Ishika Malhotra

Everything will get back to normal I concentrated on my work and spent more time with the kids. No matter how much I put my thoughts away from him, the hurt and anger he had caused me still remained.

However, as boss, he made his presence felt at the hospital the last two days to consult with Rudra about a few renovations. Though I avoided being in front of his eyes, the thought of him been around soothed my aching heart for some reason.

"Hey Ishika..." Rudra sat at the canteen in front of me. He looked cheerful as always. "Hi dr.Rathor ." I faked a curt greeting, earning an eye roll from him. "So, what are you doing this weekend?" He asked, taping his foot. "Hmm nothing." I took a sip of my coffee. "Why?" I continued. "Great, how about dinner, Saturday night? I have a few friends coming with me too. "You know you're so tied up with only work, so how about loosening up a little bit and meeting some new people around the town?"

"I'd like that." I smiled, relieved that he wasn't taking me on a date or anything. "So, Saturday, at eight?" "Fine with me, what's the place like?" "It's a fine dining restaurant by the lakes. "Fantastic view, you'll like it." He spoke. "Nice, and what am I supposed to wear?" I rubbed my chin while looking at him. "Anything, sweetheart. I bet you'll look gorgeous in anything." He chuckled. Sweetheart? "Okay doc, I'll see you around." Sipping the last bit of coffee, I walked out of the canteen.

That night, I spoke to Liza to catch up on her life there.

It was almost 8pm, which meant mum had dinner ready. After all these years, spending dinner time with my parents meant a lot. We laughed and joked around over delicious meals served by my mother. Unfortunately, today was not one of those days, because my father had returned from work, where he spoke about how Abhimanyu was at the fields looking over work and he couldn't just stop praising him. Letting out a quiet sigh, I continued eating the chicken and enjoyed the meal for the rest of dinner time. I have to accept that I'll have to hear about him or even have to face him every now and then. There's no running away. After a nice warm bubble bath, I wrapped myself in a cosy bath robe.

finishing up my night-time routine. I put on my pyjama pants and a crop top and settled in bed. It should not be fully absorbed while thinking about only one person. Looking out the window, I gazed at the moon; it glowed beautifully , bringing the day to its end with ease.

Seconds passed into minutes, and I still stared at her for answers. What was I feeling? Am I hiding from something that I'm forbidden to feel? Is it only pain and anger he gave me at first sight? Of course, not. There's more than that. That's the reason I'm here feeling hurt.

Saturday Night...

I had a really good feeling about tonight; I needed a change and, thanks to Rudra, it's finally happening.

Slipping my dress on, I clipped my messy bun to keep it in place. Settling in with some natural makeup and a red lip, I sat on my bed and wore my heels. Dressing up felt nice. It took me back to my university life with Lisa. good old days, I thought. Rudra insisted on picking me up to go to the restaurant to meet his other friends. It was almost eight, and I heard someone at the door. Grabbing my clutch, I walked downstairs to see Rudra having a chat with my parents. Their conversation died down when they noticed my arrival. "Ishika, you look... beautiful," Rudra said. "Thank you! You look very handsome Rudra" I smiled at him. He wore a maroon shirt with black slacks and a blazer. Bidding our farewell to my parents, Rudra brought me to his car and helped me get in. We had a friendly chat throughout the ride and eventually reached the destination.

The restaurant was located along the lake and had a very pleasant touch to it. Rudra gently guided me through the space by placing his hand on my lower back. Soon we were greeted by two couples. After being introduced to them as Rudra's good friend and colleague, we sat down. The first couple were Jai and Amaya. The second was Lokesh and Lilly. They were friends and very lovely people. I also learned that Jason and Lokesh were guards at the mansion for abhimaan uncle. The evening was well spent with Amaya and Lilly, whom I had grown pretty fond of. They told me stories about their kids and buddies. The ladies also gave me a few hints of what a gentleman Rudra is, to which I had to agree. "We should hang out again, Ishika. "You only know us girls, "Amaya held my hand. "Yes, like shopping! That's going to be fun." Lilly squealed. "Oh, I would love that, actually." I agreed. "Okay ladies, let's go!" Jai called for us. Making my way to Rudra, I watched as he held my shoulder and walked out the entrance.

"Um, Rudra, how come we never got a check?" I suddenly realised none of us had paid the bill. He chuckled. "It's on the house, Ishika." "How?" I raised my eyebrows. "This is one of the many hotels sir Abhimanyu owns. So, on weekends, whoever works for him, like the guards, and us, of course, dine for free." "Oh." I gazed at the place again in awe. "The big bad boss can be generous too." He whispered in my ear with a wink.

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