Beautiful disaster (completed)

Chapter 44 - Team outing

Kiara's pov

"Kiara! Welcome back," Sakshi greeted me warmly. "How was your time in Pune?"

The office felt like a foreign place as I stepped inside. It had only been a few months since I left, but it felt like a lifetime. I spotted Sakshi, my project manager, and made my way towards her.

"It was... productive. I've completed my part of the project," I replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

Sakshi nodded approvingly. "Good to hear. Listen, there's something I need to discuss with you."

We moved to a quieter corner of the office, the bustling activity of our colleagues providing a constant background hum. Sakshi took a deep breath, her expression turning serious.

"Kabir has requested that you be moved off his team."

My heart sank. I shouldn't have been surprised, yet hearing it out loud still hurt. I cleared my throat, trying to keep my voice steady. "I see."

"There's another project requiring Python expertise. Would you be comfortable with that?" Sakshi asked, her eyes filled with concern.

"Of course," I replied, hiding my disappointment. "I'm happy to help wherever I'm needed."

It wasn't my first choice, but I was in no position to be picky. As we discussed the details of the new project, I couldn't help but steal glances around the office, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kabir. I spotted him in the distance, his back to me as he spoke with a colleague.

The next few days passed in a blur of settling into my new team. Every time I crossed paths with Kabir, I felt a flutter of nerves. His tall, athletic frame and intense demeanor seemed to dominate the office space. Each glance he gave me—or rather, the lack thereof—tightened the knot in my stomach.

"Kabir, I—" I began one afternoon, my voice trembling slightly.

Without even looking at me, he cut in, "Sakshi has informed me that you'll be moving to another project. I'm glad we can avoid any further interaction." And just like that, he walked away.

The cold shoulder he gave me throughout the week was a painful reminder of the chasm between us. Every moment we almost crossed paths, the tension was palpable, a force neither of us dared address. Sakshi noticed my perpetual frustration.

"Kiara, we're planning a team outing to Kanakpura Adventure Camp this weekend. Why don't you come with us?" she suggested one afternoon.

"I don't think it's a good idea," I said, shaking my head vigorously. "I'm no longer part of the team, and Kabir won't like it."

"Listen," Sakshi said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder, "this might be a good chance for you to mend things with him. It's a casual setting, away from the pressures of work. Think about it."

The day of the outing arrived, and my stomach twisted in knots as I boarded the bus to the camp. As we drove through the lush greenery of the countryside, I tried to calm my nerves.

The camp was nestled amidst rolling hills, the air crisp and fresh. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over me.

Kabir stood at a distance, deep in conversation with a few colleagues. My heart skipped a beat as I approached, feeling like I was walking into a lion's den.

"Hey, Kiara!" Taniya greeted me warmly. "We're just about to head off for river rafting. Are you up for it?"

Before I could respond, we had been wrangled into life jackets and boats. The team divided into groups, and as luck would have it, Kabir and I ended up in the same raft.