Fated To Love You

Chapter 57

"Enough khaya na tumnein?" Sumedh asked, his brows furrowing slightly with concern as he leaned forward, his tone gentle yet probing.

"Yes, sir," Himani replied softly, her voice barely audible, as she nervously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She kept her eyes lowered, fiddling with the strap of her bag.

"Theek hai phir, ruko... Sid aajayega, phir chali jana," Sumedh said, his voice steady but kind. He leaned back in his chair, trying to sound reassuring, though his gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, noticing her discomfort.

"Main... main ghar chali jaaun please?" she asked hesitantly, her voice trembling slightly. Her red, puffy eyes darted up to meet his briefly before she looked away again.

"Abhi? Gates to bandh hai," Sumedh replied, his tone softening further as he leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the desk.

"Okay..." she almost whispered, the words barely escaping her lips, her posture slumping a little as if resigning herself to the situation.

Sumedh noticed the defeated look in her eyes. He sighed, glancing briefly at Abhishek, then back at her. "Par agar acha nhi lag rha... to main gate pass de deta hoon," he said gently, his tone filled with genuine care. His fingers tapped lightly on the desk as if to signal that he meant it.

"Thank you, sir," she said softly, her voice carrying a faint tremble of gratitude. Her fingers nervously fidgeted as she reached for the gate pass.

Sumedh swiftly signed and handed it over to her. "Main drop kar aata hoon," he offered firmly, standing up from his chair without hesitation.

Himani shook her head lightly, her hands clutching the pass tightly. "Main chali jaaungi, sir... koi baat nahi," she said, her tone polite but tentative, avoiding his gaze as if not wanting to impose further.

"Nahi nahi," Sumedh insisted, his brows knitting together with concern as he adjusted his watch. "Main chhor aata hoon. It's better that way," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

She hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded. "Okay, sir," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she clutched her bag and stood up.

Abhishek, who had been silently observing the exchange, broke into a soft smile. "Main yahin sambhal lunga, tu jaa," he said to Sumedh, gesturing toward the desk.

Sumedh gave him a grateful nod and turned to Himani. "Chalo," he said gently, motioning toward the door.

He picked up his keys from the desk and gave Abhishek a quick nod before stepping out with Himani. The walk to the car was quiet, with Sumedh maintaining a protective yet non-intrusive presence beside her.

The drive was equally silent, the hum of the engine filling the space as he focused on the road. Himani stared out of the window, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of her scarf. Sumedh occasionally glanced at her, his brows furrowed with worry but refrained from saying anything, giving her the space she seemed to need.

He parked the car in his apartment parking and got out, waiting as she slowly stepped out as well. They walked to the apartment in silence, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the hallway. As soon as they reached near the apartment, Sumedh turned toward her.

Without a word, he stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug, his chin resting lightly on her head. "I am sorry, love," he said softly, his voice thick with guilt.