Hidden Love : An Unexpected Romance

Chapter 13

Abhimaan followed Kritika like a lost puppy, while Kritika mumbled to herself about his attitude and how he was. Abhimaan had a smile on his face, as after ages, he finally got the chance to be with his Sunshine. Kritika felt nervous, remembering Advika’s words to enjoy her time with her crush. As soon as they reached the cabin, she turned to Abhimaan and asked him to come inside so they could discuss the office themes. She was going through her laptop when Abhimaan suggested, “Lilac! It would be perfect or something in a soft, subtle shade.” Kritika gave him a side-eye and said, “Mr. Rathore, we’re not here to design a game cabin; it’s professional, so let’s go with something dark. It would look good.” Abhimaan replied, “What’s wrong with the shade? Lilac is Aashu’s favorite.” Kritika responded, “She’s not a kid. Lilac can go in a personal room but not in an office cabin where she’ll be working. I’ve already chosen some colors and furniture designs; we’ll finalize them based on the choices.” Abhimaan insisted, “I agree with you, but Lilac is her favorite.” Kritika, getting frustrated, said, “Abhimaan, please don’t start arguing with me. I’m in charge, right? I’ll take yours, Aarav bhai and Aashika about her choice, then we’ll finalize between all the shades, okay?” Annoyed, he ruffled his hair and said, “Ika, I’m telling you, she loves Lilac, and since the cabin belongs to her, it shouldn’t matter.” Kritika, now angry, stomped her foot and said, “Look, Abhimaan, she likes it, but a professional dark theme would look mature. Can you at least listen to what I’m saying for once? You never listened to me before, Maan, not even now. I’m tired of explaining myself.” She sat down and put her palms on her face, while Abhimaan didn’t move from his place, as it had been years since he heard “Maan” from her. Kritika, engrossed in her thoughts, glanced at Abhimaan and saw his smile. Those dimples made her want to smile too, but she was confused about why he was smiling.

Meanwhile, hearing their argument, Aarav and Advika rushed in. Advika went to Kritika’s side and said, “At least don’t argue in front of your brother-in-law, Kri. What will he think?” Kritika, getting more irritated, whispered in Advika’s ear, “You’re going to get a beating from me when we get home. I’ll give you a birthday bomb before your birthday, Adu.” Aarav then asked, “So, Abhi, have you discussed it with Kriti?” Abhimaan replied, “Yes, bhai, whatever she decides will be the best, we can go with that. I’ll be back in a minute.”

He stepped outside the room and called Dhruv.

“Dhruv, after years, she called me Maan. Can you even imagine what I’m going through?” Abhimaan’s voice was filled with a mix of excitement and disbelief.

Dhruv, sensing the gravity of the moment, asked, “What happened?”

Abhimaan explained, “We were discussing office themes for Aashu’s cabin, and it turned into a quarrel. I called her Ika, and in the heat of the moment, she called me Maan.”

Dhruv chuckled, “That’s good, bro. By the way, Nish and I met her yesterday.”

“What? And you’re telling me now? Why wasn’t I informed?” Abhimaan’s frustration was evident.

Dhruv tried to calm him, “Relax, we didn’t want to overwhelm her. But at least you got to see her, right?”

Abhimaan sighed, “No, I would have liked to see her from afar at least.”

“Abhi, listen,” Dhruv’s tone softened, “I know what you’re going through, and it’s not easy for her either. Time will heal everything, but you have to keep trying, okay?”

Abhimaan hesitated, “Hmm, but what if she’s not interested in me anymore?”

Dhruv reassured him, “I don’t think so. She’s hurt, but she doesn’t hate you. If she did, she would have left this contract, right?”