Chapter 7: Office Overtime, Desi Edition

I sat at my desk, ready to bolt if needed. But Arjun saw through me and called my extension. "Come in, I want to discuss the project plan."

I grabbed my folder and went to his office. He opened the door from inside and pulled me in with one strong arm. Before I knew it, I was pinned against the door and he kissed me, hard. I resisted at first, but then—who was I kidding? The folder hit the floor. Arjun picked me up and kicked open the break room door. White shirt and formal pants hit the floor. His voice teased behind me: "Didn’t expect office play, did you?"

……

Now I can never look at his desk or the floor-to-ceiling windows the same way. Outside, neon lights flickered and the city throbbed. Damn you, Arjun, I only came to work overtime!

Arjun walked out of the shower, sandalwood soap clinging to his skin. The marks I left were still fresh. "The Andhra place downstairs is good. Let me treat you to dinner."

I picked up my mangled folder. "I’m not hungry."

My stomach betrayed me with a loud growl.

Arjun laughed, his smug grin wide. "Chalo yaar, passenger seat mein aao. We both worked hard today."

As we stepped out, the hum of rain, rickshaw horns, and my own heart filled the silence. My knees trembled as I put my clothes back on, cursing Arjun under my breath, but I couldn’t help but laugh too.