And that’s onlyifMehul already knows. But if he does?
Fuck, fuck,fuck.
“We’re taking you off the project. You’ll be on indefinite leave,” I blurt out. Causing Viraj to send me an almost imperceptible glare.
“Wha—no!”Advik’s head snaps in my direction. “It’ll be fine. I’ll lay low until this ends but I can’t pull myself out. Dev needs me on this, Gr—Aadya.”
That slip. That stutter.
He almost saidGreeshain front of others.
And for the first time, I wouldn’t have minded if he had. How pathetic is that?
I shoot to my feet and start pacing, needing to do something. My limbs can’t sit still with this storm building inside me.
Both their gazes follow me as I move.
“We need to have youofficiallyremoved. You want to work on the down low? Sure. Go ahead. But you’renotstaying anywhere near the GenVault office or the damn Sitara complex.”
My voice shakes slightly. I can hear it—the tremblingfearin it. I hope to God—who I don’t even believe in—that they don’t see my rising panic.
“Fine,” Advik breathes out, but I can’t bear to look at him. Otherwise I know he’ll see the terror in my eyes.
The mask is officially off, folks. Fuckingfuck. Kill me now!
“I’ll work from home,” he adds.
With that Viraj stands up, walking over to me with those silent but hesitant steps. I feel the phantom brush of his hand on my arm, urging me to meet his eyes.
My jaw clenches, summoning the stupid mask back. But I already know I am failing as I face him.
Viraj studies me for several seconds. And then... he gives me a small smile and nods slowly. As though admitting the reluctant defeat.
“She’ll still be on your security detail.” He turns to Advik, who has been watching the silent little exchange with a mix of curiosity and sadness. “No unnecessary outdoor activities for the next few weeks. Understood?”
He nods. “Yeah, we’ll... stay put.”
And with that, Viraj walks out, the door clicking softly behind him.
I stay rooted to the spot.
Dazed. Hollow.
Because for the first time in a long time, I didn’t hide behind duty. I didn’t pretend I was fine.
Ifeltthe fear.
And now, I have no idea what to do with this rare, brutal taste of emotional freedom.
??????
“You haven’t said a word.” Advik’s voice jolts me back to the present.
I have been trying to understand this flicker of warmth that accompanied me as the fear took over. It was almost stupid of me to feel that. But I know what it means. I’ve given up the damn walls.
We’re sitting on his couch.
After Viraj left, we packed up whatever we could and left for the apartment. And for the past thirty minutes I’ve been sitting here, on this couch—trying to rest the rapid thoughts of...feelings.
