Not A Simple Engineer Boy!

Thirty Four: Young's Modulus (Part 3)

Akash took Krithika's hand to support her weight while she tried to adjust her heels. Standing straight she sized him up and wiggled her brows, "Chivalry, indeed?"

"Akash is always in attendance for beautiful ladies.", he winked and leaned in, murmuring, "May I let you know, you do look more than just beautiful tonight."

Giggling she turned to face him, "Ah! I see.", she sashayed inside the hall and a realization hit her, "Are you trying to flirt with me, Mr. Akash Gautam?"

"Can't a man be happy for a few seconds?"

She laughed louder and watched as he joined her in the jolly spree, "If this was some sort of training you needed before you flirt with Priya, I would advise you to change your strategy.", she swatted his arm.

He blushed furiously, "Shut up!"

They both saw the other two members of their gang- was it a gang?- wade through people in the gathering, their hands carrying some glasses, probably some juice or wine or both, and reach them. Rashi's glee was as clear as always, "They are going to start!"

On cue, they heard someone announcing, "Hello to everyone, the people of the Xhasis."

Everyone cheered.

"This year was a success! I hope every one of you enjoyed each second of being a part of this fabulous organization."

Every employee hummed their agreement.

It was enthralling to see such a large number of people gathered in their celebration hall. And to think of it, the massive space had made it quite accommodating, it wasn't jammed at all. The hall was decorated meticulously, and Krithika's eyes could scan through each detail. They probably had splurged more than enough money for such a grand event.

"Keeping up with the Xhasis's tradition, I would like to welcome our both lovely bosses for a dance." the person announced.

Everyone in attendance cheered, many whistling their heart out. She peeped at the center of the hall as everyone staggered behind, clearing a large space.

There was no dais or stage. It was a plain leveled floor, yet when Xavier and Satya sauntered to the center it looked like they were standing on an elevated platform, higher than all peasants.

Her eyes widened when she noticed Xavier. Her breath caught in her throat as she watched him, transfixed in her spot. He stood there in his all six-foot-something tall glory and looking oh-so-handsome. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt that hugged him like a second skin with a denim jacket, and those fucking sleeves were pulled higher on his arm. The V of his t-shirt showed off more than the required caramel-tinted skin, probably more than she ever saw of him, and her hands involuntarily flexed.

As her eyes wandered low, she noticed a pair of faded jeans fit his strong legs and comfortable sneakers graced the floor as he walked. Her eyes took in all the magnificence of him that she could, it was not a daily business where anyone saw Xavier like this, so carefree and exquisite. He looked much younger than his usual self.

And what the hell was that in his head? A wavy metal headband? It held his dark unruly curls in place, making it look like someone had their fingers trail through those defiant locks and pulled him to kiss. Maybe she wanted herself to be that someone.

Stop!

She turned her face to the side, embarrassed at being completely enticed by him. Whatever she had managed to convince herself, she knew that this man was too attractive to ignore. Perhaps every woman in the office was attracted equally like her, but she wanted to fight back any feeling that she felt for him.

It's wrong.

It was wrong.

"They look so good together.", Priya's voice brought her to the present, "I am surprised that they are not dating each other!"

Krithika tilted her head to look and saw Satya dressed like a queen, her maroon saree complimenting her curvy body. Why was everyone so gorgeous around her? All her friends, colleagues, department mates, and every other person present there looked at least decent if nothing.

Only she was the ugly duckling, dark and tiny, wearing a stupid yellow saree as she had nothing else to wear- that had made her trip at least thrice that day. And the damned heels killed her. She had worn them to give her a few inches of height, at least she could look tall.

Ugh!

The violinists started playing a classic Beethoven melody in the background and both of them started waltzing like professionals. She didn't focus on analyzing the tune- as she would usually do- as her mind was occupied elsewhere.

The more she looked at her bosses the more she felt uncomfortable. They both looked perfect together, and Priya's statement plagued her mind. From what she had observed, both of them had a bond of siblings than that of lovers. But, even if they were indeed a couple, why did she feel a stab of pain in her chest?

She merely was attracted to Xavier and wanted to omit that feeling soon. But why was she glaring at them, worrying her lower lip with her teeth whenever they swayed closer? She should be relieved. Rather she wanted the dance to stop- them to stop.

A roar of claps filled the hall. An additional nudge from Rashi made her clap jerkily, "It was good.", she remarked.

"You were looking at them as if they stole your food.", Priya dryly added, "What was that scowl for?"

"Nothing."

Her cheeks burned and she gulped whatever her glass had in it.

Lord, please give me a new job soon!

--
A/N

I was listening to a few of Beethoven's classics, the video attached- this particular one feels so beautiful, and the arrangement is perfect. Wow!

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