Chapter 3: Awkward Encounters and Unspoken Tension

Monday at the office, I unexpectedly ran into Kabir in the lift. The familiar smell of old paint and cologne filled the small space.

Because of that awkward night, I instinctively avoided his gaze, keeping my head down. I clutched the wardrobe handle, fiddling with my bangle. I stared at my bare feet, wishing the floor would swallow me whole.

But knowing we’d run into each other often, I forced myself to look up and managed a stiff smile. My cheeks burned, but I did my best to act normal.

Kabir didn’t react much.

He just walked over and stood beside me, as cold as ever. His posture was straight, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the numbers above the door.

Fine. The awkwardness was all mine. I chewed on my lower lip, cursing myself for being so dramatic.

Then, a big group squeezed in, and Kabir was pressed up behind me. There was barely any space to breathe. I could feel his breath on my neck, and suddenly I was hyper-aware of every inch between us.

We were so close I could feel his body heat—and his scent.

He had a faint woody fragrance. I didn’t know what brand of perfume it was, but it smelled amazing. Reminded me of monsoon mornings and old sandalwood boxes my dadi used to keep her jewellery in.

That night, I’d caught a whiff of it too. But I hadn’t thought much of it then.

Now, with his warm breath falling on the back of my neck, mingled with that familiar scent,

I instantly remembered everything from that night. My skin tingled, and I wished I could become invisible.

My face flushed red, even my ears burning with embarrassment. I tried to hide it by checking my phone, pretending to be very busy.

So useless. I cursed myself inwardly. Arrey, Neha, have some shame!

It was just a farce—it’s over. Why am I still hung up on it? I tried to focus on the glowing elevator buttons.

Kabir seemed to sense my discomfort and shifted away. There was a faint clink as his watch hit the railing.

Once the crowd thinned and people got off, I could finally breathe. I let out a sigh of relief, hoping he didn’t notice.

When I reached my floor, I escaped as fast as I could. I rushed to my cubicle, heart pounding.

Not long after I sat down at my desk, I got a message from Kabir on WhatsApp. My phone buzzed on the old wooden desk, and I hesitated before opening it.

[Are you that afraid of me?]

I froze, not knowing how to reply. I chewed on my pen cap, staring at the message. My palms felt sweaty.

Because of work, we’d added each other on WhatsApp, but hardly ever chatted. The last time was half a month ago, just to send a file.

Seeing I hadn’t replied, Kabir sent another message:

[That night, you were the one who took advantage of me. So why are you acting like I’m the one who wants to eat you?]

My face, which had just returned to normal, instantly turned red again. I glanced around, praying no one could read my expression.

[No, you misunderstood.]

[That night was really just an accident. I mistook you for Arjun. If you mind, I apologise again.]

Yaar, please na, don’t mind, okay? We have to see each other daily, don’t want any scene. Can we just pretend nothing happened? Please. 😭😭

I fired off a string of messages, then added a few pitiful crying emojis. I waited, watching the blue ticks anxiously.

After a while, Kabir replied, deadpan:

[I was just teasing you.]

[I didn’t take it to heart. You don’t need to either.]

I finally relaxed and quickly replied: [Okay.] I sent a sheepish monkey emoji, feeling relieved.