Our Secret Love : Office Romance

25. Tara

"Please stay," he repeated.

"You know I can't. If someone finds out that I stayed back, your mom's going to be furious."

"No, she'll say nothing."

"Don't sabotage my relationship with her."

"Why would she say anything? It's not like we are lovers. I don't see us doing something that's going to make her furious."

"Shut up."

"Ok, fine, but just for a while." He said.

"Fine," I gave in.

"Give me a while; I'll get us something to drink, and I'll show you around the house even better. I don't think you've seen everything."

"Okay."

He leaves for the kitchen as I walk towards the drawing table. I glance past the floor plan and the designs he's working on.

"Come on out, I brought some tea."

I looked at the door Dhruv was standing by. I stepped towards him and took the warm cup from his hands. He motioned for me to continue down the corridor. We both proceeded towards his sitting area. I can't believe I'm here alone with Dhruv. Nobody I know would do this. They're not authorised to. It feels extremely intimate with my newfound privilege.

His sit out had paintings I don't recognise. I absentmindedly strolled towards one of the many paintings on the wall. It was a half naked woman, a mother from the pre-British Indian era. I could tell by the way she was dressed. She was elegant, and there was a baby by her arms. The painting looks new. As if it had just been painted.

"Who painted this?" I asked.

"Do you like it?"

"I do, but who-" I stopped myself before realising, "YOU PAINTED THIS DIDN'T YOU?!"

"Woah," he chuckled a bit and said, "yes, I did. Do you like it?"

"You paint as well?"

"I do occasionally."

"That's so cool. Did you paint all these as well?"

The excitement in my voice is quite evident.

"No, some are the paintings I liked and bought; some are mine."

"You don't strike me as someone who paints, let alone paint this beautifully." I said with an awe in my voice.

"Ouch, that hurt."

"Stop with the theatrics." I said pushing him slightly. He didn't budge. He stood firm.

My involuntary action just dawned on me. I am now aware that I am pushing boundaries. I slowly averted my eyes and took my hand off his chest. But before I could fully remove my hand from his personal space, he placed his hand above mine pinning it back to his chest.

His had warm with holding the tea cup all this while was rested above mine.

I am now hyperaware of my senses. My hand feels like it's burning. He's too close. Is he going to kiss me? Should I kiss him back?

I should stop it. Oh god.

I was overwhelmed and averted my face before anything could happen. That appears to shake him out of his trance. 

I move back a little to create some space between us, keeping my head pointing to the ground.

Dhruv cleared his throat, filling in the awkward silence. His hand behind his neck and his face twisted in some weird pain, probably embarrassment that I just caused.

If only I was a little courageous and went for the kiss.

Now is not the time for the "ifs." What's done is done.

"I think it's better if I just head home now." I said it with a heavy heart.

"I suppose yes," he paused and continued, "I'll go get the keys."

He exits the room before I can say something. He didn't argue like the last time. Now he wants me out as well.

Sigh!

I fucked up, didn't I? He took a chance, and I am too dumb. I should tell him about my feelings, but now I'm not that sure if he'd still reciprocate. Did I push him too hard?

---

I was thinking to make this book mature. I have never dwelled into that territory but I want to give it a try. 

I feel like Dhruv and Tara are different from my previous book. That book didn't need any smut or any physical intimacy but I feel like this story needs it.

I don't know I was in a dilemma for a few weeks now. If I should do it or not.

I cannot promise nothing but I can tell you that I will try at least.

---