Recap: I kissed my boss

If I stepped on anything other than stones, maybe, just maybe, there'd be the slightest chance I'd get teleported to another universe. A universe where I could start over. Because my life here on Earth? It's officially doomed.

Shit! I really... kissed my boss?!

That arrogant bastard who just magically came out of nowhere and decided to make my life harder.
Of all the people on this planet, it had to be him?

I can already see tomorrow's headlines: 'Employee Kisses CEO, Immediately Loses Will to Live.'

Oh my god! he's probably drafting my termination letter already. I'll have to move to a remote island, change my name, and grow my own food.
Maybe I can start a goat farm. Or, you know, just curl up and dissolve into the ground right now. Either works.

"Excuse me... Miss?"

The knock on the counter jolted me out of my trance. I blinked a few times, taking in the sight of the staff member in front of me- the same guy who saved my ass the other day.
It took me a moment, and several grumpy sighs from behind me, to finally realise that I was in the café to get an order.

"What would you like to order?" he asked, with a grin so bright I was surprised it didn't blind me.

"Uh... um, can I get eight cups of coffee to go, please?"

"Sure," he beamed again, scribbling my order.

"Thanks, you're an angel," I said, and immediately noticed his face turning red as he shyly looked away, mumbling a quiet 'thank you.'

Cute.

I snickered, remembering the day he'd saved me from the disaster, when I knocked over the tip jar.

Why couldn't life just be simple and sweet like that? But no, here I am, running an errand like a six-year-old.

But.. Actually, I was kind of glad Serena made me run this errand. At least I could get away from Ryan's piercing gaze. After that awfully awkward moment, I immediately scurried out of his office like a criminal. And ever since, I've been praying for the sun to just... disappear.

I stepped out of line, finally free to scroll through my phone-except, before I could even unlock it, I felt it. That feeling. Someone was staring at me. Hard. My skin prickled, and I glanced up, only to catch a pair of eyes glaring at me from across the room.

A blonde guy. And those eyes were not friendly. It was like I'd personally offended him.

Who on earth is he?

I looked away, shifting uncomfortably, pretending to look at the menu on the wall. But I couldn't ignore the burning feeling of someone's eyes on me.
It's there.

Better save myself!

Just as I was about to step away, my foot caught on the edge of a chair leg. Before I could even register what was happening, I stumbled forward-right into the counter. My phone slipped from my hand, flipping dramatically through the air before landing with a loud thud on the ground. No.

F*ck! My phone..

The café went silent for a split second. Shit! Did I say it out loud?
I shook my head and hurriedly bent down to pick it up, praying that it's safe and alive. My cheeks burned from all the stares that I could feel on my back.

"Sorry" I mumbled, avoiding the frowning crowd, concentrating fully on checking my phone for any possible cracks. Thankfully, the angels of heaven had decided to hear my prayers. My phone was alive and safe!

Sighing a breath of relief, I glanced up,only to see the blonde guy was still staring, his frown even deeper now.

That was it. I had enough.

I straightened up, took a deep breath, and marched straight toward him. Who the hell does he think he is? Staring at me like that, like I owe him something.

"You!" I pointed at him, my voice louder than intended. But f*ck that.
"Why are you staring at me?"

The blonde guy raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. His frown morphed into a smirk, as if he was enjoying my little outburst.

"Why? Is it bothering you?" He scoffed like an arrogant mother-

"Whoa, hold on!"

Before I could go Super Saiyan mode, the café staff-the same angel guy-quickly stepped in between us. Waving his hands between us like a referee breaking up a fight.

"What's your problem, Manish." he snapped, glaring at the blonde guy. He blinked, visibly taken aback by the unexpected scolding. His smirk faltered, and he slouched back into his chair, almost sulking like a child caught misbehaving.

Interesting...

"But Abhi... I.. I wasn't doing anything," he muttered, his voice quieter now, eyes darting side by side.

It was now my turn to scoff.

Abhi sighed, shaking his head,his hands on his hips now, looking every bit like an overprotective older brother.

I watched in astonishment as Manish's ( the blonde guy) confidence deflated. He shoved his hands in the front pocket of his denim jeans , his gaze now firmly locked on the table in front of him, looking like he'd cry any moment

"I've told you that you can't come here. Are you trying to make me lose my job?"

"No." Manish immediately replied, his eyes widened in horror.
"Sorry, I'll be quiet."he mumbled, sulking even more.

"Are you okay, ma'am?" Abhi turned to me with genuine concern.

"Yeah... I'm fine." I blinked, still processing what just happened, glancing back at the blonde guy who was now very intently avoiding eye contact. "Thanks, Abhi."

"Anytime." He gave me a quick nod before returning to the counter, leaving a sulking Manish.

Well, that was... unexpected!

_____

I burst through the doors, breathless, my hands trembling slightly from the weight of the coffee. But still, I made it!

Of course, I'd be late for the meeting! It's me!

Everyone's eyes flicked up for a second before returning to Ryan, who, as usual, looked completely unbothered by the chaos I seemed to drag with me everywhere.

Ryan cleared his throat before continuing. "As I was saying, we have a new intern joining us today. Everyone, meet Emily."

I glanced at the new girl, and of course, she was gorgeous. Tall, sleek hair, effortlessly put together. She flashed a perfect smile at the room like she hadn't just walked into a lion's den. Ryan, standing by her side, wore a smirk that sent shivers down my spine. That look.. somehow wasn't a pleasant one.

"Emily will be working under Naveen for the next few months. " Ryan continued, his eyes flicked to me with a kind of mischievously evil glint.

My stomach did a weird flip, and I glanced over at Naveen. He looked up, nodded, then went right back to reviewing whatever file was in front of him like this was just another day in the office.

Meanwhile, I felt a pinch in my heart. I scratched my neck lightly as if it'll be of any help.

"That's all for now, you can go back to your work" Ryan dismissed and everyone literally went running towards Emily. Meanwhile, Ryan approached me, holding that smug grin.

I bet he's up to something...real tragic!

"Aisha, I need an urgent adjustment to the Buxton project."
Ryan shoved a pile of papers into my hands before I could even process what was happening.

"But sir... you said you'd handle it yourself," I reasoned, trying to keep my voice steady. It was the same project Naveen and I had worked on.

"It's your first project. And, might I add, a huge one. So it'll be best if you handle the minor mistakes yourself rather than relying on me,"
Ryan said, his presence seems to be looming larger with each word.
There. He did that again.
His lips twisted up in a half crooked smile holding all the deepest darkest twisted secrets that's bound to break me.

Ugh! For God's sake!

I was doing everything in my power to hold back from rolling my eyes. Why was he doing this?

I wanted to deny him, tell him off, but he's my grumpy boss, and at the end of the day, I had no choice but to nod gingerly and slump back to my seat.

Do I have a choice?
Unfortunately, sadly, and regrettably
No.

As the minutes ticked by, the files seemed to grow even heavier. Each time I thought I was almost done, Ryan would swoop in with some "minor adjustment" or "last-minute revision" that would drag me right back to square one. His timing was almost too perfect, like he was doing it deliberately.

And Emily.. well she was perfect, in fact she was everything Naveen might've ever wanted, not just Naveen, any guy would fall for her.

Earlier, when I caught a glimpse of them striding towards the canteen I couldn't help but notice the way she laughed at something he said, her blonde hair catching the light as she leaned in slightly.

I'd never seen Naveen so focused-on a person.

No!
He's just working.
That's all it is.

I wasn't insecure about it, I was just worried. My parents were coming tonight to meet my "boyfriend." Sure, Naveen knew the plan, but I had to remind him. I just hope he didn't forget.

By the time 4 PM rolled around, I was more frustrated than being stuck in Bangalore's traffic. Ryan passed by my desk almost too intentionally, his eyes scanning over me like he could see right through my thinly-veiled frustration. Great!

"Looks like you're almost done with the project, Aisha." he started along with a small smile tugged in his face.
"Make sure it's all wrapped up before you leave. I'll personally check upon it."

I bit my tongue, nodding stiffly as he sauntered away.

He knew. Doesn't he?

He knew that I was trying to get some time with Naveen. I could almost feel him smirking, even if his face remained perfectly professional.
This was deliberate.
It couldn't be a coincidence.

But why?
Is that because.. I was getting on his way? Maybe he's forcing me to stay away from Naveen so that he could charm him away?

Shit.

I glanced at the clock-7: 10 pm.
It's already past our office hours.
I should check upon Naveen. I dashed out from my seat before I could second guess and lingered by the Marketing Department, peeking through the glass walls.

There he was busy-really busy. Emily was sitting across from him, jotting down notes while he spoke in that serious, focused way.

I hovered there for a moment, debating if I should interrupt. Maybe he'd have a minute for me?
But as I caught sight of him flipping through files with Emily, I quickly realised: no chance. He was in full-on work mode.

I hurried back to my desk, grabbed a sticky note, and scribbled a message.

"Hey, I know you're busy, but just a reminder about the dinner with my parents tonight. 7 pm, my place. - Aisha"

I chewed on my lip, staring at the note for a second.
Should I add more details?
Forget it! He'll get it.

With a long sigh, I walked past Naveen's desk and placed it right where it could be clearly visible.

If he sees it.. that is.

******

Is loving as good as they say?

A/ N

Updates will be directly proportional to the votes and reads

Happy reading!