "Haan, meri beti ka hukum hai main apna akdupan thoda kam karun."

Manvi smiled in response to his words. "Mujhe bahut acha laga aap mein itna badlav dekhke."

"Tum sahi kehti thi Manvi," Aarav replied thoughtfully, "haan, main apne emotions hamesha chupake rakhta tha lekin tumne meri aankhein padh li."

"Aaravji, aapke saath jo hua wo bahut galat tha lekin kisiki wajah se khudko badal lena, yeh toh aapne khudke saath hi nainsaafi ki hai na," Manvi pointed out gently.

"Manvi, kabhi kabhi khudko protect karne ke liye badlna padta hai! Main sirf duniya ke liye badla tha, apni beti ke nahi," Aarav explained.

"Baatein toh sahi kahi aapne. Waise ek baat kahun?" Manvi said, seeking to change the subject.

Aarav nodded in agreement.

"Aapka yeh akdupan aap par suit karta hai," Manvi complimented him.

He smiled warmly at her and then noticed the file in her hand. "Tum job ke liye?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Manvi sighed softly. "Haan, woh case ki wajah se mujhe nikal diya coaching waalon ne. Toh bas permanent job dhoondh rahi hun koi," she explained, hoping he would understand her predicament.

Aarav nodded thoughtfully, then straightened up with a determined look in his eyes.  "Mere office mein ek vacancy hai. Tum chaho toh join kar sakti ho." he offered.

Manvi was taken aback by his suggestion. "Main? Par main toh ek teacher hun," she responded, trying to politely decline.

Aarav's demeanor changed subtly. He leaned forward, his tone becoming more insistent. "Isliye financial consultant tumse achha koi ho nahi sakta! Think about it," He pressed on, his confidence bordering on arrogance.

Manvi felt uncomfortable with his attitude. She straightened in her seat, feeling pressured. "Aaravji, main aapka offer appreciate karti hun par mujhe lagta hai ki main khud apne efforts se job dhundh lungi," she asserted politely but firmly, hoping he would respect her decision.

Aarav's expression hardened slightly, his jaw set. "Manvi, sometimes opportunities come knocking only once. This is a chance for you to step up," he countered, his words now sounding more like a command than an offer.

Manvi felt a surge of frustration. She had always admired Aarav, but now she sensed a side of him that made her uneasy. "I understand, Aaravji, lekin mujhe aapki madad ki zarurat nahi hai," she replied, her tone tinged with disappointment.

Aarav leaned back in his chair, his disappointment palpable. "So be it," he said curtly, pulling out his shades and leaving without another word.

Manvi watched him go, conflicted and disheartened. She had hoped for understanding and support, but instead, she felt pressured and misunderstood. As she sat there alone in the cafeteria, she resolved to continue her job search on her own terms, determined not to compromise her principles or accept help that didn't feel right.