Happy reading....

Anu was busy with the details for the upcoming event when she heard her boss calling her on the intercom.

She went to his office, finding Aditya looking expressionless. She was confused but maintained her composure.

"How is the preparation going?" Aditya asked.

"It's good," Anu replied.

Aditya leaned on his table and asked her to sit down.

She hesitated, "I have some work to do."

Aditya raised an eyebrow. "You are saying no to your boss?"

Anu rolled her eyes and sarcastically sat down. "Tell me, sir."

Aditya's expression darkened. "Why have you been going home late at night these days?"

Anu was shocked.

How does he know?

"No, I'm always home after office.", she replied immediately.

Aditya's glare intensified. "You are lying."

Anu frowned. "I don't have to lie."

Aditya pulled out his phone and showed her a picture of her drinking with Lakshya.

Her eyes widened with anger. "Why are you keeping tabs on me? That's invading my privacy."

Aditya's anger flared. "I was there when you practically threw yourself on him, wasted. Who's that guy? Do you even know him? How can you go with a stranger who could be a serial killer?"

Anu's fury matched his. "It's none of your business who I spend my time with. Lakshya is a good guy, unlike you."

Aditya lost control, slamming his phone to the floor.

Anu jumped in her seat, never having seen him this furious.

She whispered, a bit scared, "What's wrong with you?"

Aditya, his voice cold and controlled, told her to get out.

Anu felt humiliated and hurt. She stood up, her heart pounding, and left the office without another word.

------

Bela noticed Anu furiously typing away at her keyboard and couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"

Anu barely glanced up, her fingers still flying over the keys. "It's nothing, just Aditya bossing around, testing my patience as usual."

Bela could sense the frustration in her voice. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Anu shook her head, sighing. "No, not really. But... could you come to the pub with me tonight?"

Bela hesitated. She had already promised Mahir they would continue their drama marathon tonight.

But she thought about how she had already turned down Anu the last time. If she refused again, it might seem like she was avoiding her, and besides, Anu clearly seemed upset. Maybe some company would cheer her up.

"Okay," Bela agreed, offering a small smile. "I'll come with you."

Anu looked up, visibly relieved. "Thank you, Bela."

Meanwhile, in his office, Aditya was pacing, his eyes locked on the shattered remains of his phone on the floor.

His hands were clenched tightly in his hair, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and anger.

"What's wrong with me?" he muttered to himself, unable to shake the frustration coursing through him.

He couldn't understand why he was so affected by Anu's actions, or why it even mattered to him who she spent her time with.

But deep down, the truth was there, simmering just below the surface-he cared, more than he wanted to admit.

-----

Bela was almost ready to head to the pub, looking stunning in her silver top that hugged her curves and stopped just above her mid-thighs. The top's cut revealed her shoulders and back, while her hair, softly curled at the edges, cascaded down elegantly. A pair of matching studs sparkled in her ears, completing her look.

Mahir had just come home after a long day at work. After freshening up, he started looking for Bela.

When he couldn't find her in the living room, he called out for her.

"Bela, where are you? I am home."

"I'm in my room!" she yelled.

He made his way to her room and knocked on the door.

When she opened it with a smile, she twirled playfully, showing off her outfit. "How do I look?"

Mahir was momentarily speechless. She looked breathtaking as usual, but his eyes were immediately drawn to the deep neckline of her top, which hinted at her cleavage.

He quickly looked away, scratching the back of his neck in an attempt to gather his thoughts.

"Why are you dressed like this?"

Bela stepped closer, almost crashing into him. Her hands held onto the hem of his t-shirt as she gave him those irresistible puppy eyes. "Anu asked me to go to the pub with her."

Mahir glanced down at her, then gently made her twirl so her back was pressed against his chest.

He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder. "You look gorgeous, but..." He hesitated, unsure of how to express his feelings without sounding controlling.

The thought of other men looking at her made him uncomfortable, but he knew it was her choice to wear whatever she wanted.

Bela tilted her head slightly, sensing his reluctance. "But what?"

Mahir sighed, releasing her from his arms, and walked over to her closet. He rifled through her clothes before pulling out a matching jacket.

He returned to her and carefully helped her put it on.

"Now, you look perfect," he said with a soft smile.

Bela looked up at him, smirking mischievously as she traced her index finger along his jawline. "Am I looking hot?"

Mahir's hands found their way to her waist, pulling her closer. He whispered, "Yes. And I can't help but be selfish."

Bela laughed, clearly enjoying the hint of jealousy in his voice.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning in close to his ear, her scent making his heart race. "Then you should come with me," she whispered teasingly.

"Be my bodyguard."

Mahir chuckled, his breath warm against her cheek. "You know I'd love nothing more."

Bela pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, her smile bright and teasing. "Then get ready quickly."

------

As the taxi pulled up to the pub, Mahir's eyes were immediately drawn to Anu standing outside, accompanied by a tall young man. Through the car window, Mahir's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"Who's that guy with Anu?" he asked, his tone guarded.

Bela, noticing the slight tension in his voice, replied casually, "Oh, that's Lakshya Kapoor, her new friend."

"New friend?" Mahir echoed, the skepticism clear in his voice. "Where did she meet him?"

Bela rolled her eyes playfully and said, "Right here in this pub. But please, Mahir, don't question her. It's her personal life. Even though you're her best friend, she needs her space. She's already upset about something, which is why I agreed to come out tonight."

Mahir turned to her, his expression serious. "Do I look controlling and possessive to you?"

The intensity of his voice caught Bela off guard. She immediately placed a calming hand on his shoulder, trying to ease the tension. "No, Mahir, you're not controlling. I know you're just worried about her. It's concern, not anything else."

But Mahir shook his head, still troubled. "No, I really want to know if something's wrong with my behavior. Because I don't want to be that person who suffocates the people I care about. I want to be someone who can stand by them, someone they can talk to without feeling judged or pressured. If that means I need to change, then I will."

Bela's heart softened at his words. She knew Mahir was genuinely trying to be the best friend and person he could be, and she admired that about him. She squeezed his shoulder reassuringly.

"Mahir, you're already a great person. The fact that you're even worried about this shows how much you care. But remember, you can't control everything, and sometimes, people just need to figure things out on their own. All you can do is be there for them when they need you."

Mahir sighed, the tension slowly easing out of his body as he absorbed her words. "You're right, Bela. I just don't want to see her get hurt."

"And that's exactly why she's lucky to have you in her life," Bela said with a smile. "Now, let's go inside and make sure she has a good time. She needs it."

Mahir nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. He took one last glance at Anu and Lakshya before stepping out of the car. As they walked towards the entrance, he made a silent promise to himself to trust Anu's judgment, while still being the friend she could count on, no matter what.

*****

Me while writing updates...

Vote and comment

Follow me on Instagram 💙

@/authorShazShaik

Allah Hafiz ✨