I’m Your Loving Intern: Part II

Contents

1. Previous Part

2. Part II I’m His Assistance Engineer Home! His Home! Shakti sir, My Neighbour!

3. Next Part

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Chapter IV

I’m His Assistance Engineer

While waiting in the administration office, all the past ran through my mind. Meanwhile, a man came.

Man:

Excuse me. You are the new assistant engineer, right?

Naina:

Yes!

Man:

Please come with me.

Naina:

Oh! Okay!

He took me to another room where a group of staff were talking.

Man:

Sir! She came!

Sharma:

Oh! She came! Dora sir, this is the girl I’ve been talking about with you.

Naina:

Dora sir? Oh my gGd! It’s N. V. K. Dora sir.

Dora:

Oh! Good! I’ve heard about you for a while. They said you did very well in the interview. Anyway, welcome to B.H.E.L.

Naina:

Thank you, sir. It’s been a long time.

Dora:

Long time?

Naina:

Oh! Sorry! You may not remember me; I did my internship here while studying for my bachelor’s. You were the one who guided us so that we could learn things.

Dora:

Oh! Many students come and go every year. It’s hard for this old man to remember.

Sharma:

Sir, I heard about your retirement.

Naina:

Retirement?

Dora:

Yes, I’ll retire next year. But it’s just June now, and there is still a year ahead.

Sharma:

Okay! Naina, since you already know him, there’s no need for me to introduce him. Sir, take her with you and guide her once again.

Dora:

Sure! Sure!

They gave me my identity card. I went with Dora sir to the Production shop. On the way, I asked him.

Naina:

Shakti sir?

Dora:

Hmm? Did you say something?

Naina:

Shakti sir! Is he still here?

Dora: Yeah! He is still here. You are in the Heat Exchangers department, right?

Naina:

Yes sir!

Dora:

He’s your head now! He is Deputy Engineer.

Naina:

Oh!

Dora:

Actually, he must come to escort you to your department. But since he is on leave, he can’t.

Naina:

Leave?

Dora:

Yeah! He needs to attend the marriage, right?

Naina:

Marriage?

Suddenly my heart just slipped. My heart started to scream, “Marriage! He didn’t marry till now. Why does he have to marry the very day I returned to B.H.E.L.?”

Dora:

Yes, marriage! He went to attend a marriage!

Naina:

Who- who- whose marriage, sir?

Dora:

His sister’s marriage.

Naina:

Why? Why so early?

Dora:

Early? Do you know his sister?

Naina:

Sister? Oh! Yeah! Sister! No. How would I know his sister?

Dora:

But you just said that it’s early?

Naina:

Oh, that! That is… yeah! I heard that Tamilians get married early.

I almost got caught that time. I hesitantly covered that Tamilians do early marriages but what if I didn’t come up with an answer? I was nearly dead.

Dora:

Oh! Whatever they do, it’s for the child’s good.

When we entered the Production Shop, a worker asked Dora sir, to come with him.

Dora:

I’ll just come in a moment.

Naina:

Okay, sir! Don’t worry. I’ll help myself.

Dora:

Good! Good!

He went with that worker. Suddenly I heard a voice saying, “You came already?” I turned back. He looked familiar. I heard another voice, but it wasn’t clear. Maybe the person might be far. I was inside the Production Shop, and that familiar-faced man was standing outside.

I went near the entrance to take a closer look. Then suddenly, I recognized it was that arrogant Dhruv. He changed a lot. He used to have a tummy and an oily hairstyle, but now everything changed. He was dressed neatly, and his belly became totally flat. He looked handsome. Maybe that’s the reason I couldn’t recognize him at first look. Then I began to think about Shakti sir. “Did he become handsome as well? Or didn’t he change at all? I wish I could see him. Why does he have to take leave for his sitter’s marriage? God! Please, I want to see him.” I heard a voice again. “Yes, are you disappointed that I’m early?”

Naina:

That voice! But Dora sir said he wouldn’t be coming for the next two days.

Dhruv:

You said you wouldn’t be coming for another two days.

Naina:

Oh my God! It’s him!

The voice started becoming closer. “I came to receive my assistant engineer.” With the increasing voice, my heartbeat increased at multiple rates. I just wished that voice was his voice. Within no time, a person came near Dhruv. But it wasn’t him. I was disappointed and turned back.

I started to walk back to D.O.R.A. sir’s cabin. Someone called me from behind, “Excuse me? You are the new employee, right?”

I turned back, and I was stunned. A man wearing a bright white shirt was standing in front of me, and he was so charming that he was smiling at me with sparkling eyes. It was him, my first love, my only love, Shakti sir.

Shakti:

Hello?

I became numb that I couldn’t answer him.

Shakti:

Hello? Are you Miss Naina?

Naina:

Yes… Yes sir. It’s me.

Shakti:

Okay! Come with me.

He took me to Dhruv.

Shakti:

See? At last, I found her.

Dhruv:

Okay! Okay! I accept it.

Naina:

You knew it?

I thought that he knew that I was the one who had written that letter to him. I was trembling.

Shakti:

Yes! I knew that you were the new assistant engineer. Mr Sharma told me about you, and he’s impressed by you.

Dhruv:

Impressed? Why did he get impressed? I don’t find anything impressive.

Naina:

Gosh! This arrogant! His outer appearance changed a lot. But he is the same arrogant. How did he become Shakti sir’s friend?

Dhruv:

Did you say anything?

Naina:

I’m saying that you just met me, sir. You’ll get impressed when you see my work.

Shakti:

You impressed me way back.

Naina:

Sir?

Shakti:

Mr Sharma told me you were very good at answering his questions, and I heard your answers from him a while ago. He wanted me to teach you everything, so I came from my sister’s marriage.

Naina:

I’m sorry, Shakti sir; you had to come from your sister’s marriage early before your leave just because of me. I’ll give my best and learn as quickly as possible.

Shakti:

That’s great to hear. Since the marriage is done and the couple has left for their honeymoon, there’s not much work left. You don’t need to feel sorry.

Naina:

Thank you, sir.

Shakti:

No problem. Do you know the way to our cabin?

Naina:

Yes sir, I do.

Shakti:

Please wait there. I’ll just come in a moment, and will you keep this in my cabin?

Naina:

Yes sir, sure.

He gave me a bag. While walking to the cabin, I started talking to myself.

Naina:

How can he make a girl carry his bag? I thought he was well-mannered. Hey, hold on. Did he say our cabin? Oh my! Oh my God! He just said OUR cabin. Wow! I’m going to stay a long time with him in “OUR” cabin. Wooooooooooooooooow! I can’t believe I came to B.H.E.L. as his assistant engineer. Wow! I’m so excited! Yeah! But did he recognize me? Ah! No! Why would he recognize me? I was just his intern.

I might have sounded funny, but that was my crazy, pure love towards him. As I was walking, a worker suddenly stopped me from going, which startled me because I was lost in my thoughts.

Naina:

Gosh! You scared me to death!

Worker:

I’m! I’m sorry. Naina!

Naina:

Excuse me?

He was really weird. I was scared, and I started going back towards the entrance. Shakti sir and Dhruv were walking towards me, but they didn’t see me. They were seriously talking, and I could hear them, and they were talking about me.

Dhruv:

But how did she know that you came from your sister’s marriage? She even knew that you were two days early.

Shakti:

I don’t know! I didn’t even think about it. But it’s nice she knew about me and where I was as soon as I arrived. I’m impressed again.

Naina:

Gosh! This arrogant Dhruv! He sure is a big headache between sir and me.

Worker:

Naina?

Naina:

Gosh! Who-who are you? Why are you calling my name?

Terrified, I shouted, “Shakti sir! Shakti sir!”

Worker:

Naina! Don’t scream!

I was so scared he was coming towards me with a weird face calling my name repeatedly. I felt creeped out. After hearing me scream, Shakti sir and Dhruv ran towards me, and Shakti sir looked as if he was panicked.

Shakti:

Are you okay? What happened?

Dhruv:

Why are you screaming?

My eyes were filled with tears. I was so scared that I was trembling and couldn’t talk.

Naina:

This man? He...

Shakti:

Which man?

He looked around.

Shakti:

Oh! Him! He is Mr Rao. What happened? Did you scare her?

Rao:

No sir! I was just asking her to give me that bag so that I could carry it. But she was running and screaming all of a sudden.

Naina:

What? When did you ask for the bag? You were calling out my name again and again! Why are you…..?

Rao:

What are you talking about, madam? How would I know your name?

Naina:

What?

I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t want to create a scene.

Naina:

Okay, I think I misheard. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Shakti sir. I made you worry on the very first day.

Shakti:

You apologize a lot. Don’t you?

Dhruv:

Even I came running. You didn’t apologize to me!

Naina:

Please be patient, sir! I was about to apologize. Anyway, can you show me the way? I think I’m lost.

Shakti:

Hmm! I’m sorry for asking you to carry the bag.

Naina:

No sir! It’s totally fine.

Shakti:

Come! We need to do many things.

We went to our cabin. As I expected, my name was written in his place. And his table was beside me. He took out a few files and told me what to do. Like the day he explained Heat Exchangers, everything he said went straight into my head.

He showed me the Production Shop and introduced me to the staff. I suddenly felt like his wife, and he was introducing me to all the guests. I smiled a lot that day, and Shakti sir went with another deputy engineer of the Pressure Vessels department at lunchtime.

His cabin was on the first floor, like some private cabin, and I liked it. Waiting in the chamber, I wanted to have lunch with Shakti sir, but he didn’t come yet. I thought he had forgotten me and started walking to the canteen. While walking, I realized that no one was around me. Then I suddenly remembered that weird man from the morning who was calling out my name. He behaved in a totally different manner when Shakti sir and Dhruv came. So I thought I needed to stay away from him, then I suddenly heard someone running. I turned back, but I couldn’t see anyone. When I looked in front, suddenly a man appeared from nowhere. I was startled but felt safer to know that man to be Shakti sir.

Shakti:

Were you scared?

Naina:

Not anymore.

We smiled at each other, but he looked worried.

Shakti:

Hmm. Let’s go.

Naina:

Where sir?

Shakti:

Lunch! Don’t you want to eat?

Naina:

Oh! Yes sir. I thought you left without me.

Shakti:

Why will I leave when I get my new partner to eat?

Naina:

Aw! He’s cute!

Shakti:

Hmm? Did you say something?

Naina:

Ah! No sir. Nothing!

We laughed at each other; he was so cute when he spoke. His eyes were like sparkling stars; the more I saw them, the more I got lost. We went to the canteen. Shakti sir sat beside me, and our table was filled with six people, including me. The others were Dhruv, Vinod sir from the Pressure Vessels Department, Pankaj from Quality Control, Dora sir and Siddharth from the Shells Department.

All of them were Deputy Managers except Siddharth and me. If I exclude Shakti sir, Siddharth was the most handsome one. So attractive that you can’t take your eyes back for a second when you look at him. The white complexion, pink lips, and long eyelashes are just as beautiful as a girl’s.

Dora:

Did you hear about this girl?

Dhruv:

Gosh! Not again!

Vinod:

Yes! Shakti was telling me about her.

Siddharth:

Shakti sir, talking about a girl?

Dhruv:

Why is that a wonder? Ha?

Siddharth:

Nothing sir! Sorry.

I thought, “Siddharth is an assistant engineer under Dhruv. No wonder why he got scared easily.”

Pankaj:

Why do you scare for that person?

Naina:

Gosh! His English is just the same. Last time during the internship, he tried hard to explain what he does in English, but it seems he didn’t improve at all.

Shakti:

Why do you always scare people?

Dhruv:

Oh! Yeah, it reminds me of what happened earlier in the morning. Ms Naina lost her way, and Mr Rao scared her. She was petrified.

Dora:

Scared? Why? I told Rao to take you to your cabin.

Naina:

Did you tell him my name, sir?

Dora:

Name? I didn’t tell him your name. I just told him to take that lady to Shakti’s chamber and that she’s a recruit.

Naina:

Oh! Okay! I didn’t even put on my I.D. card. How did he know my name?

Suddenly Shakti sir came so close to me.

Shakti:

I’ve been observing for a while. Why are you talking to yourself?

Naina:

It’s nothing, sir. I’m sorry.

Shakti:

Do you always do that? Do you blush when you smile?

Naina:

Sir?

I didn’t know what to say when he suddenly said that. But I can say for sure that I made a good decision and came to B.H.E.L. My love story started to bloom. But I never expected that it’d have thorns too. After lunch, we went back to our cabin.

Shakti:

So? Did you find any room?

Naina:

No sir! I came from home. It’ll take an hour and a half for me to travel.

Shakti:

Then what about quarters?

Naina:

My mom doesn’t prefer quarters.

Shakti:

Oh! Then what will you do?

Naina:

I’m trying to rent an apartment nearby. Where do you live, sir?

Shakti:

I don’t like quarters too. It’s too gloomy, in my opinion. So, I have a flat. I think there are two vacant flats in our apartments, and it’s just fifteen minutes journey from here. Wait, I’ll call my watchman and check.

He called the watchman. The watchman said that there were three vacant flats. But two are for rent, and one is for sale.

Shakti:

Will you come with me after work? I’ll show you the flats, and you can talk to the watchman about them and move soon. Otherwise, it’ll be difficult for you to come before 8 a.m.

Naina:

Yeah! That’s true. Okay! We’ll go!

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Chapter V

Home! His Home!

I was so excited that no matter what, I just wanted to be his neighbour. My heart was getting greedier as he said we went together after finishing our slot. He was walking towards the parking slot. But I didn’t want to hop on his bike the first day I joined. I was worried that if the rumours were spread about us, we might avoid each other instead of being together. So I gave him an uncomfortable and hesitant look. He understood, and we called an auto. As he said, it was only 15 minutes distance. They were newly constructed buildings. To the side of the building was a big area with so many mango trees, and we went inside to meet the watchman.

Watchman: Right now, we have three available places, madam. Only two are for rent, one is a penthouse, and the other is 102. Shakti: 102? But that’s behind my flat. They said they’d go on a vacation. When did they vacate? Watchman: They vacated yesterday, sir. You left for your office by that point. Shakti: But they didn’t even say a word before leaving. Watchman: You were the one clinging to them, sir. They were always weird, getting into quarrels with almost all our neighbours’. Maybe since you presented gifts to the kid didn’t get you into their quarrels. Shakti: Okay, please show Ms Naina the flats. I’ll go to my flat and meet you when you come down to see 102. Naina: Okay, sir! He left & watchman took me to the beautiful penthouse. Since it was the 6th floor and there were no other tall buildings around, I could see the tops of the Production shops from there. Naina: It’s beautiful and spacious too. Even the scenery is good. Watchman: Are you sir’s relative, madam? Because it’s the first time sir brought someone here. Naina: No, I’m his colleague. Watchman: Oh, okay. Naina: By the way, why did the neighbours leave suddenly? Watchman: They borrowed a lot and left bailing everyone, madam. Naina: Oh! If I take this house, I won’t have any problems, right? Watchman: No, madam! Why will you face problems? If anyone comes to meet those people, I’ll say they left, and I won’t let them climb the stairs. Naina: Okay! Let’s see that flat. Watchman: Okay, madam. We went to the first floor, and Shakti sir was standing near the lift. Shakti: Oh! Finally. I was waiting for you. Watchman: Yeah! I’ll open the doors and wait. We went inside. It was a 2BHK flat, and all the cupboards had neat wooden glass doors. From the second bedroom, there was an extended balcony. Shakti: It seems like you like this flat! Naina: Hmm! It’s nice, but I liked the penthouse more. If I lived alone, I would have chosen the penthouse, but since I live with my mom in emergencies, she won’t be able to climb or climb down the stairs. So I’ll take this one. I’ll give you advance tomorrow. Make sure you save this one for me, please. Watchman: It will not be easy, madam. Today a couple came earlier in the morning and said they’d come tomorrow. If they do, it is gone. Naina: But, Shakti: Tell me the house owner’s bank account number. I’ll transfer the money now. Watchman: Okay, sir. I’ll tell you. Naina: But sir? It’s okay! I’ll transfer the money tomorrow. Shakti: It’s fine, and I’m not doing this for free. Naina: Not free? Shakti: You have to cook for me whenever I get sick. That’s enough. Naina: Ha! Oh! Sure, sir! Thank you so much, sir. Shakti: Hmm, it’s okay! If you have finished checking this house, come to my flat. I made tea for us. Naina: Tea? Sir! Shakti: Yes, tea! Come fast! He took me to his house. Hoping for a prosperous future, I stepped in with my right leg. I could not help but think that he introduced me to everyone this morning, and now I’m stepping inside his house. Wow! I feel like a newly wedded bride. Shakti: Stop talking to yourself and come inside. Naina: Sir? Ha! Yes sir! He asked me to sit on the sofa, and he came to me and gave me a cool drink. Naina: But you said you made tea, sir? Shakti: You sounded like you don’t drink tea. So I’m offering you an alternative. You don’t drink it too? Naina: No, sir! I’ll drink it. Saying that I held the cool drink glass as if I wanted to take it from him, and I accidentally touched his hand. It felt awkward, and I released his hand immediately. He coughed as if he was covering that situation and kept the glass on the teapoy near the sofa. He turned towards the windows and started drinking his tea. Shakti: You just mentioned your mother. What about your father? Naina: My mom and dad were divorced when I was a kid. My dad never came to meet me. The last time I met him was on my 7th birthday. I don’t even know where he lives. What does he do? I don’t even know if he… I sighed, and I didn’t talk anymore. Shakti sir came towards me and sat on the sofa beside mine. I felt as if he wanted to say something. Suddenly my phone began to ring. Naina: Oh! It’s my mom! Hello! Ha Amma! I came to see a flat. It’s near the market, and you can even walk in the mango garden. I gave advance, so you better start packing things. I’ll be coming in two hours. Okay, bye! Shakti: So? Naina: So I’ll leave now. Thanks for the help, sir. Shakti: Okay! I’ll drop you at the bus stop. Naina: No sir. It’s fine. Shakti: Everything is fine for you until you forget the way and panic. Naina: Sir? Shakti: Keep calm and follow me. Even I have to go back to get my bike back, and it is difficult to find autos in the mornings. Naina: Okay, sir! We walked to the bus stop on an empty road. Climate was dim, and cold breezes were blowing on our faces, and that feeling was so fresh and soothing. Within no time, we reached the bus stop. I wish I could hold his hands and walk on a lonely road in a climate like this on a full moon day. Shakti: Did you start it again? Naina: Sir? He smiled and nodded his head as if it were nothing.

Shakti: When will you move in? Naina: Probably this Sunday. Shakti: But this tomorrow will be better for house warming ceremony. The auspicious time is at 4:10 pm. Naina: You even saw that, sir? Shakti: I was making tea and unknowingly laid my eyes on the calendar and saw that tomorrow was an auspicious time. That’s it. Naina: Thank you! Shakti: So what will you do? Naina: Leave on the second day definitely won’t do, right? Shakti: It’s not going to work anyway! But you can ask your mom to come before the time, and you can receive her from the bus stand and bring her here. Naina: Hmm! Not a bad idea. I have so much work to do then! Shakti: Work? Packing? Naina: Nah! We almost did that. I have to go and talk to truck drivers to transport things! Shakti: Oh yeah! I almost forgot that. Naina: Okay! The bus is here. Shakti: Okay, bye. Naina: Thank you for today! I went back home. Mom: How’s your first day? I thought, more wow! Then I expected! Mom: Hmm? Naina:

Ha, fine, ma. We’re going to become neighbours of my boss. Mom: Oh! Does he live with his family? Naina: No, ma! He’s a bachelor. He lives alone. Mom: What’s his caste? Naina: Not again! There’s an annoying thing in my mom. When I talked about any boy in my college days, she asked about their caste upfront. And it started again, and she started to nag me again.

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Chapter VI

Shakti sir, My Neighbour!

The next day I went to my workplace, and at lunch, Siddharth sat opposite me and tried to have a conversation.

Siddharth:

I saw you coming late today!

Naina:

Yeah! I took permission till this Monday.

Siddharth:

Were you granted permission?

Naina:

Yes.

Siddharth:

Wow! You are cooler than I thought.

Naina:

What is so remarkable about getting permission?

Siddharth:

That’s a Mission Impossible task for me. I have to get into War of Worlds for one-day permission to come late.

Naina:

But I don’t think you would need a one-day late permission until and unless you had a Cocktail all night!

Siddharth:

You saw Cocktail?

Naina:

Yup! Tom looks so cool in that movie. He was just 26, then. All though many years passed, he didn’t lose his charm.

Siddharth:

If you talk about looks, he is the youngest in Risky Bussiness. He was even younger in Endless Love, his first movie. But he’s not the main lead.

Naina:

Wow! You are a big Tom Cruise fan, Sid.

Siddharth:

Yup! But hey, Naina! You are the first person in B.H.E.L who laughed at my joke.

Naina:

First-person? Why is that?

Siddharth:

Just look around you.

Naina:

Why?

As I looked around, I found no one was laughing except us. In fact, everyone was all looking at us like aliens who spoke an unknown language. But both the Tom Cruise movies were quite famous that even my mom knew them.

Naina:

What happened, sir? Why are you looking at us in that way?

Shakti:

Why are you guys talking to each other in that way?

Naina:

Excuse me, sir?

Shakti:

Forget it! I’m done. Come fast, we need to complete the work soon and leave early, if you remember.

Naina:

Yes, sir. I’m almost done, too. I’m not that hungry.

Siddharth: Whispered

Bye!

I smiled at him, waved at him and followed Shakti sir. We finished that day’s work, but sir didn’t talk to me the whole time. All he did was nod his head to whatever I asked. And then suddenly, he took the file I was working on.

Shakti:

You need to go and pick up your mom first.

Naina:

Yes, sir, but she said she could come to the address alone.

Shakti:

You should call her to know where she is.

Naina:

I already did that she said she’ll call me when she reaches the bus stand.

Shakti:

Your phone. It’s ringing.

Naina:

Oh! It must be her. Hello? Ha Amma! You got into auto? Did you tell him what I told you earlier? Hmmm! Yes, that’s the address. Okay, I’ll wait for you at the bus stop.

Shakti:

When are the furniture and other stuff coming?

Naina:

Probably in half an hour. I called the truck driver one hour ago.

Shakti:

Oh, okay! Then you leave; I’ll finish this up and come.

Naina:

Take your time, sir. It’s fine. I’ll leave now.

While I was going out, I met Siddharth.

Siddharth:

Are you leaving early?

Naina:

Yes! We are moving here today. I need to receive my mom now.

Siddharth:

Oh! Then I’ll come too. You might need help moving things.

Naina:

No, it’s okay. If you leave early, you might get yelled at by Mr Dhruv.

Siddharth:

Ah! No, I completed my work early. He was impressed and permitted me to leave.

Naina:

Really? So he can do that too? I thought he skipped work, took breaks and surfed social media in the Welding Department computer room.

Siddharth:

You just joined yesterday, right? How did you know all this?

Naina:

It’s because when that Dhruv joined here in his early days, I was here for an internship. So I know Pankaj, Dhruv, Lakshman, Shankar, Dora, and Shakti, sir.

Siddharth:

So you are my Sunbae. * Senior in Korean language Hangul.

Naina:

And you are my Hubae! *Junior in Hangul

Siddharth:

Oh, God! Do you know Korean too?

Naina:

Not much! I just know a few words.

He bowed with his hands, and we laughed. Suddenly Shakti sir came.

Shakti:

You guys have so much to talk about that you don’t realize you are standing in the middle of the way!

Naina:

Oh! I’m sorry, sir!

Shakti:

You left your mobile, and your mother kept on calling. She reached the bus stop. You better hurry up.

Naina:

Oh my god! Okay, Sid. I need to leave now!

Siddharth:

Sid? Sounds cool! Anyways, I’ll come with Shakti, sir. You go in this auto.

Naina:

That’s so sweet of you; thank you!

Shakti sir gave me my mobile, and Siddharth stopped an auto. I went in it and soon met my mom at the bus stop. Then we went to the apartment.

Naina:

How’s it?

Mom:

It’s so spacious.

Naina:

Hmm! I know you will like it. I made a friend at my workplace. He’s coming now to help us.

Mom:

What’s his caste?

Naina:

Oh God, Amma! Why don’t you just stop and boil the milk before the auspicious time passes?

Mom:

Okay, okay!

While she was boiling the milk, I got a call from the truck driver. He said they were at the bus stop and didn’t know the way. So I was going out, and I saw Shakti sir and Siddharth.

Siddharth:

Are you going somewhere?

Naina:

Yeah! The truck is at the bus stop. I need to go to show them the way.

Siddharth:

It’s okay, Naina. You stay here. Sir, give me the keys. I’ll go and guide them here!

Shakti:

Be careful. Don’t rebel... just drive!

Siddharth:

Yes sir!

I giggled.

Naina:

Cute kid!

Shakti:

What?

Naina:

Nothing sir!

I went to my apartment, and meanwhile, Shakti sir came to my apartment.

Shakti:

Namaste Amma!

Mom:

Ha, Namaste. Naina, someone came here!

Naina: Oh Amma! This is Shakti sir. My supervisor.

Mom:

Namaste sir!

Shakti:

Ayyo Amma! You don’t have to do that. You can call me by my name.

Mom:

Hmm! Okay, Shakti.

Siddharth brought the truck and helped us. Meanwhile, Shakti sir helped my mom and did whatever she asked him to do. I was with Siddharth joking and laughing around. He is a cute guy; our hobbies were similar, so we had so many things to talk about. But I never thought someone was getting jealous because of him until my mom told me about her conversation with Shakti sir.

After finishing all the arrangements, the house looked outstanding. We were exhausted and didn’t have any energy left to cook. So Shakti sir and Siddharth went out to buy the meals.

Mom:

It looked like you had a lovely time with your new friend.

Naina:

Yeah! He’s so funny! But I think you had the same with our neighbour.

Mom:

Ha! But he was talking about Tom Cruise.

Naina:

Tom Cruise?

Mom:

Ha! He asked me if you are a fan of his?

Naina:

What did you say?

Mom:

I told him you often watch Hollywood movies and Korean series, but I don’t know which one you favour the most.

While we were talking, they came with the food. I observed Shakti sir trying to impress my mom by serving her food. I didn’t know if it was to impress her or if it was his nature to treat elders with such care and formality. Siddharth was totally different from him.

Shakti sir looked cold in front of Siddharth, but he was very friendly and caring when he was with me. But Siddharth was always full of energy, smiling and making others happy.

After having dinner, they left. The work, the next day at B.H.E.L., was a bloody experience. My body was in pain, and I couldn’t walk fast, so Shakti sir asked me to do the file-related work while he did the others.

Naina:

I got such a sweet boss. I’m so happy. I just can’t wait any longer. I wish I could confess to him how I feel at this very second. But I don’t know if he really likes me. But isn’t he sweet? Is he the same as all the girls? I wonder. I want to know this, but how will I?

While looking into another file, I saw a Welding Department file that was mixed up with mine.

Naina:

Oh! This file belongs to Sid’s department. He must be tired already. He’ll be dead if that arrogant Dhruv asks for this file and doesn’t find it. I should go and return this to him.

I went to the Welding department & nothing changed. I heard that Shankar sir retired but didn’t want to believe it until I saw someone else sitting in his seat. While searching for Siddharth, I saw someone in the computer room. I went inside; it was Dhruv. As soon as I saw him, I turned back and started walking outside the room.

Dhruv:

You came for Siddharth?

Naina:

Hmm! I found this file in my cabin. It belonged to this department. So, I thought of returning it back.

Dhruv:

It looks like you still think I’m arrogant.

Naina:

Excuse me?

Dhruv:

Yes, you do! Don’t you?

Naina:

I don’t know what you are talking about.

I kept the file and started leaving. He suddenly stood up and held my hand. My mind totally became blank.

Dhruv:

I can never forget you, intern girl! It might have been five years, and a lot might have changed, but I can discover you quickly.

Naina:

Leave my hand.

Dhruv:

How can I leave the first person who made me shut my mouth?

Naina:

Do you want me to slap you this time?

Dhruv:

What?

Naina:

I thought you had changed a lot. I thought you had become a better man. But I didn’t know that you are a pervert holding grudge about something like that!

Dhruv:

Grudge?

Naina:

I’m sorry you felt so bad that you couldn’t forget me to take revenge all this time.

Dhruv:

Revenge?

Naina:

If you allow, I’ll leave now!

He released my hand, and I went out. I was coming down the stairs, and I saw that weird person who called my name on that first day. He started calling me again by my name.

Naina:

How do you know my name? And why are you calling me informally? Who are you?

Rao:

Naina? It’s me, Venkat. Don’t you remember me? I used to sit with you and that boy in the canteen.

Naina:

Canteen? Oh my! Are you that weirdo?

Rao:

What?

Naina:

It’s nothing... and yeah! It’s you!

Suddenly he came near and started holding my hands.

Rao:

At last, you recognized me! I’ve been waiting for you all these years. I started loving you all those years back! I love you, Naina. Please don’t leave me now!

Naina:

What?? What the heck, leave me! Otherwise, I’ll complain to the police.

Shakti:

What the heck are you doing??

Shakti sir came out of nowhere and took my hands from him. He pulled me to his side by swaying my hand.

Naina:

Shakti sir? When did you?

Shakti:

Have you lost your mind, Rao? Did you forget that you are married?

Naina:

Who do you think you are?

Rao:

Naina, please listen to me.

Naina:

Don’t ever show me your face again.

Shakti:

You’ll lose your job if I see you bothering her. This is my final warning.

I was terrified and shocked that I was shivering. Shakti sir took me to a nearby tree. There were benches below the tree, and we sat there. He didn’t leave my hand, not even for a second.

Shakti:

Are you alright?

Naina:

Hmm!

Shakti:

If he bothered you again, you could tell me.

Naina:

What on earth did he think about me? What was he trying to do? Being a married person, he is confessing. How dare he say all that stuff?

Shakti:

Calm down, Naina. If he doesn’t want to lose his job, he’ll never bother you again. Don’t be scared.

Naina:

Scared! Me? I’m not scared. If you didn’t come, I would have slapped him and called the police.

Shakti:

Yeah! Yeah! You are so brave! Now take some breath and cool down.

Naina:

Hmm!

Shakti sir held my hand till I stopped trembling.

Shakti:

It’s lunchtime now! Let’s go!

Naina:

Hmm!

Siddharth:

Hey Naina!

Naina:

Sid?

Siddharth:

Dhruv sir told me that you came for me?

Naina:

He told you?

Siddharth:

Yes!

Naina:

After all that, I thought he’ll never mention my name again! But God! What’s happened to me today?

I was so pissed off, and I started to walk fast. Then Siddharth held my hand and stopped me.

Siddharth:

Hey, where are you going so fast?

Naina:

Why is everybody holding my hand today?

Siddharth:

Everybody? Who dared to hold your hand? Tell me! I’ll see his Edge of Tomorrow.

Naina:

God! Sid! Why do you always have to speak Tom Cruise?

Siddharth:

To make you smile!

Naina:

Oh! Really!

Shakti:

Leave her hand before I see your Edge of Tomorrow.

Siddharth:

Sir! Yes sir!

Naina:

Wow, Sir. You started speaking it too?

Shakti:

Let’s go fast! There’s so much work left.

Since that day, everyone stopped treating me as a newcomer and started treating me as their co-employee. Everyone helped me with everything I needed. They were so friendly.

I felt like my life had finally overcome all the obstacles, and now I could live happily. But I still had one problem I didn’t confess to Shakti sir yet, and six months had passed already. Shakti sir went on leave for sixteen days to visit his family. I missed him a lot those days.