Business is thriving. I’m in my office ten minutes before the meeting starts, pretending to review a report while checking the glass wall that gives a partial view of the corridor. Ajay notices immediately. “You’re looking outside every thirty seconds, sir.”
“I am observing productivity.”
“You are waiting for Ms. Vyas.”
“I am considering firing you.”
He smiles as he places files on my desk. “Then I’ll miss the wedding.”
I look up slowly. “Whose?”
“Yours, eventually.”
“Get out.” He leaves laughing. Traitor. But the thought of maybe calling Ishika my wife, no matter how ridiculous it sounds, has my heart skip a beat. And it’s definitely not helpful that I have imagined her in my home, with my family, after that day because she fits so perfectly.
I look back at the door just as it opens. And there she is. Ishika steps in carrying a folder against her chest, phone in one hand, annoyance already arranged beautifully on her face. She’s wearing a cream blouse tucked into dark trousers, sleeves rolled once, hair clipped up in a loose twist that somehow still lets strands fall around her cheeks.
There is a tiny line between her brows. She’s focused. Meaning I am going to have fun. She looks like she’d rather throw the folder at me than greet me. My favorite version of her.
“You’re early,” I say, even though I am glad she is because I was looking pathetic staring at the door like a desperate teenager who watches out of the class in hope of seeing their crushes.
“You’re staring,” she replies immediately. I sit back in my chair, delighted.
“Good morning to you too, Sunshine.”
“Don’t Sunshine me before caffeine.” She rolls her eyes and I feign a gasp.
“Ishika without coffee,” I stand up abruptly, shocking her a bit, “I don’t want to be murdered, I will go get some for you.” It’s her turn to stand up quickly.
“DO NOT!” She exclaims, “There’s only one thing worse than not having my morning coffee,” she pulls a face of disgust, almost making me laugh, “drinking your version of coffee, unless you want me to puke here, don’t you dare leave this office.” She commands.
I smirk, “Are you ordering me, in my own office, Ms. Vyas?”
She scoffs and fakes a smile, “When the CEO is childish, I have no other options left, Golden boy.”
I bark out a laugh as I sit in my chair and she’s smiling, shaking her head as she takes her seat.
She opens the folder and slides a printed sheet toward me. “Reception ceiling work is done. Lighting installation begins tomorrow. Conference wing furniture arrives Friday if the supplier decides punctuality matters and I will make sure he decides that.”
I glance down at the sheet, then back up at her. She’s in work mode. Sharp. Efficient. Minimal nonsense. I should behave. But I absolutely won’t. “You look nice today.”
Her eyes lift slowly. “No.”
“No what?” I feign innocence as I play with the edge of the folder.
“No random comments before updates.”
“It wasn’t random.” I lean in a bit, “I meant it, Sunshine.” I wink at her.
She blinks once. Then reaches for the water bottle and drinks without responding. Her ears are pink. Victory.
I grin openly. She points a pen at me without looking up. “If you smirk like that at every meeting, I’m increasing your decor budget.”
“Flirting through financial threats. Interesting style.”
“I am speaking to a client.”
“You’re blushing at a client.” I point out. She chokes on water. I laugh so hard I have to lean back.
