ᴇx-ʙᴏʏʀꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɴᴇxᴛ ʜᴜꜱʙᴀɴᴅ

Chapter 64

Yuvaan

"Please send these to me immediately. Martin, can you send those files to Rupert so we can get started on it."

Mondays. Mondays in the office were tight.
Constant movements, hustle, bustle.... And most of all, this new deal coming up.

"Dad." I called my dad on call, "What time will you be reaching for the conference?"
"Why would I come?"
"What?"
"Why would I come for the conference?"
"Because you're the CEO of YUVA?"
"I'm only there on chair now, you need to start attending all meetings on my name so you can get into my shoes."
"Dad, I want to get into your shoes, not replace them. We still need you, your experience and your expertise on the matter. Please come."
He chuckled, "Alright fine. I'll reach by 1."
"Thank you." I said and cut the call.

YUVA was exploring a new deal with IBM, which I knew was a blessing for me professionally and personally. This deal would mean that I would be coming and going more often in Nishu's office and would also increase the brand status of YUVA significantly, to be associated with a high- end American company.

"Mom." I called her, "How's Vamika?"
"Super excited. She's out with Dhruv."
"What? Why did you let her go?"
"Why not?"
"They're going to get married very soon, can't they wait for a minute?"
She chuckled, "Can you stay away from Nishtha? For more than a few minutes?"
I didn't answer.
"Exactly!" Mom chuckled, "it's common."
"Well, two children's weddings within 3 months, that's pretty insane, right?"
"In a way, it's a blessing. I wanted to host a reception for you and Nishtha, and now I was thinking to do it together, with you Nishu Dhruv and Vami."
"Don't do that." I said.
"Why not?"
"Mom, I newly wed would want that newly wed attention. Don't make her share it. Neither Nishtha should share and neither should Vamika. Don't worry about our reception, it's been over 2 months now. We'll just meet everyone formally at Vamika's reception."
"Are you sure? It doesn't seem right."
"It's alright. I don't mind and I don't think she does either."

"How's it going with her?" Mom asked after a pause.
"It's going okay." I replied.
"Why don't you try to patch up with her friends first? Then, maybe..."
"Mom. I know what I need to do. I'll win her back, now just her.... I'll win the whole group back."
"I'm sure you know."
"Anyway, come home soon. Bring her on the way home then."
"Sure." I said and cut the call.

~•~

I entered Nishtha's office and walked towards the meeting room. On the way to the room, I saw her cabin and I peeked inside.
She was sitting there.
She was in talks with a guy and girl, completely focused on her work, unaware of her surroundings. I smiled seeing her dedication.

I knocked and they all looked at us. I saw her face change, but she stayed professional.

"Good Morning Sir." The other girl said.
"Good Morning." I replied, then turned to the guy, "Hi, good morning." I went to shake their hands.
Then, I came to Nishtha, bringing my hand ahead, "Good Morning."
She looked at me, then brought her hand and gave it for half a second before retreating, "Hi."

"What are you doing here, Sir?" The lady asked.
"Well, I'm here for a meeting, I believe you guys should be joining in as well?"
"Yes Sir, we'll be there soon."
"Sure." I said and then started to head out.

Once I sat in the room, I noticed all new faces. These people don't know Nishtha and I are married, only Rupert knows, and he's not here.

"Good Morning Sir." Martin said.
"Good Morning."
"We're ready. Should we start?"
"Of course." I smiled and he got started.

As he spoke, I saw Nishtha walk in and sit down. To my luck, the only seat was the one next to me. I smiled.
She didn't look at me but I felt calm just in her presence, she didn't need to look. But, I slowly brought her chair a little towards me, she startled and looked at me and I smiled to her casually. She glared and looked away but I caught her hand from under the table.

I saw her look alert; I held her hand and caressed her fingers, it was her left hand. I didn't like that her left ring finger was empty. I felt bad. I want her to wear the ring again. I knew she had the ring with her, with the mangalsutra, because she wore it when Vamika's in-laws were here, but she doesn't wear it otherwise.

But she's my wife, and she should look like it.

I never treated as her a wife, so I can't expect her to wear the symbols of our marriage, but, she will one day. Very soon, because I know Nishu, and I know myself, and I know I will fix things.

As much as she runs away from it, I know she finds peace with me. I do too. Speaking of peace, I knew what I needed to do, to give her the closure she needed - a part of it.

Once the meeting ended, which went really well, everyone left to their offices and I saw Nishtha leave but I caught her hand, leaving us alone in the room.
I pulled her closer once everyone left, "Wife."
She looked at me, "My name is Nishtha."
Ouch.
"I know," I said, "Okay Okay... Mrs Nishtha Yuvaan Nanda... I want to take you somewhere."
"What? I don't want to go anywhere with you."
"It's not for me, it's for you, can you come?"
"Is this important?"
"Very."
She looked away and rolled her eyes, then back at me, "Fine. Hurry up." She walked away into her cabin and got her stuff and I followed happily.

We drove silently until we parked outside an old apartment. I got down and guided her down.
"Where are we?" She asked.
"Don't be scared," I said since she looked off, "I won't let anything happen to you. Come."
I held her hand and we walked inside.

Then, I opened the door to one room, where her sight fell on something that made her hand tighten around mine, and her eyes widen.

Bua

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