Alina and Meera quickly fixed their hair and dress. Both argued in a hushed tone while nudging each other as they walked towards the main door. Alina opened the door, and both looked excitedly and nervously. Both frowned.

'Who you?' Meera enquired to the person standing in front of them. A man wearing a mask, large Panama hat and over-sized sunglasses. His attire of grey slim fit shirt and brown denim with well polish shoes and expensive watch gave the impression that he was someone from a rich background.

Alina held Meera's hand, - 'Haider?' She asked and Meera turned to look at her in disbelief. The man nodded tugging down his mask. His thin lips curved into a smile, bringing a smile on the girls' faces as well.

He removed his sunglasses, - 'Won't you girls let me in?' He asked.

'Sure.' Meera and Alina said in unison. They almost tripped as they nervously made way for their boss. Haider suppressed his smile, placing his hands into his pocket and casually walked in.

'Can't believe this.' Meera whispered excitedly.

'Me neither. Now, shut up and close the door.'

'Haaw! You do.'

'He is here for me, now go.' She whispered urgently and shooed her friend away.

'Impressive.' Haider complimented looking around the apartment. Alina thanked him, even though she was slightly embarrassed with the tiny apartment. She stood by him, close to him, and noticed sweat beads on his forehead as he removed his hat.

'Shall I switch on the AC?' She inquired with concern.

Haider shook his head raising a palm, - 'No need, Miss. Alina. Actually, I took the stairs so it is just.' – He wiped the sweat with his handkerchief, - 'nothing.'

'Sir,' – Meera came rushing and hit Alina, she winced but her colleague doesn't bother to apologize, - 'welcome sir, to our humble abode.' She stuck out a hand. Haider nodded humbly and shook hands with her. Meera gasped loudly and stared at her hand in disbelieve. Alina chuckled, shaking her head. Then, she looked at Haider.

'Make yourself comfortable, Haider. I will get you a glass of water.' Alina said and Haider nodded. Meera was still staring at her palm with her mouth wide open. Alina hit her with her shoulder, on purpose, whilst passing by her. Only then she composed herself and looked at Haider. But he had eyes only for Alina who was casually walking into the kitchen.

Meera sat on the double sofa, pressed her elbow against the sofa, and placed her chin on her palm. She stared unblinkingly at him. Haider sat on the single sofa and looked around the place. He was alerted by the sound of heels and turned to look towards the kitchen. Alina walked towards them holding a tray with a glass of water. Haider inaudibly inhaled upon looking at her. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in a yellow one-shoulder ruffled mini dress. The black stiletto gave a boost to her height. His gaze fixated on her legs for a moment before he dragged his gaze to her face. The brick-red matte lipstick gave volume to her thin lips, dark kohl enhanced her gray eyes and a slight blush on her cheeks made her look more enticing. He loved that she left her mid-back length hair open and placed on one side of her shoulder: the open one. She looked very feminine.

'Haider?' Her melodious sweet voice brought him out of his trance. He straightened and took the glass. Alina shoved the tray into Meera's face, rudely interrupting her from staring at him. She glared at her friend who mouthed her to go and get snacks. Meera grumpily stood up and walked away. Alina happily sat on the double sofa.

'Why did you come with mask and all?' She queried curiously. Haider chuckled.

'I had to hide lest anyone recognizes me and the next day become media headlines.' He explained. Alina's eyes widened for a moment as realization dawned upon her that she was not only in company with her boss but also India's most sort after businessman and eligible bachelor.

'What happened?' Haider interrupted her chain of thoughts. Alina smiled looking down at her fingers.

'Nothing.' She looked at him and shook her head.

'Meera, what is for dinner?' Jessica's voice floated from the room. Haider frowned and looked towards the room. Alina bit her smile and after composing herself she told him about their other roommate, Jessica Jaiswal.

Soon, Meera came carrying a few plates on a tray. She placed the tray all the while talking non-stop, - 'Alina got this with the new scooter and by the way, you are so big-hearted to reward her so generously. Ouch!' She yelped as Alina stabbed her feet with her shoe. Meera and Alina shared a glare.

Haider looked at the snacks, some samosas, puffs, muffins, and mango juice. He raised an eyebrow and looked at Alina. She smiled nervously at him, feeling silly presenting him with petty snacks.

'Haider, please let me arrange your plate.' Alina leaned reaching for a samosa and plate. Haider rose from his seat and held her wrist. She paused while Meera drew in a sharp breath. Slowly, Alina looked into his eyes, he locked their gaze together with her hand in his. Meera kept staring at their hands, feeling fidgety. Just then Jessica barged in complaining about "no one listening to her." She stood still upon seeing a man in the house; his back facing her. She folded her arms and walked towards them.

'What is this, Alina? Let Mr. Agarwal know about your boyfriend—' Her voice trailed off when Haider turned to look at her; annoyed. Her arms dropped and her mouth opened as she looked at him in disbelief.

Meera and Alina passed a glance and grinned at each other.

'Oh My God!' -she finally spoke after excruciating long few seconds, - 'but wait a minute, what are you doing here, Mr. Haider Minhas Zaidi?'

Before Haider could reply, Meera boastfully spoke, - 'Alina has invited him for a treat.' Jessica's mouth opened a few inches more, she stared at Alina in disbelief while she had a triumphant smirk on her face.

Jessica realized she was in shorts and sleeveless top with messy hair and no make-up. Red-faced she rushed into the room and slammed the door shut. Alina hid her smile with her index finger and looked at Meera from the corner of her eyes. Meera was grinning from ear to ear.

Haider, on the other hand, was annoyed. At first with Meera's presence as she was not giving them private time together. And whatever little moment they got to share was rudely interrupted. He raised his palm and stared at it for a second before looking away. He was on a strict diet and regime, so he politely declined the snacks and picked up a mango juice. But seeing Alina's fallen face, he picked up one of each snack. She liked his gesture and looked gratefully at him. Meera bit her grin, playing with her fingers.

The rest of the evening, they spend mostly in silence. Alina kept stealing glances at Haider while he kept his gaze unmoved from her. Meera mostly tried striking conversation with them. Alina was shy while Haider would rather spend his time admiring her than talk. Disappointed, he thought it would not be wise to stay any longer. Meera was not showing any signs of leaving them. So, he sighed and stood up; the girls stood up with him.

'It is getting late, Miss. Alina. See you at the office. Good night.' He said.

'Good night, Haider.' She replied and he smiled.

'It feels nice when you call me by my name.' He appreciated and Alina smiled in response. Meera watched them in awe. Alina walked him to the door and insisted he took the lift, but he bluntly refused.

'Okay, at least let me drop you off till the gate.' She offered and he pretended to think for a moment and then agreed. After the two had left the apartment, Jessica entered the living room all dolled up for Haider. Meera looked at her and laughed informing her about his departure. Jessica cursed loudly and angrily stormed into her room again. Leaning against the main door, Meera howled with laughter.

Since it was late in the evening, Haider didn't take any cover. Also, with his disguise, none of the media knew of him being here. He kept stealing glances at Alina and in his mind debated on what he should say or do. Finally, they got some time alone and he didn't want to lose this chance. He moved his hand and purposefully brushed his hand against hers. The feel of her smooth skin felt heavenly. Alina gasped and pulled her hand away.

'So,' – he stopped walking and so did she, - 'did you like the scooter?' He asked.

'Yes.' She replied instantly flipping her hair to her back. Haider liked that but doesn't let it show on his face. He desperately wanted something to talk about, but he wasn't much of a talker. He also wanted to hold her but knew his boundaries.

'You are very thoughtful. It will encourage me to work harder.' She expressed her gratefulness and he agreed.

'You are very talented.' He complimented and she flushed tugging wild strands of hair behind her ear.

Alina stole glances at him. Her gaze lingering over his biceps that peeked from inside his half sleeve shirt. She licked her lips and looked away. Haider was so well toned; she hadn't noticed it over his blazers or coats. Even though they had a decent distance between them, she could feel proximity. She clasped her hands together and pretended to focus on the walkway. Haider looked at her from the corner of his eyes. Just then, she twisted her ankle and leaned over at him. Swiftly, he grabbed her waist and her upper arm. She stared at him and he looked back lovingly. Time stilled for him as their gaze locked. He tightened his grip around her waist and caressed her arm with his fingers reaching to her palm and held her hand. Alina gulped softly.

Haider helped her stand. She straightened, still holding on to him. Slowly, she moved her arm from around his neck and cleared her throat, tugging down her dress. He clenched his fists wanting her to touch her again and could still feel the touch of her smooth velvety skin. There was a different kind of tingling sensation in his palms.

'Thanks.' She whispered caressing her arm. Haider's stare followed her hand. Then, he nodded and looked away. Alina felt Goosebumps, the touch of his hand lingering over her skin. He shoved his hands into his pocket and tried avoiding looking at her as knew he might not be able to control his desires and end up crossing his limits. Alina was surprised as he quickened his steps. They stopped at the gate. Amused, she watched him wear his disguise.

'I will take an auto from here.' He said and she nodded.

'Won't the driver know you are getting down at your home?' She shrugged.

Haider let out a small laugh, - 'I will get down in an empty lane at the back of my villa, then I walk from there.' He explained.

Alina suggested she could drop him with her scooter. It was a temptation that Haider declined because he had had enough of closeness with her. She looked disappointed but booked an auto through an online cab service. Soon, an auto arrived, and they bid a formal goodbye.

'See you at work.' – he turned and then again turned to face her, - 'Don't think I will be lenient with you, Miss. Alina.' He said seriously and then smiled from behind his mask. Alina smiled, nodding. He sat inside the auto and peeked his head out. She waved at him and he waved back. She took a deep breath watching the auto speed away. Haider pressed his back against the auto seat and stared dreamily at his palm, flexing it slightly. A small smile appeared on his lips. The tiny moment, they shared was enough to bring a tsunami of emotions inside him. The raw intense desire that he felt for her made him shudder. He was running out of patience and now after tonight's moment, he became desperate to have her in his life.

Alina returned to her apartment with a smile on her face. Mindlessly, she dropped the keys in the tray.

'Hey, what happened? Did you guys kiss?' Meera's sudden burst of hyperactive imagination stumped Alina.

'What?' – She made a face, - 'are you nuts? Why will Haider kiss me?' She made a you-are-a-cuckoo gesture with her finger. Meera pouted angrily. Alina moved her hand and caressed her upper arm. The feel of his skin still stayed over her. What was wrong with her? She had felt something similar with Mikael but little less intense. Was she losing her mind?

Meera sighed and walked towards her throwing an arm around her, - 'Why is Haider being so causal with us. First, he gifted you a scooter, privately and now came to our home. I bet he has never done this before.' She expressed her concern and Alina went into thinking mode. First Mikael had suspicions, which she conveniently brushed off as she was very happy at that time, and now Meera expressed the same suspicions.

Alina fidgeted with her fingernails, - 'Do you think he likes me?' She knew she sounded crazy, but her heartbeat flickered as this thought crossed her mind. Meera's pink glossed smeared lips curved into a smirk, - 'I bet he does.' She nudged her friend. Alina lowered her head, feeling her cheeks burn. It is true, can it be? But why her? Haider has had much better women than her, then why? Her smile faded.

'Of course, he doesn't. Hejust appreciated my work.' She said stubbornly. Meera frowned and thenshrugged. She held Alina's arm and whispered excitedly about how Jessica made afool out of herself. Alina laughed hard and Meera joined her

So, guys. How was the Chapter? I hope it wasn't too long? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* *lots of love*