“C’mon. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re just not into the guy. That’s all! And…” Natasha hesitated before continuing, “What about Neil?”
Tanya’s eyes hardened and a mutinous expression entered her face. “I don’t even want to talk about him.”
Natasha wisely didn’t point out her friend’s obvious attraction to Neil. “Don’t act in haste. Think through this and talk to Neil too.” Natasha squeezed Tanya’s hand before getting up. “Alright, lady, I need to go back to my business. This was an emergency visit. You just chill today, yeah? Whatever it is, you can deal with it tomorrow.” Natasha gave Tanya a hug before slipping out of the front door.
Chapter 11
Neil was pacing his office floor. It was already past eight and he still hadn’t heard back from Tanya. When he’d tried calling, her phone was switched off. Unable to concentrate on anything any longer, Neil rolled back his shirt sleeves and got out of the office. He had acted like a fucking caveman - jealous, callous, he could go on and on. He knew he had to grovel. No time like the present, he thought to himself.
Back at her place, Tanya was lying back on the couch. She’d been staring at the television for the past half an hour. After Natasha had left, she’d had a long soak in her bath. Changing into comfortable night shorts and her favorite pink t-shirt, Tanya had flopped on the couch. That had been her state for the past hour. She startled when her doorbell rang all of a sudden. Although Nitin or Ritwik ended up coming over if one of them were free, they usually called beforehand. Sighing, she pushed herself to get up and open the door. Tanya’s breath caught when she saw a less than perfect looking Neil at her doorstep.
“Do you answer your door dressed like this every time?” The harsh tone immediately brought back the anger.
“If you came all the way only to insult me, get out. Save me the trouble of putting up with your horrible self.” Even as Tanya tried to close the door, Neil pushed in and crossed the threshold. He closed the door behind him, absently noticing Tanya’s lack of height next to him. She barely came up to his shoulders without her heels.
“It’s not an insult. You look way too sexy in your…” He gestured at her attire.
“Whatever! Why are you here?” Tanya looked away, her face flushing as his words sunk in.
Neil sighed and ran a hand through his short hair. “I came here to apologize. I am sorry, I shouldn’t have done what I did, or...said those things.”
Tanya raised surprised eyes to his dark ones. She did not expect his apology, definitely not in person. Yet, she wasn’t ready to accept his apology. Not so fast!
“Here, I got this as a peace offering.” He extended a carton that contained a box.
Tanya peered into the box, noticing her favorite dessert shop’s name. Although her over-enthusiastic salivary glands reminded her that she hadn’t eaten much that day, Tanya refused to accept it. Ignoring her mutiny, Neil simply walked to her kitchen and got some plates and cutlery. He neatly placed a mouthwatering macaroon and a croissant on a small plate, before coming back to the living room.
“Do you think bribing me will set everything right?” Tanya’s mouth tightened in anger.
“I can always try.” Neil smiled slightly, extending the olive branch.
“Humph!” Tanya sat down on the couch, tucking her legs beneath her. Neil sat next to her, extending the macaroon towards her. She sighed and opened her mouth. She closed her eyes, letting out a small sigh at the heavenly taste. They shared the desserts in silence, neither of them willing to break the temporary truce.
“Why did you behave like a pig today?” Slightly mollified after the sweet treat, she spoke. She wanted to know, she deserved an honest answer apart from his apology.
Neil looked away and answered after several seconds. “I was jealous.”
“What? Of whom?” Tanya’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Ritwik.”
“But…”
Neil raised a hand to stop her. “I shouldn’t have asked you to break up with him. It’s your life, your choice. I…I am sorry. I didn’t mean to pounce like that, earlier.” Neil looked down at the plate as he spoke.
Tanya bit her lip.Should I tell him about my relationship? Should I rock the boat again?
But, Neil didn’t give her that chance. Before she could speak, he got up. “Okay, well, I came here to grovel. I think I can safely say my apology has been accepted. Hmm?”
Tanya stood up immediately after him, walking with him towards the door. “I accept your apology. But never do it again.” She looked at Neil, her eyes brimming with hurt.
Neil looked at the short, curvy brunette staring at him. She looked like a goddess, her silky tresses cascading to her waist. The shorts and her tiny t-shirt did nothing to conceal her curves or her braless state. He tried to look away and cleared his throat before speaking, “Goodnight then. I...huh I’m traveling back to Mumbai on Monday.”
Tanya felt a piece of her heart break at that news. She realized she wanted to see him, work alongside with him in person. “I never kissed him. It somehow fe..felt wrong.” She didn’t know why she whispered those words to him.
Neil groaned internally, his face carefully blank.Why now?He looked at the gray eyes that unconsciously beckoned him. Ignoring the siren’s call, he spoke in a brisk tone, “Well, take care, Tanya. See you around.”
“Neil…” At her soft plea, he turned around. He saw her lips part, her breathing turn erratic. He’d tried. He’d tried to be a gentleman, apologize, and leave. But he was only human, dammit! He was done being the good guy. She wanted him, and by calling him she’d sealed her own fate.
