Part 8 Misunderstanding

Khushi was pacing in her cabin. She could not believe Arnav was a cancer patient. He looked confident... he was a talented program manager... he never looked disappointed nor did he looked tired. Was this why he resigned from the job without thinking about anything? Why did he lose his self-respect when he was counting days? Her thoughts made her feel sad. She showed her superiority over the one who was suffering from cancer. How pathetic...! She cursed herself for showing attitude toward him.

Her thoughts got broken when Shyam knocked on her cabin door. She sat in her seat.

*Come in...*

Shyam entered in with a file.

"This file has to be signed madam" he said.

"Keep it" Khushi said.

Shyam kept it in front of her and about to leave,

"Shyam..."

Shyam stopped, closing his eyes. Don't know what she is going to tell... maybe scold... He thought.

*Yes, Madam?*

*What stage Arnav is in?* she asked in a feeble tone.

*He is in almost finishing stage madam*

*Is he that serious?*

*Yes Madam... he is very serious when it comes to the work*

*I'm not talking about work... I just ask about his health condition*

*Health condition?* Shyam frowned.

The much he knew, Arnav was fit and fine.

*I mean, Arnav's cancer stage...*

*Cancer...?

Shyam was shocked. Had Arnav have cancer? But he didn't say anything to them... He was like that... he never shared his problems with anyone. But, how did Khushi know about it? Maybe, Arnav's parents would have told Shashi. But, Khushi's next stance confused him.

*I have heard your talks...* She said softly.

Shyam was dumbfounded, seeing her like that as she had never been soft toward him.

*What have you heard madam?*

*Didn't NK say that he is a cancer man?* Shyam sensed a kind of pain in her tone.

He got the point. They were talking about Arnav's zodiac sign and she misunderstood that Arnav had cancer diseases. He looked at her awestruck.

*What stage he is in?* she asked again.

Shyam concluded in a second. If she talked softly to him, why should he spoil the chance by telling the truth? Why not use the chance to get this softness from her forever? Arnav won't be here after this program got over. Then what would harm?

*He is at the end of the third stage madam... But he will be distressed if he got to know someone is sympathizing with him... he doesn't like people treating him like a patient. Please don't ask him anything madam...*

*Yeah... Aman said he won't like talking about it*

Shyam huffed in relief.

*In what hospital he is getting treatment?*

*City Hospital...*

*I can help him if needed*

*Thank you madam... but don't you know him? he is a self-esteemed person who doesn't like to get favours from anyone*

*You can help him on behalf of me...* Khushi said.

*It's my pleasure madam. I will ask you anything if needed.*

*Take care of him. He doesn't need to do hard work... ask him to take a rest. Provide him juice from time to time... he needs it*

*yes madam* he said seriously.

Shyam left the cabin gladly. At the same time, he thought why all of a sudden she changed her attitude? What if Arnav was a cancer patient? Why she was showing concern for him?

Shyam came to the hall where Arnav was discussing the program with his team. He waited until Arnav finished. Arnav frowned when Shyam extended him orange juice.

*Have it*

*What is this new habit?* Arnav chuckled

*Yeah... * Shyam didn't say anything more and looked in the direction where Khushi was watching them.

She left the place with satisfaction.

*By the way thank you Arnav* Shyam clutched his hand.

*Thanks...? For...?*

*Just like that...* he left the place, leaving frowning Arnav.

GI staff wondered as Khushi didn't roam the office that day.

NK came to the canteen, thinking deeply.

*What happened to him, yaar... he is thinking as if he is going to send a rocket to Mars...* Aman teased him.

*I can't believe this...* NK said.

*What...?*

*Boss spoke to me so softly...* he sat on the chair.

*Really...?* Akash asked.

* Yes, Akash... I went to her cabin to submit the progress of the program. I really can't believe this...*

*Be careful NK... The monster inside her will come out anytime* Arnav said laughingly.

*I warn you Nannav... don't call her Monster... she is an angel you know...*

Arnav raised his eyebrows, reversing his lips.

*She sounded sweet...* NK said dreamingly.

Shyam smiled silently.

*Hope she will remain as this* Akash said.

*I never thought you are such a greedy man, Akash...* Arnav teased him whereas others laughed.

*We don't know the reason for her softness. Something might be personal. So, don't expect much and don't get disappointed* Arnav said.

After all, she had not even thanked him for the help he did for her. How could she be nice all the time? Arnav supposed.

Evening

Arnav was ready to leave the office. He came out of the cabin, taking his bag. He walked towards the exit, keeping the kerchief in his pocket. The kerchief slipped from his hand. He bent down to take the kerchief and got stuck as a beautiful hand already lifted it. He got stuck, seeing the owner of the hand. To his surprise, the owner of the hand was none other than his BOSS.

Khushi extended the kerchief to him. Arnav took it from her hand and about to leave the place, he turned around as he heard,

*THANK YOU*

He looked at her to get confirmed that he was not dreaming.

*Thank you for the help you did me last night...*

Arnav nodded yes and left the office.

That's when she got a call. Attending it, she came out of the office. The climate was cloudy. She moved out of the campus while talking on the phone as she liked the cool climate. Suddenly, it started raining. She was in the middle of the path and there was no shelter for her to stay in.

Suddenly, the rainwater didn't fall on her. She looked up and she saw an umbrella above her head. She turned to her left side and saw Arnav standing, holding the umbrella. Keeping the umbrella on her shoulder, he started walking out, drenching her in the rain.

To be continued...