DHRUV'S POV:

"You are, aren't you?" he asked once more. I turned to face him straight-faced and replied with a convincing lie, "No, I am not. I'm heading to the office."

He stood up and approached me with an insidious smirk. "Now, don't hold yourself too highly, will you? I know you're not being truthful," he declared with unwavering confidence. However, I remained composed and calm.

"Why do you think I'm lying?" I asked, challenging his certainty.

"I received a call from Esha yesterday. She was looking for baker suggestions, and since I know one personally, I recommended Alia. You're familiar with her, aren't you?" he said, his tone laced with sarcasm, as he deduced my destination.

"Yeah, I am. So?" I replied casually.

"Nothing much. Just that your sister texted me late last night, informing me she'd be flying to LA for a week. She mentioned there'd be no one to help you organize the party, so I should step in and assist," he teased, pushing the boundaries further.

Wasn't my sister implying that I would throw an exceptional party?

"Yeah, she left last night. So?" I retorted. But Sameer interrupted with a sly grin, "Enough with the 'so' and the act. Just admit you're going to meet your lady."

"Or what do you call her?" he prodded from behind. I rolled my eyes at him, turned to leave, and whispered, "Angel." He must have overheard, as I heard him yelling, "Yes, angel. Your Angel," and a subtle smile graced my face.

My angel.

Now I must reluctantly abandon my plan to go to her place early in the morning because of my nosy friend. If he goes there too, then I won't get time to get to know her.

That's what I intend to do and more.

God, what am I even thinking right now? Get hold of yourself, Dhruv. I thought to myself and drove to the office.

✧

Driving towards the office, I typed 'Hi' and sent it to her number. It's currently 9 am, and she must still be at home having breakfast. Yes, I know some of her routines.

No, I don't stalk her.

That night was different; I followed her just to make sure she reached home safely. I don't trust that, Jay. Thanks to her Instagram, I usually keep track of her schedule as she shares glimpses of her life there. However, lately, there haven't been any new posts.

In around 30 minutes, I arrived at the office. Upon entering the cabin, I noticed a coffee cup on my table along with a note placed beside it.

"Thanks for your help, sir"

Before joining the company, my father worked here, and his manager not only served as his supervisor but also became his closest confidant and friend. The manager's daughter, Shreya, now my assistant, holds a special place in my father's esteem. Recently, he requested my assistance in preparing for her wedding, and she is expressing her gratitude for my support.

Sipping on my coffee, I immersed myself in addressing the areas of attention required within the company.

✧

After finally ploughing through a mountain of files and documents for the day, I stood up from my chair, stretched a little, and then my phone pinged with a notification.

Holding my phone in my hands, I eagerly checked for her response. The screen lit up with Alia's message.

Alia: Hello.

Dhruv: Hi, I'm Dhruv.

The familiar double ticks turned blue, indicating she had read my message almost immediately.

Alia: Yes, how may I assist you?

"Assist me?" I thought, puzzled by her formality.

Dhruv: Esha gave me your number; she must have talked to you.

Alia: Yes, she did.

Dhruv: Do you think we can meet today

Alia: Meet? Today?

Dhruv: Umm, yeah. It's about the cake. My sister is quite particular, and she wants me to check things before finalizing.

Alia: Sure.

Dhruv: So, what time should I drop by?

Alia: You can drop by whenever you're free. I'll be at the shop.

Dhruv: Sure, okay. Thanks.

Alia: :)

Finally, I got an opportunity to get to know her better, beyond the distant observations I made from Sameer and her Instagram stories.

Excitement bubbled within me at the prospect of meeting her in just a few hours. Despite my attempts to focus on the files in front of me, her thoughts persisted, refusing to be pushed aside. Her mere presence in my mind was enough to shatter my concentration and steal away my sanity.

Unbeknownst to her, she had cast a spell over me.

I found myself enchanted by the anticipation of our meeting, a feeling that had crept in and taken residence within me. The girl had captivated my thoughts, weaving a subtle enchantment that left me eagerly looking forward to the moments we would share.

I was enchanted to meet her.

ALIA'S POV:

Since the moment I stepped into the bakery this morning, it felt like I've been on a non-stop sprint from one corner to another – serving customers and racing against time to fulfil last-minute Christmas orders. The workload has reached new heights, making the day both exhausting and chaotic.

Around noon, a brief respite emerged, allowing me to steal a moment for myself. Clutching my phone and a much-needed cup of coffee, I settled at one of the bakery tables. It was the first time all morning I had the chance to check my phone.

Unlocking the screen, I discovered a simple 'Hi' from an unknown number. Intrigued, I responded. During a brief pause in the bustling activity, I took a moment to dial Jay's number. We hadn't spoken since that day, and he hadn't made an appearance at the bakery to meet me.

Dialling his number, I eagerly awaited a response, but he didn't pick up. Tried repeatedly, but my calls went unanswered.

Assuming he must be immersed in his tasks, I opted to drop him a text. Just as I sent the message, the individual who had greeted me earlier responded.

"Hi, I'm Dhruv."

What? Is this for real? How did he even get my number? What should I even reply to?

Oh no, he's online.

Feeling a sudden rush, I hastily typed a response, its formality making me instantly regret hitting send. The conversation unfolded, leading to the agreement that he would be dropping by later to discuss the order.

Reflecting on when his sister had approached me for a favour the previous day, I hadn't anticipated that Dhruv would be directly involved. The realization that he would be coming here caused my heart to do a backflip.

But he wouldn't come alone, would he? Sameer is always around him, so I'm sure he'd join him too.

✧

With only a handful of customers lingering in the bakery and the last Christmas order dispatched, my attention has been fixated on the door ever since our conversation. I was waiting eagerly for his arrival.

Before placing the batter inside the oven, I stole a glance at the door before disappearing into the kitchen. This cake holds a special place – a tradition to be cut with my family on Christmas.

After cleaning the kitchen, I stepped out only to be met with a pair of beautiful eyes and a smile so enchanting that it made my heart skip a beat. He stood there, clad in a perfectly fitting suit, his hair meticulously combed into place.

I froze for a moment until he spoke, "Hello." Feeling a lump in my throat, I gulped it down and replied, "Hi."

✧

As the last customer's order was served, I finally hung the closed sign on the door, bringing an end to the day's business. The bakery is now quiet, I turned my attention to the corner where he had been sitting alone, sipping coffee for the past half-hour.

I stole a glance at him, finding him deeply engrossed in something on his laptop. The lines of frustration and tension etched on his face hinted at an underlying concern. Despite the desire to approach him, a moment of hesitation held me back.

Now with the workspace free from the hustle and bustle, I slowly made my way toward the corner where he was seated, contemplating the best way to break the silence.

I went to his table and quietly said, "Hi." On hearing me, he quickly peeked up from his laptop and replied with a smile.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting; it's the festive season, so we are running busy," I said, trying to explain. He nodded at me in understanding and replied, "It's okay. I can wait for you forever." His last words came out as a whisper, but I could hear them. Unable to understand his words, I asked, "Sorry? Did you say anything?"

His expression changed as if he was almost caught doing something he shouldn't have been doing. He cleared his throat while adjusting his position in his chair. "Nothing, can we discuss the cake?"

I was about to reply when his phone rang, and he excused himself to pick it up, answering the call in a grumpy tone.

DHRUV'S POV:

What in the world? Why did he have to call at this exact moment? Couldn't it have waited a little longer? With a sigh, I reluctantly picked up the call and answered in a grumpy tone, "Hello, Sameer, what is it?"

"I'm coming to meet you in 30 minutes; you are in the office, right?" his voice echoed through the phone.

"Yeah, I mean no, I'm out for a meeting. Can you come by later at my place?" I replied, nervously contemplating how to handle the situation in front of her. She shot me a sidelong glance when I mentioned the word 'meeting' aloud, and then swiftly averted her gaze.

"Meeting or a date?" he teased me, and I choked on the coffee I was drinking. Coughing, I reached for a tissue, which she handed me. She mouthed, 'Are you okay?' and I nodded at her.

"No, it's not. Okay, I'll call you later," I said, hastily disconnecting the call before he could bombard me with more questions.

After ending the call, I looked around and noticed she wasn't in her place. Upon searching, I found her engaged in a conversation with an elderly woman and a sweet little girl, near the counter. Rising from my chair, I walked over to join them.

When I reached there, all three turned to look at me, and our eyes met. Hers and mine. But, due to their prolonged gaze, I felt a bit nervous and looked away.

"You're an incredibly charming gentleman; Alia, you're truly fortunate to have him by your side," the elderly lady said, leaving both her and me flabbergasted.

I loved how that sounded.

We aren't, but I want us to be. That's what I have wanted for a while now.

On hearing the elderly lady, she fumbled and slowly replied, "No... nahi, dadi, aapko galat fehmi horahi hai," with a red hue spreading over her face.

Despite Alia's mention, she cast an unexplainable smile in our direction. Then Alia went inside the kitchen, and as soon as she entered, she looked at me and said, "I can see it in your eyes."

"Sorry?"

"I may be older than you, but I have the knack for reading eyes, and your gaze speaks volumes about your feelings for her," she had just mentioned when Alia emerged from the kitchen, carrying a box in her hands.

I attempted to step forward to assist her, but she had already placed the box on the table. It demonstrated her strength and independence, setting her apart from the others around me. Moving ahead, she bent down in front of the little girl, gently touched her nose with affection, and wished her, "Happy Birthday, princess." She then proceeded to plant a kiss on the little one's cheeks.

She looked adorable.

She scooped the little girl into her arms and extended a gift wrapped in mermaid-themed paper, saying, "A gift for my mermaid princess," and embraced her affectionately. The little girl then whispered something in her ear, her eyes met mine, and she blushed profusely. They both burst into laughter.

The scene unfolded with adorable moments, including Alia looking at ease as she interacted with the little girl, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and laughter. Despite the unpredictability of the situation, I filled myself hoping that certain details would remain undisclosed, especially the whimsical remarks made by the elderly lady.

✧

The little girl and the elderly lady left a while ago, and now I find myself waiting for her return as she has gone to fetch us some coffee. After a few minutes, she returns with coffee and cookies in her hand, placing them on the table. Handing me a cup, she takes a sip of her coffee. Clearing her throat, she asks, "Umm, do you have anything in mind?"

"For what?" I was lost in gazing at her, so when she asked me this question, I was pulled out of my trance.

"For the cake?" she replied. "I have no idea about anything related to organizing a party; my sister used to handle it before. But since she couldn't be here this time, she has handed it over to me," I said, intentionally sounding a bit clueless and conveying a hint of helplessness. I hoped to appear sad and convincing enough to make her understand that I wouldn't be able to do it alone.

"You know, you could always consider hiring an event management team to handle everything smoothly," she suggested, trying to be practical.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Well, our family has always preferred doing these things ourselves. We have our trusted helpers who assist us, but the personal touch in planning and decorating comes from us, mainly Esha. It's a tradition, you can say," I explained, hoping she would understand the family sentiment attached to organizing their celebrations.

She smiled widely and nodded in understanding. "I respect that," she said, acknowledging the importance of preserving family traditions.

After a moment of processing my words, a small smile crept onto her face. "Organizing a party can be overwhelming, but I can help you with the arrangements. We can make it a memorable celebration for your parents," she suggested her willingness to assist slightly evident in her eyes. "Only, if you want and are okay with that," she added.

I managed a grateful smile. "That would be amazing. I appreciate your help," I replied, secretly pleased that my plan seemed to be working.

The conversation then smoothly transitioned into discussing party ideas and decorations, setting the stage for an effort that could potentially bring us closer. After spending another hour talking about the party, I left her shop to go and meet my friend, who had been sending me texts, all of which I had gracefully ignored.

ALIA'S POV:

Turning the lights off, I stepped outside the bakery. It's unbelievable that I did that. How on earth did I find the courage to offer help in organizing his parents' anniversary party? My heart is racing, and panic is creeping in, but there's also this strange happiness bubbling within me, that I'd get to see him more, to spend some more time with him.

Excited about the days ahead, I felt a sense of happiness. Thinking about them, I closed the bakery and drove back home.

I arrived home a bit later than usual; I hope no one questions me, though I doubt they would. Still, reaching home, I asked Bhabhi to store the Christmas cake I made in the fridge and headed to my room to change.

Yes, the same cake that almost burnt when I was mesmerized by his presence in the shop, especially knowing he was stopping by.

His presence in the bakery at the time when I was feeling exhausted made me giddy all over again. Not to forget what Amara, the little girl, whispered into my ears, "Grandma chays dat hee lyukes eww." I remember looking at him the very instant and finding his eyes already looking at me. My cheeks warm up every time he looks at me, and I am not sure if he has ever noticed them turn red or pink.

Entering the room, I quickly took a hot shower, changed into a fresh set of pyjamas, and headed down for dinner.

✧

After a light dinner, we all gathered in the living room to watch a Christmas movie, sipping hot chocolate, and enjoying cookies. Our tradition involves staying up until midnight to cut the cake, much like the New Year's celebrations.

While engrossed in the movie, Mumma questioned why I was late today, suggesting it might be due to the festive season. I responded with a simple, "Yes and no both." Perceiving her confusion, I explained how the busy day unfolded with numerous festive orders, just as she had guessed. Additionally, I mentioned that Dhruv had stopped by to discuss his order.

Surprised, Bhaiya inquired, "Dhruv came? He didn't tell me he was coming." Bhabhi swiftly snatched his phone, retorting, "Does he need to inform you about everything? Are you his father or girlfriend?" She gestured for us to focus on the movie.

While understanding her intention, I couldn't help but hold back laughter, joining my mother in a loud chuckle at the cute antics my brother and Bhabhi engaged in.

Whenever I see couples, the question that lingers in my mind is whether I'll ever have what they share. I would move heaven and earth just to have a small moment like those with him if I am fortunate enough.

As the movie concluded, the clock neared midnight, prompting the family to gather. We joined in prayer, and as the clock struck 12, we cut the cake together.

Wishing everyone goodnight, I headed for bed. Before turning the lights off, I checked my phone to find a text message from him.

Dhruv: Merry Christmas

Grinning at his text, I responded, maintaining formality at all costs, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Malhotra."

Within a few seconds, he replied,

Dhruv: Haven't slept yet? And don't you think Mr Malhotra is rather too formal?

Alia: I was just about to, after responding to you. And no, I don't think it's too formal. We don't have any other sorts of relation apart from that.

Dhruv: We don't?

What does he mean? Technically, yes, he is my brother's best friend but that doesn't count.

Alia: Do we?

I asked, trying to erase my confusion about the mysterious connection he hinted at.

Dhruv: Yes, we do.

Reading his text, I couldn't believe it. I rubbed my eyes, making sure my sleepy mind wasn't playing tricks on me. He indeed mentioned some kind of relationship.

Alia: What kind of?

Still puzzled, I typed, seeking clarity on what he meant.

Dhruv: Goodnight, Miss. Sachdeva. We have a long day tomorrow.

He evaded my question and went offline before I could press further. With a sigh, I turned off the light and drifted to sleep.