What just happened just now?" I slowly whispered to myself while closing the door of my bedroom. I walked towards my bed and sat down. Replaying all the memories in my head, my heartbeat grew faster.
As I was lost in thought, my phone rang. I smiled as I picked it up, "Heyyy, Veer."
"Listen," he said, his voice cold and firm.
"Let's spend a day together tomorrow?"
"Yes," I replied softly, "but only in the evening. I need it."
We talked for a few more minutes before hanging up. I planned my routine for the next day, and somehow, it looked okay. I still couldn't believe it had already been a month of working with him and his impact on me. Why is this happening? Am I turning crazy?
I tossed my thoughts aside and slept. Sleep is important. Beauty sleep is more important. Period.
Time flew, and it had already been two months. I was still shocked at how I was managing to handle this man. Someone please give me an award for this. I would gladly accept it.
"A date?" I asked in disbelief as my dearest friend, Reeta, dropped a bomb on me by claiming she had found a guy for me and wanted me to meet him.
"Yes. At our favorite cafe near my office. Be there at 6 pm sharp. Don't be late," she said before hanging up.
My jaw dropped at her words. How was I supposed to meet a man I didn't even know?
Don't go. DON'T go.
My inner voice screamed at me. But did I really care about my instinct? Hell no.
I got dressed. It didn't feel like the best decision, but I made it anyway. I wore a saree,it's good for a date,with a small pair of earrings, and decided to keep it simple. "God am I lying to myself? How the heck is this simple".
I didn't tell anyone about my date. Only Reeta knew. Again, probably another bad decision.
When I reached the cafe, I saw him already waiting.
"Hi," I said with a polite smile.
"Nandini, I'm pleased to see you. Please, have a seat," he replied while pulling out the chair for me.
"My name is Ryan."
"Oh, hey Ryan," I said, settling down.
Ryan smiled warmly. "Reeta talks a lot about you. She said you're the kind of person who can brighten up even the dullest day."
I laughed nervously, adjusting my saree. "Oh, she exaggerates a lot. Don't believe everything she says."
"Well, I'd like to find out for myself," Ryan said, leaning forward slightly. "So, tell me…..what's one thing about you that people usually don't expect?"
I hesitated for a moment, then laughed. "That I can eat an entire pizza by myself without regretting it."
He chuckled. "Really? That's impressive. I might have to challenge you someday."
"Careful," I teased, "I don't lose food challenges."
The waiter arrived to take our order, and as Ryan ordered coffee, he glanced at me. "What about you? Coffee? Or are you more of a tea person?"
"Coffee," I replied.
"Ah, good choice," he said, clearly intrigued. "I like that."
I raised an eyebrow. "What about you? What's something people don't expect from you?"
He grinned, his eyes sparkling. "That I'm terrible at cooking, but I still try. And somehow, I've set the fire alarm off more times than I'd like to admit."
I laughed, already feeling the tension ease between us.
Ryan was easy to talk to; his laugh came quickly, and the way he listened made me feel… comfortable. Too comfortable.
Just as I was about to tell him a funny story about Reeta.My phone, resting quietly on the table, suddenly buzzed.
Ryan paused mid-sentence. "Do you want to get that?" he asked politely.
"Uh—yeah, just a sec," I muttered, picking it up. I hesitated before pressing accept.
"Where are you?" Vyom's voice was sharp, low, laced with something unspoken.
"I—" I stammered, glancing nervously at Ryan, who was politely sipping his coffee. "I'm… out."
"Out?" His tone darkened. "Nandini, I need you to meet me. Right now. It's urgent."
My heartbeat quickened. "Vyom, I—"
"I apologise if it sounded like a request" he cut me off. "Just come." His voice stern.
I bit my lip, torn. Ryan's kind eyes were watching me, patient and unaware, while Vyom's voice burned through me like fire.
I lowered the phone slowly, my palms suddenly damp. Ryan leaned forward slightly, concern flickering across his face.
"Everything okay?" he asked gently.
I forced a smile, though my chest was tight. "Um… actually, I—I have to go. Some problems at my work place."
His brows furrowed, clearly confused. "So soon? We barely even–uh" He stopped himself, then nodded with a soft smile. "It's okay. I understand. Maybe another time?"
Guilt washed over me as I gathered my bag. "Yes. I'm really sorry, Ryan."
He stood up, ever the gentleman, and pulled out my chair again. "No need to apologize. Just… take care of yourself."
I gave him a small nod, but inside, my mind was racing. As I walked quickly out of the cafe, I sat in my car and head to his house.I panicked thinking maybe I did something wrong. Maybe I ruined the project. Did I missed any information about our new school project. I closed my eyes shut thinking what mistakes I have done.
I reached his house and parked my car. Standing in front of the gate, my heart raced uncontrollably. It was my first time coming here, and fear wrapped around me like chains. Maybe I had done something wrong.
Useless girl, always making mistakes, my mind screamed.
I took a deep breath, gathering my courage, and rang the doorbell. After a few seconds, footsteps approached. The door opened, revealing him. Vyom stood there in a plain t-shirt and sweatpants. For the first time, he looked different. He looked unguarded, casual, not wrapped in his usual armor of formality.
"Are you planning to stay out there?" he asked coldly.
"N-no, I'm sorry," I mumbled, apologizing without knowing why.
He pushed the door wider, and I stepped inside. The house was silent, almost scary. We were always professional at work, and he never mentioned his family, his life, or this side of him. Sitting down in the living room, I tried to mask my nerves.
"Is something wrong?" I asked carefully. "You called me so suddenly. I was out doing some imp—"
"Date!" he snapped, cutting me off.
I froze. "Y-yeah…" I stuttered.
His voice lowered, calm but sharp.
"Hm. Doesn't matter more than the school proposal, right?"
I blinked at him, fear tightening my chest at the thought of making a mistake that could ruin the lives of so many kids.
"I didn't mean to. Tell me what's wrong, I'll fix it," I said, the words spilling out in a rush.
For a moment, silence stretched between us. His eyes darkened, a storm brewing in their depths.
"Change some details in the file so we can submit it tomorrow," he said quietly. "Because I can't stand mistakes, Nandini."
I lowered my head, my fingers automatically reaching for my pendant, twisting it nervously.
"Go back, Nandini," he continued.
"Vyom…" I whispered.
He didn't look at me. Instead, he handed me the file. Then, suddenly, his hand reached up and brushed my hair back, tucking it gently behind my ear.
My heart thundered in my chest, confusion and heat colliding inside me. I managed to breathe out, "I'm sorry."
"Nandini Singh," he said, withdrawing his hand. "Take care."
Just a few words—yet my breath hitched. Slowly, I took the file and left, my heart pounding.
What is happening to me?