Our Secret Love : Office Romance

24. Dhruv

"Neha considers Dhruv to be her brother, and I am no different than her. She has introduced me to Dhruv as a brother, and I consider him the same." Aadhya spoke.

With that, I released a deep sigh, and so did Tara. Did I see that right?

Mrs. Kapoor seemed disappointed. "Well, that's a shame. You two would have made a lovely couple."

My mother chuckled. "Don't worry, Mrs. Kapoor. There are plenty of other fish in the sea." Eying me from the side as if she already knows who my chosen fish is.

Really mom?

"I suppose you're right," Mrs. Kapoor replied.

"There is Oberoi's daughter that I know. She accompanies her mother to her Zumba class; she seems good; I can talk to Bela's daughter-"

Mrs. Kapoor continued talking about the new woman when I looked at Tara from across the table, and the look on her face was worth a good chuckle, but I would have laughed if I hadn't been paying close attention. She was uncomfortable with how Mrs. Kapoor described this new woman. Does she think my mother would say yes, or does she think I'd consider it?

"No way!" My voice came across very loud.

Everyone stopped eating, and everything went silent. The eyes were on me.

"I mean, no, I don't wish to go on a date with anyone and thank you for your concern, but I guess you could stop it at that. I have my plans set straight, and I do not condone any discussions that can at the very least cause the slightest discomfort to the woman I love. I urge you to refrain yourself from saying such things in the future. It'd be better for everyone involved."

With that, I could just get up and walk away while the adrenaline is still at its high.

"Love, oh my my."

I could hear them sink my words in. Hands to their mouths. I have just announced that I have someone. But again, now is not the time to think any of that. I need some time alone. Some time relaxing.

—

Tara's POV

"Come to my office; I need to talk to you about something important."

I keep glancing at the message. I received the message more than twenty minutes ago. He invited me to come into his office, but I'm sure someone will suspect anything if they know I'm going to see him.

I move slowly. In the direction of the door with Dhruv's name engraved across it. I have to be careful not to let anyone see me. I took a deep breath and sprinted as quickly as I could to his door.

"Who are you running from?" I heard Dhruv say.

He was standing in front of his drawing table. His shirt buttons were undone on the top two, and his coat hung off the chair. With a pencil in his left hand and his right arm resting on the drawing table, he made a mark on the page. He is ambidextrous—a talent he picked up after breaking his right hand when he was around ten .

"What do you mean?! You just announced that you are in love, and expect me to sneak in to your room?!"

"Woah, I never said sneak into my room. I simply asked you to meet me in my office."

"You know what I mean!"

"Ok, sorry, it was my fault, but I needed to talk to you."

"About?"

"We will be taking up a huge project soon. Something reputable. Something you'll love working on."

"How do you know that?"

He shrugged and continued.

"Aadhya is an ecologist. She has been trying to get me this agreement since we met at the studio. She claims that the company for which she works has recently signed an agreement with a large multinational corporation that promotes sustainability. The architecture firm that they initially considered was no longer reliable; therefore, they have been looking for another. Luckily, we will get it."

"We will get it?" I questioned.

"The deal on paper is yet to be signed, but we have the green signal from the project managers of their company."

"Hmm, cool." I say absentmindedly.

Before I can respond with another question, my phone rings. I take it up right away, before anyone outside hears.

"Yes, Mrs. Singhania?" I say, and I watch Dhruv place his pencil on the stand and approach me.

He gestures for me to put it on speaker, and I do.

"Where are you, beta?"

"I-I am-" 'gone, at-at home' "-gone? At home. Yeah, almost reached." I looked at Dhruv and mouthed, 'What the fuck?'

"Yeah, I needed the clarification . The bride and groom, as well as everyone else, have left, and I didn't see you leave, so I wanted to let you know that I was leaving and wondered if you would join me. I could've dropped you off."

"That is very lovely of you, Swara Aunty, but I am already home. Thank you for checking on me."

"Absolutely, no issue. Have a good night's sleep, darling. Bye."

I looked at Dhruv and said "Why did you let me lie?"

"Would you have preferred telling my mom that you were with me then?"

I stayed silent.

"That's what I thought." He mumbled.

"Didn't you hear what your mom said? Everyone left the house, and I have to leave as well, buh-bye."

I turned towards the door when Dhruv held my hand, saying, "Don't."

I looked at him quizzically when he repeated.

"Stay for a while long." he whispered.

Hello 911, I just lost my heart. Can you help me find it?