Tangled Beliefs

Chapter-34: Between Thunder and Coffee

He asked me if I was okay, and for a second, I forgot about the walls I’d built around myself.

Nandini’s POV,

The morning felt heavier than usual, though I couldn’t figure out why. I sat in my cabin, trying to focus on the file before me, but my thoughts kept drifting back to yesterday. To the engagement. To him.

Manik Malhotra.

It wasn’t like this was my first time seeing him at work. It wasn’t like we hadn’t spent hours in the same space before. Yet, after yesterday, something had shifted. I couldn’t shake the memory of him saying my name—his awkwardness, the way he looked when I stammered out his.

Shaking my head, I stood up and straightened my dress. Focus, Nandini, I told myself. Work was my escape, my sanctuary, and I wasn’t about to let yesterday's events change that.

I glanced at the clock. He’d be here any moment. Taking a deep breath, I left my cabin and walked toward the elevator. My heels clicked softly against the tiled floor, but my heart was pounding louder than I liked to admit.

The elevator doors opened, and there he was. Manik Malhotra.

Dressed impeccably as always, his sharp suit hugged his tall frame perfectly. His tie was a deep blue today, and it somehow made him look even more intimidating. Or maybe that was just me overthinking.

“Good morning, Mr. Malhotra,” I greeted him, keeping my voice professional and steady, though it felt like my throat was dry.

He looked at me for a brief second, and I couldn’t help but notice the faint hesitation in his gaze. He wasn’t his usual self either. Was he feeling awkward too?

“Morning,” he said simply, his voice lower than usual.

I immediately launched into listing his schedule for the day, hoping the professional routine would help ease the tension.

“We have the board meeting at 10:30, followed by a call with the Singapore client at noon. After lunch, there’s a meeting with the marketing team at 2:30,” I recited as we walked toward his cabin.
He nodded but didn’t say much, which was unlike him. Usually, he’d interrupt with a quick comment or a clarification. Today, his silence felt loaded.

Once we reached his cabin, he turned to me. “Where’s the quarterly report file?”

I nodded quickly, glad for the distraction. “Here it is,” I said, pulling it from my folder and handing it to him.

As I extended my hand, I noticed his eyes linger on it. Specifically, on my hand.

I followed his gaze and realized what he was looking at—my bare finger.

My engagement ring wasn’t there.

Panic bubbled in my chest. He must have noticed, and now he was staring, probably thinking all sorts of things. My fingers trembled slightly as I fumbled to explain.

“Actually…” I started, my voice shaky. “Anyone could notice it here, so I removed it…” I trailed off, pulling at the chain around my neck. “I’m wearing it as a pendant instead.”

I showed him the chain where my ring rested, nestled against my skin.

He coughed awkwardly, his gaze flickering between the ring and my face. “It’s okay,” he said after a moment. “I, uh… I’m doing the same.”

I blinked, confused until I noticed the subtle gleam of a chain peeking out from under his shirt collar.

“You are?” I asked, surprised.