Author P.O.V
“I can’t believe you’re actually going,” Yuktha’s voice came through the phone, resting on the table as Anika fastened her earring.
“Well, I can’t back up now,” Anika replied, glancing at herself in the mirror as she reached for the other earring. She hesitated for a moment, then added, “Besides, I need to thank him.”
“Thank him? For what?” Yuktha’s voice, puzzled, filtered through the phone.
Anika applied her bindi, then dropped onto the bed, picking up the phone. “Well… it’s not a simple thing, Yuktha. For someone like him, with a reputation and a busy life, to step in and protect someone he doesn’t even know? I’m grateful he decided to help me… So, I want to thank him.”
Yuktha let out a sigh, a hint of understanding in her tone. “You’re right. He does deserve a thanks.”
Anika hummed in agreement. “And I want to say it in person.”
“You sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Yuktha asked. Through the line, Anika could hear the background noise—a faint reminder of her friend’s busy office. Despite her workload, Yuktha was willing to come along, a thought that brought a soft smile to Anika’s face.
With a sigh, Anika replied, “That’s okay. Like I told you… I’m going to face my battles alone now.” She got up, glancing one last time at her reflection, as if steeling herself for the day ahead.
“Stay safe. Call me if something’s wrong,” Yuktha reminded her, warmth and concern lacing her words.
“Okay. Bye, Yuktha,” Anika said quietly before ending the call.
___________
Anika pushed open the bold red door of Roma’s, taking in the vintage charm that greeted her. Delicate floral wreaths and twinkling string lights framed the entrance, giving it an inviting warmth, like stepping into a hidden gem.
Inside, mismatched chairs with teal and gray cushions paired with rustic wooden tables, while soft lights cast a cozy glow across the café. The walls, adorned with framed art and photos, created a personal, artsy atmosphere. It felt private, despite the open space — just the kind of place for a quiet meeting.
She took a seat by the back window, glancing at the street scenes unfolding outside. Her nerves eased as she observed the world through the glass, feeling a quiet joy at being out on her own. But as her surroundings settled, the reality of waiting set in, and she began to feel the curious glances from the waitstaff.
A waiter approached with a polite smile. “What would you like to have, ma’am?”
“I’m actually waiting for someone. I’ll order when he arrives,” Anika replied. The waiter’s smile faltered briefly, but he nodded and walked away.
Minutes passed, then half an hour. She checked her phone, growing anxious. Uncle clearly said he’s very punctual. Why isn’t he here yet? After a moment’s hesitation, she dialed the contact number Mr. Randeep had given her, hoping to finally reach Rudra’s assistant.
──⋆•★•⋆──
Meanwhile, in a packed conference room, Rudra was seated at the head of the table, his presence alone radiating authority. Delegates from across companies and countries had their attention fixed on him as he scanned the files before him with cold focus.
Keshav stood beside Rudra, focusing intently on the meeting until his phone vibrated, drawing him back to Abhinav’s warning. Rudra had firmly decided not to meet Anika, but Abhinav, feeling a pang of sympathy for her, had insisted Keshav at least inform her.
When Keshav refused, not daring to defy Rudra’s orders, Abhinav being Abhinav raised the stakes: he threatened to release an embarrassing video of Keshav to the entire office if he didn’t answer her call.
Hesitating, Keshav glanced at his phoneHe barely raised the phone to his ear before Rudra shot him a steely glare. “Didn’t I tell you to switch that off?”
“Boss, it’s just—” Keshav started, but Rudra raised a hand.
“Put. It. Off.”
Keshav cast a brief, sympathetic look at Abhinav seated across the room, who returned the glance with equal disappointment. With a resigned shake of his head, Keshav silently acknowledged there was nothing he could do. Reluctantly, he powered off his phone, sealing Anika’s unanswered call.
──⋆•★•⋆──
“They’re probably on their way; that’s why he isn’t picking up.” Anika thought to herself.
Instead of glancing around nervously, she decided to check the menu and grabbed the menu and skimmed through it, looking for something interesting to order.
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed across the café, making her jump. “ANIKAAA!” She looked up from the menu, startled, only to see Rahul – Yuktha’s friend and Sandeep uncle’s employee who had helped her with the passport – standing in front of her with a surprised and questioning expression.
“Rahul!” Anika whispered, trying to hide her embarrassment as she noticed other customers giving them puzzled looks. “Surprised to see you here,” she added, attempting a calm smile.
“That’s what I should be saying! What are you doing here?” he exclaimed again, just as loudly. She closed her eyes, taking a calming breath, and replied, “Could you please lower your voice? I’d rather not leave embarrassed on my first visit here.” Rahul glanced around, finally aware of the stares, and muttered apologies to the nearby tables before taking a seat across from her.
Anika mentally winced at the turn of events. Sitting with Rahul wasn’t what she’d planned, but she forced herself to smile, hiding her discomfort. “So, why are you still here? I thought you…” He leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. “I thought you already escaped!”
Startled by his proximity, Anika instinctively leaned back. “That’s… a long story. I’ll spare you the details.” She hoped that would be enough to end the conversation, but Rahul continued with excitement. “Let’s have some coffee; it’s great here!”
Suppressing a groan, Anika forced a polite smile. “I’m actually waiting for someone,” she said, hoping he’d take the hint.
Rahul raised an eyebrow. “Who? Yuktha?” It was obvious he’d assume Yuktha, as she was Anika’s closest friend.
“Not Yuktha,” she replied, a hint of frustration in her voice. “And please, I’m not in the mood to explain.”
“Fine, fine,” he said with a dismissive wave. “I’ll keep you company until whoever it is shows up.” Before she could object, he’d already called over the waiter and ordered two coffees. She sighed, glancing at her watch, wondering why the person she’s supposed to meet was taking so long.
Anika stared out the window, watching the world go by and anxiously checking the time. She glanced at the door every few moments, hoping to see him walk in.
Meanwhile, Rahul continued chatting away, clearly unaware of her lack of interest. “So, that’s what we’re planning. Are you even listening?” he asked, catching her off guard. She nodded absently, hoping he’d take the hint and stop bothering her. Just then, the coffee they ordered arrived, but before either of them could take a sip, Rahul’s phone rang, pulling his attention away.
“Yes, sir… I’ll be there right away,” Rahul said, his tone shifting to business. Anika let out a quiet sigh of relief, grateful he’d have to leave. “Sorry, Anika. I wish I could stay, but duty calls. Bye!” He got up quickly.
“Wait, at least take your coffee—” she began, but he was already out the door, leaving her alone with two coffees she wasn’t sure she even wanted. She glanced at the untouched cups, feeling her anticipation morph into impatience. She decided to try calling him again.
──⋆•★•⋆──
“I need you to have that project review ready by tonight,” Rudra commanded, walking swiftly back from the conference room. His authoritative stride sent a chill through the office; everyone straightened as he passed.
“Yes, sir,” Keshav replied, keeping pace alongside him. Just then, Abhinav jogged over, slightly out of breath. “Hold up, buddy! Why are you in a hurry? Are you off to meet someone special?” he teased, wiggling his eyebrows, but Rudra ignored him, keeping his focus on business with Keshav.
As they neared the office entrance, Keshav glanced at his phone, hesitating. “Boss…” he started, guilt evident in his tone.
Rudra looked over, his face impassive.
“She’s called three times now… she’s still waiting for you, sir.”
Abhinav sighed heavily, frustration plain on his face. “Look, man, if you don’t want to meet her, that’s fine. But at least tell her you’re not coming. Leaving her there is just… wrong.”
Without a flicker of emotion, Rudra turned to Keshav, deflecting, “Where are we on the Brazil package, Keshav?”
Abhinav shook his head at Rudra’s unbothered demeanor, while Keshav simply nodded and returned to his professional stance.
──⋆•★•⋆──
Meanwhile, Anika was on her seventh coffee, earning curious looks from the café staff. But at this point, she didn’t care. Lost in thought, she barely noticed as the hours slipped by“I love coffee!” she declared, taking a sip from her eighth cup, the caffeine clearly affecting her now.
She checked the time on her phone—it had been almost three hours.“Let’s give it one last shot,” she thought, dialing his number. This time, she was met with a monotone message, “The number you have dialed is currently not available.”
Sighing, she placed her coffee cup down, her excitement all but drained. After a few moments, she pulled out her phone and decided to text Yuktha.
__________
This took longer than expected.
I'm not proud of how this chapter turned out to be but there's a lot going on but First I have a question for all of you who're reading my story. Soo do you guys like longer chapters or shorter ones? I feel like I'm not getting enough views because of my long chapters soo tell me guys, you like it longer or shorter? (I meant the chapter👀💀) Anyway guys please please don't just read and leave, please vote and comment.. I need to know your views on the chapters to write the next one and please follow my Instagram, that's where I can keep connected to you all. Ok that's enough now, thanks for bearing me... I'll leave now. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter, please leave a comment... Love you all ❤
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