Two weeks had passed since I started my internship at Raghuvanshi Industries. I had settled into a routine, working diligently on my assigned tasks and gradually gaining the confidence of my colleagues.
Despite my initial nervousness around Ashtram, I had managed to maintain a professional demeanor in his presence. But whenever Ashtram was near, my heart would race, and I did find myself stealing glances at him. His occasional smiles made my stomach flutter, and there were times when I caught him looking at me too. Rather than feeling uncomfortable, those moments made me feel... alive.
The office grapevine was abuzz with stories about Ashtram's perfectionism and strict demeanor. However, I couldn't quite see that side of him. Sure, he was focused and demanding, but never rude or unkind. Instead, I admired his dedication and passion for his work.
Meanwhile, Megha had become my constant support system at the office. We would often sneak off to the break room for quick chats and laughter during our lunch breaks.
One afternoon, as I knocked softly on Ashtram's cabin door, my heart pounded in my chest. I had grown accustomed to his presence, but the anticipation of seeing him always sent my nerves into overdrive. "Come in," his deep voice echoed from inside.
Stepping inside slowly, I held the file tightly against my chest as I approached his desk. Ashtram looked up from his work, his piercing gaze meeting mine. I felt a rush of heat spread across my cheeks, but I maintained my composure. "Sir, I have the file you requested."
Ashtram's gaze lingered on me for a moment before he took the file from my outstretched hand. "Thank you, Niranya," he said, his voice softer than usual. "and please, you can call me ashtram instead of sir."
"But you are my Boss" I say with nervousness.
Yes, I am," he replied, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he leaned back in his chair. "But I think we've worked well enough together these past two weeks for you to use my first name," he added, studying my reaction. "Unless you enjoy formalities a bit too much..."
I smile softly listening to his words.
Ashtram leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. "I must admit, Niranya," he began, his voice taking on a more intimate timbre, "you're not like the other interns. Your dedication, your attention to detail-it's refreshing."
I softly say.."Thank you."
As I tug my hair behind my ear, Suddenly he asks with concern, "how did this happen".
I look at him with confusing expressions.
As she tugged her hair behind her ear, my gaze sharpened as I noticed faint burn marks on "My Angel's" delicate fingers, almost hidden by the way she held the file. My heart clenched, and a fierce protectiveness surged through me. I set my jaw, determination burning in my eyes. I asked "how did this happen."
Without a word, I stood up and walked towards her, my long strides eating up the distance between us. She looked up at me with confusion, but I ignored it, my focus solely on examining her hands. I took the file from her hands and put it on the desk and made her sit on the nearest couch. I knelt before her, bringing her injured fingers closer to the light, as I examined her burn.
I rose and retrieved a first aid kit from my drawer, my movements efficient and precise. I returned to her, my eyes never leaving hers as he gently cleaned and bandaged her fingers, my large hands carefully wrapping around her small ones.
"Now tell me how this happened." I asked her in a soft voice.
"It happened when I was cooking in the kitchen, it's nothing that big", she says innocently.
Raising an eyebrow skeptically while holding her bandaged hands gently "Nothing big? Looking into her eyes intensely, "To me, even a small injury like this is a big deal, especially when it happens to you Angel. I care about your well-being, My Angel. If you're ever hurt, no matter how minor it may seem, I want to know about it."
Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink at the nickname 'Angel', and she felt warmth spread through her chest in the tender way I took care of her.
She looked up at me, my face so close to hers, and her heart skipped a beat. "Th-thank you, Ash."
My fingers gently caressing her cheek, causing her to close her eyes for a moment, savoring the gentle touch.
Her voice was soft as velvet "You don't need to thank me, Angel. seeing you hurt makes my chest ache..."
I kissed her bandage fingers, Her eyelashes fluttered open, meeting my gaze with a soft, surprised expression. A tingling sensation spread from her fingertips up her arm at the tender gesture.
No more cooking without proper safety, understand?" My authoritative tone was tempered with genuine care.
My voice dropped to a husky whisper "I meant what I said - no more risks. Your safety is too important to me." My thumb unconsciously brushed against her bandaged fingers.
Suddenly someone knocks and we both get up. Both of us quickly moved apart, though the moment between us lingered in the air "Come in!" I called out, my voice slightly strained. I quickly adjusted my shirt collar, my eyes still lingering on My Angel, whose cheeks were still flushed.
My Angel smiled shyly at me, her eyes sparkling with unspoken feelings. She whispered a soft 'thank you' before turning to leave the cabin, as one of my employees entered. A bewildered smile tugging at my lips.
Write a comment ...