The strange events of the previous night stood out like a sore thumb in Pallavi's mind as she attended the office next day. She had questions. Way too many questions.

How could a straight man sit so close to a woman and not be aware? It was no use asking because the man in question itself wasn't aware of it. Didn't believe me? Well, let's take a sneak peek.

Somewhere in the far future...

“Remember how you kept kicking my leg throughout the party? You were sitting so shamelessly close, too. You had my mind in splits throughout that time.” Pallavi ranted, crossing her arms.

“Did I?” Adhvik contorted his brows, trying to recall with a small smile. “I guess I was kicking your leg? Hmm, I definitely remember everyone staring at you in shock when you took that beer. Especially baldie. 'Cold drink kaun peeta hai, sirrr!' Priceless!” He enacted and bursted out laughing.

Pallavi laughed along but quickly came to her senses. “I remember... You even gripped my knee, you pervert.”

The question 'did I?' was written all over as his face contorted again. “And I'm appalled that YOU remember. How come you remember these small details when you don't even recall things from work? That too, of me, my God! Were you—”

Alright, that's enough sneak- peek, everyone. Gosh, I should stop giving spoilers to my own book. Back to the present.

Truth was, Adhvik's mind was already occupied by other useless things involving Sai, Tiwari and Ankur. She was an insignificant presence except on a few occasions like when he argued with Ankur for forcibly offering her a drink.

Pallavi derived two things about Adhvik.

One- He cared.

Second- He was attracted.

A person's feelings couldn't be second guessed. True that. Adhvik didn't harbor any romantic feelings the way she did, but there was absolutely no way he didn't feel some amount of attraction towards her. One could spew lies in the name of flirting but one couldn't fake a touch unless they liked it. They sat unintentionally close to each other like it was the most natural thing in the world. Something like that couldn't be pretense.

It was exactly why it aggravated Pallavi. So much so that that when Adhvik instructed her to step aside for him to exit the cubical, she only moved a millimeter and purposefully brushed against him when he passed her by. Adhvik craned his neck behind to throw a questionable glance before moving on.

* * *

“Can I use your system for a second? I can't find that pdf on my system.” Adhvik requested Pallavi. Obviously, she obliged.

Pallavi stood behind patiently while Adhvik searched for the Pdf manually as the search window was taking too long to find. A minute passed but in vain.

“I know a place where the file could be... I think.” Pallavi voiced out.

Adhvik paused, craning his neck her way. “Okay, tell me.”

Pallavi stepped closer but then noticed his hands still on the mouse. Why did this felt like deja vu? “Um, remove your hand first.”

“Tell me like this only na. I'll search it myself.”

“No, I won't get it that way. Let me search,” Pallavi insisted. The thing was until she searched it herself she wouldn't remember the location. But she wasn't able to make him understand. When he became adamant, she let him have his way. But when he failed to locate the file, she threw her hands in exasperation.

And touched his hand halfway.

“Aree kya kar rahi ho tum?” (Aree, what are you doing?)

“Toh haath kyu nhi hatate phir! (Then why don't you remove your hand?)” Both of them retorted in Hindi. In the end, Adhvik gave up with a frown while a flushed Pallavi took the control of the mouse, searching for the desired location. Surprisingly, they found the pdf.

It was little, insignificant moments like these that took Pallavi down the memory lane, back to her pre- Valentine's days. No, it wasn't because she was remembering them on purpose. Its the merciless Universe who replayed those moments in the present from a different angle. Such as this.

“Come on, give me,” Pallavi demanded with a straight face, extending her hand expectantly. Adhvik knew what she saw was what he also saw— the Korean coffee packets.

It was like a deja-vu moment where Adhvik's face contorted in puzzlement. To give or not to give was the question. Pallavi let out a cheeky grin when he wordlessly dropped one of the coffee packets in the palm of her hand. Her eyes grew glassy. It was like she could hear his next dialogue.

“Besides you don't deny beautiful girls.”

* * *

“Pallavi, I need to talk to you for a minute,” Mrs Khuranna told her daughter one evening after returning home. Pallavi mentally began to list the things she did wrong this week. Except for the dal she overheated one time, she couldn't recall anything else.

Five minutes later, they sat down on her bed. Her mother began to cut apples for everyone as usual. An awkward silence ensured, except for Pallavi's drumming heartbeat. Oh God, oh god, what did she do this time? What if they found a rishta for her?

“Are you having an affair with someone right now?” Mrs Khuranna asked with her brows furrowed.

“No...” Pallavi's face went white as sheet as she replied in a slightly trembling voice. Did flirting with someone counted as affair? Nah, that would be like saying a girl got pregnant with a kiss. Her mind conjured up with several questions. Why was mother asking her this all of a sudden being one. “What do you mean by an affair exactly?”

Mrs Khuranna didn't faze one bit as she continued to cut apples, handing two pieces to Pallavi. “Exactly what it entails, beta. Seeing someone, professing love, engaging in all those lecherous acts.”

“Ma, you did them too, remember.” Pallavi pointed out bluntly. Apparently she could speak up mighty fine in front of her family members. Way too honestly that is.

Mrs Khuranna sighed. “Yes, I did after marriage which is how it should be. Well, that's not the point. I went to the astrologer today.”

Did Pallavi mention her mother was big on astrology and was currently pursuing a course on the same? Well, now you did. “What did she say?”

“I asked her to see your astrology chart. Apparently, your fifth house is activated with Venus since January.” Mrs Khurrana further answered her questioning looks. “It's the house of relationships, sex and affairs.”

Pallavi didn't even hide her reaction this time as the apple fell off her open mouth to her lap. Was this why her flirtationship with Adhvik happened? Because astrology said so. Was it actually that accurate?

But then, Pallavi let out a dry chuckle. If mother would have said this few weeks ago, she would have believed but not now. Not when her situation was entirely the opposite. "I'm not having any kind of affair if that's what you're asking. Besides, I only travel to and fro from office and home. How would I have an affair with my car patrolling behind me?"

Even Mrs Khuranna chuckled at that. “I know, dear. I know you have no one. Though that astrologer lady was convinced you were having an affair according to all star alignments in your astrology chart. She even went as far as saying you were having sexual relations-”

Pallavi snorted at that. “That old hag! What does she think of herself?” 

“Don't call her that. I already told you I don't believe in everything she says. She tends to exaggerate. I only go to her because she's an expert in astrology and I want to learn. Its just... don't get too involved with anyone in the office, okay. I don't condone love marriage but it should atleast be with someone financially sound and mature. Those office people— they are not of our standard. Neither do they share the same spiritual energies as us. Besides, your Venus planet is too weak to support it.”

“I'm very well aware of that, Mum. They are not. Nothing has ever happened in my life and nothing ever will. Atleast before marriage.”

At that, Mrs Khuranna assured Pallavi that she would be free to date her future groom for a while since she didn't experience a dating life herself. Pallavi liked the idea too, as it wouldn't seem much like an arrange marriage then. Their conversation drifted off, both of them relieved out of that strange conversation.

And though Pallavi was relieved too, she was scared. Scared of that old hag's prediction resembling too close to reality. Still there was no way she would have a sizzling romance just because her kundali said so. Those things were never 100% accurate anyway.

* * *

“Happy Maha Shivaratri.” Pallavi wished Adhvik the next morning. Like many other single Hindu girls, she had kept a fast on this day with a wish to be blessed with a wonderful husband. Though that was only one aspect of this festival. Maha Shivratri was more than that.

Pallavi watched Adhvik, join his palms in a silent prayer. Festival or no festival, he had a habit to pray to the Hindu God's on his desk first thing in the morning in case he missed his prayers at home. She only came to know when she accidentally turned up to the office earlier than usual one day.

Adhvik gazed at her. He looked like he had walked out straight from a bath, his wet bangs falling above his refreshing eyes. He wore a serene smile, “Happy Mahashivratri. God bless you with all the happiness in the world. I wish you get the husband you desire. Someone who understands all your happiness and pain. Someone who loves you with all his heart.”

Pallavi blinked, feeling touched and puzzled at the same time. Sometimes he had a way with kindness. “That was a very specific wish. Thank you so much. I wish the same for you. May you also get a lovely wife who loves, supports and cares for you in every walk of your life. Most of all, I hope you achieve all the success in your life and move forward.”

“Thanks.” He then shook his head smiling crookedly. “I guess we are each other's well- wisher.”

Pallavi tilted her head. “Well- wisher?”

“Yes, a person who only wishes nothing but good for the other. I truly wish to see you happy and you hope the same for me, too. I don't feel that way for everyone you know... It's because you're genuine.”

At first Adhvik friend- zoned Pallavi and now she was well- wisher zoned. Just what zone he wanted to put her in? Though she didn't feel bad about it. On the contrary, it sounded way better than being a friend. Both of them shared a beaming smile in acknowledgement.

* * *

The festival of Maha- Shivratri was closely followed by Holi. Since Mansur hadn't been kind enough to grant holidays during December and January, they let the employees have a one week vacation for Holi. Also because there weren't any major production work after the completion of the model N series. The last time this happened was during Diwali. Naturally, the employees also decided to head back to their hometown for a while.

Somewhere among the excitement and cheers amongst the employees, Pallavi found Adhvik heading towards his seat with a frown etched on his face.

“I don't think there's a reason to be tensed about after getting that vacation.”

“It's not that. I mean, of course it's great,” Adhvik swirled his head left and right before motioning Pallavi to come closer. “I just talked to Hyoung. He's saying there's going to be a new Korean manager after the holidays.”

“A new WHAT?!”

“Shh, keep it down. It's not official yet.”

“But why?”

“Apparently the HQ has been unhappy with the production results of a few departments, dunno why when we have done our job efficiently. And it's not just development department either. Almost all other departments will have a new Korean manager.”

“So Hyoung will be replaced?” Pallavi asked, already feeling down about it.

“Thankfully, no. The new one will operate alongside Hyoung. Imagine, we'll be having two managers— sorry three including Tiwari. Though the new manager will have the highest authority. That's what Hyoung said.”

The thought of a new manager worried Pallavi. Hyoung was intimidating at times but he was a lenient boss nonetheless. Infact, most of the Koreans she encountered were polite and kind except for Badboy. She wondered how their new boss would turn out to be.

During mid- afternoon, Adhvik packed up to leave the office. He was due to catch the train to his hometown that evening. 

“Too bad you wouldn't be here to celebrate Holi with everyone.” Pallavi said which loosely translated to 'why aren't you here to celebrate with me?'.

“It's okay. I'll just put some colors and my quota will be done. I even bought a packet for this occasion.” Adhvik informed gleefully and fished out a yellow colored power packet.

Sometime later, Adhvik tore apart the yellow colored packet and applied the color on Pallavi's somewhat puffy cheeks, followed by her forehead “Happy Holi, Pallavi.”

“Happy Holi to you too, sir.” Pallavi smiled back and repeated his gesture by applying pink colored power on his face. She could feel his rough stubble through the tips of her fingers while she did. Atleast she got to touch his face this way.

Again she couldn't help but reminisce their pre- Valentines day when Adhvik told her he looked forward to Holi. If it were the old him, they would have applied color in a somewhat sensuous fashion. Still Pallavi was grateful that she was the first one Adhvik applied color on.

Ankur and Tulsi joined the bandwagon too by throwing colors on both of them. The four of them snapped some photos together after which Adhvik left the office.

* * *

Earlier, Pallavi found hard to believe when Adhvik recited how the office celebrated Holi. But now as she became a part of it, she could indeed see how his words ringed true.

She didn't even remember how it started. A random person threw dry colors on another person, thus starting a chain. Before long, the employees grouped together to throw different colors on another. Pallavi was attacked by Maanvi first, who then took her and Tulsi to the rest of the girl gang. They colored themselves, followed by a string of colorful selfies.

Later, Tulsi and Pallavi returned to the department to color their colleagues this time. They stopped at the corridor, awe- struck by the floor that laid before them in a colorful mess of red, yellow, orange, purple and green. It was surreal. They reached the department only to witness the guys slightly coloring Hyoung's white face and were more shocked to see him, returning the favor as well. It wasn't just Hyoung but the entire Korean population in the office who actively participated in the Indian festival. The girls exchanged an exciting grin. Might as well color their boss while they had the chance.

After completing the Holi custom of putting colors on Hyoung's both cheeks and vice versa, the girls proceeded to do the same with Tiwari, Sai and the others. You know what they say about enemies become friends during this time. Perhaps the same happened today.

Seriously, why wasn't anyone playing the song Balam Pichkaari yet?

Although the guys played somewhat hardcore Holi amongst themselves, they were respectable and distant while playing with girls. All except for one indecent man from the accounts department who touched the back and side of Pallavi's neck in the name of Holi. She knew this man. It was the creep who used to continuously stare at her whenever she entered the office. She shot a threatening glare at him before fleeing away from the scene.

Except for that one mishap, it was a memorable day- something that Pallavi would surely look back into fondly. And it would have been picture perfect if it weren't for the empty chair that lied next to her. Why you had to be the only person missing, Adhvik?

* * * *

Pallavi wished she could say the same about the Holi holidays she had at home.
It wasn't fun at all. The same cycle of marriage talk repeated itself but in a more dreadful way this time. Initially, Mister Khuranna had given an advertisement in the newspaper. Eventually, he got a call from someone who was interested enough to meet them. The wannabe groom in this case was a established IAS forest officer.

“I have already rejected the previous calls I got but this family seems well mannered and respectable enough. We should meet them.” Mister Khuranna suggested at their breakfast table.

At first, Pallavi remained mum about it but later on, she told her mother she didn't want to marry now as she wasn't ready. “Can't you start groom searching a year later?”

“Beta, that's what you said last year and the year before that. Just how many times will you say the same thing? That time you were young, but now you are twenty- six. You have to marry someday.” Mrs Khuranna intervened with a sigh. “And groom searching takes time. It's not like you'll be married off right away. There are several steps before and after finding the groom.”

Hearing her mother's words relieved Pallavi to some extent, though if possible she wouldn't wish to be part of these conversations at all. It wasn't due of her likeness towards Adhvik either. The thought of leaving the comfort of her home to settle with a bunch of pseudo strangers scared the shit out of her. The responsibilities, the compromises, adjustment— the whole paradigm of her life would shift. She dreaded change and marriage was the biggest change of all. Of course she would marry in the future. She didn't desire to live a family- less life either. She just didn't want to marry now.

But her parents refused to accept this, especially her father who was going to retire from his government post on June.
Her mother then relayed their message to Pallavi. “Ideally parents marry off their children before their retirement. Since we can't marry you off and Deepali right away, we can atleast finalise your rishta before June. If possible, leave your job so you work on your body until then.”

Things just turned south hill from there. There was no way in hell Pallavi would go with it. What they mentioned was the exact opposite of what she wanted. She understood the pressure and immense responsibility her parents were feeling but what about her? This was her life, not theirs. Why should she follow through it because society dictated on it? An argument ensured that eventually resulted in an ugly spat between her and her parents.

“So if we marry off Deepali first, would you be okay with it? Finding groom for her would be much easier anyway.”

“You don't even try to loose your weight. Do you know how many rejected after seeing your full photo? We don't have a problem with you but the society does. No reputable groom or his family will accept you like this. It's the harsh truth.”

“You bring us nothing but distress.”

“As if you don't do the same! I'm way better in office than this depressing home with you hypocrites! Just leave me alone!” Pallavi snapped angrily, after she had enough of their taunts. She stormed off with hot tears buring down her cheeks.

The Holi that followed the next day was a depressing one. After the ugly words exchanged by the daughter and parents, there was no way they could hug it out and play Holi. Still Mrs Khuranna tried to convince both sides (Pallavi and Mr Khuranna) to be amicable. She didn't believe in keeping unnecessary grudges so she promised Pallavi to think about her situation. After all, she was at her same marriageable age once upon a time. Pallavi also apologized for her rude behavior. Thus, they made up.

“Your father is mad that you called him hypocrite and heartless. It will take a few days for him to soften up. Apologize to him, then. You know how he is. Short tempered and stubborn, just like you... Being his wife is surely a tough job.” Mrs Khuranna said and they laughed about it.

* * * *

Author's Note

Quite a festive chapter lol. Do share your thoughts. Ps- I'll post the next chapter tomorrow or day after. I wanna speed things up. I know nothing much is happening in these chapters. Ye phase hi aisa hai. That's why. But once this phase is over... *fans self*