Vanya's POV
I was completely focused on my work in my cubicle when, out of nowhere, someone playfully smacked me on the head.
"I turned to see Purva standing there, wearing an idiotic grin from ear to ear."
Tell me what happened yesterday between you and him, she said dramatically.
"What do you mean by, what happened between me and him?"
You spent the whole day with him in his cabin, and you didn't even come out for lunch. So, tell me, what was going on there?
"He offered me that project."
Whatttttttt?
Yes he offered me that project on the basis of my skills.
I told you na, yeah yeah you told me. You know he is totally opposite as everybody says, he was so polite with me yesterday.
Hm hmm, kahi lattu to nahi ho gye tum par si-----
and the manager cut her off.
Miss Purva I think you are here for work not for chatting , sorry sir.
And Ms.Vanya sir is calling you in his cabin he wants to discuss something about project, I nodded and he left.
I looked at Purva only to find her teasingly grinning at me.
I sighed, looking at her, and made my way towards his cabin. Once I reached the door, I knocked.
"Come in,"
Upon entering the cabin, I was taken aback by the sight of a girl, similar in age to me, seated on the sofa. She seemed entirely at ease, enjoying her waffle while her legs were crossed, and her gaze met mine with a disarming smiling .
She placed the waffle on the plate, which was sitting on the table, and stood up with a cheerful smile. Extending her hand, she introduced herself:
"Hi, I'm Alia Raghuvanshi."
I hesitantly took her hand, feeling a bit uneasy, and returned her smile.
"Hi, I'm Vanya Mehra," I replied."
Just then, Dherya walked up to us, a warm smile on his face. "She's my cousin," he said, gesturing affectionately towards Alia.
Ohh!! She is so beautiful. I said while looking at her with warm smile.
"Alia was absolutely stunning. Her fair skin, chubby cheeks, and doe-like eyes captivated me. Her short hair framed her face perfectly, and the short A-line blue dress she wore accentuated her charming features."
She shyly smiled at me and thanked me
"You know, you're beautiful too," She said, smiling."
"Thank you, Alia," I replied. "
"Vanya, I've called you here to inform you that we have a meeting with the Verma's regarding the project, day after tomorrow."
I looked up, concerned. "But sir, isn't it too early? I haven't completed the work; it's been overwhelming."
Dherya reassured me, "No, Vanya, don't worry. It's not the final meeting. We're just meeting for some preliminary discussions related to the project."
Okay!
"Dherya looked at me seriously. "Vanya, I want you to be thoroughly prepared for tomorrow's meeting. Review all your notes and familiarize yourself with every aspect of the project."
He paused, his expression emphasizing the importance.
"Remember, Rhea Verma, the CEO's daughter, will also be attending. She's exceptionally sharp and will likely grill us with tough questions."
Dherya's tone turned instructive.
"Make sure you're confident and articulate in your responses. We need to demonstrate our expertise and showcase the project's value."
He handed me a folder.
"Go through these notes and financial projections one more time. I'll meet with you in the morning to finalize our strategy."
I nodded, determination rising within me.
"I'll be ready, sir."
Dherya's expression showed approval.
"I know you will, Vanya. Let's make this meeting a success."
You know what Vanya di I seriously don't like that Rhea Verma she is too egoistic and rude and you know what she is too clingy with bhai, alia said while making faces.
A pang of jealousy when I heard about her.
There is nothing like that aloo, dherya said to her and she just roll her eyes.
Btw Vanya di wi---
Call me Vanya please, oh okayy so Vanya will you help me decide my outfit for today's party, today we have to attend an engagement party of Mittal's daughter so I am just confused what to wear.
Of course I will help you, okay I will show you the photos of outfits.
And she took me in the room attached with dherya's cabin .
After discussing for around half an hour we decided on her outfit a brown sharara with kodi lace top co-ord set with shrug.
Thank youuuuu so much Vanya for helping me alia said while hugging me and I hugged her back.
"Come on, Vanya, let's go out for lunch somewhere," she suggested.
I hesitated, struggling to find an excuse. "Uh, maybe some other day. I have work today."
She wouldn't take no for an answer. "Oh, come on, Vanya! Let's take Bhai with us, na? Come on, let's ask him."
She dragged me toward Dherya's cabin.
Inside, Dherya was deeply engrossed in his work.
"Bhai, I want to go out for lunch with you and Vanya. Please, let's go somewhere," she pleaded, batting her eyelashes.
Dherya looked up, "Okay, Aloo. Just give me five minutes. I need to send this email."
She clapped her hands excitedly. "Okay, Bhaiiiii! Thank youuu!"
I shifted uncomfortably, feeling out of place. Lunch with my boss and his sister? This was getting too casual.
Dherya smiled warmly at Alia, then turned to me. "Vanya, you're joining us, right?"
I forced a smile, trying to hide my hesitation. "Yes, sir. Of course."
As Dherya finished his email, Alia chattered excitedly about lunch options. I stood silently, wondering how I'd ended up in this awkward situation.
Dherya saved me from my thoughts. "Shall we head out? I know a great place nearby."
I trailed behind them, feeling like an outsider in this sibling outing.
As we walked out of the office, Alia bubbled with excitement, discussing menu options and laughing with Dherya.
I lagged behind, struggling to keep up with their easy banter.
Dherya noticed and slowed down, falling into step beside me. "Vanya, relax. This is just a casual lunch."
I forced a smile. "Thank you, sir."
Alia skipped ahead, leading us to a sleek, black sedan.
Inside the car, Dherya asked, "Vanya, what's your favorite cuisine?"
"Whatever's fine, sir," I replied, feeling out of my depth.
Alia chimed in, "Bhai, let's try that new Italian place. I've been craving pasta."
Dherya nodded. "Sounds good to me."
As we arrived at the restaurant, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider.
We were shown to a cozy table, and Alia immediately began perusing the menu.
Dherya leaned back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Vanya, tell me more about yourself. What do you like to do outside work?"
My mind went blank. What did he want to know?
I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I, uh, enjoy reading and watching movies, sir."
Dherya nodded encouragingly. "Favorite authors or genres?"
"Uh, mostly romance novels," I replied, feeling a blush rise.
Alia's eyes sparkled. "Aww, Vanya's a romantic!"
Dherya chuckled. "Well, I wouldn't have pegged you as a romance fan."
I shrugged, laughing. "Guilty pleasure."
Alia leaned in. "Do you believe in fairy tales, Vanya?"
I smiled wistfully. "Maybe. Who doesn’t love a good love story?"
Dherya’s gaze lingered on me, his expression thoughtful.
As we ordered our meals, the conversation flowed easily.
Alia shared stories of her favorite romantic comedies.
Dherya reminisced about his college days.
I found myself laughing and sharing my own stories.
For a moment, we were just three people enjoying each other’s company.
But when the check arrived, Dherya’s swift gesture to pay reminded me of our professional boundaries.
"Thank you, sir," I said, feeling gratitude and a hint of discomfort.
As we left the restaurant, Alia turned to me. "Vanya, you’re really cool! We should do this again."
Dherya nodded. "I think that can be arranged."
I smiled back.
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