23

Ria's POV

I poured the juices in the glass and turned around taking the tray full of breakfast to his cabin.

Knocking the door, I entered and saw him working on his laptop.

"Your..... breakfast sir" I spoke placing the tray in front of him and stepping back. He looked up from his laptop and gave a slight nod, his face unreadable as always. Sometimes, I wonder what is going on in his brain.

He grasped the glass and rose to his feet, slipping one hand into his pocket.

"Could you pass me the red file from the shelf?" he inquired calmly, leaning against the desk and taking a sip.

I nodded and made my way to the shelf. Upon arriving, I realized that almost all the files on the shelf were red. Pursing my lips, I turned around to look at him.

He was already staring at me intently while sipping the juice. His intense gaze made something stir within me.

Ignoring the butterflies in my stomach- that appeared without any reason, I asked, "Which one?"

"The second file, top right corner," he responded, gulping his juice and setting the glass on the table. I nodded, glancing at the top right corner of the shelf. Stretching my arm, I attempted to grasp the file, but it remained just out of reach. My hands didn't even touch the file.

Wait—my height isn't the issue; it's his shelf that's too tall.

As I stood on my tiptoes to reach it, I heard a shuffle behind me. In the next moment, his scent engulfed my nose as he extended his arm and effortlessly retrieved the file from the shelf.

"I got it." He whispered, his breath hitting my flushed cheeks.

Slowly, I turned my head towards him and was met by ocean-blue eyes staring into mine. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze as if it were a tide, rising and pulling me closer. His eyes were mesmerizing; today they sparkled more, holding a different shine.

His pupils were dark and inviting, contrasted sharply against the vibrant blue, drawing me closer as if they were telling me to explore the mysteries held within.

My heart pounded wildly, and I quickly withdrew my hand that had been touching his as we both held the file. A tingling sensation washed over me from his mere touch.

Wait.

This shouldn't happen.

I have to stay away from these stupid feelings.

Taking the file, he took a step back, creating a distance. I released a breath that I didn't know I was holding.

"Take a seat." He motioned towards the chair in front of his desk. Nodding slightly, I did as told while trying to calm my racing heart which was still racing.

Seating on the chair, I stared at the breakfast I brought, my stomach grumbled reminding me of skipping breakfast this morning.

I felt his presence beside me, and as I looked up, I saw him holding a file in one hand while extending the breakfast tray toward me with the other. I stared at it blankly before raising my eyes to meet his.

"Eat." An order came. I blinked and shook my head saying,

"I had my breakfast already."

"Great. Then have it again."

Before I could open my mouth, he interrupted.

"Look, I want my employees fit and healthy. Finish it before I come back." His serious voice came as I was looking down.

He went past and I released a deep breath as I heard the door being closed.

I don't know if I should be angry at him for ordering me like that, Or thankful because I was really too hungry.

I didn't have the appetite to eat in the morning because of thinking about everything that happened yesterday. So, I left the house empty stomach.

On the way, the Uber car I was in broke down, causing me to be late.

The day passed by pretty quickly.

I was working in my cabin when my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and then at the clock to see it was 2:36 pm.

Why is grandma calling me at this time?

Wondering, I picked up the call before it ended.

"Hello?"

"Ria! I told you to come at 2. It's 2:39. Why are you not at home till now? You know you have a meeting at 7 o'clock with him."

I facepalmed and released a deep breath.

I totally forget about that.

Him.

I don't even know his name.

I don't get why my grandma wants me to reach home so early when the meeting is simply in the evening.

"I didn't forget anything. Okay. I just got busy at work."

"Remember if I don't see you here in another hour then I am coming there." My grandma warned and ended the call.

I slumped back in my seat thinking about what was going to happen tonight when a thought came to my mind.

I realized that I have to take leave permission from Mr. Rude. And I doubt he will agree.

He rarely gives any leaves to anyone.

Let's see what happens.

"Sir, Um. I wanted a day off." I spoke not looking at him.

"May I know the reason?"

"It's personal."

"I'm sorry Ms. Mehra, but today I have to check the audit reports and I am going to need your help in it."

Hearing his reply, I looked up with a disappointed look crossing my face and spoke,

"Can we check those reports tomorrow?... Sorry sir but my work is more... important." I tried to sound normal and a little confident.

"Hmm. Important?" He raised his eyebrows.

Now it's time to lie, "Yes, I have an appointment at the hospital."

I looked at the wall clock and glanced at myself in the mirror for the last time to make sure I was looking decent. I didn't wanted to but I had to.

"You didn't put on makeup." My grandma said as she looked at me from head to toe to make sure I had selected the right dress.

"No. There is no point in putting on makeup. I don't care if he rejects me." I spoke putting my heels on.

"Stop being dramatic. And Behave nicely there." Grandma spoke with a glare, making me roll my eyes.

Her one glare was enough to make me realize I should not do anything that would destroy her and my reputation.

I didn't plan to do it either.

The car stopped outside the large restaurant. Its exterior was a blend of modern glass and classic stone. Dim lights shined from the large windows, illuminating the dressed diners inside.

As I approached the entrance, I took a deep breath. The nervousness spreading within me.

The host greeted me with a nod, leading me through the carpeted space that was alive with a soft murmur of voices.

Once I was seated at the cozy table, I took a moment to appreciate the surroundings, the interior was as beautiful as it looked from the outside.

I don't know him, neither have I seen him nor do I know his name. I wasn't interested in that.

But how will you recognize him? At least see his picture. My brain said.

He should come to the same table but in case he couldn't find me, I had to see how he look, to recognize him.

Sighing, I opened my purse and searched for my phone in which Grandma had sent me a picture of him.

I searched and searched but my mobile was nowhere to be found.

Cursing under my breath, I closed my eyes remembering I never put it in my purse and forgot it in the house.

Great.

I tried to stop my tapping foot on the wooden floor and looked outside at the window of the restaurant.

The view was beautiful. You can see the city shining with the lights from the place I was seated.

The restaurant was luxurious, I don't get the point of booking such a luxurious restaurant when I am going to say no.

My brain told me to reject him and stay single for my whole life. On the other hand, my heart was in a whole different direction.

'He was your parent's choice.'

Grandma's words rang in my mind.

I don't know if she was lying or telling the truth. I know she can do anything if she's up to something.

She said that guy knows me.

I wonder who he is.

My heart was screaming to say yes to him and fulfill my parent's wish.

But on the other hand, I don't want to marry.

I don't want to leave—

Before I could dwell on my thoughts, I heard someone clearing their throat from behind me.

So, he is here.

I stared at the glass of water in front of me.

Suddenly, my heart started racing and I felt sweat forming in my hands even though the AC was on.

Stop being dramatic! You are going to reject him, be confident. My mind says.

I tried to shake off the thoughts as I felt him moving the chair and sitting in front of me.

"Sorry, I am late!" He muttered while sitting.

My eyes shot up hearing the very very familiar voice.

No.

It can't be him.

I almost fell off the chair seeing the person seated in front of me.

"Y....You?!" I tried to speak without hesitation and shock, but failed miserably.

He smiled, amazement glistening in his ocean-blue eyes.

"Yes, me."