I stared out the car window recalling how Shivaay had saved me, the way he hadn’t though twice before pushing me out of the way, even though it resulted in horrifying burns on his hand. I had always watched Shivaay care for Rudra immensely and had sometimes even unwantedly envied Rudra for getting such bottomless love from Shivaay. Even though I didn’t want to get affected, seeing the same caring attitude of Shivaay towards me had impacted me deeply. It felt… pleasantly beautiful. Actually, I really didn’t know what to name this enigmatic feeling.
“Maam, we reached you home.” The driver’s voice pulled me out of my fantasy world.
It was then that I realized what nonsensical thoughts I had been pondering about. I wasn’t going to let myself get inclined towards Shivaay.
“Anyone else in his place would have done the same and I’m pretty sure he would have saved anyone in my place. There is absolutely nothing special about me. I am not going to get myself involved in mere infatuations; I am NOT going to repeat Mom’s mistakes.” I ordered myself coldly while walking towards my room.
To get back on track, I opened a book, sat comfortable my bed and got immersed into the world of business. I had always dreamt of standing in front of a group of professionals while I presented my ideas to them and cracked important deals. I had to study to make my dream a reality and wasn’t going to let some Shivaay dominate my thoughts.
*Splash!* I woke up startled, furious and ready to get my hands red with the blood of the person who had woken me up like this. Just then, I heard roars of laughter, those which had an uncanny similarity with a donkey’s bray and instantly knew it was none other than Rudra who had done this heinous act.
“How dare you wake me up like this?” I said coldly while giving an angry glare towards Rudra.
“I have Maasi with me here for protection I can do anything!” said Rudra with an eye-to-eye smile on his face while slowly taking a step behind Maasi and gladly presenting her in front of me.
“Maasi, not this time! You won’t – Hooo! My book! Rudra you made my book wet! Now even Maasi can’t save you ugly duckling!”
I had never seen Rudra look so offended, “Ugly Duckling? ME? Did you just call Rudra Singh Oberoi an ugly duckling for a book? Arre all girls drop their books and rush to meet me whenever they see me nearby and you called me an ugly duckling for a book? Plus, it wasn’t even my fault! Who sleeps while reading a book? You know what, you just a boring book worm and I am NOT an ugly duckling!”
Before I could fight back, Maasi forcefully stopped me and told me to freshen and come out for breakfast as Rudra had something important to say. Hesitantly, I obliged and headed off.
“Rudra, pass the chutney. Oh and what was the important thing you had to say?” I asked.
Rudra’s face instantly lit up. “Guess what? Shivaay Bhaiya said that after our graduation, which is just 2 weeks away, we both can join his business and work together! Imagine working together, forever! It will be soo much fun!”
Before I could say anything, he continued, “No! I know you are going to start your moral gyaan on how you want to earn your job and don’t want it just because I am your best friend. Don’t worry, Bhaiya said that he will take a proper interview and test you for a few days before deciding which post to give to you in the company so that you will get the job solely because of your own hard work. He also said that he has seen how hard working you are and would like to have such hardworking and ummn what was the word? Yea *ambitious* people in his company. I know that you can’t say no now right?”
I silently continued breakfast while thinking about Rudra’s words for a while. Shivaay had made it clear that he wasn’t choosing me just because I was Rudra’s best friend. I could fulfill my dreams in this company and having Rudra there with me, I wouldn’t have to worry about being left alone either. Even though I had planned on accepting Rudra’s offer, I couldn’t give me agreement immediately as I didn’t want to sound desperate and so I said, “I will think about it Rudra.”
I silently reminded myself that even though I was going to work in the same office as Shivaay, which meant seeing him every day, I wasn’t going to get myself involved in any infatuations and was only going to use my energy in working hard and making my dream a reality.
Author’s Note:
And poof comes the 5th chapter! Well I’m extremely sorry for the late update and would once again thank every single one of you for giving such a “ummmn pleasantly beautiful response? Oh I really don’t know what to call it ?”
So now, there will be a turning point in the story as Shivaay and Anika will be working together! Will try uploading soon 🙂