Chapter 3: Deadlines and Detours
411 Words
The next two weeks were... complicated.
Anaya tried to stay professional, laser-focused on the architectural redesign her firm was commissioned for. But every time she turned around, Karthik was there—with snacks, sarcastic comments, or that lopsided grin that made it hard to stay annoyed.
“Why are you always near the coffee machine when I’m here?” she asked one afternoon.
“Destiny,” he said dramatically, placing two cups on the counter. “Also, I may have bribed your team’s intern to text me when you’re on break.”
“You’re insane,” she laughed, shaking her head.
“I prefer the term strategically persistent.”
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One Evening – Site Visit
Anaya and Karthik were reviewing progress at the construction site when the sudden April rain poured out of nowhere.
“Seriously? No warning?” Anaya shrieked, running for cover under the scaffold.
Karthik followed, drenched. “You complain too much.”
“You flirt too much.”
“You smile too little.”
She turned to him, surprised. “Excuse me?”
He stepped closer, eyes serious for once. “I’m not just here for jokes, Anaya.”
Her heartbeat stuttered.
“Look, I know we met in the weirdest way possible. But... I like talking to you. Even when you’re sarcastic and bossy and allergic to compliments.”
“And you,” she said, narrowing her eyes, “are overly dramatic, annoying, and way too charming for your own good.”
“Exactly,” he smirked. “Perfect match.”
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Next Day – Coffee Shop near Office
Karthik waited with a caramel latte and a nervous heart.
He hadn’t expected her to show up. He’d casually asked her to grab coffee outside of work—no expectations, no pressure.
But there she was, walking in, hair loose, eyeliner bold, expression unreadable.
“I don’t do this often,” she said, sliding into the seat.
“What? Drink coffee?”
“Have... moments. With people.”
Karthik softened. “Then let’s not call it a moment. Just... two people being mildly interested in wasting time together.”
She smiled. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re curious.”
She took a sip of his latte. “Maybe I am.”
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Back at Work – Text from Rohit (Karthik’s Best Friend):
Rohit: You’re falling, dude.
Karthik: No.
Rohit: Yes.
Karthik: She’s... different.
Rohit: And you’ve never been serious before.
Karthik: Maybe that’s the point.
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- Writer
