Dually Devoted ?

Chapter 11

"I just needed a file, Sir." She pointed at the file racks.

As he went back to his work, she searched for the required file, not sensing his gaze that flicked her way every other second. Finding the file she needed on the top cabinet, she stood on her toes, trying to reach it. Should have worn my heels. She sighed, as the tip her fingers danced and every part of her body stretched, wanting to grasp the file, but to no avail.

Amused, Sid exhaled a laughing breath and walked up to her. Caging her between him and the shelf, he felt her breath getting caught. He smirked, dipping his head to reach her ear. "Which file?" He whispered intently, huskily, feeling proud of the shiver that coursed through her body.

Her eyes jolted up at her, her head turning sideways. "The-" she brought her eyes back to the top shelf, at a loss of words. She chastised herself for reacting this way. Yet, her senses could not ignore his masculine scent, comforting warmth and the still-echoing rumble of his voice. She took in a calming breath.

Raising his hand to the top shelf where he knew the file was, he found his smirk widening at the effect he was having on her. "You were saying?" He breathed slowly, lifting a brow. Her lavender scent encapsulating him.

But a disappointed look marred his face as she leaned closer to the shelf, and away from him, before twirling around. She looked up to meet his gaze, their faces close. However, within the thoughts that were crawling into his mind could completely occupy him, she cleared her throat, bringing his attention back to this world. "...There's only one file in that cabinet, Sir," she smiled sweetly.

"Ha?" He wrinkled his brows, tilting his head adorably, causing her to secretly feel amused.

"You asked me which file, Sir. But there is just one up there." She pointed upwards with her eyes, that were now holding a shine he hadn't seen before.

Her lips twitched in a corner at the sight, as he followed her gaze, finally understanding what she meant. There was just one file in that cabinet. He had made a fool out of himself.

Shit!

He hurriedly took the file and handed it to her, before taking a step back to let her pass. As she walked by, he strangely felt left out. He just wanted to pull her back to him and hold her in his arms. His jaw ticked. She has a boyfriend, he suddenly seemed to remember, making him stalk over to his desk, wanting to punch something.

As the door of his office clicked shut, he let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding. This. Was getting out of hand. His fingers raked through his hair, and he fell back back in her seat, eyes closed in defeat.

***

"But then, I was also thinking-" Siddharth was cut off by the ringing of Arpita's mobile.

She immediately apologized and when she went to silence it, she paused for a second, seeing it's Addison who had called. Why had he called?

"Answer it, it's okay," Sid permitted, having caught the concern in her eyes.

She smiled in gratitude and picked it up, getting up and taking a few steps away from his desk. "Hel-"

"Harps! We'll come pick you up from work today," Addy loudly proclaimed.

Arpita moved the mobile away at his loud voice, bringing it closer after he was done talking. "Okay... Be here at eight," she sang, her lips slowly breaking into a grin with each word she uttered.

"I know your work ends at eight thirty."

Arpita chuckled, "Yep. If I say eight, you'll come by eight thirty, I hope."

Addison let out a small laugh, "I'll be there on time, I swear. Ask Vi, I've improved. I don't want her yelling at me again."

"Aww. She's really made you a better man, ha?"

Addy grinned, his eyes shining with love, "I love her..." she heard shuffled noises through the line, "Harps, I need to go, See you soon."

"Okay, then. Bye."

She returned back to the seat, muttering 'sorry for that', before getting back to business. He had been observing her the whole time. He was so used to doing that even as she sat in her desk and he in his, that he sometimes felt like a creep. "Your boyfriend?" He asked, not very happy with the fact. But it was good to see her eyes sparkling that way.

Arpita looked up at him and grinned with a small chuckle, "No, Sir. He's my friend."

Sid smiled in relief, without meaning to, "You must be close to him."

She was surprised at his warm smile, but didn't show it. Rather, she took in the rare sight, as she replied, "Yes, he's been by my side since I was eight."

"Oh! And he isn't in love with you?!" The question slipped out of his mouth, for he was genuinely shocked. How could a guy know her for that long and not be in love with her?!

Arpita laughed. "No, Sir. I can't even imagine that." She shook her head, "He has a girlfriend, Violet, whom he loves like crazy. They've been together for more than ten years now."

Sid's eyes widened, "Okay... what about you and your boyfriend?" What's wrong with me?! I should seriously concentrate on my work.

Arpita's brow lifted, as she asked cautiously, "Why are you so sure I have a boyfriend? I don't have one."

He furrowed his eyes at her, happiness swirling within him. She didn't have a boyfriend, and she just spoke to him without using the word 'Sir'! Why am I even observing that?!

"You told me you had someone you loved, remember? I didn't know you could lie so blatantly, Miss. Arpita," he smirked, raising a brow.

"Sir! I didn't lie." She pressed, thoughts of Arnav coming back to her.

Sid stared at her as she seemed hurt. His jaw clenched without his own notice. "Okay, now, I don't want to hear a sob story," he said, trying to his voice playful.

She glanced up at him and a cute chuckle left her lips, "It's not really a sob story..." She thought back, "I consider it quite bittersweet," she sumed up, her chocolatey eyes holding a softer look.

Like dark chocolate. He lost himself in her eyes, hearing her words but not listening. All he wanted to do was keep looking at her. He just knew, that look in her eyes... was love. He was about to smile at the sight, but concern took its place. Clearly, she still loved that man. What kind of a person is he, that she loves him this much, though her love isn't returned? Wait! Is he alive?!

"Back to work, Sir," she commanded the only command she was allowed to give him. These days, their conversation often melted away from one topic to another and then, she would have to remind him about work. She found it funny that they had become so comfortable with each other to get this distracted. This time, it was Addy's fault. She blamed him for their distraction, Couldn't he call me at 1?

***
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