That Night Changed Everything
After that night, something shifted in Meera. She didn't want to think about Swapnil, but somehow, he kept invading her thoughts.
On the other hand, Swapnil regretted taking Meera out that evening. He wasn't someone who opened up easily - not outside his family or a few close friends. But with Meera, something was different. He hadn't been able to hold back. And so, he made a decision.
The very next morning, Meera walked into his cabin.
Meera: "Good morning, Boss."
Swapnil: "Good morning. I need to talk to you."
Meera: "Sure, I'm listening."
Swapnil (firmly): "Meera, whatever happened between us last night - let's leave it outside the office. Here, you're a staff member, and I'm your boss. Forget everything that was said yesterday."
Meera (confused): "But why? You were so chill, so real. Why act so cold here? Why let people think you're this arrogant, grumpy guy?"
Swapnil: "No more questions. Just do what you're told."
Meera: "Yes, Boss."
Meera wanted to be angry at him, but she couldn't. She could still feel his presence - as if he hadn't really gone away. Maybe to avoid that confusion, she began ignoring him at the office. Swapnil noticed.
---
Later, with Sameer
Sameer: "Come on. Don't you think you're taking this whole 'accidental marriage' thing a bit too seriously?"
Swapnil: "Not at all. I know she's upset."
Sameer: "What makes you think she's ignoring you?"
Swapnil explained how he'd tried talking to Meera, but since then, she hadn't even entered his cabin. She was sending files through office boys and kept her distance. Even that morning in the lift - he'd greeted her, and all he got was a polite smile.
Swapnil: "I swear, Sameer. She's really disturbed. What if her dad is forcing her into another marriage?"
Sameer: "Why is it always about you? Honestly, I should be the one mad. I set up your dinner date, and you two went without even inviting me. Now that you've messed things up, you need me?"
Swapnil: "Oh please. If it was a date, why would I take you along? Yeah, I messed up the next day. But Meera and I argue all the time - she's never ignored me like this before."
Sameer (grinning): "Fine. I'll help. On one condition."
Swapnil: "What now?"
Sameer: "Next time you go on a date, I'm coming with you."
Swapnil (groaning): "Unbelievable. Dealing with you and Meera is like banging my head against a wall. Fine, deal."
---
In the Office Cabin
Meera knocked before entering this time.
Swapnil: "Come in."
Sameer (whispering): "You sure all you said was 'forget everything'?"
Swapnil (nodding): "That's all. Nothing else."
Meera (stoic): "Was I called here for something? Or can I leave now?"
Sameer: "Yes. We need the report for the Andaman project - we have to discuss the site visit."
Meera left to fetch the report.
Sameer (to Swapnil): "Man, you were shocked just because she knocked? Seriously, what's going on?"
Swapnil: "I panicked, okay? I didn't know what else to say. And it's been 15 days like this."
Sameer: "A simple 'I'm sorry' or 'please forgive me' might've worked. You went with 'I'm shocked'? If I were her, I wouldn't talk to you for three months."
Meera returned, and they discussed the project.
Meera: "There's no issue with the project execution, but the local tribes might protest. The trees we're planning to cut are considered sacred."
Swapnil: "In business, sometimes you have to set emotions aside and prioritize results. You can't make everyone happy."
Sameer: "Exactly. Like Swapnil - outside, he may seem open, but at work, he maintains a boundary. Otherwise, it becomes hard to get things done."
Swapnil (to Meera): "Everyone has their own personality. I'm the kind who, once I consider someone mine, sticks with them through thick and thin. That's why I don't let people in easily. I hope you understand."
Meera gave him a soft smile and nodded - as if she'd already forgiven him, even before he asked. They just kept looking at each other… for a long moment.
Sameer (interrupting): "Sorry to ruin the staring contest, but I have another meeting. Final thing - we want you two to travel and talk to the locals. Try to find a peaceful solution."
Both snapped back to reality.
Swapnil: "Talk about that outside."
Sameer (laughing): "Sure, we'll discuss that later."
Meera (quickly): "But I've heard those locals can get violent… even kill outsiders."
Swapnil (calmly): "Meera, we're in the 21st century. There are laws. People don't just go around killing others. If you've understood the report, then draft a summary. We leave in two days."
Meera: "Got it, Boss."
She walked out happily - as if the answers she'd been seeking had finally found her. She still didn't understand why Swapnil affected her so deeply, but she knew one thing: she didn't want to run from it anymore. Whatever happens next - she'd let herself feel it.
---
Later That Evening
Meera stayed back to finish work. Swapnil, as usual, stayed late too. From a distance, he watched her.
Swapnil: "Isn't it getting late for you?"
Meera (smiling): "Your Andaman schedule is ready. I've even checked the bookings - everything's sorted."
Swapnil: "Good job. But you don't need to stay this late. Come on, I'll drop you home."
Meera: "But you stay late every day."
Swapnil: "Because no one's waiting for me. Your dad probably is."
Meera (gently): "Where's your family?"
As he turned toward her, she immediately regretted asking.
Swapnil didn't like talking about his family. But he didn't want to dampen her mood either. He offered a faint smile.
Swapnil: "They're back in the village."
Seeing her smile again, he knew more questions were coming.
Swapnil: "We'll talk in the car. Come on."
She grabbed her purse and followed him, happier than she'd been in days.
---
In the Car
Meera bombarded him with personal questions - and surprisingly, he answered them all.
Swapnil: "You're the first girl I've met who isn't shy at all."
Meera (grinning): "I don't do the whole 'shy girl' act. Maybe you've just been meeting the wrong kind of women."
Swapnil: "Or maybe you are the only weird one."
Meera: "How many girlfriends have you had?"
Swapnil: "Guess."
Meera: "At least one?"
Swapnil: "Really? That's what you think of me?"
Meera (teasing): "You're attractive, smart… I'm sure girls chase you. But I also heard you're super stubborn."
Swapnil: "Did Sameer give you that report too? Six relationships - only one serious. And please don't repeat this to anyone. For your own sake."
Meera: "I'm not gossiping! Anyway, that one serious one - was it close to marriage?"
Swapnil: "Does it matter anymore? The person I was meant to marry... well, I already have. And the woman sitting next to me - she's perfect."
She stared at him, stunned.
Swapnil leaned over, opened the car door.
Swapnil (playfully): "But if you wait any longer, your 'Mr. Perfect' dad might show up."
Meera realized he was teasing her. She stepped out of the car, pouting.
Meera: "You're horrible! That's why no one sticks with you."
Swapnil (smiling): "But you're still here. Right now. With me."
Meera: "That's because I'm nice. You, on the other hand, are the worst."
She stormed off, and he sat in the car, watching until she disappeared inside.
---
Sometimes together, sometimes apart - relationships are strange just like that.