Ishika Malhotra

After my shift at the hospital was over, I planned on heading to the workshop to help with organising a shelf of old books with my father. "Bye Rudra!" He waved at me with a grin and continued talking to one of the guards who were patrolling around the hospital grounds. Dad told me this morning that everyone was on alert as they caught on to an unfamiliar man. And since then, the guards have been placed everywhere.

"Ms. Malhotra, where to?" One of the guards' gruff voices spoke out, making me jump. "Umm, hi. I finished my shift and I'm heading to my dad's workshop to help him out." I replied kindly. "Miss, it's safer if you stay home. Boss's orders." "Yes, I know. But my father's waiting for me. I'll be home as soon as I'm done."

"Please be safe." He stepped back.

"Thank you!" I hopped into my car and drove away.

At the workshop...

"Hey love!" My dad beamed at me as I entered the workshop. The place was completely empty and dimly lit as the sun was setting. The street lights shone through the windows. "Has everyone left so early?"

"No one came in, Ishika. since the guards asked everyone to stay indoors. "Just a few people walking here and there for necessities, that's all." Perhaps the best time to sort out.

Tying my hair up in a messy bun, I began dusting and arranging the books in order.

Thirty minutes past, and I was surrounded by books all around me as I sat on the floor with my legs crossed. Huffing at all the books scattered... "there's no way I'm organising all this by tonight." I muttered

to myself.

"I heard you!" My dad chuckled. "Come on, let's get my baby home." He walked to me and stretched his arm for me to take it.

Just then, a matte black Jeep stopped in front of the workshop, right beside

my car.

"It's the Boss." My father walked to the entrance, leaving me on the floor.

He stepped out of the vehicle with one of his men behind him. He appeared... hot in the light of the streetlamps. Gosh, I hate myself for being weak.

His sharp eyes glazed around the streets, watching a few people walk

past, and I could see some of them walking in the opposite direction at the sight of him. With his jaw clenched like that, I bet no one would want to be close to him right now. Casually adjusting his jacket, he walked through the front door. Oh no!

"Boss, come in. Is everything alright?" Dad asked as he entered. His eyes came into contact with mine for a few seconds before looking at my father. "Of course, not Mr. Malhotra. The Boss made it clear to stay indoors till it's safe. The other man spoke up. I recognised him as one of the warriors.

"Yes, I know Tushar. We were about to close and leave." When Dad asked them what had happened, the conversation continued. "Aditya and Tushar tracked an unfamiliar man this morning..." Abhimanyu spoke and explained what had happened to Dad while I zoned out. His eyebrows furrowed as he spoke in all seriousness, crossing his arms over his chest. The three men continued their conversation for a while.

He stood a few feet away from me. hands in his pockets, watching my every move. I looked out of the window to see that Dad and the other man, named Tushar, had walked out of the building while they were still having a deep discussion. I was alone with him. Why was I feeling giddy? Avoiding his eyes, I walked to the table past him to grab my stuff. Shouldn't he be outside? What's he doing here?

"You should have gone home, right after your shift." He spoke firmly, yet in a soft tone.

"Yes, but Dad needed me here." I spoke with no emotion at all.

"Not the best time for you to be driving around."

"I know!" I began gathering my bags.

"And still you preferred to do so..." He was losing his gentle tone now.

"I can handle myself really well, Boss." I looked at him.

"Ishika!" He called in frustration...

quickly putting the books away. I stood dusting my jeans and looking up at the shelf, blowing away the strands of hair that had fallen on my forehead. I let out a gasp as I turned around to see the stunning grayish-green eyes watching me. As if in a daze, I stood still, looking up at the captivating looks of this handsome man.

"Hmm?" I crossed my arms.

"Next time, you simply just follow my orders. Understand?"

I glanced out the window to see a few individuals walking by. "Are you going to go from door to door doing the same to each and every one of them?" I gestured, using my hand, to point out through the glass windows.

Placing his palms on the desk, he lowered his body and bent down to my level, face to face. inches away from me. His minty breath and his mesmerising scent surrounded me. "Next time," he repeated, "you listen. If you don't, I'll make sure to keep you indoors. I won't hesitate to come and get you by myself. Understand, chicoo?" I gulped. chicoo? He just called me chicoo! That was my nickname only a few knew. His eyes followed down to my throat and back to my face, where they met again.

I was tongue-tied. He didn't use his Boss tone at me; instead, it was a deep voice that held so much command yet was so low. I was trying to figure him out. He stepped back with a satisfied smirk. I looked away and pulled the keys out of the drawers.

"You can go now!" I snapped at him; I hated his smirk. He stood there, amused at my reaction.

"After you... ma'am." He mocked. I looked up at him in frustration to see him biting his lip. probably holding back a laugh since he got a reaction out of me.

Outside the workshop...

I locked the doors and handed the keys to Dad before walking to my car. "Ishika?" My dad called. I looked at him to see him motioning me towards Abhimanyu with his eyes. What now? Oh, I needed to show the Boss some respect.

He stood there nonchalantly, waiting to see what I'd do.

"Good night, Boss." I bowed. He simply bowed with laughter in his eyes. "See you around, Doc." Tushar spoke.

"Bye!" I waved at him as well and got into my car. Phew!

What's with everyone annoying me today? Laying on my bed, I stared at the moon like I always did. Did he come by the workshop just to check on me? If yes, does that mean he cares? The thought made my stomach flutter. A smile played on my lips as I thought about our interaction. The most feared Boss of the world, cared for me. He even maintained a teasing tone at the end of the conversation. A small laugh left my mouth, thinking about it.

After a while, a thought struck my mind. The moment we shared came to an end. There'll be no prolongation. It's because at the end of the day, he'll have to leave.

He will leave me and go back to her.