Blueprints of Love

3. A Clash of First Impressions

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the large glass windows of Savi's eco-friendly workspace, casting golden light across her desk cluttered with blueprints and potted plants. Normally, her office felt like a sanctuary—a place where she thrived. But today, she could feel a storm brewing inside her chest. Rajat had somehow wormed his way into her world again. And she hated it.

She sat at her desk, forcing her attention to the laptop screen, but the words blurred in front of her. Her thoughts drifted back to the dinner two nights ago. Every laugh, every teasing comment from Rajat still lingered like an itch she couldn't scratch. How could someone so charming also be so maddeningly intrusive?

Her phone buzzed on the desk. It was a message from Aryan, her business partner and friend.

Aryan: Hey, heads-up—Rajat's dropping by today to discuss the project.

Savi: What? What project?

Aryan: The eco-housing one. We need an architect's input, remember? And since he's already here...

Savi: Aryan, I told you, I don't want any distractions.

Aryan: Distractions? I think you mean opportunities, Savi.

Savi: No, I mean distractions.

She groaned audibly, tossing her phone onto the desk. Aryan always thought he was being clever, but this was too much. She didn't need Rajat's charming, too-good-for-his-own-skin energy messing with her head—or her project.

But before she could spiral further into frustration, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," she called, expecting one of her team members.

The door swung open, and there he was—Rajat Thakkar, standing with his signature easy-going smile, looking every bit as insufferable as she remembered.

"Good morning," Rajat said, stepping inside with the confidence of someone who didn't need permission to belong. "Mind if I steal a bit of your time?"

Savi gritted her teeth and plastered on a professional smile. "Actually, yes, I do mind. I'm busy."

Rajat raised an eyebrow, amused by her curt response. "Busy with what? Telling me to leave?"

"I'm serious, Rajat. Why are you here?" she asked, folding her arms across her chest.

He leaned casually against the side of her desk, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Aryan asked me to take a look at your eco-housing plans. Thought I could offer some input."

Savi stared at him, stone-faced. "I don't need input from someone who doesn't even live here."

"Ouch," Rajat said, chuckling softly. "Still as feisty as ever, huh?"

"This isn't college, Rajat," she replied, her tone cold. "I don't have time for charm or nostalgia. If you're here to help, fine. But I don't need you sticking your nose where it doesn't belong."

He smirked, tilting his head slightly. "You always did have a way with words, Savi."

She clenched her jaw, trying not to react. "And you always had a way of showing up uninvited."

There was a pause, the tension between them thick and unmistakable. Savi could feel her team glancing over from the open-plan office beyond her glass doors, trying to eavesdrop discreetly.

"Look," Rajat finally said, his tone shifting to something more genuine. "I'm not here to waste your time. I saw the outline for the housing project—what you're building is impressive. I think I can add value."