🍁 chapter three 🍁

Rudra was already in the foul mood because of the woman and angrily called his secretary.

Mona Singh had been Rudra's secretary for the past three years. Before entering the cabin, Mona took a deep breath, preparing herself for Rudra's wrath. As soon as Mona stepped her foot into the cabin, she heard Rudra's cold voice. "How did you let her into my office? "

Rudra's face was scary as hell and his eyes were spitting fire "Sir, she had your emergency visiting card," Mona replied calmly and tried to keep herself calm and confident.

Rudra gritted his teeth and yelled, "Get lost!" Mona knows well how to handle Rudra's temper. She quietly left the office and went to fetch coffee for him.

"Why is everyone getting on my nerves?" Rudra muttered to himself in frustration.

Meanwhile, Shantanu was brainstorming design ideas but couldn't come up with anything. Pari placed a cup of coffee on Shan's desk and said, "You need a break."

Shan glanced at the coffee mug, then at Pari who gestured toward the mug with her eyes. He sighed deeply and reluctantly picked up the mug, sipping the coffee slowly. Shantanu closed his eyes to enjoy the coffee and relax his messed mind.

Seeing Shan drink the coffee, Priya smiled. "It's just your first day so don't panic so much, Otherwise you won't be able to manage here," Priya said in a serious and calm tone.

Shan responded with a slightly sad expression, "The whole day is over, and I haven't made any progress in my task. How will I be able to deliver the best five designs in a month? "

"You have plenty of time, and I'm sure you'll create the best designs," Priya tried to motivate him.

When Mona placed the coffee mug on Rudra's table, he gave her a questioning look.

Understanding his unspoken question, Mona replied, "It's for you."

"Did I ask for this?"asked Rudra raising his eyebrow.

"But you need it, sir," Mona spoke confidently.

Rudra rolled his eyes but still he picked up the mug. He smelled the coffee before taking a sip.

"Is something bothering you?" asked Mona, noticing Rudra's strange behavior.

"No," Rudra dismissed her quickly. Mona didn't believe him but chose not to invade his private space. She informed him about the upcoming meeting and then left.

8:00 PM

The office work was over and everyone was going to their respective homes. Near the building's gate Pari , Shan, Vivek, and a few others of the same floor stood there and chatting. While some waited for their cabs, others stayed to keep them company.

"Shan, How was your first day here?" Vivek asked Shan with a warm smile.

Shan smiled back and replied to him "Honestly, it was exhausting..."

"Didn't you enjoy working with me?" Pari teased him playfully keeping fake sad expressions.

"No... no, you took me all wrong." Shan shook his head negatively, waving his hands defensively.

"I just couldn't be productive today," he explained nervously.

Everyone burst out laughing, leaving Shan slightly uncomfortable. "I was just joking, Shan," Pari said, laughing. Shan gave a nervous smile and scratched his neck awkwardly.

Suddenly, their laughter stopped, and everyone grew serious. This sudden change made Shan confused. "What happened? Why did everyone become quiet? "

Vivek gestured with his eyes, but Shan didn't understand. Rudra was now standing silently behind Shan. Pari held Shan's shoulder and gently turned him back to face Rudra. As he turned his face back, his eyes met deep blue eyes once again. For a moment, time seemed to freeze,While Shan grew nervous from their proximity, Rudra remained expressionless. Shantanu swallowed his own Saliva to moisten his dry throat. This action of Shantanu attracted Rudra's attention to his fair neck especially to Adam's apple. Rudra's eyes grew dark.

"Shan, step aside and let Rudra sir go." someone whispered softly into shantanu's ear from behind.

"I... I am... I am sorry, boss," Shan stammered and turned to move quickly. In the haste, Shan tripped over his own feet and almost about to fall on his face " shantanu " aloud voice came from people standing there.

In fraction of second Rudra swiftly stepped forward and caught him by the waist.

Everyone standing there was stunned, their jaws dropped open in disbelief. Rudra pulled Shan closer, and Shan's back pressed against Rudra's chest. Rudra's hand was still on Shan's waist, and Shan's face turned red either from fear or embarrassment.

"Are you okay? " Rudra's emotionless yet rough voice snapped everyone out of their daze.

Shan quickly freed himself from Rudra's grip and, avoiding everyone's gaze, nervously replied, "I... I'm fine." He took several steps back.

Without saying another word, Rudra walked away. Shan continued staring at the ground, his face still flushed. "Don't worry, Shantanu; it's no big deal," someone tried to comfort him. Shan forced a smile but remained visibly uncomfortable.

Gradually, everyone left for their homes. Shan too headed home with a heavy heart.

Although Rudra left the scene, he stopped his car midway, dismissing his driver. He spent the next two to three hours sitting alone in the car on the roadside.

Around Midnight Rudra finally reached his house. After taking a shower while lost in old memories, he changed into his nightwear and sat on his bed. His eyes fell on a doll which was placed near the bedpost. The doll looked old and unusual. Rudra pick it up, his gaze softened "It's been long..."

Rudra kept staring at the doll, lost in thought. "You don't remember? "

_______________________________________

About Whom is Rudra talking ? Who has forgotten whom?

What lies ahead for Rudra and Shan?

To find out, keep reading "Chained Heart: RuShan"

Main Characters: Rudra and Shantanu (Shan).

Note: This is a BL story. If you're not a fan of gay couples, please refrain from reading, as I don't want any hate comments.

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