And that scared her more.
She wasn't used to get attention like this.
Especially, not from someone so confident.
Vikram finished talking with Mr. Sharma. And looked back.
Rajat leans slightly towards Devika, and devika step back little, rajat lowering his voice to ask something.
Vikram, fist clenched.
He didn't know why.
Maybe because someone else noticed her.
Someone who didn:'t see her as a WORKER.
But as a WOMEN.
Rajat suddenly glance back slightly, catching vikram's eyes on them.
There was no challenge, no arrogance.
Just curiosity.
As if he was thinking.
Does she matter to you?
Or can i try my luck?
Vikram didn't give any answer.
Not even with words, and also not with expression, like she doesn't matter.
Vikram simply turned away.
Because, right now. He was still lying to himself.
He didn't want to feel anything for devika.
He didn't want to care who touch her hand. Who leans closer to her and talking.
He didn't want to burn with jealousy.
But he was.
And it was already eating him.
The meeting ended.
Ishaan, karan and arshi came down in hotel lobby. Because they know that devika is about to come back. So they will take her direct from there.
Ishaan stretched his arms above head." Lunch?" He asked.
Karan nodded, rubbing his neck.
Devika came there." What happened guys?"
Ishaan, looks at devika" we were waiting for you, now lets go and eat out today."
Arshi said," if i don't eat now, i will faint."
Devika smiled at them, finally relaxed.
Her fever was gone, her head felt light and also for the first time in these days, she wasn't thinking about work or stress.
They decided to go to small cafe nearby. Simple and quiet place where they can breathe and relax themselves."
They had just reached the elevator when a voice came from behind." Going somewhere without me?
Four of them turned.
Rajat Sharma stood there. Hands in pockets and relaxed smiles on his face.
Ishaan, karan, and arshi already know who is Rajat Sharma.
"We are going to lunch" Arshi answered politely.
Rajat tilted his head and said," mind if i join?, there is still a lot of things, i will like to discuss with all of you guys. Especially, with your marketing lead."
His eyes looking at Devika directly.
Devika looked away, embarrassed because the way he looked at her felt Too Direct.
Soft but confident.
Ishaan looking at Rajat, his fist clenched.
Arshi and karan exchanged looks.
Arshi cleared her throat" we are just eating nearby. If you are okay with a normal place and not a five star restaurant."
Rajat laughs."i have eaten in roadside dhabas with my some old friend and luckily i think, i can survive.
That made karan smirks." Then come along."
The elevator doors closed with all of them inside. Devika stood closest to the panel. Rajat stood beside her, not too much close but near enough to notice every breath she took.
Meanwhile, ishaan getting more and more jealous seeing both of them this much close.
Karan trying to calm ishaan.
Rajat aksed about her hometown.
She spoke in short sentence, looking away.
He listened, really listened like what she said mattered to him alot.
It made her shy.
Not scared
Not uncomfortable.
Just shy.
The cafe they chose on the corner of street.
Walls covered with hand painted murals, warm yellow lights across the windows. And was very peaceful.
Rishi was already there, seated near the entrance. Sipping his coffee while scrolling his phone. He was bored then suddenly he looked up. His brows lifted the second he saw them.
Four marketing members, one guest not just any guest.
Rajat Sharma.
Walking alongside with them. And walking Too Close to Devika.
Rishi shocked, silently cursing in his mind.
This was something vikram would want to know. Or he can say that vikram have to know.
Rishi stood and greeted them naturally, pretending nothing was strange." You survived the meeting." He joked to Devika.
Devika noded and then smirks.
Then he noticed Rajat and nodded politely "Sir."
Rajat shook his hand like an equal." No need for formalities, Rajat is fine."
They all sat
Ishaan and karan ordered burgers and fries.
Arshi asked for pasta.
Devika took something mild. Creamy soup and bread. Her body was still weak, she didn't want to risk.
Rajat sat right beside her.
It was innocent.
The seat was empty and he simply seat on that.
But it didn't look innocent to Rishi.
He pulled out his phone and texted one line
(They are having lunch with Rajat. He is glued to her. If you don't come now, you will regret it)
Then Rishi pressed send.
He didn't have to wait long.
Twenty minutes later, the door of cafe opened.
The atmosphere shifted like a drop of temperature.
A tall frame, black shirt, sleeves rolled, unreadable eyes.
Vikram Oberoi walked in.
Conversation died around them.
Not because he was famous, because he looked like someone you didn't want to provoke.
Vikram scanned cafe once and his eyes locked on their table.
On Devika.
Then on Rajat beside her.
Vikram took small steps towards their table.
Not rushed.
Not loud.
Just quiet storm approaching.
Devika's heart skipped, as he came near.
She sat straight, like a student caught cheating in class.
Rajat turned, and smiles openly." Vikram! Perfect timing, join us?"
Vikram didn't look at him first. His eyes stayed fixed on Devika. "You should be resting." He said, cold voice.
Not angry.
Not harsh.
Just an order as concern.
Devika gulped hard. "I am fine now, and its only lunch."
Rajat leans back casually, one arm resting on seat." She is tougher than she looks" he said playfully.
Vikram looks at him with his cold and sharp eyes." Toughness is not the reason she fell sick."
The table went silent.
Ishaan coughed quietly and pretended to read the menu again.
Vikram took his seat and sat near rishi. Opposite Rajat. Their eyes met.
Karan took a sip of water. Arshi pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh at the tension.
Rishi?
He looked like a man, who looked normal because he knows about Vikram's nature.