An Innocent Crush ✓

35 | A beautiful problem.

‘you… you did the same thing…’

‘Are you alright?’

‘I… I'm sorry…’

Arjun was completely absorbed in the thoughts of that little lady, who unknowingly and easily made a special place in his not so soft heart, so much that he didn't notice his phone ringing for a whole five minutes.

His expression shifted slightly as he slowly glanced at his phone before picking it up from his table and threw it across the room.

“Ah, Damn it!” He sighed and ran a hand over his face, trying to compose himself. “Why are you so incredibly beautiful, so gentle, so tender, so pure... Don't you see? I struggle with those who possess such pure souls,” he murmured, his voice filled with a deep and troubled tone.

"Stop invading my mind; I hate it. Do you have the slightest idea of how hard you're making it for me? That stupid thing you did to save the life of a useless nurse nearly made my heart stop beating. Stupid girl…”

He grabbed the box of cigarettes before getting up from his luxurious leather chair and making his way towards the huge glass wall of his office cabin.

He flicked open the box of cigarettes and lit one, taking a long drag as he tried to calm the storm of emotions raging inside him. He couldn't get her out of his mind, her kindness and selflessness haunting him like a ghost.

"You did the same thing… right?" he muttered to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Dr. Arjun?" a voice interrupted his thoughts. It was his secretary, standing at the doorway with a concerned look on his face.

"Sameer! Good thing you came, I was about to call you. Did you ask the researcher to check the new drugs?" Arjun asked. He stubbed out the half-smoked cigarette and tried to regain his composure.

“Yes I did, also here are the reports of the new medicine,” Sameer replied and handed him the file before standing straight in front of Arjun's desk.

“You can leave Sameer, thank you.”

Sameer nodded his head before exiting the cabin, Arjun let out a sigh and closed his eyes, the image of the girl with the kind eyes and the fearless determination filled his mind once again.

He couldn't shake the feeling that she was somehow meant to be a part of his life, despite the fact that she was nothing like the women he usually surrounded himself with.

He needed to find out more about her, to understand what made her tick for him. And if it meant crossing ethical boundaries, he was willing to take that risk.

After all, when Arjun set his sights on something, he always found a way to get it. And right now, all he wanted was to get the girl who had captured his heart in a way no one else ever had.

⚕️

"Did you like your apartment?" Arjun inquired.

"Yep, I did. It's cozy and beautiful," Dhruv replied, simultaneously on a call with Arjun and arranging his clothes in the wardrobe. Incredibly hungry, he craved nothing but a hot bowl of fried rice accompanied by a fresh salad at that very moment.

"Perfect, it's close to the hospital as well. Actually, Sameer was the one who found this apartment for you," Arjun mentioned.

Having folded the last trouser, Dhruv grabbed his phone and strolled toward his balcony. "Do you know any good restaurants here?" he asked.

"Oh, don't ask me that, Dhruv. I've never been to any restaurant in Mumbai," Arjun confessed.

"Really?" Dhruv chuckled softly.

"I swear. Don't worry, I'll ask Sameer—"

"Oh no! I'll find it myself. Don't overwork that poor soul," Dhruv interjected, looking at the building in front of him. He frowned as some girls were screaming strange songs before returning inside his room.

"Alright then, good night."

"Good night.”

Dhruv heard the loud music once again. He let out a frustrated growl before grabbing his hoodie from the bed and putting it on. Then, he made his way out of his apartment toward the building in front of him.

As Dhruv approached the building's gate, he was met by a security guard who stepped forward and politely explained, "I'm sorry, sir. This is a girls' PG, and only ladies are allowed inside."

Dhruv let out a sigh, feeling a bit frustrated. "I apologize for the inconvenience, but is it possible to speak with the person in charge of this PG?" he requested.

The security guard nodded and promptly made a call. Before long, a woman in her early fifties arrived at the gate.

"Is everything alright, sir?" she asked politely. Dhruv took a deep breath, trying to stay composed. "I'm really sorry to bother you at this late hour, but could you kindly request the girls on the second floor to lower their music? It's causing quite a headache for me," he explained, his tone remaining calm and understanding.

The woman at the gate expressed her apologies, saying, "Oh my God, these girls again... I'm so sorry for the inconvenience. Please wait here; I'll call them right now." She then took out her phone to make a call. Soon after, two girls in night suits hurried toward them.

Dhruv, who had been staring down, looked up to see Kiara and another girl. Kiara's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing him standing in front of her, while the other girl with her, Shanvi, eyed Dhruv suspiciously.

Kiara slowly positioned herself behind Shanvi, “He's Dhruv sir,” she whispered, while Shanvi furrowed her eyebrows, clearly confused by her best friend's words.

“He's Dhruv sir!” Kiara repeated, this time slightly louder, trying to clarify. Shanvi’s eyes immediately snapped towards Dhruv, who was as shocked as they were.

Shanvi eyed him from head to toe, “great choice, yaar, he's quite charming,” she whispered back at Kiara, who couldn't help but roll her eyes at her best friend’s comment.

“What are you both whispering about? Say sorry to him,” the lady said with a stern tone.

Shanvi nodded and turned her attention to Dhruv, who looked nervous as hell, “I'm really sorry, mister... the apartment you are staying in now has been empty for the past few months so... I'm really sorry,” she said, her voice lacking emotions.

“Got something to say, Kiara?” She asked, turning expectantly. “Uh—" Kiara began, but Shanvi's exaggerated winking and head shaking signaled her to stay quiet.

Kiara nodded with a sheepish grin, “Nah,” she replied before starting to leave. “Hey, Kiara!” Dhruv's voice stopped her in her tracks. Slowly turning back, she faced him.

Dhruv approached with a smile, “No worries, enjoy yourself. I'm cool with it... so, you stay here?” He asked, suddenly feeling cheerful. All his previous headache and hunger seemed a distant memory.

Kiara glanced between Shanvi and Dhruv, nodding hesitantly, “Oh, good,” his eyes gleamed. “I'm tired, good night,” Kiara mumbled before dashing towards the building with Shanvi following her behind.

Dhruv couldn't help but smile as he strolled back toward his apartment. While walking along the road, a sudden laugh escaped him, prompting a chorus of barks from the street dogs.

"Whoa there, buddy, I'm just happy… not here to harm you…”