FATED REDEMPTION

41.

"Where were we?" I asked, regaining my composure as my team resumed the discussion. The project was important, but not more than keeping my woman safe.

The meeting had just wrapped up, and I was reviewing the final notes when my phone buzzed again. This time, it was a message from Agastya.

"Sir, Mrs. Ananya is not taking the route home. She is heading towards her parents' house."

My jaw tightened, and I felt a surge of possessiveness wash over me. Ananya had a habit of doing things her way, but this was unexpected. I couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and concern.

I quickly dialed the guard's number. "Why didn't you inform me earlier?" I demanded, my voice cold and controlled.

"Apologies, sir. We just confirmed her destination," He replied.

I hung up and immediately called Ananya. The phone rang, but she didn't pick up.But I didn't call again since she was driving.

I have no problem with her visiting family but still I don't know my blood just boils even in their names.

I shook my head and focused on work.
It's the best thing to distract me from her.

I stretched my neck and leaned back in my chair, the satisfaction of completing my work washing over me.

An exhale of relief escaped my lips as I reached for my phone, half-expecting a barrage of messages or calls from the guards. But the screen remained devoid of notifications. Strange.

I dialed Agastya's number again, impatience creeping into my voice as it rang. Finally, he picked up.

"Agastya, any updates? Why haven't I heard anything from the guards?"

He paused before answering. "Maam,is still at her parents' house. No changes."

I sighed and cut the call.Since she was there I didn't bothered to go at home early.I was just passing my time here.

After failing to distract myself with work and other things in every possible way I sighed and finally messaged her..

The night dragged on as I buried myself in work, hoping to keep my mind off her. I pored over documents, scribbling notes, and drafting emails.

Anything to keep the gnawing worry at bay. But no matter how engrossed I tried to be, my eyes kept flicking to my phone, checking for that elusive message or missed call.

"Focus, Arhan," I muttered to myself. I shook my head, trying to dispel the anxious thoughts that kept creeping in. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to return to the work at hand, one task after another.

Just as I was starting to gain some momentum, *ding*. My heart leaped to my throat. I grabbed my phone and stood up, eyes fixed on the screen. But it wasn't her.

"I should have known,"I muttered under my breath. Maybe I was foolish for expecting a reply. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, unsure if I should send another message or just leave it be.

The uncertainty gnawed at me, a constant reminder of the distance between us.

I sat back in my chair, phone still in hand, and let out a heavy sigh. The disappointment settled in my gut like a stone. I kept staring at the screen, hoping against hope that it would light up with her name. But the screen remained stubbornly dark. Each moment of silence felt colder than the last.

"Fuck it," I cursed at myself, grabbing my coat and heading out the door. I couldn't sit around any longer, waiting for a message that might never come. I needed to see Ananya, to know she was okay.