Her Innocent Love

21 ~ Paths of the Heart

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Aarohi's POV

Four days later

It had been four days since... that moment with Mr. Jindal. Four days, and I still couldn't stop thinking about the way he'd looked at me, the feel of his hand steadying me, the way he'd actually said my name. The memory replayed in my mind, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't ignore the warmth that spread through me every time I thought of it.

Over the past few days, he'd gone back to being the distant, controlled Mr. Jindal. He kept his usual distance, barely acknowledging me. Yet, in those tiny moments when he thought I wasn't paying attention, I caught him sparing glances my way. It was subtle, but enough to send my heart into chaos. And as ridiculous as it was, a small part of me clung to those fleeting glances, wondering if he was feeling something, too.

But I knew better than to let my thoughts run wild. He's Aadarsh Jindal. PM of Paradise; Vice-President of CPM, son of Rushabh Jindal who owns a whole fckin chain of hotels. And me? I'm just an international student, the concierge, trying to stay out of trouble. I couldn't let myself think there was more to it. Because even if there was... people like him and people like me? They don't end up together.

I bit my lip, forcing myself to accept the hard truth. It hurt, but maybe it was better this way. Besides, a man like him doesn't fall for a girl who has to save half her paycheck just to keep a shelter on her head. I'm not in his world, and I never will be. The idea of us being something more was impossible, laughable even. Still, a part of me hoped. And that hope felt dangerous.

With all these feelings piling up, I needed to talk to someone to divert my mind. I grabbed my phone and as I dialed Aathi's number, I felt a pang of guilt—I hadn't checked in on her for a few days, so wrapped up in my own confusion.

"Hey, Aathi," I said, trying to keep my tone casual, even as my own thoughts swirled around. "How's it going?"

"Oh, you know... the usual," she replied, her words light but lacking her usual energy. "How are you Aaru" she further asked.

"Eh, same old," I replied, trying to brush off the thoughts running in my mind. "I didn't get a chance to see you at Paradise this week since you're only working three days now."

"Yeah, college is five days a week now, so I can't manage more than three shifts at Paradise. Also, the third shift is straight after classes, and I'm running on empty," she confessed, sounding completely drained.

"That's rough." I felt a pang of sympathy. "I'm just glad my semester's online. Next one is supposed to be hybrid, though."

"Lucky you, honestly," she said with a tired chuckle. "So... how's work going?"

I took a deep breath, not sure how to begin. "It's... complicated, Aathi. I swear, my mind's a complete mess lately. I can't stop thinking about that handsome bamboo"

"What...who?" She asked chuckling

Aree Mr. Jindal or kon (Mr. Jindal himself, who elso?) I said

"Ohh barha piara nickname dia hai...(what a how lovely nickname you have given) Aathi said  bursting into laughter

My cheeks flushed at her teasing, and suddenly, memories of him flooded my mind." I don't know, Aathi. How do I avoid this? Every time I see him, it's like I'm drowning in his ocean eyes. I can't breathe! It feels so unhealthy to be this consumed by someone," I admitted, my voice shaky.