I glance into the neighboring glass cubicle, hoping to find him there, only to see it empty. With a small sigh, I head to the canteen for my third coffee of the day.
Once I have my freshly brewed cup, I settle into a quiet corner, ready to let the warmth soothe me. I barely take a sip before I hear someone call my name, then step right into my line of sight.
“Hi, Amyra! Can I sit here?” It isn’t the man I’ve been aching to see, but the sight of a cheerful, familiar face still feels comforting. Karan’s easy smile always carries a calmness with it.
“Of course, Karan. Have a seat.” He takes the chair across from me. He isn’t carrying food or even a coffee, which means he came here just to find me.
“I stopped by your cubicle and found it empty, so I guessed you’d be here. I’ve observed enough to know about your coffee addiction.” He laughs lightly, and I match it with a small chuckle.
Only my family and closest friends know how coffee is my quick escape hatch from stress. Reyansh has nagged me for years to cut down, insisting it’ll wreck my health, and I secretly love how worried he gets. Funny how Karan picked up on it so quickly.
“That’s surprising! How do you even know? Are you stalking me?” I tease, but his expression shifts into something far more serious. Why?
“It’s not from recent observation,” he says gently. “But from back in university. You always grabbed at least two coffees from the cafeteria. Now it’s become three or four a day. You must be stressed, right?”
His soft concern leaves me momentarily speechless. I recall how he always seemed to show up wherever I was roaming in the college premises back then and how I used to feel oddly irritated by it. The thought that he still notices me this closely stirs a small discomfort, mixed with a suspicion he hasn’t fully moved on.
And no one understands that struggle better than I do. But I brush all that aside, choosing to acknowledge only his concern.
“Maybe… maybe not. Work stress, you know?” I offer a half-truth, and he nods knowingly.
“Fair enough. I mean, I’m still new here, and adjusting to everything has been exhausting. And now we’re already assigned to lead a project together?” I finish the last sip of my coffee and nod. Just this morning, our mentors briefed us on the Employee Engagement Campaign to be happening next month or sooner and made the two of us in charge.
“I know,” I say, “but don’t you think it’ll be easier since we’ll divide the work and move ahead as a team?” That’s genuinely how I feel about our new campaign project.
“That’s true, Amyra. Your sensible thinking in chaos is admirable. I can’t wait to actually get started.” His smile widens, tiny dimples forming at his cheeks, something I never noticed before.
“This will be our first little challenge together, and we’ll give it our best.” I lift the mood, and it works as both of us are smiling now.
When the Chairperson and CEO announced that Karan and I would be working closely, I couldn’t quite place why. But now it makes sense, Strategic Partnerships and Marketing & Brand Strategy complement each other perfectly. At least I won’t be drowning alone in the emotions I’m trying so hard to bury. I can focus on something new, something that isn’t him.
“God, I’m already excited. We’re going to be great partners.” He laughs lightly, and for the first time in days, I feel relieved to smile genuinely. Karan has that comforting presence.
“Definitely,” I murmur, right as his phone beeps on the table. He quickly checks it, and the color drains from his face.
“I have a meeting with my mentor, who also happens to be the Head of Strategic Partnerships, Mrs. Meera Arora. This is the reminder. I need to go.” He rises hurriedly, and I stand as well.
“Of course. I’ll leave too. Sixth floor, right below ours?”
“Yes.”
We walk together, but my knee bumps the corner of the table, and I stumble back. Karan steadies me instantly, hands gripping my shoulders, guiding me upright. A sharp ache pulses through my knee, and he helps me sit back down.
“Are you alright?” he asks softly, concern lining his voice.
I nod. “You can go. Sitting for a minute will help.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you soon.” He rushes toward the elevator. I watch the doors close behind him, and when I turn my head, everything inside me stills.
Reyansh stands there. His gaze locked on mine, intense, unreadable. My breath falters. He starts walking toward me. With each step closer, my heart picks up speed.
Is he… coming to see me?After a week of silence, distance, and pretending we don’t miss each other? Maybe he’s here for work. Maybe he has a reason that isn’t me.
Maybe this will be awkward talking after days of barely acknowledging each other. Maybe, everything between us really has shifted.
