He seemed engrossed in the conversation as I made my way towards him.
My phone started ringing, making me pause midway.
"Hello?" I asked.
"Ria, It's Ruby here."
"Hi, Ruby, Is there any news?"
"No. I called to inform you that I have reopened the case with the help of my father, and we are currently investigating. It was pretty difficult at first as we didn't have any evidence but then my father's connection helped."
"That's great. Thanks for giving your time, Ruby. Thank you so much."
"No need to thank me. Your parents have done so much for me, this is the least I could do." Her voice came bringing a sad smile to my face.
Ruby is 6 years older than me and one of my friends who I remember ever since I was born on this planet. She was my neighbor back then when we used to live in India. I am not that close to her but still, we have remained in touch all these years. Her father is an advocate which made it pretty easy for us to start the investigation.
I have been having dreams about the accident and I thought maybe it was a sign to do something about it.
"Did you find anything?" I inquired.
"Nothing so far, but I'm still looking. They closed the case by declaring it a natural accident."
"Yeah. But I feel there's more to it." I spoke and felt a gaze on me. Looking up, I found Advik gazing at me from where he was seated.
She replied, "Don't worry. I'm trying my best. But I think we might need you here for some legal work."
I averted my gaze from his and bit my lips gazing at the sky. Grandma would never let me go back there. She had never allowed me to visit the city after my accident. Despite her warnings to steer clear of it all, I can't restrain myself any longer. I must find a way to leave. Perhaps I could make a secret visit.
"Okay. I will be there," I spoke releasing a deep breath.
"I wanted to ask one more thing. Have you tried to regain your memories? Maybe if you remember what happened that day we can get pieces of evidence."
I sighed, "I have tried a million times, but couldn't remember a single thing. My head starts hurting if I force."
"Alright, don't strain yourself. We'll figure out another way. Do you suspect anyone?"
"I'm not sure. But you can start with my Uncle."
"Okay then, I'll call later."
Hanging up the call, I walked back to him.
The third activity came, in that, we were given the paintbrush, and each partner had to draw their partner's painting.
I was relieved.
Finally, something I was good at.
But then, I heard the twist, that we won't be sitting in front of each other. We had to paint by remembering our partners their features and the images in our minds.
I started painting, sliding the brush as per the instructions of my mind. Starting with eyes, I painted them with my favorite color, ocean blue.
Since when did it become your favorite? My heart mocked.
Ignoring it, I focused on my painting.
I will do the best painting.
Yeah, when was the last time you picked up the brush? My brain mocked.
It hurriedly added the final touch to my painting as I heard the bell ring, indicating the time was over. I wondered how Advik has painted. He must be bad at these things as he is always busy with office work.
I glanced at him, who was standing far away from me- his face wearing a calm expression as he concentrated on the painting he was making.
I just hoped he made my face recognizable in the painting.
Subsequently, we lined up to present our paintings on stage. The female participant would display her artwork first, followed by her partner with his creation.
I tried not to laugh at the horrible paintings people just made of their partners.
But it was cute.
We clapped and appreciated everyone for their effort. As effort does matter and no one has left the canvas blank.
At last, I heard my name being called, and I went up and displayed my painting. Getting the impressed look from the crowd, my grin widened. My eyes fell on Advik, who stood beside the stage with a bright smile on his face, silently telling me I did a good job.
I stood there, as the head then called Advik, and he came. I curiously tried to peek at his canvas but still couldn't see anything as he hid it from me.
As his canvas opened, gasps filled the environment. The crowd, silent in awe, gazed upon the painting before them. Whispers of admiration swirled, echoing the collective astonishment.
Some leaned closer as if drawn by an invisible force, mesmerized by the painting. Murmurs of "incredible" and "breathtaking" fluttered through the air, as they admired it.
With furrowed eyebrows, I glanced at it. And to my utter surprise, it was not how I expected it to be.
My eyes widened in surprise, and I froze in my place staring at the painting, unable to believe the likeness captured on canvasâthe curve of my smile, the way my hair fell in soft waves. And most importantly, my brown eyes.
He has shown every little detail of mine in that. Like it is engraved in his brain.
Emotions swirled within me, at seeing myself through his eyes. A rush of warmth spread in my chest. At that moment, I felt seen and deeply appreciated. I never thought someone would make such an amazing painting of me, capturing my every little feature like that.
It was a Masterpiece.
I looked at him, who was already looking at me with a million-dollar smile.
Passing him a bright smile, I wrapped my arms around him in a hug whispering a thank you, and felt the vibration as he chuckled, sliding his arms around me.
I broke the hug, when I heard the 'aww' from the crowd. My cheeks got flushed as I realized we were standing in front of 50 people.
After receiving some appreciation from the head, we climb down the stage.
"Tell me, Mr. Aggarwal, how much more hidden talent you have?" I asked, playfully bumping my shoulder with him.
"Well, to find out that you have to spend the rest of yâ"
"Stop!"
He chuckled, seeing my flushed cheeks.
I stood, with my hands folded and watched as people enjoyed their time with each other company.
"Hey, Ms. Ria." I heard a voice from behind me. My gaze landed in that direction, and I saw Ms. Chloe, the CFO of our company making her way towards me with a smile on her face.
"Oh, Hi, Ms. Chloe," I replied feeling a bit surprised seeing her there.
She replied, "It's nice to see you both here."
I smiled and she looked at Advik who was engrossed in a conversation. Turning towards me, she spoke, "I have never seen Mr. Aggarwal like this."
I glanced at him, and then quickly looked away when he gazed at me. Looking at her, I asked, "Like what?"
"Being so happy. He had always been serious ever since I have known him. Always surrounding himself in the files and meetings, his work was his only priority in his life....Until you came." She smiled putting a hand on my arm, "Love can change anything."
I looked down, flustered, "No. It's not like that. We are just trying."
She chuckled, "Trying? Oh girl, have you noticed the way he looks at you?"
I blinked and met her gaze. She continued, "It's like he can't get enough of you. He can hardly keep his eyes off you whenever you're together. He's completely in love. I have to say, you both look cute together."
The blush spread to my cheeks hearing her. I cleared my throat. "It's nothing like that. We-"
"Don't make excuses. Life is too short to keep running away from your feelings. You both are in love. Accept it before it gets too late." She patted my arm, passing me a smile.
I gulped and nodded my head slowly, knowing too well that my mind still would not accept it.
It's only been three months. Such a short time for someone to fall in love.
You want to wait 3 decades to finally realize that? My heart mocked.
Accept it. You are falling for him.
No. In all these 3 months, he's only been nice to me since the last 3-4 days.
That's because he didn't have a reason to be-
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard her greet Advik. I looked over my shoulder to find him walking in our direction.
"Hello, Mr. Aggarwal. It's nice to see you."
Reaching us, he nodded his head in acknowledgment, and stood beside me, tucking his hands in his pocket, his composure straight. I watched as his face, was covered with the blank expression that he always wears in the office.
"Nice to see you too." He spoke without a smile.
I just stared at him, hearing his serious voice. It was nothing like he used to talk to me with, not even close. His behavior was completely distant, and, for a moment, I almost thought he was a different person. The cold rude boss.
She took her leave, and I looked up at him. He turned towards me, his gaze softening, the once emotionless blue eyes were now filled with something I couldn't understand.
He's in love. Her voice rang in the back of my head. I shook my head, pushing that thought away.
"Hope you are not getting bored," His voice was nothing like it was a few minutes ago, it held softness. I glanced up to see a small smile on his lips.
I smiled, "Of course not,"
"Are you enjoying Mr. Rude's company?"
"Yes..." I began but then my eyes widened as I realized what he just said.
I just stared at him with my mouth open.
How did he even know the nickname I had given him?
I expected him to get offended or something like that, but he just chuckled seeing my reaction, and closed it telling me I might catch flies.
We had lunch after that, and then, we had to go on a treasure hunt in the jungle.
Mr. Scott started speaking, "So, guys, this is the second and final stage. I hope you all have enjoyed till now. In the treasure hunt, you have to find these yellow flags. Total 5 flags you have to find and then come back to us. And please, I request everyone to return soon. Don't start doing other things."
The laughter rang in the crowd.
"Yeah, I think you all got it. So, tie your seatbelts, and get ready to explore the jungle."
We began. At first, I was filled with excitement, but as time passed my energy started draining away.
"Adviiiiik, I can't walk now," I complained and stopped walking.
We have been roaming in the jungle for the last 15 minutes and didn't find a single yellow flag.
"But you haven't even completed 500m." He said as he opened the paper map. I walked beside him and peeked at the map. I couldn't understand a single thing, so I stared at his face who was reading the map. His face held a calm expression, his eyebrows slightly furrowed as his eyes framed with long lashes concentrated on the map.
God, He looked gorgeous.
He pointed, "We are here. And we have to walk till here."
Without looking away from his face, I nodded my head frantically even though I didn't understand what he said.
I was not surprised seeing his intelligence, I know he is smart. I thanked God that he gave me a smart company, or else I would have gotten lost long ago.
"Stop staring at me." He spoke with a small smirk, making me smile.
"Then you should stop looking handsome all the time," I spoke, boldly.
He looked away from me, and oh my godâis that a blush I am seeing on his face?
I giggled and pulled his cheeks, "You are so cute."
"We have to go there." He spoke avoiding eye contact, still flustered.
"I'm tired," I said, stifling back my grin as he walked ahead.
"I can carry you-"
"Yes." Before he could finish, I smirked, and then, climbed on his back like a monkey. His reflex was good, as he held me in the meantime, saving me from falling on pretty land beneath our feet.
I slid my arms around his neck, wrapping my legs around him, and he chuckled, holding them.
"Are you drunk or something?" He asked as he walked slowly, holding me carefully.
I brought my lips to his ears as I whispered, "A sea of whiskey couldn't intoxicate me as much as a drop of you."
He chuckled, "I see. You have been reading novels too much."
"Well, you should read too," I whispered, brushing my lips against his ears, and burying my face in his neck.
His grip on my thighs tightened as I felt him tense under me. I giggled seeing his breath becoming uneven.
I don't even know what I was doing but I was enjoying it.
I think I have lost my mind.
Yeah. Probably.
"Stop, Ria. Because if I start, then we won't be returning soon."