Our Secret Love : Office Romance

26. Tara

The car ride home was a tense silence; the electric car doesn't help either. There is absolutely no sound. It's as if the god was punishing me with the eternal silence to reflect upon my actions and regret.

The lingering tension from the near-miss in Dhruv's house hung heavy in the air. I stole glances at him, his profile illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. Dhruv, ever the gentleman, maintained a polite distance, his focus on the road.

I'm not sure what he was contemplating, but I do know that my love story will end before it even begins.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" I broke the silence, my voice barely a whisper.

Dhruv nodded, his gaze fixed on the road. "Indeed."

The conversation faltered, replaced by the soft sounds of the city.

As we pulled up to my apartment building, a wave of disappointment washed over me. I didn't want the night to end on such a sour note. I wanted to bridge the gap, to explore the connection that had sparked between us.

I am sure of my feelings now, and I am ready to take the leap.

"Thank you for the ride," I murmured, my voice barely audible.

"It was my pleasure." He didn't even face me saying that.

"Dhruv, what's the matter?" I was now determined.

He turned to face me, his eyes holding a mix of sadness and understanding. "You know what the matter is," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You clearly know why I'm upset. And I get it. I respect your decision. But don't make it any more painful than it already has to be."

His words stung, but I knew he was right. I had hesitated, I had wavered, and now I was paying the price.

Without another word, I grabbed his face and kissed him on the lips. My heart pounding in my chest.

I looked at Dhruv. His eyes widen with shock. My breathing was laboured. My hands were shaking as they held his face.

I dropped my hands slowly to my lap. I think it's time I just get out. What a stupid-

Before I could get the thoughts formulated correctly, Dhruv closed the gap between us and kissed me.

The kiss was intense, passionate, and a little rough. It was as if he was trying to convey all the pent-up frustration and desire in that one moment. I was caught off guard, but I quickly melted into the kiss, responding with equal fervour.

When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless. Dhruv's eyes were dark and intense, his gaze fixed on mine. "I thought you didn't want me," he whispered, his voice hoarse.

I smiled, a sense of relief washing over me. "I'm not going anywhere," I replied.

Dhruv leaned in and kissed me again, this time a gentle, tender kiss. "I love you," he murmured.

"I love you too," I whispered back.

Dhruv looked at me and laughed a bit.

I shifted in my seat, my body responding to the heat. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and a blush creeping up my cheeks. I glanced at him, his eyes still locked on mine.

"I can't believe this is happening," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Dhruv smiled, his eyes twinkling. "I know," he replied. "It's perfect."

A sudden wave of reality washed over me. The gravity of the situation dawned upon me. The reason I was so adamant about not dating him.

"Your mother CANNOT know about this!" I blurted out, emphasising the word 'cannot'.

Dhruv's expression softened. "Look, Tara, I understand you respect my mom, but I don't think she'll be against it."

"No, Dhruv, please. I want this to be a complete secret. Only between us. Nobody else is supposed to know."

He sighed heavily. "Okay, but promise me that we'll tell people someday."

I felt a surge of anxiety. "Is this the right thing to do? I don't feel like it is."

He held my face in his hands. "Breathe, my love. It's okay. Trust me. Have faith in us."

I nodded, and he leaned in for another kiss, a gentle peck. I looked away, feeling overwhelmed.

As I got out of the car, I couldn't help but chuckle. He waved goodbye, blowing me a kiss. I waved back, a sense of disbelief washing over me.

Oh Lord, he's my boss!

---(Author's note)

Ok upon further consideration, I will try writing smut.

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