Dually Devoted ?

Chapter 27

Work- That was what made him wonder now, if his workaholic girlfriend would agree to join or not. It was highly probable that she'd say 'there's a lot of work, I'll stay', though she liked being around nature. Thus, he figured it was better if she didn't know that he had already agreed to it. If she was not going, nor was he.

She smiled knowingly and turned to Tarun who was looking amusedly at his friend, "We'll surely come, Tarun. Thanks for inviting."

Tarun smiled. "Splendid! I won't disturb you guys anymore, then," he said, looking at his watch as he walked to the door. "Shit, I need to run! It was a pleasure meeting you, Arpita. See you both soon," he saluted, before disappearing.

As the door shut, Sid informed her, "It's on Saturday."

She was about to speak but he bet her to it. "Don't you say no now," he warned, playfully pointing his forefinger at her.

She chuckled, "I figured it was on Saturday."

He frowned, confused, "How?"

"Since you looked unsure if I'll want to come? Even though he said it was on a weekend," she shrugged.

He raised an impressed brow at her, pulling her to him by her waist. "Don't I have a very. smart. girlfriend," he leaned down with every word, as she moved her face away simultaneously. Closing his mouth with her hand, she pushing him back. And he let her, disappointment washing over his features.

"That you do. So, listen to your 'very smart girlfriend' and get back to work." She kissed his cheek and stepped back from his arms, tapping on her tablet, to make the schedule visible.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping, slightly smiling at the kiss on his cheek.

** A day before the trip **

"Uhm-" Arpita hesitated, standing with one more file in her hand.

"What is it?" He glanced up at her, closing the file that he had just signed and keeping it aside.

"Don't you think you should've read it once?" She asked warily, furrowing her eyebrows at him. She genuinely wanted him to read the file, like he would've a few weeks back.

"You already did, didn't you?" he asked, confusion visible on his face.

"I did, but... Won't it be better if you check it before you sign?"

Sid rolled his eyes, "Next file, Arpita."

"Sid!"

He smiled. "I trust you," he assured.

She shook her head, still frowning, "What if I make a mistake?"

"Have you before?" He raised his brow at her, asking her rhetorically.

"It's not even been two years since I became your P.A."

"But you are a fast learner," he shrugged.

She heaved a long tired sigh, making him chuckle. "Why can't you read them for my peace of mind?" She tried again.

"You need to gain confidence about such things, Arpita. It'll help in the future."

Though she didn't understand what that exactly meant, she could think of nothing more to say. "Here," she handed him the next file.

She did not like the fact that he was signing such important contracts directly. Every time he signed blindly, her heart jolted anxiously. Of course, she made sure to check and recheck every word, but she still couldn't be completely confidant. One mistake, and the hard work of many of her colleagues could go in vain. The responsibility on her shoulder was huge. It made her feel restless. Something that she didn't want to feel, especially now that she was finally ecstatic.

Life had never been so smooth, so joyful and warm from when Arnav had left. But now, every moment felt homely, warm and precious. Those calming moments of silence when she and Sid travelled back home. Those laughs and caresses when they spent time together. Or even the usual coordination with which they worked.

Their first weekend as a couple had also been perfect. They had decided not to go anywhere and just relax that day. From going on a jog together and having brunch at his house. Playing a few board games with his dad, before retiring to her house and watching a comedy film together, and ending it with a popcorn fight. To ordering pizza for dinner and the good-night kiss lingering on her forehead. Everything had been so pleasant, that she had been crazily smiling at her ceiling that night.

She shook her head slightly, a smile on her lips, as she strolled back to her desk. As she sat entering the data in Excel, her phone chimed. She saw a message from Violet, asking her to come shopping with her today. She replied back, agreeing, and got back to work. They were going home early today, anyway.

Siddharth had asked if Addison and his girlfriend would like to join the camping trip too. The more, the merrier, Tarun had told him. So, it was decided that Addy and Violet would also come with them. Thus, Addison and Vi were going to stay at Arpita's house from tonight itself.

She smiled, thinking about the whole thing. She knew it would be fun, and the excitement of it was already seeping into everyone's mind. By tonight, she was sure it would be visible on everyone's faces. She was also excited to meet Riya and Diya, Tarun's three-year-old twin daughters. Sid had shown her a few pictures of them. They were adorable.

It felt nice to go on outings together, especially when you weren't third-wheeling. She laughed internally, continuing with her work.

***
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