Naina was glad she just cleaned her apartment few days ago, at least the place was presentable to guests.
"Please come in!" Naina scratched her head. She then took off her shoes and ran to turn on the lights. Shyam saw her sprinting figure and chuckled softly. He took his time slowly while looking around her place.
Naina led him to the living room and make him sit on her small sofa. But with Shyam sat on the sofa like it was his own home, the atmosphere in the living room turned awkward and the space became smaller. Shyam pressed his lips in silent when he noticed an uncomfortable look crossed her face.
-------
Shyam felt elated when she brought a first aid kit for him. "You need to disinfect your wounds" Her voice laced with worry. "Okay!" His lips tear a small smile upon seeing the girl seated beside him.
She then placed a cushion on her lap, took Shyam's right hand and placed it on the cushion. She took out cotton pads and disinfectant from the first aid box and started to clean his wounds with her utmost concentration.
"Be gentle!" Shyam winced on purpose breaking the silent.
Naina raised her eyes, "You are a crybaby! Aren't you?" Naina seemed to be mocking him, but her beautiful voice and worried expression was like a small pebble that fell into his calm heart, causing ripples and waves.
He slightly cleared his throat and asked, "Are you taking revenge on me right now?"
"Revenge for what?" Naina spluttered.
"For liking you!" Shyam replied.
Naina almost lets out a laugh listening to Shyam's words, but she holds herself up not to. "Director, You are so dramatic!" She said. She then looked at Shyam and queried him, "But what are you doing here?"
Avoiding her gaze, Shyam pulled the collar of his shirt slightly and replied shamelessly. "I am just passing by".
"But Are you really not going to filed a complaint?" Shyam threw a look at her.
"He is my family and I will take care of it". Naina replied hurriedly. Shyam felt there was something not right with her voice and expression.
"It's getting late, Director". Naina said as she slowly stood up.
"Are you gonna be alright?" Shyam asked.
"Why not?" Naina shrugged. She looked up and met Shyam's worried eyes. "Take care, Director" Naina averted her gaze.
"Wait!" Shyam quickly grabbed her arms when she was about to turn around. She held her breath as she watched him get closer. Naina's mind went blank for a moment until his hand removed her hair strands from her face and gently tucked behind her ears.
"Call me anytime if anything happens" He stared at Naina as if he wanted to memorize even the tilt of her eyes.
Shyam was pulled back from his reverie when Naina's phone rang. Naina who didn't know she has been holding her breath finally let it go.
"Answer your phone. I will go now. Take care!" Shyam said.
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"Jasmi, Why are.....So unexpected!" Mother Rose pulled Jasmi into her arms excitedly.
"How are you, Aunty?". Naina returned the embrace gently, smiling as she did so.
"I am good..." Mother Rose replied with a happy smile. After a long while, Rose's emotions calmed down. "Does Vince know that you are coming here?"
"No, It's a surprise". Jasmi smiles brightly.
"Come in" Mother Rose said when she realized she was blocking the door. "Take a seat. Feel comfortable, we are going to be family soon". Mother Rose added with a happy smile.
"J-Jasmi!" Vince suprised voice came from the stairs.
"I forget! These are for you" Jasmi said handing the basket of gifts to her.
"Oh my!" She exclaimed. "Thank you" She said accepting the gift. "You shouldn't have done that" She added as she placed the basket to the table.
"You haven't had your lunch right?" Mother Rose asked while Jasmi shook her head in no.
"Vince, why don't you show Jasmi your room? I'll go prepare lunch." Mother Rose nudged his son who is standing like a statue.