INNOCENCE

Chapter : 10

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2 months later~

The office was bathed in the late afternoon glow, the sun casting a warm, golden hue over everything. Dev was deeply engrossed in a set of financial reports, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to make sense of the complex numbers before him. The world outside had fallen into a quiet lull, the typical bustle of the day slowing to a more subdued rhythm. But just as he was about to delve deeper into the intricate details, a soft, yet commanding voice broke through his focus.

“Mister Dev.”

The sound was gentle, almost tentative, but there was an unmistakable weight behind it—an effort to command the kind of respect that his actual boss, Ananya, naturally wielded. Dev’s eyes lifted from the page, and as he looked up, he couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at the corners of his lips.

Sitting in Ananya’s large, imposing chair was Rihaan.Today, Rihaan had decided to play the role of Ananya, the formidable and brilliant CEO of the company.

Seeing Rihaan in Ananya’s chair was both amusing and endearing. His tall frame seemed to fit perfectly on the chair, yet at the same time, he looked like a child playing dress-up in his parents’ clothes. His posture was straight, his expression serious as he tried to mimic the authority he had seen in his wife, but the effect was somewhat undercut by the sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

“Yes, sir?” Dev responded, his voice carrying the same level of respect he would use with Ananya, though his heart was warmed by the sight before him.

Rihaan cleared his throat, a tiny frown creasing his brow as he tried to deepen his voice into something more commanding. But the effort only made his tone softer, the childlike lilt in his voice overcoming any attempt at severity. “I want a milkshake,” he announced, his words meant to be firm, though they came out more as a plea than a command.

Dev had to suppress a chuckle, biting down on his lip to keep from laughing out loud. The juxtaposition of Rihaan’s serious demeanor with the innocent request was simply too sweet. But Dev was careful not to let his amusement show too much; he knew how important this moment was to Rihaan. He gave a small, respectful nod, the corners of his mouth twitching with the effort of keeping a straight face.

“Right away, sir,” Dev said with a slight bow, playing along with the role Rihaan was so earnestly attempting.

He turned and swiftly exited the office, his steps quick and light as he made his way down the hallway. As he walked, Dev couldn’t help but smile to himself, his thoughts filled with the image of Rihaan sitting there, trying so hard to be serious and busy. Rihaan’s attempts to mirror Ananya were adorable—his earnestness only making the contrast more endearing. Dev was glad to indulge him, finding a deep sense of joy in these small moments of playfulness.

Just as he was rounding a corner, his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him from his reverie. He pulled it out, glancing at the caller ID before answering. “What! Yeah, I’m coming,” Dev said, the tone of his voice shifting from the warm, gentle one he used with Rihaan to something more urgent and professional. He quickened his pace, heading straight for the elevator at the end of the hall. His thoughts briefly shifted to the task at hand, but a fond smile still lingered on his face as he pictured Rihaan back in the office, probably continuing his little charade.

As the elevator doors closed behind him, the office was left in a quiet stillness, save for the soft rustle of papers as Rihaan busied himself at the desk. He had found a stack of old, unused documents—likely something Ananya had set aside long ago—and was examining them with great concentration. Ananya’s reading glasses were perched on the tip of his nose, far too large for his face, but he didn’t seem to mind. He had seen her wear them while working, so naturally, they were part of his costume today.