Chapter 20

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Feeling their curious stares I was dumbstruck on how to explain what they just witnessed me do. I on the other hand was blushing profusely, the heat of embarrassment spreading all over. Siddharth too looked eager with furrowed eyebrows waiting for an explanation. That I obviously didn't have and the real one that I didn't wanna give for obvious reasons.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

"I.. I.. I was.." I stuttered not having a single clue on how to get out of it.

"Yes you?" Mayank probed smirking at me.

Idiot. Making it worse.

I glared at him and uttered whatever came to my mind first which I regretted saying instantly.

"Whenever I am nervous I moan"

What? Shut up Anika!

"Like Mmmmm... Mmmm.. Mmmmm" I totally got into it just to prove my stupid theory. I kept doing it in nervousness so that they'll believe what I said was true.

"Okay. That's enough" Siddharth's voice boomed stopping me from embarrassing myself further.

I flinched and opened my eyes startled that I had unconsciously closed before. Everybody was looking at me as if I had lost my marbles.

Which I guess I did. Who moans like this just to justify your previous moan?

God! What picture I must have portrayed with my closed eyes moaning like a sex deprived teenager. No wonder Siddharth butted in.

I looked everywhere but him, so ashamed to even look at him and also fearing that I might start fantasising about him and me again. The people present didn't seem satisfied with my explanation not that I could fault them but Mr. Oberoi had thankfully not spoken anything to humiliate me further and resumed his earlier discussion with his associates. Forgetting about this whole moaning session. Thank god!

Moving my eyes around I made eye contact with Mayank who was trying with all his might to stop himself from laughing out loud, shaking uncontrollably in his seat.

Asshole. Laughing at my expense. Well if the roles were reversed I would be doing the same thing.

I glared at him and poked out my tongue to tease him while in return he winked at me. That's when I noticed Siddharth's grip on the table tightened as if he would crush the edge of it between his hands. I took a quick glance at his face and saw his face marred with anger. Jaw tightened, teeth gritting together while overlooking the exchange between Mayank and I.

There he goes again with Mayank being my boyfriend. Why me always?

Before I could say anything to him Mr. Oberoi announced that the project was approved and he wants us to get started on it as soon as possible. I squealed in happiness and thanked him for providing us with this huge opportunity.

Grinning from ear to ear I moved towards Siddharth to share our success when he completely avoided me by leaving me standing there all alone while he went to converse with Mr. Oberoi. The smile left my face as quickly as it came.

I turned away from them to hide my tears of hurt at his rejection. He could have at least shown some support as it was his company that actually cinched the project. Moreover I was angry at myself for being so weak. All my hard work has finally paved way to my success and he mercilessly stomped all over it. And how could I allow him to do that? How could I let him dominate my feelings?

No! Anika you're strong. Don't let him get to you. This is your moment. You have earned it.

Feeling rejuvenated with my pep talk I held my head high and with confidence I turned around only to stumble with some. Toppling over I was about to fall face down when a pair of arms caught me and broke my fall. I looked up and saw him.

Mayank

"Easy there tiger" He teased me with his hands still holding me upright.

Before I could say anything he continued in that condescending voice of his "First moaning in the office and now falling into my arms, damn you're on a roll today. I didn't know you like me so much" he ended with a wink.

"God! You're such a flirt" I teased him back and gestured for him to leave me.

"Only for you darling" he answered while dropping his arms and moving few steps back.

Blushing I slapped him lightly on his shoulder while giggling.

I know I was flirting right back but can you blame me? I'm only a woman standing in the presence of a charming man. Besides we both know it was completely harmless.

"Before I loose myself in your beauty let me congratulate you for today. Your designs were exceptional" he complimented me.

"Thanks a lot Mayank but stop with the flirting now" I reprimanded him.

He took a huge sigh and with fake sad face nodded in approval. And then we both started laughing at his antics.

He always makes me feel better and makes me forget about my sorrows. He's a really good friend.

I got a feeling that we were being watched and when I moved my eyes they came in contact with stormy black ones. He was watching us like a hawk and with his expressions I could tell that he wasn't happy with what he was witnessing.

Well neither was I! And for all I care he can think whatever he wants but both Mayank and I know where we stand.

With that thought in mind I glared back at him and got talking to Mayank again. It was after only a few minutes that Mr. Oberoi called out that he wants to make an announcement.

"On Siddharth's suggestion, we would like to throw a party tonight to commence this project. And with that we'll also announce to the media and world about the project that we are teaming up together for"

While everyone else clapped I was a bit confused because Siddharth has never suggested anything like this for the many projects we had done earlier. Something's cooking in that devious mind of his and I can't wait to find out what.

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Mayank and I were sitting in the bar area enjoying a few mock tails. Though I refused at first he convinced me by saying that we deserving this after slaving off for so many week. Also he said the drinks were on him and who am I to refuse that offer? With that I agreed while everyone else left including Siddharth who left without even saying goodbye.

Asshole. Not even asking his wife if she wants to leave with him!?

While I was still angry at first but Mayank as usual made me forget about everything else and we enjoyed our time together taking about all the random stuff with our drinks in our hands. We then talked about the party tonight, it was after that that I saw Mayank fidgeting anxious to ask me something.

"What is it?" I asked him to help him out.

"What?"

"You clearly want to ask me something. Tell me what is it?"

"Ummm... is your friend gonna come too?" He hesitated.

"Friend? Which friend?" I asked back confused.

"Your friend Maya, we met in a cafe remember?" He explained a bit too excited.

Somebody's eager.

"Ohhh.. why do you wanna know?" I asked getting a bit defensive.

"Just like that. Since she works in your company I thought she might come too" he answered lamely. Yeah right!?

"Cut the crap Mayank and give me the real reason" I demanded in a 'no nonsense' tone.

"Ah Alright. I liked her the first time we met and I would like to pursue her and see where it goes" he shrugged in response.

Such a lame answer. No love at first sight thing that I expected.

"Mayank let me tell you something. She just got out of a long serious relationship and I can assure you she's not looking for anything right now" I told him seriously so that he could understand that this was important to me.

He was about to say something when I added,

"Also she's my best friend not some random girl that you want to hook up with. We all know about your playboy image and to be honest I don't want her getting hurt again, getting her heart broken by a player" he flinched when I ended my speech. I know I had hurt him with what I said, I could see it in his eyes. But it was about my friend here and I'll do anything to protect her.

He nodded with a stoic expression. The hurt gone as quickly as it came. Leaving the tense atmosphere behind he changed the topic and again went back to his jovial mood but I could see something was amiss. I felt guilty for using such harsh words and apologised for the same when we left the hotel waiting for the valet to bring out our respective cars.

"Mayank I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so blatantly harsh with you. I know behind all that playboy image there's a kind, honest, loyal man and I wouldn't like anything more but for both of my friends to be together but only with that Mayank not this" I told him truthfully and gestured at him with my hands.

The valet brought out our cars and we thanked him getting ready to leave when Mayank turned towards me and answered in a grave voice,

"It's okay Anika I understand. But that Mayank is buried deep inside and it's tough for me to bring that vulnerable Mayank out. This cocky Mayank is my shield because I too don't wanna get hurt again" giving me a weak smile he hugged me before getting in his car and before I knew he left.

I stood rooted to the ground shocked with his admission. Something bad must have happened for him to be this way. But what?

It was the truth when I told him that I wouldn't like anything more but for Mayank and Maya to be together. After having some time to think, I came to this conclusion that they both actually suited each other. Maya with her shy reserved nature needed someone like Mayank to bring out her wild side. And Mayank needed someone like Maya to tame him and bring out that inner Mayank which he hides.

But I didn't need to play Cupid for that, it was something that both of them required to figure out on their own. Right now they both needed time to fight their inner demons and it just wasn't the correct time for them to take anything further.

Shaking me head I thought that it's true when they say, the saddest people smile the brightest.

With that I got into my car and started driving towards my destination, our home, Siddharth and mine's. It was time to talk to him one on one and he'll have to listen to me this time.
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A/N:

Early update. I finished writing it just now and couldn't stop myself from uploading it. I love all my readers and wanted to compensate for not uploading at all for the past weeks. 🤗

The next chapter will be the party and soon an even bigger announcement for both Siddharth and Anika. What do you think will happen next?

Will Anika apologise and can they solve their misunderstandings? What's the reason behind the party?

Well you'll have to wait for the next chapter to get your answers! 😏

Also did you guys expect that there's more to Mayank than just smiles and laughter?

Thanks for your support. Please like and comment :)

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