In this instance, you are going to see how a normal day went in Mansur for Pallavi.

It was 8:15 in the morning. The weather was chilly but apparently Pallavi paid little heed to it as she ran her legs to the glass gates of the office. I repeat it was 8:15 in the morning.

She was fifteen minutes late.

Again.

After punching her office ID card to the identification detector at the office gate, she rushed to the main office. Amongst the front row cubicles, she caught Maanvi waving her hand for a greeting. Pallavi greeted her back. Before moving forward towards her departmental office though, she saw Maanvi pointing out to her wrist watch with slightly disapproved look on her face. As if it wasn't apparent enough. Regardless, Pallavi mouthed sorry to her and got moving, dreading for what was coming next.

Pallavi swiveled her eyes across the department room and exhaled at the absence of Mister Hyoung. She caught a glimpse of Tulsi and Adhvik who were both in their respective seats. She greeted them good morning. They greeted her back. So far, so good.

“What happened to ‘I'll come on time today,’ huh? It's 8:17 now.” Adhvik pointed out to the time in his desktop computer and then to her with a serious look on his face. What was the big deal anyway? She was just a few minutes late. 

“I actually punched the gate at 8:15, sir...” She forced a smile.

“And that's supposed to be good thing?” Adhvik raised a questionable brow at her.

Crap. Guess it was too early to rejoice.

“Sorry.” 

Adhvik let out a sigh before continuing. “Deko aise kaam nhi chalega (Look, this isn't how it will work out). You don't notice but people do. Even Hyoung. They notice these things and it doesn't add well with your overall performance. It's not like you're an exceptional performer either. You make many mistakes and you realize that. The way these people see you... ” He averted his eyes to Tiwari who was doing his work and to the empty seat of the boss. “You are well below average.”

“I see...” Pallavi's eyes flickered down in guilt. It was unfair that despite all her efforts, she was only regarded as below average. Now she didn't give her 100% but still.

Tulsi who was next to Adhvik, hissed at him, whispering. “Oi, aren't you saying too much? You'll make her cry in the morning if you say any more than this.”

Adhvik tched. “I know but I only say the truth aur sach hamesha kadwa hota hai (truth is always bitter).” He turned to Pallavi whose eyes and mind was far away from here. She did that a lot. He sighed again, this time in defeat and hit her head with his finger. “Come back to earth, beta (child). We have work to do.”

“I'm here only and don't call me beta.” Pallavi frowned, logging onto her computer and opened the document page of rear mid of model N- 20 she was working on.

“Acha, then what should I call you?”  Adhvik asked, putting his elbows on the table and resting his chin on his palm.

Pallavi was about to say her name but Tulsi beat her to it. “Baby! Call her baby.”

A crooked smile escaped Adhvik's lips. He wriggled his brows at Pallavi. “Come on, baby. Let's get back to work.”

Calling her baby with that kind of suggestive smile did it for Pallavi as she blushed furiously. Not to forget the wink as well. “That was too much.”

“She's right. Enough jokes for now.”

“Sure, I still have the N- 20 front cover document to finish.” Tulsi said, bringing the aura down to the professional mode. “Will we get the injection sheet today?” 

“Hopefully, yes. Both front cover and rear mid sheet by afternoon.” Adhvik informed both the girls. Meanwhile he had the remaining documents of Rear cover and sim tray to finish. “Did you update the TVOC chart, Pallavi?”

“Yes, but... I don't understand this part. What should I do in this?” Pallavi pointed out to a certain section in the TVOC chart.

Thus, Adhvik began explaining. Sometimes she had a hard time believing he was the same person she had been crushing on. There was not an ounce of his flirty, perverted self in him right now.  When needed, he could be as professional as he wanted to be. His scrunched up brows; his sharp eyes as he focused with absolute concentration. His deep voice coming out of his thin lips just added to that persona. She felt like a total fool to admit but it actually made him look more sexier of possible.

But Adhvik held no barrels when it came to scolding someone, even Pallavi. Just like today. She recalled how badly he scolded her for a silly mistake in Pehs a few weeks back. So much so that she ended up tearing up a little in the washroom. She was mad at him and at herself. Perhaps this job wasn't cut out for her.

“Earth to Pallavi.” Adhvik firmly tapped onto her computer screen bringing her back to reality. Ah, he was wearing his dull pink shirt with rolled up sleeves today. She could tell he purchased it this month as he only started wearing it recently. It was her favorite now. “Oi, oi... Where did you go off to again? Concentrate!”

It's hard to concentrate with you next to me. She wanted to say but then shook her head and told herself to work seriously.

Thus, the hours went by as the three of them worked in their respective documents, talking only when it was needed to. In the midst, Sai and Deepak returned from the factory side. They requested any one of them to make a NRGP challan (non returnable gate pass) for a list of raw materials that were to be delivered to a vendor company they were going to visit.

Around 10:30 am, they decided to take a short tea break. Adhvik was already gone to the factory side by then. Pallavi and Tulsi went to the washroom while complaining about work as usual.

The first thing Pallavi did was to check if someone else was there by checking the other three toilets. When she confirmed it was just them, they rejoiced by doing a few dance moves in front of the big rectangular mirror in front of them.

“We are acting as if we are going to make out right now.” Tulsi joked, pursuing her lips for a kiss and they bursted out laughing. They then admired themselves in the mirror and proceeded to comb their hair. It was something they did almost everyday. Sometimes they would even try out each other's lipstick.

“By the way, what's the main dance move in that Katrina item song? I want to try it out.”

“Here?”

“Why else you think I checked the washroom just now?” Pallavi stated the obvious.

Tulsi moved her hips and hands to a beat that she sang it vocally. Pallavi mimicked her while giggling in between. It was a different kind of moment where they danced together without actually playing the music. That too, in a washroom. Who did that anyway?

But it was worth the break.

When their moment was spoilt by a bunch of girls entering the washroom, they headed towards the pantry. They returned to the seats with two cups of tea and biscuits. As for Adhvik, he was hanging out in the testing room.

Soon after that, they resumed their work half heartedly. Hyoung came to check on Pallavi regarding pehs once. She just couldn't wait for the clock to tick 1 pm.

“So what did you bring?” Tulsi asked as they sat down for lunch and opened their tiffins. Tulsi was on her own seat while Pallavi sat on Adhvik's.

“Oh, its smashed soya this time.” Pallavi announced as she opened one of the cans. The other two bore the usual dal rice and chapati.

“Good... Here's your roti, Adhvik sir.” Tulsi handed to Adhvik two chapatis from her lunch box. Since Adhvik barely had time to make chapatis in the morning, he had requested one of the girls to bring it for him. Tulsi accepted it willingly and made a point to bring two extra for him everyday.

“Thanks... Oh, is this soya chunks?” He took a peek at Pallavi's lunch and took one bite of it from the chapati he got. He took more when Pallavi insisted him to. Just then, Harshit called, telling him to bring his ass over there otherwise he would lock the door from inside.

“Sorry girls, boyfriend duty calls.... Coming, my dear.” Adhvik informed, carrying that awful smug on his face while the girls cringed at his act. He was obviously sappy at the amount of attention he got at the moment.

“Are you sure ‘this’ is your crush?” Tulsi pointed towards the testing room door to where Adhvik just went.

“Sometimes I even doubt he's straight.” Pallavi facepalmed. On the other hand, she couldn't help but feel a little sad inside whenever she saw Adhvik joining the boys for lunch. She still missed those days when they had lunches together but it couldn't be helped. Blame the stupid office and their narrow minded managers for prohibiting them.

After the girls were done with their lunch, they exited the office building for a walk. They met with Maanvi and rest of the girls from other departments.

Enter the girls gang of the office— They took a walk outside the office premises, enjoying the warmth of the winter sun as it caressed their faces. Their conversations often ranged from office, to college, to shopping, to relatable incidents from their past and even men. Sometimes Pallavi found them boring, while other times, she would immerse in their conversations. Nonetheless, she still preferred a group over solidarity.

After an half an hour of chit-chat, the girls scattered to their respective departments to resume their work. Pallavi found it rather tiring to work in the latter half. Firstly because it was the latter half and second, the lunch made her sleepy. Afternoons were supposed to be about napping, not working.

That's where coffee came to the rescue.

It was close to 4 pm. Pallavi decided to take a break. She glanced over Tulsi's seat which was empty. It didn't took a genius to find out her whereabouts. She would go to the testing room atleast once a day to talk to Rohan. Infact she could see their talking faces from the glass window. She would mostly go in Tiwari's absence.

Pallavi was about to get up for coffee when she spotted Adhvik, stealing the Korean branded coffee packets from Hyoung's desk as usual. When he passed her by, she stopped him by his arm.

“What?” He frowned, already anticipating her next words.

“Hand me mine,” she said extending her hand for it.

Adhvik's brows furrowed even deeper. He seemed like he was on a war with himself as he exchanged looks between her and the pantry ahead. He groaned in frustration before slapping the coffee packet on her hand. “Fine, take it!”

“Thank you, Adhvik ji. Now since you are already on your way to make coffee, be a dear and make one for me, too. Pretty please!” Pallavi flashed her eyelashes innocently to which he crinkled his nose in annoyance.

“Urgh, fine! How can I decline you after that incident anyway.” He referred to the day when he didn't give her the coffee packet and the machine stopped working for a while. He shook his head, resigning off with a crooked smile.

“Waise bhi khoobsurat ladkiyo ko mana nhi kiya jaata.”

(Besides, you don't deny beautiful girls.)

Needless to say, Pallavi continued to be awestruck even after Adhvik returned with two cups of coffee.

“Am I... beautiful?”

“Are you not?” He tilted his head, stating like it was obvious. She was certainly going to die by his words today.

“I- I mean I'm cute and all but...” Pallavi stuttered off and kept her head downcast, unable to say anymore.

Silence followed for a couple of seconds. Adhvik sat down on his rolling seat and slide it towards her side.

“You are... beautiful. People look at you, can't you see.” His voice was small yet gentle. He motioned her to look around the office. An employee was on his way to exit the office when he stole a quick glance her way. “See, he just looked at you now.” 

It almost seemed like he was teaching a child. Like it was that basic. That employee could very well be just looking somewhere like that but Pallavi didn't want to point it out. She got his message across. “Thank you... Actually you look good and cute, too. If you gain some weight all over, you would look dashingly handsome, believe me.”

“Hmm, yeah.”

Was it necessary to say that? Pallavi wondered, disappointed in herself. Although she was being honest, she wasn't sure how much his words rang true or was it flattery at its best. Regardless, it worked like a charm. She was moved beyond measure that she could cry. She couldn't recall anyone calling her that atleast from the opposite sex in real life (online guys didn't count).

But you were complimented when you wore a saree on your school farewell. Her inner voice reminded.

But that was ages ago. Pallavi shot back.

Yes, she knew. She had heard all that motivational talk about being imperfectly beautiful, or being beautiful from inside. She believed that. However, it was hard to believe in your beauty when you weighed more than eighty kilograms. Which was why she was moved.

It became a bit problematic to work later on as Pallavi kept reliving the beautiful moment in her head. With that came a barricade of questions like always. What was the meaning of this? What did he think of me? Did he like me? Will he confess his feelings? Will we go on a date? They always ended with a question mark, making her curious and anxious all the same.

Will she ever get an answer?

* * *

“You coming, Tulsi?” Pallavi asked Tulsi as she packed her handbag. Tulsi gave a resounding yes and hovered to her side after a minute.

While Pallavi, Tulsi and a few other sane employees, left the office at five in the evening, others would leave around eight. They weren't forced to stay everyday but they still stayed to add a few more bucks to their salary.

Pallavi swiveled her eyes around the room one more time. Adhvik was nowhere to be found. Yet another day where she wouldn't get to say goodbye to him.

“Is your car coming today?” Tulsi asked as they walked their way towards the exit.

“Nope. I'll go by bus.”

“Good cos' I need to talk about something that happened today.” Tulsi said, her eyes gleaming. Pallavi didn't have to guess. Next thing, Tulsi was swooning something trivial that Rohan had done. In turn, Pallavi recited the beautiful moment with Adhvik earlier on. Both girls giggled, like high school girls.

Pallavi behaved like a young maiden in love as she fawned over the day's events with two people. One being her online friend from a chatting app. Her name was Shagun. She was a few years younger than Pallavi, pursuing arts from a renowned college. Their conversations started with ranting about the thirsty guys they encountered online. Their talks then fast forwarded to sex and average sizes of dicks around the world. They instantly hit it off and were inseparable in chats ever since. She added Shagun to Google Hangouts later on.

Besides Tulsi, Shagun was the second person who was well updated on the development between Adhvik and Pallavi. She was certain Adhvik was whipped over Pallavi but was delaying jumping to the next step for some reason. She was a cheerleader— the type who fangirled over them and commented something like ‘aww’, ‘daww’ or ‘come on, get together’. At times, Shagun went overboard with comments like ‘Get on his pants already’ or ‘I'd have dragged him to a corner to kiss if I were you’ and Pallavi would shut her up. Now Pallavi wasn't innocent but Shagun seemed to possess a wilder imagination.

Perhaps Shagun was the one writing this story.

The third person was unfortunately Pallavi's younger sister, Deepali. She listened to Pallavi with a deep frown, showing her absolute disinterest on the topic. Now she wouldn't be allergic to Pallavi's crush talks if she hadn't been chewing her ears off about it every day.

I repeat— Every. Single. Day.

“Hey, come on, listen na... So then he said why not...?” Pallavi went on despite Deepali's reluctance. They were taking a walk on the society grounds.

“I listen everyday, sis. You are all Adhvik this and office that. It's like your life only revolves around your Adhvik these days,” Deepali crinkled her nose in annoyance when Pallavi denied it. Deepali raised her head somewhat deep in thought. “Bura mat manna (don't take it badly) but it seems like you think too much about him. It's not healthy. I bet he doesn't obsess the way you do.”

Pallavi's face fell instantly as she sighed. If Shagun was a fangirl, then Deepali was a realist. “I know, Deep. I know he doesn't think about me much as I do. But I can't help it. How can you help yourself if a guy pays proper attention to you after twenty six long years? Not a helpless romantic like me. It's like a teenage wish coming true.”

Pallavi stopped walking, making Deepali stop as well. “Its not like I'm expecting a relationship out of this. I know where we stand. But I think Adhvik bores some feelings for me as well. I'm sure of it. I just want to go on a date with him and perhaps... ”

“Perhaps?”

Perhaps kiss him, Pallavi thought but pushed that wish aside. She consciously decided to change the topic and talk about something else to Deepali as they took a night walk around the society. It was something they did every night after dinner. They either walked alone or together. Their brother also accompanied them sometimes.

After coming home, Pallavi decided to watch an episode of a recent Korean show, ‘A beautiful mind’ on Netflix and another episode of Big bang theory. Sometimes she scribbled a sketch or a comic panel on her diary, channelling her hobby of drawing. ‘It would be nice to work as a comic illustrator or a graphic designer,’ she would often think and let that thought remain there.

Before sleeping though, she opened her digital diary to write down her entry, specifically mentioning the beautiful moment she shared with Adhvik today. She made a point to note down most of the special moments she spent with him so she could relive them through reading later on. You could also say that most part of this story is being written with the help of that diary. It was Pallavi's treasure trove.

Pallavi opened Whatsapp to read the joke that Adhvik sent her a few hours back. She would have replied if Adhvik wasn't offline. He was an early bird— the kind who slept around 11pm and woke up early. She knew this from his frequent online timings. Never underestimate a girl's online stalking skills.

Did he ever think of her at night? Her thoughts went to wanderlust until she felt tired enough to let the sleep take over her.

* * * *

Chapter dedicated to 123ritzy for her lovely support in the story. Thank you. ❤❤

This chapter was different as I wanted to give an idea on how Pallavi's day usually went. Hope it wasn't boring. This was a slightly early update as I want to try and update two chapters within a week. So I'll probably post next by Tuesday or something. Let's see.