Espresso Love (SanDhir)

Chapter 19 - Decaf

She began to walk away and a wave of guilt washed through my body immediately.

"Sanyu, wait!" I exclaimed without a second thought. She turned around rapidly, a questioning look on her face yet a shade of relief. "I mean... Ms. Agarwal," I coughed and quickly corrected myself. "I'm sorry for that outburst. I shouldn't have been that rude."

A hint of smile dared to escape her face, and I further clarified myself, "That doesn't mean I'm free right now though. You can set up an appointment with Avantika if you want to discuss something," I spoke nonchalantly. But who knew better than her how much of a facade that really was.

"I'll do just that then. And no need to apologize Randhir...," my eyes snapped to hers in a flash; but she cleverly added a "Sir" before I had the chance to say anything. She smiled at me and walked away, surprisingly leaving a smile on my face too.

I picked up my phone and shot Parth a text. Up for drinks tonight?

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—

I picked up his phone to give to him, accidentally reading the message in the process. I internally groaned; "I swear to God I shouldn't have patched you two love-birds up..."

He smiled at me as he took his phone and sent a quick and affirmative reply.

"Two dates in one day Kashyap? What a player!" I smirked, voicing out the thoughts many had back in our college days as well.

"I don't know about that, but one thing is for sure..." he said putting his phone down on the counter as he walked towards me. I took a few steps back in response, raising my eyebrows as I waited for him to finish his sentence.

"I'm definitely not going to do this with him," he winked before pulling me close.

I have never been one to blush, but might I say Mr. Kashyap was blissfully talented at that as well. Letting him take the lead, I responded passionately. "I love you," we both whispered at the same time. I smiled against his lips and kept my lips there, not wanting to back out. But he did...

"Okay, one more surprise Vidu!"

"Parth, it's not even my birthday! What's going on?" I genuinely asked him. And to add the Vidushi-sass I'm known for, I added, "You're only raising my expectations from you when it really is my birthday you know," I shrugged my shoulder deliberately.

He smiled once again, which I might add always melted my heart, before replying, "Don't underestimate my abilities!" I joined his laughter as I seriously asked him what the next surprise was.

"It's not exactly a conventional surprise. I guess it's just a surprise request... I want you to meet someone..." he trailed off. "Who?" confusion evident in my voice. "It's too early if you are talking about meeting your parents Parth," I added hesitantly. "I mean I do love you and all, but it's only been a couple of months!" But he was quick to interrupt.

"No no, nothing like that!" he paused before adding, "Do you remember how you wanted me to meet your best friend that I was in a fight with?"

Realization struck; "Ohhh... her..."

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—

I was smiling to myself as I walked towards Mr. Solanki's office. To be honest, I didn't know what I was expecting from that conversation. But that, that was certainly and completely unexpected. His smile made my heartbeat skip and flutter, something no other man has ever been able to. But more than that, his apology also made me feel even more guilty (which I didn't know was possible at this point) as I realized just how forgiving he had always been and still is.