“But today isn’t Sunday or Wednesday, right?” He raises a suspicious eyebrow, and I instantly realize my mistake. Reyanshis well-versed in our family principles and traditions. I shouldn’t have lied about it.
“No. Since we skipped last time, we’re compensating today.”
“That’s rare. I don’t think that ever happens. Are you lying?” Why can’t he just accept it and move on? Instead of interrogating me like an investigating officer!
“What’s the need to lie? You just seem to stop trusting me anymore.”
“That doesn’t even happen in my dreams, so just chill!”
“So when the project starts, you’ll be working, as you mentioned last week?”
“It’s already on. This is the preparation phase.”
“I can’t believe how you, Karan, and I are evolving day by day. Despite being the last person to join, Karan was the first intern to successfully contribute to a company project, followed by me going to finish mine in a week. You are close, finally starting work on the project. It’s satisfying to see how we’re slowly taking steps into this business world.” I end my long speech in a pleased tone, but Reyansh remains unbothered, a deep frown etched across his face.
“What’s wrong? I was talking to you, and you didn’t even respond!”
“Because it’s unnecessary to include Karan in everything, Ames. He’s not one of us, and he isn’t even linked to this company. He’s here only to train before taking over his father’s business, which means his time here has an expiry date. I just hope you don’t get too attached to him.”
Bitterness seeps into his voice at the mere mention of Karan, and I feel foolish for thinking his presence wouldn’t matter to Reyansh now that he’s in a relationship.
“You’re being really insensitive, Rey. And you may not like hearing this, but Karan is my friend now. Even if he leaves the company someday, I’ll still stay in touch with him, so stop being a hypocrite.” I rebuke him in an annoyed tone, and the car suddenly halts with a jerk.
“What if he intends to go beyond friendship? That would only create unnecessary chaos in both your lives—”
“Stop imagining things, Rey. I don’t know why you’re so rigid about him! Anyway, why did you stop the car?”
“Bajaj Mansion is here.” I turn to check the location, nod at him, and immediately step out of the car. I notice him nudging back in the backseat, then moving quickly to stand in front of me, his right hand hidden behind his back.
“I’ll go now.”
“Wait!” He extends his hidden hand forward, and my eyes widen at the sight of a flower bouquet tied with red ribbons, pink tulips mixed with lilacs. My body stiffens as I realize what they mean to me. But this can’t be happening. This must be for someone else.
“This is for—”
“I know. I need to deliver this to your girlfriend, right? I’ll do it. Give me that.” I reach out to take the bouquet, but he pulls it back.
“You’re mistaken. I bought these flowers for you.”
The sentence makes my body petrified, but I can see how he pushes the flower bouquet in my hands, standing there with a dreamy smirk, which I think is the most charming part of him.
His deep-set, slightly hooded eyes catch me first, cool and unreadable one moment, sharply focused the next, as if control comes so effortlessly to him that it weighs on his shoulders. Straight, defined brows and a sharp, symmetrical nose lend his face an authority that’s hard to overlook, while his firm lips rest in a calm line, threatening a smirk that feels both dangerous and irresistible. A strong, angular jaw only amplifies that commanding presence.
His smooth, glowing skin contrasts beautifully with his dark, thick hair, neatly styled with a natural wave, polished without trying too hard. And when my gaze drops to the red silk shirt clinging to him, the first two buttons left open to reveal his chest, paired with perfectly fitted pencil jeans, I realize it isn’t just his looks that unsettle me. It’s the way he stands there, confident, composed. Being unaware of the effect he has on me, he is not even looking away.
“Also, don’t you recognise the choice of flowers and understand it’s for you?” His deep voice pulls me out of my reverie, and I stare at him, baffled.
“I can see that, but don’t you remember how I wanted to get this from my lover and not from my best friend?”
My breathing turns ragged.
I’ve always dreamt of receiving pink tulips and lilac flowers from the man I loved, and that man has been Reyansh from the start. I don’t know his intention behind this, but he may never understand how he has unknowingly made my dream come true.
“Come on, I only bought them because you’ve liked them for a long time. Gifting flowers shouldn’t be judged based on the bond we share.” Reality crashes into me like a typhoon, and guilt settles heavily in my chest for the wave of disappointment I can’t stop.
“Alright, thank you, Rey,” I reply plainly, turning to leave.
“Believe me when I say your dream will be fulfilled soon.” His low whisper makes me stop in my tracks. Before I can even process what he said, his car zooms away.
