The days flowed back into a rhythm of routine -work, meetings, and more work. Each morning started the same way, and the company thrived under Idhayan's diligent supervision.
However, one particular day deviated from the norm, sparking a wave of concern in his usually composed mind.

Idhayan arrived at the company and immediately sensed something was off. Shreeja, who was always early, had not yet arrived.
He made his way to her cabin, hoping to find her there, but it was empty. His worry grew, and a multitude of thoughts raced through his mind 'Is she alright? Has something happened to her? Why hasn't she come yet?'

Determined to find out, he decided to call her. As he walked down the corridor, phone in hand, he glanced out of a glass window overlooking the company's front entrance.
There, he saw a car pull up and stop. To his relief, Shreeja stepped out, but his attention was quickly drawn to the man who followed her out of the car.
It was Daksh Raizada, the young man who had recently come to their office for a deal.

(Author : Heinnnnn..... ye yaha kya kar raha hai bhai?)
(What is he doing here brother?)

Idhayan's curiosity piqued as he watched them. Why was Daksh with Shreeja? He observed them closely as Shreeja smiled and waved goodbye to Daksh.
Just as she was about to enter the building, Daksh called her back and handed her something from his car.

Shreeja's laughter echoed through the air, a sound so joyful that it made Idhayan wonder what could have made her so happy.

Determined to find out, he hurried back to his cabin and checked the CCTV footage. He rewound the recording to the moment Daksh handed Shreeja the mysterious object. To his surprise, it was a chocolate.

(Author : Aree kya baat hai bhai, achanak se eksath aana , chocolate dena)
(Hey brother, what's the matter, suddenly coming together , giving chocolate.)

After some time, Shreeja came running towards his cabin, a cup of coffee in her hand. She looked slightly flustered but wore a sheepish smile.

"Sir, I'm so sorry for being late. Here is your coffee," she apologized, her voice tinged with guilt.

Idhayan hummed in acknowledgment and asked, "Why were you late today, Ms. Gupta?"

"Sir, my car broke down in the middle of the road this morning. I thought about taking a bus or a cab, but it was already so late. Luckily, my friend was passing by and offered me a lift. Otherwise, I would have been even later," she explained, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Hmm....And what about your car?" Idhayan inquired, trying to keep his tone neutral despite his earlier worry.

"Oh, my friend said he would take the car to the mechanic shop. It should be back home by tomorrow after servicing. He also said he would pick me up on his way home," she replied, her relief evident.

(Author : Ayeinnn, frienddddd, dosttttttt, chinguuu, yujinnn. Kab?kyu?kaha? kis liye bhai?)
(When?Why?Where? For what brother?)

Idhayan nodded, satisfied with her explanation. "Alright, get to work then." Then he watches her through her cabin's CCTV camera.

Shreeja quickly set to her tasks, and Idhayan returned to his own. But the image of Daksh handing her that chocolate lingered in his mind.

Why had it made her so happy? The question gnawed at him.

Shreeja's world spun with intrigue. She sat at her desk, savoring the last piece of chocolate Daksh had given her, its sweetness melting on her tongue.
Her body swayed slightly, caught in the rhythm of an invisible tune playing in her mind.

Little did she know, Idhayan was watching her from afar, his heart a mix of admiration and jealousy. The CCTV cameras captured it all-the chocolate, the dance, and the unspoken emotions flickering across her face.

Later that day, as she worked, she was searching some file in her phone , when she unexpectedly discovered-a voice recording, she didn't remember making.
She pressed play, and her boss's voice echoed through the digital waves.

["Okay, what's the secret?" he had said. "Tell me, I won't tell anyone, Promise."]

Her heart skipped a beat. What secret? When had he uttered those words? Her memory faltered, leaving her grasping at shadows.

(Author : Heehh abb tera kya hoga Shreejuu) (Now, what will happen to you Shreeju?)

Pulling at her hair in frustration, Shreeja tried to piece together the puzzle. Across the hall, Idhayan sat in his cabin, oblivious to her turmoil.
He pondered the events of the morning, the image of Daksh handing her the chocolate replaying in his mind.

Shreeja's footsteps echoed in the corridor as she approached Idhayan's cabin. She knocked softly, her heart racing.

"Come in," his familiar voice called out.
She entered, her nerves on edge. "Sir,umm.. I need to talk to you," she began hesitantly. Idhayan looked up, his eyes curious and concerned.

"Of course. What's on your mind?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.

Shreeja hesitated, then blurted out, "I..I.. found a recording on my phone. You... said you'd keep my secret safe, but I... don't remember anything about it."

Idhayan leaned back further, his hand resting thoughtfully on his chin.
The memory tugged at him-the night they had shared a candid conversation, the words exchanged under the veil of night. Revealing the truth could lead to awkwardness or misunderstanding.

Instead, he thought 'let's tease her a bit', and with a playful smile "But I promised to keep that secret safe," he said. "And I won't tell anyone, not even you."

Shreeja's eyes widened in surprise. "But, sir, it's my secret. Shouldn't I know?"

"Ah, Ms. Gupta," Idhayan replied, leaning forward with a teasing glint in his eyes. "You know I always keep my word. Therefore, also this time I won't break it. Now, go back to your work."

(Author : 🤣Poor Shree)

Shreeja pouted, her lips forming a cute curve. She stomped her feet lightly, muttering, "Ye kyasi baat hui bhala,(What the hell is this) Meanie, sir. Hmph." With a dramatic flair, she turned and stormed out of his cabin.

Idhayan chuckled softly, watching her go. But his thoughts lingered on her-those glossy raspberry lips, the mystery of the secret, and the unspoken emotions that danced between them.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt mixed with amusement. He had promised to keep her secret, but in doing so, he was now hiding his own feelings.

As the day wound down, Shreeja gathered her files, ready to head home. She handed one to Idhayan, expecting to be dismissed.

But he surprised her, exchanging her file for a stack of others.

"Ms. Gupta, please do these too," he said, his tone firm yet laced with an undercurrent of something she couldn't quite place.

Shreeja blinked, glancing at the new workload. With a determined look in her eyes, she retreated to her cabin.

Her phone buzzed, interrupting her works. She put it on loud speaker.
"Where are you, sweety? I'm in front of your company," Daksh's voice crackled through the line.

(Author : sweetyyy? Seriously bro , kya chal raha hai tere dimag mein mujhe thik se bol)
(Sweetie? Seriously bro, what's going on in your mind, tell me clearly.)

"I'm so sorry, Daksh," Sreeja replied. "I think I can't go now. I have more work to do. You go, and I'll..."

Before she could finish, a knock echoed through the room. Idhayan stood at her cabin's door, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Tell me when your work is done, and I'll drop you home, okay?"

(Author : Maat bolo ki aap yaha par hi khare hue the SIR)
(Sir, don't tell me that you were standing here only.)

Shreeja nodded, her heart fluttering at his unexpected kindness. Idhayan left, and she returned to her call. "You go," she told Daksh. "I'll go with sir."

Daksh's response was a curt "okay," but she couldn't see the smirk on his face.

(Author : ye ye isshiliye bol rahi hoon, iska koi bharosha nehi hai)
(This is what I am saying, there is no credibility to it.)

After hours of meticulous work, Shreeja gathered her files, ready to head home. She carried them to Idhayan's cabin, the floor deserted except for the two of them. As a secretary, she was accustomed to late nights at the office. She knocked, entered, and handed him the files.

"Thank you, Ms. Gupta," Idhayan said. "Let's head out."

They made their way toward the main gate, the office eerily quiet. "It's getting late," Idhayan remarked. "Let's have dinner somewhere and then I'll drop you off at home."

Shreeja agreed. "Okay, that's better." She waited outside for him while he retrieved his car. The night air held a hint of anticipation.

As she stood there, a biker approached, helmet concealing his face. Shreeja recognized him instantly. "Wow, Daksh, what are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.

(Author : Aree yaar ,jane ke liya bola tha tujhe , firse aane ke liye nehi)
(Hey friend, she told you to go, not to come again.)

Before Daksh could respond, Idhayan arrived in his car. His eyes narrowed as he took in the scene-the man flirting with Shreeja, the unspoken tension.

Daksh's voice cut through the air "I thought on this beautiful night, a beautiful lady like you needs a ride with a handsome man like me."

Jealousy surged within Idhayan. He watched as Shreeja hesitated, torn between the two men.

Shreeja hurried toward Idhayan's car, her heart racing. She blurted out, "Sir, you can go. I'll go with him."

Idhayan raised an eyebrow. "But who is he?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Daksh lowered his helmet, revealing his face. "Don't you remember me, Mr. Idhayan Gaur Deshmukh? I'm Daksh Raizada. We met before in your company during the deal. Don't tell me you don't remember a handsome man like me," Daksh mockingly teased.

Idhayan's response was cool and businesslike. "We met in business, not personally, Mr. Raizada. So I don't remember anything about you personally."

(Author : Wahhh, gazab ka bezzati)
(amazing insult)

Shreeja stepped in, sensing the tension. "It's okay, sir. Don't worry about him. He's like this, but I assure you he's my friend."

Idhayan hesitated, between trust and suspicion.
Finally, he relented. "Go, be safe. If there's any problem, call me. Enter my number in your emergency contacts, okay?"

Shreeja nodded, waving goodbye. She climbed onto Daksh's bike.
As they rode away, Daksh's voice floated back "So should we go to your favorite restaurant for dinner, sweetheart?"

Shreeja's reply was playful "Yeah, not a bad idea. Let's go." His word hangs "Hold me tight sweety, we're going to fly"-sent a thrill through her veins. Shreeja clung to Daksh, As the bike roared ahead.

And so, they disappeared into the night, leaving Idhayan clenching his fist-a mix of defeat and something deeper.
Idhayan followed in his car, but Daksh's smirk revealed he knew.

(Author : What the hell he want ? He's to Suspicious to believe)

He accelerated, vanishing from Idhayan's view. Idhayan's expression shifted from concern to anger.
His hand rested on the car window, palm pressed against his forehead. Worried for Shreeja, he wondered about Daksh-this man who'd swept her away.
______________________________________

On other day, Idhayan watched from a distance as Shreeja and Daksh interacted with an unsettling closeness.
His suspicions grew with each passing day.
Sometimes he spotted Daksh waiting outside her company, their laughter echoing through the corridors.

Other times, he saw them engrossed in phone calls or video chats, sharing moments that left Idhayan feeling like an outsider in his own world.

During breaks, Daksh would casually stroll into the office, his charm magnetic yet infuriating to Idhayan.
He noticed how Shreeja's demeanor softened in Daksh's presence, her laughter more frequent, her smiles brighter.

(Author : Bhai Tera mashla kya hai? Kyu tu madhumakhkhi ki tarha iske aage piche ghum Raha hai?)
(Brother, what is your problem? Why are you moving back and forth like a bee?)

It irked him to see Daksh taking more pictures with her, knowing they would inevitably end up on her social media-a public declaration that fueled Idhayan's unease.

But what unsettled him most was the way Daksh touched her-gentle, affectionate gestures that spoke volumes of his feelings.
Idhayan clenched his fists, his heart pounding painfully. Why did Daksh have to act like he adored her? Was it all an act, or did Daksh genuinely like Shreeja?

Standing in the corridor during a rare moment of free time, Idhayan couldn't tear his gaze away from the scene unfolding before him.
Shreeja and Daksh were talking and laughing as if the world around them ceased to exist. He strained to hear their conversation, his jealousy simmering beneath the surface.

"Why does she have to laugh like that with him?" Idhayan muttered to himself, his emotions swirling.
He knew he was jealous, but the intensity of his feelings surprised him.
He pulled out his phone, intending to call Shreeja and bring her to his cabin under the pretext of work.

As he dialed her number, his eyes locked with Daksh's across the corridor. A smirk played on Daksh's lips, a silent challenge that stoked Idhayan's anger even more.

Then, to Idhayan's dismay, Daksh reached out and delicately fixed a stray strand of Shreeja's hair. It was a small gesture, yet it spoke volumes-a possessive familiarity that Idhayan found intolerable.

(Author : Bhagwan , kya karna chahata hai ye banda, kyu khali peeli inn dono ke bech mein aa raha hai)
(God, what does this guy want to do, why he's again coming between these two?)

Fueled by a surge of frustration, Idhayan pressed the call button impatiently. "Shreeja," he said tersely when she answered, "come to my cabin. I need you here in five minutes."

Shreeja nodded through the phone, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Okay, sir. I'll be right there."

She began to stand up, but Daksh gently held her back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Shreeja paused, looking at Daksh with a mixture of surprises.

Then, with a flourish, Daksh pulled out a large chocolate bar from inside his coat pocket and handed it to her.

(Author : Damn this bastard, he knows very well)

Shreeja's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Idhayan's heart sank as he witnessed the exchange. "Just why does she have to smile at him like that?" he wondered bitterly.
After thanking Daksh warmly, Shreeja bid him goodbye with a quick hug.

She hurried away towards the escalator, her steps light with happiness. Meanwhile, Daksh glanced at Idhayan and offered a sarcastic farewell before disappearing from view.

Idhayan stood rooted to the spot, his emotions in turmoil. His jealousy burned fiercely, mingling with a sense of helplessness. He couldn't understand why Shreeja seemed so drawn to Daksh, why their connection seemed to deepen with each passing day.

Turning on his heel, Idhayan stormed back to his cabin, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He paced restlessly, grappling with the realization that his feelings for Shreeja ran deeper than he had admitted to himself.

As he brooded over the situation, a bitter resolve formed within him. He couldn't let Daksh continue to influence Sreeja's life unchecked. Whatever it took, he vowed to uncover the truth behind Daksh's intentions and protect Shreeja from any harm.

___________________________________________

On another day, Idhayan stood across the road, hidden in the shadows, his eyes fixed on Shreeja. She knelt beside a carten box of kittens, her gentle hands stroking their fur with care that tugged at his heart.

Her kindness and warmth were palpable even from a distance, filling Idhayan with a bittersweet ache.

But his reverie shattered when Daksh appeared beside her. Idhayan's smile faltered as he watched Daksh hand her a small package, likely food for the kittens. Shreeja accepted it graciously, her face lighting up with gratitude. It was a smile Idhayan cherished, yet one that stung with jealousy whenever Daksh was the cause.

Chit Chat.....

(Author : Heinn, fir se, bhai tu kyu leech ki taraf laga hua hai iske sath, sach bol mujhe)(Again, brother, why are you so attached like a Leech, tell me the truth.)

(Daksh : Kya sach? Wo meri dost hai , to dost ke sath ghumne mein kya problem hai)(what true? She is my friend, so what is the problem in hanging out with a friend)

(Author : mujhe tum par koi bharosha nehi hai)(i don't trust you)

(Daksh : Maat karo, waise bhi kisiko mujhpar bharosha nehi hai , ishiliye mera koi dost nehi hai) *Doing Pitiful face*
(Then don't do, no one trusts me anyway, that's why I have no friends)

(Shreeja : Aree kyu pareshan kar rahe ho mere bechara dost ko , jao tum yeha se)
(Why are you troubling my poor friend, please go away from here.)

(Author : Heinnnn, mein pareshan kar rahi hoon? Becharaaa? Aur yee? Shree tumhe bol rahi hoon isse dur raho ye bil.......)(Am I bothering you? helpless? And this? Shree, I am telling you to stay away from this don't.....)

(Shreeja : Ho geya, usse jo marji bolna to abhi jao) (done, you can say whatever you want to him, then go now.)
(*A smirk playing on his lips*)

(Author : sighhh.....)
End..........

Why does he always have to be there? Idhayan's thoughts churned with frustration. What does he offer her that I can't?

Daksh knelt beside Shreeja, ostensibly to admire the kittens, but Idhayan saw through the facade. Daksh's eyes were fixed on Shreeja, a lingering gaze that stirred a mix of unease and resentment within Idhayan.

He's always around her, Idhayan fumed silently. It's like he's drawn to her, like a moth to a flame.

Idhayan longed to call Shreeja, to summon her to his cabin under the pretense of work. But he knew better than to blur the lines between professionalism and personal feelings.

He had to maintain his composure, even as his heart screamed for her attention.
As Shreeja and Daksh walked away together, Idhayan's mind raced with questions.
Where were Shreeja's best friends, Akansha and Akash? Their absence nagged at him, a troubling detail he couldn't ignore.

He couldn't shake the feeling that beneath the surface, something was amiss-something that involved Shreeja and Daksh, and perhaps even his own heart.

With a sigh, Idhayan turned away, As he headed back towards his car, he vowed to uncover the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface of Shreeja's smile and Daksh's charm.
______________________________________

On The next day office buzzed with excitement as Shreeja stepped inside. Curious, she approached a group of colleagues who were animatedly discussing something. "What's going on?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

They raised their hands, each clutching a large packet of chocolates. Shreeja's confusion deepened. "What's with all the chocolates?" she wondered aloud.

One of her coworkers leaned in, eager to share the news. "Sir collaborated with a chocolate brand yesterday," they explained. "These chocolates haven't hit the market yet, but he's given them to all of us for our opinions. There's a box where we can write our feedback after tasting them."

(Author : Woww don't tell me he's that much jealous , ki chocolate ki collab kar liya)

Shreeja's smile returned. "Ah, I see. Well, enjoy!" she said, appreciating the unexpected treat.
She continued on her way, but curiosity got the better of her. Leaving her bag in her cabin, she headed to Idhayan's office.

A polite knock, and she entered. "Good morning, sir," Shreeja greeted him.
Idhayan motioned to a box of chocolates on his desk. "Ohh ..Ms. Gupta, take your chocolate. We need your opinion too."

She accepted the chocolate, but then he surprised her. "And that box over there? It's filled with more chocolates-it's all yours."

"Why, sir? Why so much?" Shreeja asked, her eyes widening.

Idhayan leaned back in his chair. "It's for Akansha, Akash, and you," he explained. "You know how they are-if I give it to them directly, they won't take it. So, you can distribute it to them."

Shreeja nodded, understanding his point. "Oh, I see. Thank you," she replied, her heart warming at the thoughtfulness.

With the chocolates in hand, she left his office, practically skipping like a child.

"Yes, yes, yes! My chocolate!" she whispered to herself. "My favorite kind-I've been waiting for this!"

Meanwhile, Idhayan watched her antics on the CCTV feed, a soft chuckle escaping him. He couldn't help but glance at her social media profile, where she had posted, "I'm waiting to devour you, my chocolate."

And as Shreeja reveled in her chocolate delight, Idhayan whispered to himself, "I'll do this only to see your smile, 'Mi Querida'." The Spanish endearment slipped from his lips, a secret promise echoing through the corridors.

The air buzzed with excitement as Shreeja reveled in the unexpected chocolate bounty.
The collaboration with the chocolate company had turned her day into a sweet paradise.
Each bite was a little piece of heaven, and she couldn't help but feel like a child unwrapping a long-awaited gift.

After work, Shreeja made her way toward the main gate. And there he was-Daksh, waiting for her with an energy that matched her own.
She practically bounded toward him, resembling a delighted rabbit.
She couldn't contain her enthusiasm and spilled the news about the chocolate bonanza.

"So where's my share?" Daksh asked, his eyes dancing mischievously.

"You don't have any," Shreeja replied, savoring another piece of chocolate.

"Hawww, that's not fair!" Daksh protested, his playful smirk in place.

Without warning, he lunged toward her, and they both started running. Shreeja laughed, trying to stay ahead of him. She didn't want to relinquish her precious chocolate.

But Daksh was relentless. In the end, he snatched the chocolate from her hand, taking a playful bite from the side she'd been nibbling on.
Shreeja stomped her foot, pretending to be upset, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. It was all in good fun.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the road, a black car sat parked. Idhayan watched the scene unfold, his expression unreadable.
Jealousy gnawed at him as he observed Daksh and Shreeja. Why did Daksh get to be the one sharing chocolate with her? Why did he get to see her laugh and play?

Idhayan's heart clenched as he watched the playful exchange.

Perhaps it was time for him to step out of the shadows and stake his claim. But would he be brave enough to reveal his own feelings? Only time would tell.

___________________________________
MEANWHILE :

The room was full of bodyguards, their presence a constant reminder of the stakes at play.

Akash and Akansha sat across from each other, tension thick in the air. In front of them, The First Unknown person with a stern expression leaned forward, his voice low and commanding.

"Everything must be done as I said," the First Unknown person declared, his eyes locking onto theirs. "It must be done very soon."

Akash and Akansha exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation. They nodded in unison, silently agreeing to follow through.
_________________________________________

-3876 words
Published on - 08.07.2024

So here the Today's chapter...

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