When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 40. An Unlikely Adventure

Shivay's patience wore thin as his call to Annika went unanswered. Frowning, he wondered if she had pranked him, misleading him with a false promise of meeting. Just as he was about to redial her number, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Shivay."

He turned around, tracing the sound to its source. His eyes locked onto Annika, approaching him with a relaxed stride. Her casual demeanor caught him off guard.

Gone was the polished, professional Annika he knew from the office. Instead, she exuded a carefree aura, her hair tied in a messy bun, and her attire consisting of a comfortable top and fitted jeans. A purse hung from her right shoulder, while her left hand grasped a small poly bag, its contents rustling softly.

The contrast between her office persona and this laid-back version was striking. Shivay's gaze lingered, taking in the subtle details: the faint smudge of eyeliner, the gentle flush on her cheeks, and the effortless smile playing on her lips.

As Annika drew closer, Shivay's impatience dissipated, replaced by curiosity. Why did she called him here?

"Hey," Annika said, her voice warm, as she halted beside him.

Shivay's response was momentarily delayed, his mind still adjusting to Annika's unexpected casual appearance.

Shivay's gaze lingered before responding, "Hey. How did you know it was me from afar?"

Annika chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Your attire was a dead giveaway. Who wears a suit to shop in a crowded market like this?"

Shivay's expression turned defensive, a hint of pride in his voice. "What's wrong with wearing a suit? It's classy."

Annika's playful smile lingered as she said, "Classy, perhaps. But you'll soon see why suits aren't the norm here." Her mischievous grin hinted at a secret. "Come with me."

She took Shivay's hand, leading him to a nearby bench. Releasing his hand, she sat down. "Sit, we have a lot to search for afterward."

Shivay hesitated, scanning the bench as if questioning its cleanliness. Annika turned around, pulling out a vadapav from the poly bag and placing it on a paper plate.

"Sit down, already!" she exclaimed, tugging his hand.

Startled, Shivay found himself beside her on the bench. Though uncomfortable, he concealed his unease.

Annika handed him a plate with vadapav. Shivay took it, unsure what to do. Annika took another plate and proposed, "Let's cheers with vadapav!"

She clinked her vadapav against his, and they shared a laugh. Shivay, not wanting to disappoint Annika, took a bite. The flavors surprised him, and he devoured the snack.

As they savored the vadapav, Annika's eyes twinkled with delight. "Told you it's better than any five-star hotel, right?" Shivay's surprise was evident; he had never tried roadside stall food before, always opting for luxury hotels.

"It's good," he murmured, still adjusting to the new experience.

Annika's curiosity got the better of her. "Do you always wear suits at home too?"

Shivay clarified, "No, I was at the office."

Annika's eyebrows shot up. "On a weekend? Your boss must be quite demanding. Does he call other employees in on weekends too? You should report him to HR; there are labor laws to protect you." Her tone turned playful. "I'll even file a case if you want. And I should inform Mishraji about it; he's suffered enough at your boss's hands."