"Remember I told you about Naman?" Shehnaaz asked Sidharth the other day while they were settled in the sofa of her apartment after dinner.

"Hm." He nodded, getting comfortable on the soft and plush couch, loosely hanging an arm around her shoulder.

"He likes me." She told him.

"And you?" He asked. She threw a pretty sharp look at him, challenging him to joke at the moment.

"I'm serious, Sidharth." She added, sitting straight.

"Acha okay, bol." He chuckled but then nodded.

"Office me hum kuch khas dost bhi nahi the, bas colleagues jo free time cafeteria me ghumte rehte the. And not just the two of us, our department as well. Kuch marketing wale, kuch accounts." She began as she recalled the days before they started to work on the new outlet launch.

"Aisha, Priya, Naman, uske accounts department ke kuch 2-3 log. Kuch management ke bhi. All of us would just hangout in the cafeteria during lunch, uske baad coffee lene jao toh kuch phir se dikh jate." She added and he just sat next to her silently.

"Naman was just a college acquaintance. Upar se junior, I might have been a little frank with him but kabhi bhi uske sath utna time spend nahi kiya maine ke wo mujhe like karne lage." She said and sighed, turning to look back at Sidharth.

"Out of all those things you just said, isme mujhe note kya karna hai? Tu mujhe clarify kyu kar rahi hai? I believe you baby." He replied, worrying if she was feeling bad about it.

"Nahi Sidharth. Baat itni si hoti toh mai jaane deti, lekin kuch din se bada ajeeb ajeeb lagne laga in sab ko leke." She told him.

"Kuch bola uss bande ne? Pareshan kar raha hai tujhe?" He grew concerned, wondering if he should pay a visit to her office and that guy precisely.

"Nahi. He thinks I led him on. I mean, mai usse sirf kaam ki baatein karti thi lekin mere sare colleagues me se uske remarks kuch alag alag se aur honest hote the. Toh mai uske suggestions leti rehti thi, chahe wo presentations pe ho, meri designing me ho, naye brochures pe ho and he'd have a good perspective on them." She replied and looked at him uncertainly.

"When I turned him down, usko lagta hai mai uska faida utha rahi thi. Like, I was friends with him only because he was quite helpful to me." She added.

"Arey? Yeh kya baat huyi?" He was surprised by the guy's comments on her.

"I cannot stand him having such a wrong notion of me, I agree ke usko meri help ki zarurat nahi padi aaj tak. Lekin iska yeh matlab nahi ke maine istemal kiya uska." She replied.

"I know sweetheart. Tu aisi nahi hai, don't let this affect you. Woh kya sochta hai Issey tujhe faraq nahi padna chahiye." He told her and she sat there, quiet. He caressed her shoulders, easing her into his embrace then.

"Shehnaaz." He called her.

"Hm?" She looked at him, still disturbed about the entire situation. She didn't know how to just ignore a guy who accused her of leading him on and being a meanly opportunistic person.

"Mai handle karu uss ladke ko." He spoke.

"Nahi, tu kyu baat karega? I can handle this on my own. Itni badi baat nahi hai vaise bhi yadi uss Naman ko lagta hai ke mai uski help pe chal rahi thi toh I'll very well prove it to him that I can do my job on my own." She replied.

"Ha." He squeezed her shoulder lovingly.

"Manti hu thoda tough hai yaha, mera purana office itna large scale pe kaam nahi karta tha toh mujhe heavy workload ki adat nahi hai. Lekin iska yeh matlab nahi na ke mai kar nahi paungi?" She said.

"Mushkil ho rahi hai. I solely began with this job because I had a medical loan to repay. Shayad apne potential se zyada mushkil job me aa gayi lekin iska yeh matlab nahi na ke seekh nahi sakti? Kisi ki help lene se kamzor thodi na ho jate hain, bata tu mujhe?" She added, asking him. Seemed like seeking validation for herself.

"Teri potential se upar ki job hoti toh tujhe company recruite kyu karti bey? You got the offer letter because you ARE potential and competent for this job. Skill hai tere me, experience hai, kar sakti hai tu isliye tu uss office me hai aaj." He replied.

"Shehnaaz sometimes I believe ke, tu jo itna bolti hai. You tell me how your day has been but you never really told me what's going on inside your head?!" He asked her, she was a little surprised by the question.

"Tu kyu sochti hai ke tu kam hai, kyu nahi hai tere andar potential? Kya kachra chal raha hai tere dimag me? Kya hai jo tu nahi kar sakti?" He asked her again.

He wondered if he was not there enough for her to share her thoughts of conflicts with him. Even though they would spend a couple of hours daily, most of it would be occupied by meals, outings, long drives and some moments in closed room eating each other's faces off.

"Arey- aisa, aisa kuch nahi hai yaar. Mai bas iss bare me zyada soch rahi hongi iss bare me." She replied. She did share pretty much of her thoughts with him but this time it was just that she didn't know how to tell her boyfriend about a guy at work having feelings for her.

"Mai koi apne aap pe doubt-shout nahi karti, samjha na." She added, a little louder so that he might not worry about her anymore.

"Sidharth!" She poked her finger into his bicep to make him respond.

"Gadhi. Jitna kachra dimag me chalta hai, bataya kar mere ko aa ke." He replied rather sternly.

"Kyu batau tujhe? Tu Mummy hai meri? Chhote bacche ke tarah school me aaj kya kya hua janna chahta hai?!" She teased to ease and lighten the situation.

"Mummy toh nahi, I can be your Daddy." He replied and looked at her to find her cheeks heating up.

"Sidharth, gandi baatein karwalo tere se! Mummy andar kamre me hai, kutte!" She whispered shout.

"Acha? Toh blush kyu kar rahi hai?" He whispered, leaning to her and teasing her further. Slowly and steadily his arm sneaked into her t-shirt as he wiggled his brows asking the question.

"Nahi yaar, yaha nahi." She whispered, having him closer would only make her want to kiss him.

But then the two couldn't resist the proximity and let themselves lose at the moment, his lips quickly crashed upon hers making her lay down to let him hover. She tilted her face to angle herself better for the kiss, her hands make their way around his neck to feel him closer while they kissed deeply and passionately.

Their tongues met, exploring the other's mouth as if they were claiming it. She closed her eyes and held him tight, all bothered and turned on. She felt his hand on her bosom, he squeezed it a little before he held the tshirt and slid it down her right shoulder, thereby kissing down her neck.

"Bas!" She announced, making him pause the action.

"Kya hua?" He was confused.

"Dekh udhar." She gestured for him to look down at the bulge in his pants.

"Fuck. I'll go now." He shut his eyes tight, realizing how badly he wanted something right away but he couldn't. All thanks to Madhu in the other room.

"Andar chal." She replied, pulling him out of his own thoughts and dragging him to her bedroom.

"Shehnaaz, meri baat sunn. This is probably not the best idea." He told her.

"Aur kitni wait karenge yaar." She replied, holding her t-shirt and pulling it out of her head.

"Baby, trust me, mere jitna toh kisi ne wait nahi kiya hoga." He told her but then she kicked off her shorts and walked to him, grabbing him by the collar of his t-shirt.

"Teri Mummy next room me hai." He warned her. Only if she could even listen to what he was saying, he felt goosebumps all over his arms when she kissed his neck, stuck her tongue down his throat and sucked a spot little below his jaw on the right.

"Fuck it." He groaned, hooking his hands around her thighs and helping her straddle him.

He slammed her back into the wall and kissed her. With a sudden, fierce urgency, their lips met in a passionate kiss. It was hungry, intense, as if they were both starved for this moment. Her hands cradled his face, fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer while their tongues danced in a heated rhythm.

Breaking the kiss, he trailed his lips down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. She gasped, her hands clutching at his shoulders, needing him closer. He continued his journey downward, kissing and nipping at her skin, making her moan softly.

He carried her to the bed and knelt before her, his breath hot against her thighs. With deliberate slowness, he spread her legs, his eyes locked onto hers, filled with raw desire. She gasped at the anticipation when he slipped her innerwear out of her legs.

"Tu sure hai?" She whispered. He was going to go down on her, she was afraid how that would go.

"Shehnaaz, just let me." He replied in an even softer tone, parting her legs.

His tongue flicked out, teasing her, tasting her, drawing a moan from deep within her. He took his time, savoring every second, every taste, his tongue and lips working in perfect harmony to bring her to the edge of ecstasy. Her hips moved instinctively, meeting his rhythm, her moans becoming more urgent. Sensing her needs, he increased the pace, sucking gently, then harder, driving her wild.

"Ah Sidharth.. oh fuck." Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, urging him on as she approached the brink.

"Better than I imagined." He commented, satisfied and proud of how he made her reach the climax.

He removed each piece of his clothing and then hovered upon her and kissed her, his hands caressing and cupping her full and squeeshy bosoms. He was obsessed with them, he believed.

"Ah!" She winced when he bit the left one and she slapped his back because it hurt.

"Sorry." He chuckled, kissing her cheek.

"Tu itni soft hai na. Mmm. I just wanna.." He commented, nuzzling his face on her chest and sucking on her nipple. She bit her lips, finding it hard to control her moans and getting turned on all over again.

Finally, he got up and wrapped her legs around him properly and with a swift, fluid motion, he entered her. Their movements were synchronized, each thrust deeper and more intense, their bodies moving together as if they were made for this moment. The room filled with their gasps and moans, each one more desperate than the last. They moved together, building towards a powerful crescendo, their connection deepening with every touch, every kiss, until they were both lost in the overwhelming wave of their shared passion.

Soon after they lied entwined in each other's arms, their bodies still warm and close to intimacy. The room was filled with a sense of tranquility and satisfaction, the air carrying a faint mix of their scents. Their breathing slowed, matching the gentle rise and fall of their chests as they settle into a comfortable embrace.

"You okay?" Sidharth softly stroked Shehnaaz's hair as he asked her, his fingers threading through the strands, while she rests her head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. Their legs are tangled together beneath the sheets, and the warmth of their bodies radiates a comforting heat. She hummed in response.

"Maine kitni bari imagine kiya tha." She whispered and then giggled among herself, watching him smile.

Quiet whispers and tender touches passed between them, they expressed their joy and contentment without the need for words. They basked in the closeness, feeling a deep connection and mutual reassurance in the silence. As they slowly drifted towards sleep, their hold on each other remains gentle but firm, a silent promise of togetherness and affection.

It was after a nap that she was awake, not wanting to sleep and waste the little time they were left with. She silently held his hand and intervened their fingers together, sort of playing with it softly. She was planning to ask Sidharth to leave before Madhu would wake up. She hated the thought of sending him away but he had to leave.

"Soyi nahi?" He whispered, kissing her over her hair as he yawned.

"Soyi thi." She replied as she continued to caress his fingers in her hold.

"Kya time ho raha hai? Mai chalta hu." He mentioned.

"Hm. 4 baj rahe hai shayad. Tu apne ghar jaa ke so jana." She replied.

"Hm." He nodded, getting up and picking up his clothes from the floor.

"Bye toh bol de." He asked her, watching her face falling while he was about to leave. He pulled her up and hugged her tight before making his way out. He knew he had to leave for the time being but no one was happy about it.

The days lately have been better, happier and healthier in aspects of their lives. Shehnaaz was however not in talking terms with Naman but one fine day she had to when it was his birthday and everybody in the office had pitched an amount for a small office birthday celebration.

"Happy Birthday Naman." She wished him while standing next to the few girls from marketing.

"Thank you Shehnaaz. Um, can we talk?" Naman replied. Away from other's eyes and ears, he requested her.

"Yahi bol jo bolna hai." She told him, not wanting to give him what he wanted because she wouldn't forgive him for his mean comments.

"Okay. Here." He nodded and they simply moved to a corner in the hall itself.

"I'm sorry. Uss din joh bhi bola, I felt rejected and hurt but I was obviously wrong. I'm sorry, I didn't mean any of it." He apologized and she simply nodded.

"Shehnaaz, kuch bolo. Please." He requested.

"We could have been friends, Naman. I don't know if I can forget all that now." She replied.

"I know. Once again I'm sorry." He apologized and she nodded before turning to leave.

"Actually-" he spoke and she halted out of courtesy.

"Pehle kabhi koi itni frank aur bold ladki pehle kabhi mila nahi mai. Mai surprised hota tha ki kaise tum itni interesting ho. I guess I mistook all those things, you're a wonderful person Shehnaaz. Please apne aap ko kam mat samajhna, I'd be glad if you'll be my friend." He spoke and left her.

Shehnaaz was a little surprised at his speech, it seemed genuinely apologetic. As if Naman was giving her space, he didn't even look at her later.

Later in the evening when she returned home, she received a call from Advait. They were planning a weekend movie together. However, it had been a while she texted his uncle-her boyfriend who had been to busy to reply to any of her texts since evening.

"Hi, Adi! Saturday is on, ha?" She answered his call.

"Di, aapko pata nahi chala? Kaha ho aap?" Advait asked her.

"Kyu? Kya hua Adi?" She immediately asked back. She had returned home from her office and was about to get herself a glass of water.

"Kya hua? Sab thik hai?" Madhu asked, watching her daughter getting worried.

"Mama ki company ek complex ka interior ka project dekh rahi thi na, waha short circuit hone ke karan aag lag gayi. Poora ek floor gaya usme, apne kuch workers buri tarah jal gaye." Advait informed.

"Haye bhagwan! Yeh kab ki baat hai? Mummy, news lagao jaldi." Shehnaaz replied, gesturing her mother to turn on the TV.

"Hua kya? Bata mujhe!" Madhu grew worried.

"Sidharth log jis shopping complex me kaam karwa rahe the usme aag lag gayi, workers jal gaye!" Shehnaaz answered her.

"Adi, abhi Sidharth kaha hai? Bada pareshan hoga na wo. Tujhe kab pata chala?" She asked him.

"Adhe ghante pehle toh Papa ko pata chala ke Bandra me aag lagi hai, pata lagane pe malum hua Mama me project me aisa hua. Vardhan uncle se baat huyi, Mama shayad hospital me busy honge isliye phone nahi utha rahe kisi ka." He replied.

"Okay." She replied watching the news on the TV about the same.

"Mama ghar ayenge toh batana." He told her.

"Ha, thik hai. Mai baat karwa dungi usse. Ho sakta wo late aaye." She replied and they hung up.

"Batao yeh kya ho gaya." Madhu mentioned, watching the ambulance on the TV carrying 3-4 severely burnt workers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello all, sincere apologies for my absence and I hope I did a job nice enough to make up for the delay 😏😉

Anyways.. lemme know how the chapter was? And thank you for all the best wishes, my exam went well.

What if Madhu finds out?

What about Naman?

And oh no, there has been an accident!?!