The much awaited monday was finally here. They had met yesterday, and it was not supposed to be that much of a big deal but it was, for the two of them. They knew each other for the last sixteen months and had been something more than strangers but less than friends. Both Shehnaaz and Siddharth had been harbouring within themselves, feelings that they had dared only to confess to themselves. Their meeting from a day before had not only solidified their own feelings but had also managed to give them a glimpse into the heart of the other person. Even though none of them had been vocal about their emotions, they both saw that there was hope for their feelings to be reciprocated.

It was a special day for both of them as it was the first time that they would see each other as more than mere acquaintances who smiled at each other every morning before leaving for work. Today would mark the beginning of a different kind of dynamic between the two of them, while it was not a necessarily romantic one but was sure to be different from what they'd had in the previous months. When Siddharth had visited Shehnaaz yesterday in her apartment and inquired about her reason for not showing up on the front door, he had taken the first step that Shehnaaz was too shy or nervous to do on her own, even though she knew she wanted to. 

Shehnaaz was rummaging through her wardrobe, looking for the perfect outfit to wear. There was a permanent smile etched on her face, her face glowing in anticipation as well as nervousness of seeing Siddharth for the first time since their unexpected conversation yesterday, while it might sound crazy, she felt like she was going to see a completely different person today. The thought made her nervous, yet strangely happy. She took a deep breath, trying to regulate her heartbeat which was all over the place. 

At five minutes to nine, both Shehnaaz and Siddharth opened the door of their respective apartments at the same time and looked in the direction of the other person's apartment as if on instinct. They smiled at each-other, as per tradition. "Good Morning Siddharth." Shehnaaz chirped sweetly, causing the smile on Siddharth's face to broaden. "Good Morning Shehnaaz." He wished back, his eyes shining, voice deep and husky. 

Shehnaaz wore light grey cotton saree. Her hair were left open in a side parting and her perfectly luscious looking lips were highlighted with a red lipstick, her eyes were filled thickly with kohl. She held a handbag in her left hand, Her neck adorned with a simple gold chain which had a small circular diamond locket dangling at the end. She wore beautiful silver drop earrings while Siddharth was wearing a white shirt with grey blazer and dark blue jeans. His hair were neatly gelled. A Rolex on his right hand, his I-Phone XI  in his left made him look no less than a greek god in real life. For a good few seconds, both Shehnaaz and Siddharth couldn't take their eyes off the other person, wondering in the deepest of their minds how the other person could look so completely and flawlessly hot. 

Eventually, they both blushed, sensing the other's constant gaze burning into them and looked away. They took their time in locking their respective apartments and controlling their raging breaths before facing each-other once again and making their way towards the elevator together. 

"You don't usually take the elevator." Siddharth observed. Shehnaaz blushed slightly, "Actually.. I prefer the stairs to the elevator because I believe that they'd help in keeping me in shape." Shehnaaz explained, rather sheepishly. 

Siddharth laughed softly, causing the girl to pout. "I.. know it sounds crazy but it serves as a good workout." She reasoned, looking up at him innocently.

"You go five floors down by stairs terming them as exercise?" Siddharth asked.

"Yes. Don't you go to the gym for your workout routine?" Shehnaaz asked, successfully turning the tables in her direction. 

Siddharth nodded. "Alright. That's fair." He conceded. 

Shehnaaz smiled. "I.. didn't expect you to come to my apartment yesterday, not.. not that I minded I..just it was unexpected." She confessed. "I don't usually have visitors." 

"We had been a part of a sort of tradition and when you stopped it felt weird and I got worried that maybe something is wrong with you. I don't really know, even now why you had stopped." Siddharth shrugged. 

Shehnaaz hesitated, "I was not in Mumbai this week I had returned late night on Sunday and thus I couldn't.. show up. I didn't think you'd notice or.. or become worried about my disappearance." She said quietly. Siddharth nodded slowly, surprised to see her lying. 

Maybe she's not ready to open up with me just yet. He thought to himself

"Uh.. Where do you work?" Siddharth asked, diverting the topic and trying to sound genuinely curious. 

"Shukla Group of Industries. I work for the Managing Director, Dr. Ashok Shukla's assistant." She informed him. 

"Dr. Ashok Shukla?" Siddharth frowned. It was true that his father had a doctorate but he didn't like to tell people about it. He was surprised to know that Shehnaaz knew about it. It seems Shehnaaz was much closer to his father than he had imagined.

"Sir has a PhD in Human Psychology. He doesn't like to brag about his Doctorate but ever since I've known about it, I address him with his appropriate title. His hard work needs to be acknowledged and appreciated." Shehnaaz said softly. Siddharth smiled and nodded, agreeing with her. 

"He doesn't really agree with me but.. he lets me do it anyway because it makes me happy." Shehnaaz added as an afterthought.

Siddharth smiled. The way she was talking about Dr. Ashok Shukla, anyone could easily tell that they were super close. Although he was happy at the realization, he was confused as well, thinking why he had never heard his father talk about her.

Half a minute later, the elevator stopped at the ground floor and the two of them made their way towards the exit of the apartment complex. "Bye Siddharth. I hope to see you soon." Shehnaaz said, making her way towards the road. 

Siddharth held her hand gently, stopping her. "Wait, Shehnaaz.. How will you go?" Siddharth asked.

"I'll take a taxi, of course." Shehnaaz told him, confused at his abrupt question. 

"Can.. Can I drop you? Your office comes on the same route as mine." Siddharth asked hopefully. Although he hadn't been completely honest with her but he hadn't lied either, for his and her destination were one and the same. 

Shehnaaz smiled, "I will manage, really. You don't have to.. trouble yourself."

Siddharth sighed, "It won't be a problem. I am headed that way. Please let me drop you." He requested her. 

"But.." Shehnaaz was about to say something when Siddharth interrupted her. "You wait here, I'll go and get the car." 

Shehnaaz sighed, "Okay. If you insist." She gave in, making Siddharth smile. "You bet I do." 

On reaching the office, Siddharth dropped Shehnaaz off at the employee entry point and himself drove off to the private garage where he parked his car before entering the office through the private elevator. He entered his cabin where Kushal was already present. They said their greetings to each-other and got to work, sorting through the day's appointments.

"You look happy today." Kushal remarked, causing Siddharth to look up at him surprised. "Whatever do you mean by that?"  He asked.

"You were.. I don't know how to phrase it- a bit out of your element the whole of last week, moody, irritable- you know? Today, it looks like you're back to yourself." Kushal explained. "All happy and energetic."

Siddharth blushed inwardly, so the effects were so prominent. He maintained a stern face on the outside. "You're probably just overthinking Kushal." He said dismissively. Kushal shrugged. "Well, if you say so."

Siddharth sighed in relief, thanking his stars for making Kushal agree to his halfhearted explanation or else he would've been in for a very long Q&A session with his manager and best friend which he was definitely not in the mood for at the moment. 

Here's the next part. Yesterday the part didn't come coz I was not home. We had visitors and I was busy.

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