Happy reading....

The next morning, Bela walked into the office with a sense of purpose. Today was the day her team would present their ideas to their boss, and she was eager to see how it would go. She met up with Anu and the rest of the team in the conference room, where everyone was buzzing with excitement and a touch of nervousness.

As the meeting started, Bela took a deep breath and began her part of the presentation. She detailed the proposed interactive booths, the live performance, and the other creative elements that she and her team had worked on tirelessly. Anu followed with her segment, highlighting the potential impact and engagement these ideas could bring.

Their boss, Mr. Dhawan, listened intently, his eyes focused on the presentation slides. He nodded occasionally, and Bela noticed a glimmer of approval in his eyes. When they finished, he leaned back in his chair and smiled broadly.

"These ideas are fantastic," Mr. Dhawan said, his tone filled with genuine appreciation. "You've all done an excellent job. I'm excited to see these plans come to life."

The team exchanged relieved and happy glances. Anu, who was sitting next to Bela, seemed particularly elated, her cheeks slightly flushed.

As they filed out of the conference room, Anu couldn’t help but gush. “Did you notice how extra handsome Mr. Aditya looked today? And he was smiling so much. It’s almost distracting!”

Bela chuckled, feeling the excitement of their successful presentation mix with Anu’s light-hearted comments. “Yes, he did seem in a great mood. Maybe it’s a good sign for us.”

During lunch, the team gathered in the cafeteria, their spirits high after the positive feedback. They were discussing their weekend plans when one of their teammates, Rohan, leaned in with a piece of gossip.

“Did you guys hear? Our boss, Aditya Dhawan is going to a matchmaking meet-up this weekend. It sounds so crazy because he always avoided women whenever someone approached him. We have seen it many times during our company parties.” Rohan said, his voice low but filled with curiosity.

Anu’s face fell at the news, though she quickly tried to mask her disappointment. Bela, sitting across from her, was the only one who noticed the fleeting look of sadness in her eyes. She reached out and gently touched Anu’s arm.

“Are you okay?” Bela asked softly, her concern evident.

Anu forced a smile and nodded. “Yeah, just surprised. I didn’t know he was looking to get married.”

Bela gave her a reassuring smile. “Maybe it’s just a social event. Don’t let it get to you.”

The conversation continued around them, but Bela kept an eye on Anu, making sure she was holding up alright. The rest of the team, oblivious to Anu’s feelings, continued their banter.

After lunch, Bela and Anu returned to their desks. Anu seemed to have composed herself, throwing herself into work with renewed focus. Bela admired her resilience but made a mental note to check in with her later, ensuring that her friend was genuinely okay.

As the afternoon wore on, Bela’s thoughts drifted to the presentation’s success and Anu’s reaction to the news about Mr. Dhawan. She realized how much she valued the friendships she was forming at work and how important it was to support one another, both professionally and personally.

When the workday finally ended, Bela gathered her things and met up with Anu at the elevator. “Hey, do you want to grab a coffee or something? We can talk about anything except work.”

Anu’s smile returned, more genuine this time. “I’d like that, Bela. Thanks.”

They left the office together, the bond between them growing stronger as they navigated the ups and downs of work and life.

-------

Mahir’s day had been a whirlwind of meetings with the clients, tight deadlines, and intricate event plans. From early morning, he had been navigating back-to-back conference calls, strategizing sessions, and last-minute adjustments for upcoming events. His desk was cluttered with notes, sketches for event layouts, and a half-eaten sandwich that had been abandoned in the rush.

By mid-afternoon, Mahir took a rare break and stepped out to grab a coffee from the nearby cafe. As he sipped the hot beverage, he used the brief respite to review his schedule and mentally prepare for the remainder of his day. Just as he was about to dive back into his work, his phone buzzed with an incoming call.

Seeing Bela’s name on the screen, he answered quickly, eager for a break from his hectic schedule. “Hi Bela, what’s up?”

Her voice was cheerful and lively. “Hi Mahir! I was wondering if you could come pick me up a bit earlier today. I want to do some shopping for clothes and get some groceries, and I could really use a hand with the bags.”

Mahir glanced at his watch, noting that he had some flexibility in his schedule. “Sure, I can manage that. What time should I come by?”

Bela hesitated briefly before replying, “How about in an hour? I’m just finishing up here with Anu and waiting for you.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be there,” Mahir said, his tone warm and accommodating.

“Alright, see you soon,” Mahir said before ending the call.

As he hung up, Mahir felt a mix of relief and anticipation. His demanding day had left him craving a change of pace, and spending time with Bela seemed like the perfect diversion. He quickly wrapped up his tasks, tidied his desk, and headed out to his bike.

On his ride to pick Bela up, Mahir looked forward to the shopping trip. The thought of browsing through stores and spending a relaxed afternoon with her was new thing yet a refreshing break from his hectic schedule. The prospect of enjoying some lighthearted time together brought a genuine smile to his face.

When he arrived at the office building, he saw Bela standing outside, saying her goodbyes to Anu before waiting for him. She looked casual and cheerful, ready for their outing. Mahir pulled up on his bike, and Bela waved excitedly as he approached.

He greeted her with a warm smile as she got on the bike behind him, her hands naturally flew to his shoulders to hold, ready to embark on their shopping adventure.

"How's your day?", Mahir asked.

"It's good until something happened.", Bela replied remembering Anu's upset mood throughout the day.

"What happened?"

"Your friend, I mean our Boss, Mr. Aditya Dhawan is going to see a girl."

"Woah! Finally he gave in to his mother's wishes.", Mahir chuckled. But then confused. "How it's connected to his personal life?"

"It's connected. Because I think Anu has a crush on him but he is blind.", Bela said.

Mahir laughed at her remark,"He's little slow when it comes to girls and feelings."

"But it doesn't mean he's not blind. How could he not see her when she always passes him those heart eyes."

"Bela, not everyone can analyse one's feelings just looking at their faces. They could be wrong or confused you know. She needs to vocalise her feelings before it gets too late.", Mahir said.

"You are right. Rejection is better than regret. I will let her know this tomorrow.", Bela said thoughtfully.

"Woah! Wise words.", Mahir chuckled.

Bela blushed saying,"You know fictional knowledge."

-----

Bela and Mahir arrived at the shopping mall, the bustling environment a stark contrast to the quiet ride they had shared. The prospect of a shopping spree brought an infectious energy to Bela, and she eagerly led the way through the entrance.

Their first stop was a trendy clothing store. Bela started with office wear, trying on a sleek pencil skirt paired with a crisp white blouse. She emerged from the fitting room, twirling slightly to show off the outfit.

“Mahir, what do you think?” she asked, striking a pose.

Mahir, who was seated on a nearby bench, looked up with a thoughtful expression. “It looks great. The skirt fits perfectly, and the blouse is elegant. It’s definitely office-appropriate.”

She smiled, clearly pleased with his approval. “Thanks! I wasn’t sure if the blouse was too formal.”

Mahir shook his head. “Not at all. It’s just right.”

Next, Bela moved on to more casual wear. She tried on a series of outfits: a pair of trendy jeans with a casual tee, a flowy skirt with a relaxed top, and several crop tops. Each time she stepped out of the fitting room, she looked to Mahir for feedback.

“How about this one?” she asked, wearing a chic crop top and high-waisted jeans.

Mahir gave her a once-over, nodding appreciatively. “You look great in this outfit. The crop top suits you really well. The jeans are a perfect fit.”

Bela grinned and went back into the fitting room, her excitement palpable. She emerged wearing a modern skirt with a matching top, which she seemed to like but was unsure about the style. “What do you think of this one?”

Mahir offered an encouraging smile. “It’s a nice look. It’s fun and stylish. I think it’ll be perfect for a casual day out.”

Each time Mahir offering his honest opinions and encouragement. Finally, they entered a boutique with a selection of evening wear. Bela’s eyes sparkled as she spotted a beautiful pink gown—a Cinderella-inspired creation with a floor-length skirt and off-the-shoulder design.

She slipped into the gown and emerged from the fitting room. Mahir’s breath caught in his throat as he saw her. The gown accentuated Bela’s graceful figure, and the soft pink color made her look like a modern-day princess. Mahir stood there, speechless, admiring how the gown highlighted her natural beauty.

Bela looked at the price tag and frowned. “It’s a bit out of my budget, Mahir.”

Mahir didn’t hesitate. “It’s okay. I want to get it for you. Consider it a gift.”

Bela’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you sure? It’s quite expensive.”

Mahir nodded firmly. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Bela hesitated but finally accepted with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Mahir.”

As she continued to try on outfits, Bela chose a modern crop top paired with shorts. When she emerged from the fitting room, she seemed a bit shy about the outfit, which showed off more skin than she was used to.

Mahir’s reaction was immediate. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of her curves and the sleek lines of the outfit. Her collarbone and shoulders on display, her waist was so tiny, her hips were perfect.

Mahir averted his gaze immediately as he felt his eyes linger on her a bit longer than usual. He felt like it's wrong to stare her. He walked over to her, his face a mix of protectiveness and concern.

Standing right behind her, he wrapped a denim jacket around her shoulders, covering her exposed skin.

“I think this is a bit too revealing for outside,” he said, his tone serious.

Bela turned to him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You sound like my father! He’d say the same thing.”

Mahir chuckled, his face softening. “I guess I’m just looking out for you. I think you look amazing, but maybe keep this outfit for home.”

Bela laughed, her laughter ringing through the store. “You’re adorable, Mahir. I’ll keep that in mind.”

With their shopping spree winding down, Bela and Mahir left the mall with several bags and a pleasant exhaustion. They shared a final laugh as they walked to Mahir’s bike, their earlier tensions replaced by a deepened connection.

After their shopping spree at the mall, Bela and Mahir decided to tackle another errand: grocery shopping. As they walked through the aisles of the bustling supermarket, Mahir grabbed a shopping cart, pushing it with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

“You know, this is the first time I’ve ever done a full-on grocery shopping trip,” Mahir admitted with a chuckle. “I usually avoid it like the plague. Not even my mom could drag me along when she nagged me about it. Because she always brings her friends along with her, then she will brag non-stop about me, my brother and sister to them and I find it very uncomfortable.”

Bela looked at him with a proud smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “Well, I’m glad I could be the one to break that streak. It’s not so bad, right?”

Mahir shook his head, his expression thoughtful. “It’s actually kind of fun. I guess it’s all about the company.”

Bela’s smile widened, her heart warming at his words. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

As they moved through the aisles, Bela expertly guided Mahir through the process, picking out fresh produce, dairy products, and other essentials. Mahir followed her lead, occasionally making playful comments and asking questions about different items.

“I learnt cooking during my college days but I just buy whatever i see. But I really don't know the difference between the same items. Well look at here, what’s the difference between this kind of pasta and that one?” he asked, holding up two different packages.

Bela laughed, explaining the subtle differences. “This one’s whole wheat, and that one’s regular. Whole wheat is a bit healthier, but they both taste good.”

Mahir nodded, placing both types into the cart. “Let’s get both then. Variety is good, right?”

They continued shopping, with Bela sharing tips and tricks she had picked up over the years. She showed him how to choose the best vegetables, check expiration dates, and compare prices. Mahir listened attentively, genuinely interested in learning.

As they reached the checkout, Mahir looked at the full cart with a sense of accomplishment. “I have to admit, this wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. You make it look easy.”

Bela beamed, feeling a mix of pride and happiness. “I’m glad you think so. It’s nice to have someone to share the load with.”

Once they had paid for their groceries and packed everything into reusable bags, they headed back to Mahir’s bike. As they loaded the bags onto the bike, Mahir turned to Bela with a sincere smile.

“Thank you for making this whole experience enjoyable, Bela. I can see why you like it.”

Bela’s eyes sparkled with gratitude. “I’m proud to be the change in your routine.”

With their groceries secured, they hopped on the bike and rode home, the bond between them stronger than ever.

*****

😝 Mahir

AN : I will really appreciate if you check out my other works. And also let me know if you have any particular tropes you want me to write for short collection after UNDEFINED LOVE.

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Allah Hafiz ✨