Gauri~

The rest of the week was tough but not as hectic as the past few days since my akdu boss decided to be some what less hard on me. As a result of that now I am getting 10 minutes time to prepare coffee and he was letting me go home by 6 and gave me off on this weekend thankfully since he has organized a party for us in a restaurant a few blocks down to our office.

Since it's the first office party I am going to attend, I was nervous regarding the outfit and all but Anika offered to help me get ready coming to my rescue.

"Anika, why can't I just put on some jeans and top." I whined looking at the mirror.

"You are wearing this dress and that's final. Look at you, you are looking pretty in this dress." Anika said pointing towards the red lace dress that fell a few inched above my knee.

"Now sit down so that I can do your make up." Anika said making me sit.

"Look at you now, you are looking gorgeous." Anika said admiring the look she had created. True to her words the person in the mirror looked beautiful.

"Go rock the party girl." Anika said patting on my back as my phone pinged with Bhavya's message saying that she was waiting in front of the gate for me.

Bhavya offered the ride to reach the party. I bid bye to Anika and made my way out praying to God to make everything go well tonight.

Omkara~

Gatherings were never my thing, I would sit alone in my room reading some book than enjoying in the crowds. Tonight I don't have a choice but to attend the party since being the host and not attending the party would be rude.

I gave a short welcome speech and after that I distanced myself away from the crowd trying to find a isolated spot away from all these ruckus as I was looking around the party area a familiar petite figure caught my eye, Gauri.

She was sitting alone in the farthest corner of the party area looking beautiful as ever in her red dress. My feet guided me towards her and I stood in front of her yet she was oblivious of my presence, seems like she was in deep thoughts. It gave me time to checkout her.

She was wearing a red dress which suited well for her hugging her luscious curves, her hair was left down which reached till her waist. Her lips were wine red and inviting, she looked serene and beautiful.

I cleared my throat to make my presence known and she looked up at me with her big doe eyes.

"Do you want me to order some wine for you Ms. Sharma? " I teased taking a seat in front of her.

"No! " She said hurriedly making me smile.

"Why? Based on what I saw the last time, I thought you liked wine." I said.

"No, I don't like it. In fact that was the first time I ever tried alcohol." Gauri explained as her cheeks turned pink.

"Why don't you try some alcohol now, Ms. Sharma. In fact after this week, I feel like I really need some honest feedback from my employees. And you are the one, who gave me a eye opening feedback last time in the bar." I teased enjoying the shades of red forming on her face.

"Like I said, I really don't have much experience with alcohol, sir. And after what happened, I swore to God that I will never touch alcohol again." Gauri said playing with her fingers.

"Enjoying the party?" I asked her.

"Ye.. Yes, it's nice." She said smiling politely.

"Really? " I asked amused since I can clearly see that she was bored and not at all enjoying it.

"Yes, sir." She said avoiding eye contact with me by looking down at the glass she was holding in her hand. Liar.

"You know what you can be honest with me." I said smiling.

"I don't really like going out for parties." Gauri said meekly. "The thought being surrounded by so many people scares me."

"Yeah, I can feel you even I don't like the parties." I said and she nodded silently.

"Come with me." I found myself asking her after a few minutes if silence.

She looked at me in confusion.

"Come out for a walk with me, Ms. Sharma." I said offering my hand for her to take.

She looked back at me in hesitation and uncertainty.

"Don't worry, I am not gonna kill you." I joked and she smiled politely before placing her hand in mine hesitantly.

Her hand looked soft and tiny in my large hands and I felt different holding her hand in mine, I slowly pulled her up from her seat and guided her towards the pool area at the back side of the restaurant, which I know will be peaceful away from all these sounds.

I guides her towards the pool area and she followed me silently keeping a safe distance. Finally we reached the pool area which was surrounded by plants and trees giving it a serene look.

I made my way towards the grass beds surrounding the pool and sat down on the ground.

"You can sit, Ms. Sharma." I said.

She sat beside me keeping distance.

"Isn't it nice? " I asked looking up at the stars in the sky.

"It's beautiful,sir." She said with happiness in her voice.

"You can call me by my name outside the work." I said looking back at her.

"Um.. Okay sir... " She said and I raised my brow, "I mean Omkaraji." She corrected herself.

My name felt wonderful coming out of her mouth.

We both sat in silence for a few minutes looking at the stars.

"Look, a comet." Gauri said excitedly and looked down once she realised she was in my company.

Don't know why she always tries to act professional around me while she behaves carefree with Rudra and others. Why can't she be in that way with me also, again I was the one who acts coldly with her.

"My mom said that if we make a wish looking at the comet, it will come true." Gauri said playing with her fingers.

"Okay, go ahead and make a wish." I said and she closed her eyes clasping her hands together making a wish. A smile made a way on my lips looking at her.

These days I found myself smiling often which surprised me, after Ishaana left me, I thought I would never smile again but after meeting Gauri, I was smiling a lot.

"God, please make this happiness stay in my life forever." I prayed silently looking towards the sky.