'Is there some problem?' She asked, wondering whether something is wrong with the company or not.
' Yes, I want to know, what's wrong with you?' He directly asked, confusing her further.
' I mean, I understand you are my wife and you have every right to experiment with anything you like on me. But, don't you think you are giving way too much attention to me, rather than your work?' He ended up pointing her mistake out.
' Do you think that way? But, I am doing everything well, I think.' She said her anxiousness started to kick in.
' Oh really. Then, why is that blue file still on your table and not over this pile which requires my signature? What's the update of 'Project S'? When will the construction begin and which construction company would be lending their aid to us?' Ashutosh asked, making her give him a confused look.
' Boss, that blue file has some major error with it. So, our legal team is contacting Mr. Qureshi to deal with it. About Project S, it is being handled by Miss Rakuldeep. But, as far as I remember, it is considered a done deal, which will earn us 50% profit yearly.
The construction began last week. Raj's construction company is taking care of it alone. It is estimated that within six months the entire premises would be done.' Yuvika explained, making him nod.
' I haven't been neglecting my work. Because for me it comes first.' She couldn't help but add, feeling hurt. Making him sigh, then back hug her tightly.
' Why are you treating me so nicely, Yuvika? You know, I… I don't deserve this.' Ashutosh said feeling guilty for hurting her in a low whisper.
'Because I understand. Every mother wants the best for her child. Your mother is one among them. I know I can't be the ideal housewife, she expects me to be.
I can't sacrifice my work, myself for someone else. But at the very least, I can take care of you for her. So that she won't feel worried about you. If I am your responsibility then you are also my responsibility.
If I deserve your time, love, and care, then so do you. I don't know how relationships generally are. But for me, if something is for me, then so it is for you, too. And if it isn't for me, then it isn't for you, either.' She said, feeling emotional suddenly.
Making him hug her tightly. With one swift move, he turned her back into the front and buried her tear-stained face in his chest.
' I love you, Yuvika. I really do. I won't let anyone or anything harm you. I will give you everything you deserve. I promise.' He said while kissing her on her head.
She just cried while he patted her.
' Don't doubt my dedication toward my work, next time.' She mumbled cutely against his chest, making him nod continuously.
' I won't. I will never doubt it.' Ashutosh said, making her nod against his chest.
~~~
Few moments later;
'Fine, I understand your views, Sweetheart. But still, that won't count as an excuse for you calling me Boss just now. Right!' Ashutosh asked with an evil smirk on his face. Freezing Yuvika in his embrace.
He finally laughed out loud, which for her was a siren's laugh of destruction.
'T-That... I… I can.. can explain. ' She tried to save herself, but the moment her eyes met him, she forgot everything.
' Thank your lucky stars, Sweetheart. You won't get this golden opportunity again.' He said while leaving her alone. He gets back to his position, confusing her. That's completely unlikely of him.
' Or you want it?' He asked while settling on his chair. She shook her head, but the disappointment was evident on her face.
' Sigh! I am a very possessive person, Sweetheart. I don't share what's mine with anyone. Not even my employees.' He said while staring at the door. She followed his gaze only to find people patiently waiting outside their door.
' You are mine. Your moments are mine. Your smile, your happiness, your sorrow, everything is mine. And I won't share it with anyone. Remember that.' He said, definitely not looking good. It was clear, he wasn't pleased with the situation he was in.
Earning a sweet chuckle from her. Oh, so he can have his 'I am pissed' cute moments too.
She nodded, then went near the door and invited the people in Once again they resumed the work. But God knows why, Mr. Pratihast was living up to his name of the bomb without any time limit, exploding every now and then on people, scaring the shit out of them.
While Yuvika was trying her best to pretend not to notice it. To control her laughter. After all, if someone is getting scolded just because the file wasn't made as per Boss's requirement and you end up laughing out loud, the situation won't settle down rightly, right!
But just like every person's doomsday comes, so does Yuvika's.
The moment she entered her room, after wrapping things up and consoling the people who were scolded. She finds herself trapped in between the door and the man.
'B-Bo… Mr. Pratihast.' She couldn't help but call out in shock.
' Sweetheart, were you enjoying my agony during the day? Huh!' He asked in a low voice while maintaining eye contact, making her shiver profusely.
' I-I... I wasn't.' She denied outrageously.
' Oh really. But my eyes and my memory are saying otherwise.' He said in a very calm manner. Making her wonder how she can escape.
'Besides, you have made a mistake. So, just bear the punishment.' He said, making her feel anxious, she closed her eyes, not knowing whether it was fear or anticipation.
'Uh oh, Sweetheart. Not that easy. I have realized, your adrenaline works way too much, which isn't good for your health.
So, a new type of punishment. You will kiss me on your own. We have the whole night, anyways. If you are feeling hungry or anything then feel free to do it.
Just make sure to complete your punishment before sunrise. Okay!' Ashutosh said, after which he let her off the hook, leaving her all alone in the living room.
She heaved a deep sigh of relief, as if the Goddess of Mercy has blessed her, but it was short-lived when she realize she is in for long torture.
She has to kiss him.
~~
Ashutosh was already sleeping soundly next to her, while she was busy twisting and turning around. It seems like mission impossible for her when he was awake and now she doesn't have the guts to kiss him, when he is sleeping, either.
She felt like a serious failure at this moment. It's just a kiss. Does she really have to think that much about it and stress herself out? Aish, why can't she be a little bold? Just why can't she be a little shameless like him? Why?
~~
A few hours had passed and her mind had cooled down. Now, she wasn't feeling afraid at all, even though her fingers were fidgeting with each other.
She decided to get done with the torture and after gathering all the courage of her life, she pecked the person sleeping next to her on his forehead.
Then, almost instantly she gets back to her side, her eyes shut tightly, her heart beating at the fastest pace, her adrenaline gushing at full level. She remains lying on her side, slowly her body gets back to a normal state.
~~
Finally, she drifts into dreamland, after hours of struggling with the thoughts in her mind. Earning a sweet smile from the supposed-to-be-sleeping figure, who pecked her back on her forehead and fell asleep again.
Well, he has to make her take risks to get familiar with him, to get comfortable in his presence. The sooner the better.
~~
[ Little spoiler: Time for new plot twist ]
Next day;
Yuvika woke up to find herself all alone in the bed and the room. She checked the clock to know the reason. It was past 10 am. She was beyond late.
She rushed things up and within twenty-five minutes, she was out of the apartment running to the cabin area, where her boss was present. Once in a blue moon thing, but it was bound to happen today of all the days.
She is doomed.
~~
Pranav, Ashutosh, and Kirti were having a great conversation when they saw a huffing, puffing figure running towards their cabin's direction.
'Easy, Miss Chauhan. Easy. Boss, do you really have to mistreat her that much?' Kirti said in a fake-angry tone.
Earning an arched eyebrow from Ashutosh.
'If she won't work then who else will? You!' He asked back sarcastically, making Pranav wonder whether he got in the wrong place or whether he was hallucinating.
' Come on, you don't have to rub that every single time we meet. Right! You know, this business ain't my thing. I am a bird, born to fly.' Kirti said in a serious tone.
'Fine.' He simply replied, while motioning Yuvika to come inside, who was still standing by the door.
' So, what did Mr. Chotrani says?' Ashutosh asked Yuvika, making her frown.
Who did what?