My Last First Love

~11~

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At the office, Arunoday was buried in paperwork, flipping through sheets of the last project he had handled. Vivek was standing nearby, shifting his weight from one foot to the other impatiently.

Vivek: "Are you done yet?"

Arun, barely glancing up: "Almost."

Vivek, leaning on the desk dramatically: "Alright, so we’ve got three new projects coming in, and guess what—I’ve already decided which one you’re leading!"

Arun, still engrossed in his paperwork: "Oh, okay. Whatever works."

Vivek raised an eyebrow, clearly not satisfied with the lack of enthusiasm.

Vivek: "So... you’re not even curious which project you’ll be leading?"

Arun waved a hand dismissively: "Anything is fine. I’m not paying you to choose lousy projects. I trust you’re doing your job."

Vivek, placing a hand over his chest like he'd been wounded: "Bro, you’re breaking my heart!"

Arun: "Spare me."

Vivek straightened up, trying to regain some of his dignity.

Vivek: "Anyway, Mr. Mishra and Mr. Das will lead the other two projects."

Arun nodded, finally looking up from the paperwork: "Mishra’s good. I heard a lot about him."

Vivek: "Yeah, last project Mishra handled was a hit. His team really pulled it off. That's why I think he is best for that design team!"

Arun was about to nod again when something clicked.

Arun: "Wait, you said Mishra’s taking the design team project?"

Vivek grinned, already knowing where this was going. He leaned in slightly, enjoying the moment.

Vivek: "Yup, that design team. Design Team A, where your ‘favorite intern’ works."

Arun’s face immediately flushed: "What?! Favorite intern? Are you out of your mind? I’m just... curious, that’s all!"

Vivek gave him a knowing smirk: "Uh-huh, just curious. Totally normal behavior."

Arun, visibly annoyed: "Shut up."

Vivek, enjoying himself, turned to leave. But as he reached the door, Arun called after him: "Wait, leave the other project details here too."

Vivek paused mid-step, spinning around with a grin: "But the details of your project are already on your desk, sir."

Arun, glaring: "I know that! I meant the other two projects. I want to take a look."

Vivek crossed his arms, teasing: "Look at them, huh? Just look?"

Arun, now exasperated: "Yeah, I’m the next boss, aren’t I? What, can’t I review the projects? What if something goes wrong? Are you going to deal with the consequences?"

Vivek, wide-eyed: "Okay, okay! No need for the lecture, bossman. Here, take them." He tossed the files on Arun's desk and finally left, chuckling to himself.

Arun let out a sigh of relief once Vivek was gone, leaning back in his chair. He stared at the project details in front of him but couldn’t focus. His mind kept circling back to the same thing—her. Why did the mention of the design team always throw him off? And why did it bother him so much? He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered.

Later that night, at home, Arun was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn’t stop replaying the day's events. Why was he acting like this? He was never the kind of guy to get worked up over anyone. But ever since she showed up, he’d been... different. It was frustrating.

Groaning, he sat up, running a hand through his hair. "What’s happening to me?" he muttered, as if expecting an answer. Then he let out a frustrated sigh, grabbed a bottle of wine, and poured himself a glass. Maybe a drink would help clear his head.

As he downed the glass, he groaned again, louder this time: "I’m turning into my father!" The realization hit him hard, and he slammed the empty glass down on the table. "No. No way. As long as that girl stays far away from me, I’ll be fine."

He poured another glass and glared at it like it was the source of all his problems. "This is her fault," he mumbled, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. He took another sip, more forcefully this time. But deep down, despite all the anger and frustration, he wasn’t aware that he was already falling for her.

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The next day at the office, Arun called Vivek into his chamber. His expression was serious, and Vivek could tell something was up.

Arun: "Vivek, I’ve decided. I’m switching projects."

Vivek, under his breath: "Knew it."

Arun: "What was that?"

Vivek, straightening up and acting innocent: "Nothing, sir! Just wondering why you’d want to switch."

Arun tried to maintain his composure: "I want to try something new, that’s all. I’m thinking of taking Mishra’s project instead. So, assign him to the one I was going to lead."

Vivek, suppressing a smile: "Of course, sir. Whatever you say."

But as Vivek left the office, he couldn’t help but grin. He knew exactly why Arun wanted to switch. It wasn’t about trying something new. It was all about Design Team A—and a certain intern.

As Vivek walked down the hallway, he muttered to himself, "Man, Arun doesn’t even realize he’s head over heels." He chuckled, shaking his head.

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