Aurous Charms

11| The Facade

Published on 15th July 2024.
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Another chapter is here.
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The chapter is unedited.

♡ I still have the letter you wrote
When you told me that I was the only girl
You'd ever want in your life
I guess my friends were right ♡

- S H L O K -

I sat at my desk, poring over the latest project details. The clock ticked away, but I was lost in the intricate designs and numbers that made up my daily grind. This was my sanctuary, a place where I could lose myself in work and forget about the chaos outside.

"Mamaji!"

The sudden voice made me look up, startled. Samriddhi stood at the door with a lunchbox in her hand. She entered my office with a confidence that belied her age. I couldn't help but wonder what miracle had brought her here with lunch for me.

"What's this?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Lunch." She said simply, setting the box on my desk and beginning to unpack it. "Thought you might be hungry."

"Since when did you start caring about my meals?" I asked, bemused.

"Since now." She replied with a shrug, arranging the food neatly. I had to admit, it looked good. "Here, eat."

I picked up the spoon, still eyeing her suspiciously. Samriddhi rarely did anything without an agenda. "Okay, what's the catch? You never do anything without a reason."

She rolled her eyes. "Can't a niece just bring lunch for her uncle?"

I gave her a pointed look. "Spit it out, Samriddhi."

She sighed dramatically, then sat down across from me. "Fine. I need your advice."

"About what?"

"I like someone. He's a bit older. And I want you to help me to pursue him."

I almost choked on my food, "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." She said, unflustered. "How do I pursue a guy who's old?"

"How old?" I asked cautiously.

"Around your age." She replied.

"I'm old?" I retorted.

She laughed. "No, you're not. I was just kidding, nevermind. He's almost 32." He was older than me? Older than her uncle?!

I stared at her, flabbergasted. "And who is this mystery man?"

She blushed a little, a rare sight. "I'm interning under him. He's so inspirational. Yash Gill. You might have heard of him."

I leaned back in my chair, trying to process this. Yash Gill? Was he the same Yash I knew about? I knew he was a prominent figure in media, known for his sharp insights and relentless pursuit of the truth.

But Samriddhi?

Interested in him?

He's married to Akriti for God's sake.

It might be someone else. Probably.

I searched a photo of him on internet and showed it to her. "It's him?"

"Yes!" She nodded eagerly. "He's amazing."

I set my spoon down, my appetite dwindling. "Samriddhi, I think you're mistaken. Yash is married."