The Serendipitous Encounter

Chapter 17- Chaos of feelings

Startled, Saraswati looked up to see Theodore's concerned face peering out from the driver's seat. "Mr. Theodore? What are you doing here?"

Theodore parked the car and stepped out, his expression softening as he approached her. "I was just passing by. You look upset. What happened?" his hands involuntarily reached to her shoulders. Saraswati looked at him and her dam broke down. She cried bitterly

Saraswati tried to hold back her tears, but the floodgates opened. "I've been kicked out at the boutique where I work. They fired me, and I don't know what to do. I didn't do anything, but still I ..." Saraswat was crying but she didn't tell him why she had been kicked out because it would only make him not trust her.

Recently she wanted to be trusted. Theodore was kind to her and well behaved. She didn't want to loose his shoulder at this weak moment.

"Shhh...Shhh..it's Okay..Okay Dear..we will discuss...no need to cry. I am here for you. I will take care of everything. Just don't cry."

Theodore gently took her arm, guiding her towards his car. "Come on, let's get you somewhere safe. You shouldn't be out here alone in this shivering night Saras. Jesus! How careless you are."He put off his coat and covered her then engulfed her in his arms

The drive to Theodore's penthouse was silent, with only the hum of the engine filling the space. Saraswati stared out the window, her mind racing with thoughts of the day's events. When they arrived, Theodore led her inside, his home a stark contrast to the chaotic thoughts in her mind. The penthouse was elegant and serene, with large windows offering a breathtaking view of the city.

Theodore guided her to a plush sofa and handed her a glass of water. "Sit down, Saras. Take a moment to breathe."He offered her water, and already ordered his staff to leave the area with the required things such as water and food.

Saraswati took the glass, her hands shaking. Theodore took glass from her and forward the glass till her lips,She sipped the water, feeling slightly more grounded. "Thank you, Mr. Theodore. I'm sorry for breaking down like this."

"Theo!"he demanded " We are alone so no need to be formal."

Theodore sat beside her, his demeanor gentle and reassuring. "No need to apologize. Everyone goes through tough times. Tell me more about what happened."

Saraswati recounted the events, her voice trembling as she recalled the accusation, the evidence against her, and her termination. She told him about her sudden termination leaving the reason, Theodore listened intently, his brow furrowed in concern.

When she finished, Theodore placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I believe you, Saras. I myself saw you working hard. It's their bad they won't understand you. Their loss. You're not the type of person to do something . We'll figure this out together."

Saraswati looked at him, her eyes filled with gratitude and uncertainty. She muttered to herself "But how?"

"The evidence is against me, and I don't know where to start."she closed her eyes

Theodore gave her a reassuring smile. "Saras, Job is not a problem. A hard working and talented employee everyone wants. Now take some rest till I set the table for dinner."

"Dinner? N..No Theo..I will go to the hostel and eat there."

"No need. I will not let you go till you have food." he leaned to her ear

"And I hate to have food alone." she shivered but his last words registered in her mind

"Alone? WHere is Aria Mam?"