With the response I am receiving, I am getting very bored of writing this book. Now, I just want to finish this off somehow..

Third person's pov!

Nidhi squinted at the imposing glass and steel structure that was Rey Designs. It had been two weeks since the media frenzy and the warehouse incident, a week since she had last seen Sid. A knot of worry tightened in her stomach. She missed him, a truth she refused to acknowledge even to herself. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and walked through the familiar glass doors.

Inside, everything seemed normal. Whispers followed her as she walked through the office, but she kept her head high.

Siddharth stepped out of his car in front of the office, his heart pounding with anticipation. He had received word that Nidhi was back in the office. He knew he had to see her, and he had a plan to get her out of there.

As he walked into the office, he spotted Nidhi working at her desk. He made his way over to her, trying to keep his excitement in check.

"Nidhi! Thank god you are here. We need to talk." Sid stood by her desk, looking surprisingly nervous for someone who always exuded confidence. He ushered her into his cabin, his hand lingering unnecessarily long on her lower back. A shiver ran down her spine, betraying her attempt to appear indifferent.

"What is it, Mr. Raichand?" She asked, forcing a calm tone.

"There is this important client meeting outside the city," Sid fabricated, his voice smooth like honey. "I need someone with your expertise to accompany me."

"Expertise in what, exactly?" Nidhi arched an eyebrow.

"Dealing with demanding clients, of course," he said with a wink. "You were always able to handle me. Nothing would be tougher than that. Besides, wouldn't you want to escape this suffocating office for a bit?"

Nidhi considered this. The office gossip was starting to get on her nerves.

"Fine," she conceded, surprising both herself and Sid. "But I want to be back by evening. And I don't want anybody to know that I am coming with you for the meeting."

A triumphant smile spread across Sid's face. He quickly nodded and asked her to meet him at the parking lot.

****

The drive started off well. Sid, in a rare show of patience, let Nidhi choose the music. They settled on an old Bollywood classic, and for a while, a comfortable silence settled between them.

Forty five minutes into the drive, suddenly, the car sputtered and lurched to a halt. Smoke billowed from the hood, sending a puff of panic into Nidhi's chest.

"Damn it! Seems like the car broke down." Sid cursed under his breath.

He stepped out, fiddling with the engine. Nidhi got out too, a sense of unease settling in her stomach. They were on a deserted stretch of road, the sun casting long shadows. Her phone displayed no signal.

"Great! Just great!" Nidhi muttered, her voice laced with anxiety.

"Looks like we are stranded, Ms. Vyas." Sid looked at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"What a coincidence, Mr. Raichand. Right after you dragged me out of the office." Nidhi glared at him.

"Coincidence? Or fate?" Sid chuckled, his voice warm and husky.

"Don't be ridiculous." Nidhi scoffed.

They stood in silence for a moment, the only sound the chirping of birds and the distant howl of a dog. Despite the frustrating situation, a strange calmness settled over Nidhi. Maybe it was the light breeze, or maybe it was the way Sid stood beside her, his presence strangely comforting.

"So," Sid began, his voice low, "what do we do now?"

"There's nothing we can do except wait for help." Nidhi shrugged, looking around.

Sid moved closer, their bodies practically brushing.

"Or," he said, his voice a husky whisper, "we could make the best of this situation."

His closeness sent a jolt through her.

"What do you mean?" She stammered, her heart pounding.

"Well," he said, his breath warm against her ear, "we could have a real conversation, maybe get to know each other on a personal level."

Nidhi turned to face him, her gaze locking with his. He was looking at her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

"We already know each other, Mr. Raichand," she said, trying to sound firm.

"Do we?" He challenged, his voice a low rumble. "We know each other as boss and employee, as rivals even. But do we know each other... as people?"

"Great. We are stuck here and you want to play twenty questions now?." Nidhi asked sarcastically.

"Stuck here? It's not so bad. At least we are together." Siddharth leaned against the car, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You never miss a chance, do you?" Nidhi rolled her eyes.

"Can't blame me for trying. You have a way of making everything better," Siddharth said, his tone light and teasing.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere, Mr. Raichand." Nidhi tried to ignore the flutter in her heart.

"Is that so?" Siddharth said, taking a step closer to her. "You know, I have been thinking about you a lot lately. I can't get you out of my mind."

"Maybe you should try harder," Nidhi retorted, though her voice wavered slightly.

"I don't want to. You are the one thing I don't want to forget." Siddharth chuckled.

"Why are you doing this, Mr Raichand?" Nidhi looked away, trying to steady her racing heart.

"Because I love you, Nidhi. More than I have ever loved anyone," Siddharth said softly, reaching out to touch her hand.

Nidhi felt a shiver run through her at his touch. She tried to pull away, but Siddharth held her gently, his eyes locking onto hers.

Nidhi felt her resolve weakening. The intensity of his gaze and the warmth of his touch were making it hard to think straight. As it is, after that press meet, she was having confusions, her resolve weakening. The way he behaves wasn't helping at all.

"Siddharth ji..."

"Just listen to your heart, Nidhi. What is it telling you?" Siddharth asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nidhi's heart was pounding in her chest. She knew what her heart was telling her, but she was afraid to admit it. She closed her eyes, trying to gather her thoughts.

"I don't want to be with you.." She lied through her teeth.

Siddharth's hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over her skin.

"You know that's not what you want." Sid said confidently.

"Mr Raichand.."

"Nidhi," he said, his voice soft now, "look around you. We are stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way of contacting anyone. But do you feel scared? Do you feel annoyed? Do you feel like getting away from me? Answer me, Nidhi.."

****