Deepali Khuranna was no stranger to Pallavi's life, especially if it was this hot and happening right now. And right now, Pallavi had updated her with the latest news of how they expressed their sequential attraction. That it was mutual all along. She could tell Pallavi was over the moon right now.

“But you omitted the part where you like him. What about that? What about you?” Deepali asked, already sensing her sister's annoyance as she glanced at her.

“That's not important right now. Perhaps some other time when it's right.”

Deepali raised a brow. “Are you sure about this, sis?”

Pallavi looked at Deepali like she offended her. “Are you trying to make me guilty? That I'm breaking a taboo by sleeping with a man before marriage.”

“No way! I have no issues with the hookup arrangement. People can do whatever they want. I just don't think it's made for someone like you. For us.”

“Why?”

“Remember how hurt you were during Valentine's? You have feelings for him while he doesn't and that itself makes this wrong. Why are you doing this anyway? Are you expecting him to fall for you?”

“No. I'm not expecting anything unlike last time when I expected too much. I know where my head is at.”

“Then why?”

Pallavi let out a dry laugh, her temper rising. “Why do people have foreplay and sex, Deepali. Isn't it obvious?! Even I have needs. I just want to experience and have fun, that's all. Is that so wrong?”

“No...” But then, Deepali shook her head, admitting the truth. “Yes, that's wrong. I don't think sex should be thrown away like that. It should have meaning. Meaning with the person you are doing with. There should be love first... Honestly, I'd have loved it if he would have asked you out on a cafe or a movie first but no, he selfishly went for sex.”

Pallavi pressed the bridge of her nose. She hated that they were having this conversation when she was so happy. “Yes, I admit I would have loved that, too but life isn't a fairytale. It's not going to grant your wishes in the way you want always. And Adhvik is not fictional protagonist. He has his flaws, I have them, too. Doesn't mean he's a bad person. He could be selfish but he's not forcing me into this. It's still my choice. If you're not okay with this, your problem. Not mine. Keep your thinking to yourself.”

“Don't talk like that to me when I'm just looking out for you. Fine, do whatever you want. Just don't come crying to me later on.” With that, Deepali began to walk away.

“You bet I won't!” Pallavi told, glaring behind her back. She knew Deepali was looking after her but it would have assuring if she had supported her instead. It took guts to do something you never did and having someone say ‘it's okay’ was a relief in itself.

If you were worried about Deepali and Pallavi going radio silent after this then no need to. They had another discussion after this, albeit a calm one. Deepali came to terms with it eventually. Pallavi wasn't a child anymore. She knew what she was doing and was aware of what she was going to get. Most of all, she was happy.

* * *

Pallavi and Adhvik talked to each other on phone once a day in the following  week. Sometimes it was her calling him while other times it was him. Back in office, things were gradually changing shape. Tiwari had already gotten a whiff about Adhvik resignation even though it wasn't made official yet. Word was that Sai was going to be in charge of the documents in place of Adhvik. Atleast until they didn't get another senior engineer. This didn't bode well with Tulsi who grumbled about it. No one wanted to work with a two- faced, boring nerd. Pallavi only had one solution for the ones in agony. “Just leave this shit company.”

Aside that, Pallavi passed her time with Tulsi, Rohan and the girls she visited during her break. The news of her resignation had reached everyone in the office by now. Thankfully only a handful of people knew the truth behind it.

“Don't bring your lunches tomorrow, girls. We have a surprise for tomorrow.” Maanvi announced to the rest of the girls at lunch one day. After a series of how and why questions that remained unanswered, the girls excitedly agreed.

Which was why Pallavi was thrilled when Maanvi granted permission from the gate to go outside for lunch. The girls took an autorickshaw to the Parijat Farm market where they dined in a South Indian restaurant. It was a farewell treat for Pallavi Khurana.

“Thank you for this surprise, especially you Maanvi. You are a great HR. I'll miss you guys,” Pallavi confessed emotionally, raising her glass of lassi. The girls cheered in unison, raising their glasses with her. With that, they digged in, filling their stomachs with various South Indian delicacies. Photos were clicked under the afternoon glowing sun and songs were sung on their way back to the office. It was an afternoon to remember.

Adhvik arrived to Mansur on Pallavi's second last day. Her heart leaped with happiness upon seeing him. Their eyes never almost left each other even as Adhvik conversed with someone. They greeted each other with a long, continued handshake. The last few days of revelations and dirty conversations stood in reality in the form of him. It was  surreal. Nothing eventful happened after that, except for Adhvik's resignation getting finalized by a distressful Hyoung Li.

Eventually it was May 5th— the last working day in Mansur for Pallavi Khuranna.

* * *

Pallavi recalled the Mansur interview she had with Maanvi, the senior HR and Hyoung. How she had hugged Deepali for getting hired. Her first awkward day at Mansur and her first encounters with everyone. That was on September 2018.

And today was May 5th 2019.

After submitting her office ID, Pallavi made a point to visit every nook and corner of the factory. She raked her eyes at the huge machines, etching the memory of the production of mobiles for the last time. She scrolled down the documents she made; cleared her table; met everyone she knew; smiled anyway she could. Her heart ached a little as it left a part of her in everything she did.

Tulsi accompanied Pallavi in the washroom to have their last crazy shenanigan together. Tulsi even made cold coffee for her. Pallavi met the 3D department team, the testing team, the girl group and some of the factory people she had come to know. Surprisingly, Harshit had broken his radio silence this time. Not that she cared.

Later in the second half, the development department conducted a small treat party for her. She thanked everyone for their corporation though she couldn't say she will miss them much.

And then, a funny coincidence happened.

Pallavi was craving for tea. Adhvik suggested to have it on the food stall outside the office. Adhvik, Pallavi and Tulsi went together. Rohan accompanied them as well a little while later. When they reached, Pallavi was surprised to find Harshit having a samosa.

“Are you all stalking me?” He squinted his eyes at them. Pallavi rolled her eyes.

“Over your minuscule ass, hell no!” Adhvik retorted.

And thus, started the back-and-forth conversation between all of them. Once upon a time, Pallavi used to share lunches with them. Once upon a time, they were right here lighting up a cigarette. She wished to be good friends with them but for now, this was enough.
In the end, both Rohan and Harshit wished Pallavi luck.

“By the way, congratulations on your promotion as the manager.” Pallavi extended her hand to congratulate Harshit.

“Oh, thank you, Pallavi.” Harshit shook her hand. “And best of luck.”

Pallavi scoffed with a small smile, “You already said that.”

“I did but that was for your career. This... this is for something else.” Pallavi failed to grasp the underlying meaning behind his words. Neither did Harshit bother to explain. He simply smiled angelically, glancing between her and Adhvik. I'm sure you people must have figured out by now since Pallavi was a walking tubelight.

Towards the end, Pallavi received some fruitful suggestions from Adhvik and Tulsi.

“Of course you can bid them farewell. Hug that Korean Hyoung too, while you're at it. Bump your boobs against him. This is your golden chance after all...” 

“I'd say hug Adhvik while you're at it. Make him feel your boobs. Feel his chest. This is your golden chance after all...”

Some wonderful colleagues she had.

She couldn't help but laugh at Tulsi. If only she knew his chest wasn't all she was going to feel. She wished she told Tulsi everything that happened between her and Adhvik for the past two weeks but she decided against it. She just didn't trust her enough to keep it upto herself.

In the end, Pallavi hugged Hyoung in what seemed like but- I- was- going- for- a- handshake- kind of moment. Tiwari, Sai and the rest wished her luck. Her throat clogged up as she walked out of the building for the last time. Even mentioning that word hurt her chest. Tulsi was standing right beside her. Tulsi Bajaj, the first person Pallavi ever got acquainted with.

‘And I thought I'd be the only girl in this department. Thank Goodness you're here! I was getting sick of all these testosterone!’

Pallavi pulled Tulsi to a tight hug, her eyes stinging. “Thank you for everything, Tulsi. And thanks for being a great friend here.”

“No, I should thank you, Pallu. I was able to survive this toxic place all because of you.”

“You and me both...” Pallavi replied, pulling out of the embrace. Both giggled when they glanced at their tear stricken faces. It almost felt like her school graduation day. She mustered a weak smile. “Please get out of this place soon and find another better job. Mansur doesn't need us.”

“I will... Now please go otherwise I'll get more emotional. We'll meet up later, okay.” Tulsi said, pushing her away. Soon they bid their goodbyes.

Thereafter, Pallavi headed towards the main gate with a heavy heart, trying her hardest not to sob. She recalled the first day she arrived here. How she ecstatically posted her selfies to the social media, announcing her new job. A job she hooked on after one and a half years of unemployment.

And now, she was back to square one.

“It's n- not fair. I w- wanted to stay.” Pallavi hiccuped, rubbing her tears with her arms. The office made her chest tighten but still it couldn't compare to the agony she felt in the presence of the lean guy next to her.

“Thank you for calling ABCD helpdesk. Have a nice day...”

“Just that I'd rather prefer the junior sitting next to me than the one in the office."

Apologize to yourself first... First learn to stand up yourself.

You are my favorite. Are you?

I'll point out your positives and negatives while you do mine.

How long will the happiness last? How long will the three of us be together?
I'm scared to even think about it.

Memories came rushing to Pallavi. If only she hadn't gone to Ian that day. If Jung- ho wasn't here at all. If she hadn't been fired. If Adhvik wouldn't have gotten his job as well, today would have been just like any other day in Mansur. Working and laughing about senseless things while sipping tea. Nothing would have changed.

“But things change whether we like it or not.” Adhvik voiced out softly. “We had to leave Mansur anyway. Didn't you tell me you would leave after one year? You just left a bit early.”

“But I wanted to leave on my own. Now I'm back to being one thing I hated the most— jobless.” She cried.

“You didn't try to look for jobs, Pallavi and you rejected the interview offer from Parrot company— the one Tiwari arranged for you.”

“I don't want to be helped by that twat. And I need a break before I work again.”

“See, you got your answer. Now stop crying,” He placed a hand over her head, smiling with emotion. “Who knows, maybe this will lead to a better opportunity for you. A job that you want to do. Anyways, see you soon.”

“Yeah, see you.” She turned around, forlorn.

Adhvik was just about to walk away when he noticed something missing, “Where's the white car and your macho driver anyway?”

Indeed as per his description, her family driver was a macho man. Pallavi was about to call the driver on the phone but then lowered her phone, “I'm just about to call him. He's late.”

He inclined himself more to her side. For a second, he remained in that silence. And then another and another. “Say, are you hungry?”

“A bit yeah, why?”

He averted his eyes elsewhere while scratching his head. “Actually, uh... you remember the dhaba nearby this office? The one where Harshit and group went for lunch without inviting you girls.”

“How could I forget that? You even said you'll take us there sometime.” She reminded him cheekily, her heart already racing in anticipation of what was coming next.

“Yeah, uh, how about now? We'll just have chai and snacks.”

She blinked once and then twice. Was this really happening? Her driver couldn't be late at a better time than this. She messaged her driver to pick her later. Talk about unexpected. “Sure. Lead me the way.”

The next half an hour breezed by magically as Adhvik and Pallavi walked their way to the dhaba restaurant which was on the unexplored road to the right. Funny, how she never chanced upon here in the eight months of Mansur. But maybe that was for the best. They savored the evening with a cup of kullad ki chai (steamy hot tea served in small earthen pot) and pakode. It was hilarious as Adhvik waited for her to sip down her tea while she waited for it to cool down, lest her tongue burnt. They chatted, ate, and laughed like they usually did. It wasn't a date by any chance. Yet it was the perfect farewell to their relationship as colleagues. Even though it hurt that she wouldn't be able to see Adhvik everyday like she used to, it was still a slight relief that they would be meeting each other again soon.

Pallavi watched Adhvik's back as he continued to walk away towards his dwelling afterwards. The first man she had gotten to know so close. The man who evoked so many emotions in her. She closed her eyes momentarily. It was time to close this chapter of her life and move on.

“Bye Mansur.” Pallavi said, giving one last look at the Mansur building before getting into the car towards her home.

* * * * * * * * *

[This is an extra bonus scene. One that took place during their pre- Valentine's Day that I didn't write. You can choose to read or not read this part as it's not important.]

Mansur was serving gulab jamun and rasgulle today. Rumor had it that today marked the birthday of a high ranking Korean official. Not that it mattered. What mattered were those delicious sweets served in a sweet syrup and everyone was running to the canteen for it.

Slash that, it was more of a mess hall rather than canteen. It provided lunch everyday. The only reason why Pallavi or anyone else never had their food because it sucked like with any other mess food. Except on special occasions like this.

Pallavi and Tulsi had joined the bandwagon, too. After fetching the sweets, they joined the table along with other girls from other departments (the girl gang). The girls were just about to start digging when Adhvik, Rohan and another unknown guy passed by with their sweets, searching for an empty seat.

“Over here guys, join us!” Sangeeta, a Nepali looking girl called, waving her hand from her position. Adhvik spotted her from afar and proceeded to sit opposite to the girls.

Small talk ensued over the occasion amongst other things about food. Pallavi was quietly relishing the taste of the hot brown gulab jamun as it melted over her mouth. Nothing else was needed at the moment. Not even Adhvik.

“By the way, I bought this,” Maanvi announced, opening the lid of the rectangular lunchbox to reveal chocolate cookies of different shapes. She began sharing it with everyone while eating one herself. Today was indeed a sweet day.

When Maanvi announced it was homemade, others asked how she made it. The conversation went on amongst other things about food.

“Yes, I know how to make that one, too. I made a cupcake once.” Pallavi decided to participate in the conversation to show she wasn't non- existent amongst them.

“You did? How?” Adhvik arched a brow. After she was done telling the recipe, not quite sure if she recited everything correctly, he added. “Acha and what else can you make?”

A muscle on her face twitched as she knitted her brows at him. Where he was going with this? “All basic stuff. I- I know how to make fried rice with soya chunks. I can make paratha, vegetables with potatoes, vegetable maggi, tea, sandwich, dosa and... yeah, that's it.”

“Didn't you just say you can make basic food? Where's dal?”

“I know how to make dal.”

“Okay, how do you make one? Elaborate it please.” He asked, his eyes twinkling.

Pallavi actually went on to describe it much to Adhvik's amusement while others watched the show. Somewhere in the midst, she felt her leg being kicked under the table. She clenched her jaw, kicking him with twice as force. 

“But you forgot garam masala? Do you know what that is?”

“Of course I know, you di—” She shut her lips, stopping from cussing out loud. If eyes could kill, Adhvik would have been dead meat by now. She kicked him again.

“Hey, drop it, Adhi. Stop teasing this innocent child. It's okay, Pal. Don't listen to him.” Sangeeta intervened, hugging Pallavi like she was precious while she blinked. Pallavi didn't know what she hated more. Being called a child or Sangeeta calling him Adhi like they were close.

“Don't give into her lies. She might be burning the kitchen black for all we know.”

Pallavi tried to stomp his leg under the table for the third time but failed. Instead he kicked her back. She gritted her teeth in annoyance. Tulsi stole a nervous glance at her. They could all feel the wrath lurking behind her eyes. All except Adhvik who had rested his cheek under his hand supported by the table, watching her like a test subject.

“Okay, then atleast tell me the market price of one kilogram of pulses?” He wriggled his brows, smirking. She swallowed actually not knowing the answer to that. “What? Did cat caught your tongue?”

She was so going to kill him after this.

Adhvik continued to tease Pallavi, talking as if she made the worst food in the history of mankind. The girls knew that wasn't the case. That he was just pulling her leg. Hell, even he knew she wasn't bad, considering how he ate the fried rice she cooked for him once. Still, she couldn't help but be enraged at him.

Soon enough, the group left the hall to return to the office. They continued to gossip on the way as if nothing happened while Pallavi remained dreadfully silent.

“Chill dear! Forget him. He was just being a jerk.” Maanvi consoled Pallavi, patting her in the back while she crossed her arms. “Kya Adhvik? Itni achi bachi hai ye. Aise tang mat kiya karo.”

Hold on. Why the fuck were they treating her like a child who never watched an adult film in her life? Granted she didn't talk much in front of the girl group. Didn't mean she was innocent.

Even Adhvik peered at the girls, wondering if they were serious. Though deep down, Pallavi was grateful for them taking her side. He gave up, sighing, “Okay baba, I'm sorry. I was just pulling your leg.”

We'll see who pulls what soon.

Indeed she stuck to her word. As soon as others dispersed to their departments, Pallavi cracked her knuckles, shooting a death glare at her victim. Her voice was ominous. “Adhvik freaking Dhawan...”

Paled, he went behind Tulsi to hide but Tulsi stepped aside, “You had it coming, idiot!”

What followed was a typical K drama scene where a man ran for his dear life while the lady followed, beating the shit out of him. Okay, that would be exaggerating— she only beat his shoulders and arms while he laid his arms out, apologizing profusely. He would recall this incident before he messed with her again.

-------END OF PART 1-------

With this, the Mansur part is over. The story is 45-50% completed. Thank you to all those who have supported me till here. I hope you support me till the end. Comment your thoughts.

Think of the next chapter like a second season cos' things will change. Look forward.