Chapter 14: chapter 14

Sanyogita walked back to her desk. The files slumped onto the desk as soon as she collapsed into her chair. Her body language screamed exhaustion, her shoulders slumping in defeat. She hid her face into her hands, fingers pressing her scalp as frustration boiled over.She snarled, voice filled with exasperation. "Why does this man have so many issues with me?”Her whispers escalated into a heated monologue. "Miss Sharma, you didn't pay attention? Miss Sharma, where is your mind? We don't  pay you to apologize 24/7?"She rocked back and forth, a comforting motion at odds with her own internal conflict."Whoa, whoa," she murmured, the words a weak attempt to ease her frantic thoughts.Her chest rose and fell, her lungs labouring to slow her furious breathing from increased frustration. Tears threatened at the edges of her eyes, but she would not let them fall.Her office receded behind her, only the ringing echo of Prithvi's jibes and her own growing ire remaining.Sanyogita's temper reached boiling point , her curses aimed squarely at the universe. "God, why…why . Why did you make him my boss?"She took a napkin in her fist, wiping away the tears of frustration . Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper as she muttered under breath  "If I were in his place, I'd kick him out of my office without a second thought." Her eyes flashed with anger.Sunday's fleeting respite now seemed a far-off memory, eclipsed by the ominous shadow of Monday's meeting with Prithvi."What have I done to deserve this torture ?" Sanyogita's voice cracked. "He's merciless, heartless, cold-blooded , and an insane man,"Her stomach growled, it was then she reminded her she'd missed lunch. "And to top it off, he doesn't even care whether I've had anything to eat."Sanyogita's imagination ran wild with dark fantasies , cursing her boss deep down "I'll kill that khadoos someday, slowly... drowning him in chilli sauce...no, frying him in a hot pan." Her eyes blazed with fury."He'll beg for mercy, but I won't give in . I'll make him suffer, shout at him just like he does daily." Her voice increased in volume , echoing through the office.Sanyogita shook hincreaseder long hair whipping around her face. "My anger won't subside... not until he pays for what he's done."Her words ended in a strangled whisper, "I hateeeeeeeee thissssssss mannnnnnnnnnn!"As Sanyogita's outburst faded, she rested back in her chair, exhausted. Her rage still simmered, but reality began to seep in.She glanced around the office, ensuring no one had overhead her meltdown. The surrounding cubicles seemed quiet, oblivious to overheard inner turmoil.With a deep breath, Sanyogita attempted to compose herself. She smoothed her hair, dabbed her tears, and straightened her formal shirt.But her gaze kept drifting back to Prithvi's cabin . The man was a puzzle she couldn't solve. Why did he target her?determination ignited within her. She wouldn't let Prithvi break her.Sanyogita powered up her computer, fingers dancing across the keyboard as she plunged into her work. Concentration would be her armour against Prithvi's jibes.As the hours trickled by , her concenar mouron never wavered. She'd show Prithvi her strength.The office began to empty, colleagues bidding goodbye as they left for the home .Sanyogita remained, absorbed in her work until the silence closed around her.Suddenly, the intercom buzzed. She got a call from Arjun from the office landline of Prithvi "Miss Sharma, please report to Boss office."********** Prithvi called for Sanyogita frequently in his cabin to get the details regarding the meeting and how long she proceeded or how many files she had completed until then." Miss Sharma, I know you're angry now, but don't eat or tear those files in frustration . Those files are very important. "Sanyogita shot her boss a ferocious glance, her voice barely above a whisper" How Khadoos you are!! I'm still thinking about the files ... I think instead of food, one should provide him with piles of files and meetings. How could he be hungry? From  the morning to evening, his appetite fills by giving a lecture to me. "Prithvi heard her blubbering something, leaning back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Miss Sharma...Don't forget to prioritize those files, Miss Sharma. I expect nothing but excellence."Sanyogita's gaze locked onto his, a silent rebellion brewing. Her voice remained professional, but her eyes betrayed her frustration. "Of course, Sir.""Yes, Sir .. I'll keep that in mind," she  said with a tight expression and started to walk towards the gate , her strides purposeful.Prithvi's voice halted her departure, firm but laced with humour. "Miss Sharma."Sanyogita's steps faltered, irritation etched on her face. She spun around, her eyes flashing with the annoyance " Aab Kya hai Sir.'' Prithvi raised an eyebrow, his commanding presence filling the room. Inwardly, he struggled to contain his laughter. "Thoda muskura toh sakti hai na?" he teased, his eyes glinting with mirth.Sanyogita's eyelids fluttered shut, her jaw tightened with disgust. Then, she opened them, forcing her cheeks into an over-the-top, goofy grin . "Hihiihii... Yes, Sir... My heart is overflowing with joy, and my smile is completely not fake ." Her voice dripped with mock politeness, her tone biting.Prithvi's gaze remained fixed on the file in his hand, his expression unyielding. Yet, his eyes sparkled with amusement, betraying his straight-laced persona . "Good," he said, his voice measured.Sanyogita's frustration boiled over. "Sir, if I smile any further, my face might crack. Can I go now?"Prithvi's lips twitched. "Not yet, Miss Sharma. I want to see my special assistant smile while working in the office ."Sanyogita rolled her eyes. "Of course, Sir. I live for your entertainment."Prithvi chuckled, his composure slipping. "Well played," he said, his voice measured.As Sanyogita exited the cabin, he nodded his head sideways,  a slow smile spreading across his face. Her reactions were irresistible, and he couldn't help but find her adorable. He leaned back in the chair, interlacing his fingers. Sanyogita's exaggerated sly grin played back in his head, and his smile widened.Prithvi's gaze drifted toward Sanyogita's workstation on the screen of CCTV , his eyes flicking toward her at intervals. He monitored her progress, his expression a mask of professionalism.Just then, Arjun, his personal assistant, approached him. "Sir, I overheard Miss Sharma not having time for lunch. She's been working non-stop."Prithvi's brow furrowed, concern etched on his face. He nodded curtly. "Arjun, arrange for some food to be sent to her desk. Now."Arjun nodded and swiftly departed to fulfil the request.Minutes later, a steaming tray of food appeared at Sanyogita's desk . The aroma of freshly cooked rice and vegetables wafted up her nostril , enticing her. Her gaze lifted, searching for the sender. It was late at night, and almost all the employees left the office except Sanyogita.When Prithvi left, he found Sanyogita was still in the cabinet busy with the files. He took steps towards her." Didn't you want to go home? ""Sanyogita pulled her face to take a glance at his face. Although she heard the voice, the question seemed to her as if he was mocking her. It was he who gave her the burden of work, but again, it was he who showed her concern at night. Either this man has a mental disorder, or he loves to give her shocks by his sudden estranged decision."Sir , You said on the day I have to complete all these files before the end of office hours tonight so how could I be so careless as I am an irresponsible employee," she taunts the last line indirectly.Prithvi understood her words and what she meant exactly. However, he suppressed his smile and said with a friendly tone " although I said that in the day."" Sir, only today??? ... You have said these things since I joined the office. Miss Sharma, it's your fault.. miss Sharma, you are not careful. Where is your mind?? Why did you come late?? Why do you forget everything ?? Sir, I'm damn sure there isn't any meeting on Sunday, but still, you shouted at me today, even in front of Vishal and My Sunday planning has spoiled "Prithvi kept his hands close to his chest listening to her grumble, he raised his eyebrows and said " You are angry because I scolded you in front of Vishal And you have to cancel the meeting with him on Sunday?? " Sanyogita paused and bit her lips. " No .. I didn't mean that.. you are my boss after all you can scold me on anything and anywhere. " A few strands of hair fell on either side of her face.Prithvi's heart missed a beat, he found her expression cute.She continued, " I mean not everywhere.. but you should tell me na , we have another meeting on Sunday... This Sunday, I thought I'll spend the entire day with Ariyan. As I hardly get any time to spend with him "Prithvi paused, and he understood why she was upset." Okay, this Sunday we will not have any meetings."Sanyogita looked at him with a surprise. "What??? " I mean, yes, we have. The meeting will be held next Monday.  Then, I was unaware of the fact that you wanted to give time to my best buddy. And I thought you were going with Vishal .  ."Sanyogita cut him in the middle and slipped out in frustration. " I don't want to go with that Vishal ..... and I don't like how he approached me since last night, " she said out of frustration without caring about what she said, and the receiver was none other than her boss.Prithvi looked at her with twinkling eyes. His heart was jumping with happiness. " Sach!!!...Sanyogita looked at him ..with  a little frown Prithvi cleared his throat. " I mean, you don't want to go with him ?but why ?..."he sounded."Ohh alas  Attitude, Yet he was curious as well as expecting her  to not go with Vishal " Yes .." Sanyogita nodded her head negatively. She sounded panicked. " I wanted to tell him that I can't meet him on Sunday but he is now our business partner and he is your friend now. So that's why.." That's why you thought perhaps I would be angry with you if you rejected his request. "Sanyogita glanced at him, and she gave him an '" I caught-you-look."Prithvi chuckled, " Sanyogita, we are also friends now, don't you forget. You can share anything with me. I mean, as we are friends. So I should think about my friend's uneasiness too, don't you think so?" "Sanyogita looked at him with a blank face , and suddenly, her lips went stretchedPrithvi motioned his eyes on her gorgeous eyes and lips. " Anyway, it's too late.. let's go home. "" But these files aren't complete yet,""Take this home. I'll check it out in 2 days,"Sanyogita looked at him with a gap, unblinking with wide open eyes . He continued, " I shouted at you because I know who is capable.  I have lots of expectations from you. This company has expectations from you. You are a talented girl . And besides this, you have to be Harding working too. Jeweller beats metals to give it an extraordinary shape. That's why it is kept in the showroom,  we always keep those stones in the exhibition after beating because it becomes priceless then. An ordinary stone can't figure out its value. You are a priceless stone for me .. I mean for this company "Sanyogita glanced at Prithvi with a gap in her mouth, his words developing goosebumps across her spine. Prithvi gazed at her as if she were. Their eye lock was broken by the sudden entry of Arjun.In the end, he dropped Sanyogita at her home.She bid him bye, and Prithvi left the place.Sanyogita gazed at the way Prithvi's car faded away. She felt extraordinary today. Prithvi's words reverberate in her brain.She kept the remaining files in her almirah, and abruptly, some letters fell on her legs.Every night before sleep, she read those letters. Tonight, she glared at them. Last night, she felt guilty after thinking about the party incident when Prithvi was going to kiss her even though she was ready to reciprocate to the same magnitude. With the same devotion, the same willingness. Sometimes life is so funny as well as mysterious. Why did she feel so fragile in front of Prithvi? Why couldn't she maintain that rigid sanity in the presence of him ??  Many more boys approached her, but she rejected everyone, but what happened to her when Prithvi was around her? After the incident last night, she was sure enough about his feelings that he was interested in her. And he gave effort every time to win her heart. At first, she misinterprets him, but gradually, the day he flashes out Trisha in the mall and also saves her from that horny manager, she finds another ambience within him. But again, she was perplexed. His behaviour sometimes made her confused. What precisely did he want from her? Sometimes, he yelled at her. Another moment, he showed her concern as if nobody could care for her like him.She asked herself, " What she wanted . she waited for the man for 7 years, the man who she never met, nor even seen. He didn't have a name, but she could feel his vibes around her.She was damn confused now . And last night's incident made her restless. Today, she felt the tension between the two guys. One was Prithvi, and another was Vishal Kapoor. Vishal was interested in her. She could sense that in his approach . He was a good-looking man, too, but he was not what her heart was carved for . Yesterday night, she made some excuses and was happy when Prithvi asked for her dance before Vishal asked for it. She could have rejected anyone, but why was it so difficult with Prithvi? The closer she got to him, the more she thought back to those letters. And felt guilty as if she was betraying her saviour. What would happen when one day she would find him? Although there wasn't any commitment, they didn't make a promise that they would  always belong to each other only. But he was there whenever she was in trouble  . He came like a saviour and solved her difficulty, and vanished in the air. As if he was an Maseeha of God. Prithvi is nice to her, he made her laugh, he wanted to know her more, sometimes he shouted at her and got angry all of a sudden. But yet he was conscious of her. He was very punctual and serious in his work. He is a workaholic man. Sanyogita chortle.It was late at night. She kept her head on the soft pillow. She wondered every night before sleep she used to think about her secret admirer . But tonightThere was only one name she had in her mind....It was her boss .********** Prithvi was on his balcony, the lights of the big garden bathing under the bright light , bringing scents of flowers , clogging his nostril soothing , revering his turbulent thoughts.His eyes went upwards, where the moon teased the clouds at a game of hide-and-seek. The heavenly ballet fascinated him, but his mind dwelled elsewhere.His fingers automatically reached for the single earring in his pocket. The gentle curve of metal, the sparkle of small stones, was a repository of a thousand memories. Bringing the earring to his lips, a flood of tenderness swept over him. The kiss he left on it was a soft benediction, full of yearning, a physical link to a past he could not conceal.Prithvi's eyelids closed, his mind submitting to the feelings that had pursued him for all these years.Sanyogita's sleep was vibrating by vivid dreams, her subconscious spinning a web of longing and nostalgia.She saw in her dreams,  standing in a lush landscape, accompanied by the soothing sound of a waterfall. Golden sun rays casting downward painting the vast meadows. Suddenly she noticed someone, a figure emerging from the misty veil that surrounded the waterfall.Their eyes locked, and Sanyogita's heart misses a beat. The same piercing stare that had scared her everyday now wore a soft, heartwarming smile.Time came to a halt as his eyes wrinkled at the edges, his mouth curling upwards. The killer smile, previously reserved for boardroom victories, now appeared designed solely for her.In the dream, she extended her hand, and he enveloped hers, warm and comforting. The world outside faded away, leaving only the promise of eternity.Sanyogita awoke with a jolt , her heart pounding with shock . The dream lingered, leaving an indelible impression on her mind. Her eyes grew wider with horror and shame.The person she saw in her dream wasn't her secret lover.But it was ...***********Many days have passed. Vishal is like an obtrusive boy stuck behind Sanyogita. He did everything when a man wanted to impress her.It was another day when he asked her to meet at a coffee cafe. He ultimately said what he truly felt for her and was struggling to open his heart to her. But ultimately, he was left disappointed when he heard that she wasn't attracted to him. He inquired as to why, but she was baffled and mentioned that she loved someone elseVishal was persistent and inquisitive to know about details of the man who she loved so much, even ready to let go of such a successful businessman, a young handsome, and eligible bachelor upon him any girl can say yes to this single approach. " Who is that boy who you want??  I, too, want to know who that lucky guy is.Sanyogita kept aside her dilemma and tried her best to make him understand with politeness. She told him, " Vishal, I respect you as a human, but .. I'm not that girl who you are seeking.. I know you could find someone better than me. If we always remain friends, I'll be more glad. And talking about the boy  he is my Messiah .  Except that I couldn't tell you more . I'm sorry. Please don't force me to let out "Seeing her pleading, Vishal paused, and then gradually, a smile crept on his lips" Sanyogita tells you one thing.. I think that man is lucky to choose a diamond like you. How many girls have I come across most of them show their attitudes at first but then change their mindsets and agree to have to date with me ..You are an honest woman in spite of offering you a high salary job yet you don't want to leave Malhotra company, glad to meet such a loyal employee .  I will try to impress you for the last 2 months, but it is my bad luck. "Sanyogita looked at him with guilty eyes Vishal continued, " Anyway, please invite me to the wedding. I would like to meet that man of your heart ." He said with a wink." akhir mein bhi toh janu kon hai woh khush naseeb Jose apka pyaar hasil hua hai!! Prithvi followed Sanyogita as he had a doubt seeing his repeated approach of Vishal towards Sanyogita. He was in disguise, so neither Sanyogita nor Vishal could recognise him . He took a table near them so he could hear them. Although he was sitting there with his ears fixed to their conversation zone. He was anxious that if She chose Vishal, what he would do?.. he would again lose her. But he was happy to hear she wasn't interested in him, but he thought back to whom she loved. It was more shocking to him as she was in love with another man. Who was that man?? Where does he love ??? Why do most people select the girl whom he has an eye on ?? He knew Sanyogita was so beautiful, and her nature was more adoring than any bachelor who could lose their heart for a girl like her. Here, Sanyogita closes her, and Prithvi's face flashes before her sight. Her heart omitted a beat.Their meeting ended. She took a cab and headed towards her home. On the way she thought, if Vishal was another man, she could reject or ignore him as she did. But he is now a business partner of Prithvi, and she couldn't take the chance to disappoint him. She was happy as Prithvi now understood her choice and thought about her decision. She respects her boss as he has a lot of expectations from her as well. She adores his dedication and affirmation towards his company. She, too, loved this company and gave a word to herself that she would do her best, to be honest, and sincere to the Malhotra fashion Company, don't let his dignity be below. Prithvi, on the other side, was disturbed by what he heard in the coffee cafe. He was curious to know who her lover was. Sometimes, he was angry at her why she couldn't see his pain, his feelings, and how long his soul was craving just to catch a glimpse of one of the most attractive smiles on her adorable face. Again, he cursed himself it was his fault he never let her know he loved her only since the day he saw her for the first time. It was his love at first sight. He fell for her without caring whether she could reciprocate him or not. It didn't matter to him sometimes as in his dream she was only him. Nobody Can't have the power to break that house which he dreamt of with her ..............He remembers, all stories will have endings, and new beginnings started after the end of the previous one.So he restarts his incomplete story "