"I just wanted to eat lunch with you. This is our time. And I don't want you to spend it with Vikran. What's wrong with that?"
I whispered, avoiding his eyes.
Chak was silent for a moment. Then I heard footsteps. He came closer and wrapped his arms around me from behind.
"You're right," he murmured into my ear. "This is our time."
I closed my eyes, leaning back into him. My heart slowly calmed in his embrace.
"You don't always have to choose between work and me," I said quietly.
He turned me around and looked into my eyes. "I'm not used to someone wanting me like this," he admitted. "But I'll try. For you."
My chest tightened. I could only nod.
"I still have to go to dinner with Vikran," he added, sighing. "But I'd rather stay with you."
"What if you canceled?" I asked.
"I want to... but I promised him. And if I cancel, he'll resent it. I don't want that."
He touched my cheek gently. "Go to the living room. I'll cook for you today."
"Fine," I said, though not entirely convinced.
As I walked toward the couch, I looked down at my shirt. It was damp, the juice stain already spreading.
"I can't sit on the couch like this," I muttered to myself and headed to my room.
I pulled off the shirt and tossed it in the laundry basket. I searched for a fresh one.
Just as I reached for it, there was a knock then the door opened before I could even answer.
"Niran" Chak started, then stopped when he saw me. I stood with my back to him, shirtless, only in pants, holding the shirt in my hands.
Heat rushed to my cheeks. "I was just changing," I mumbled.
Silence.
Then quiet footsteps approached. I turned my head slightly. He was coming closer his expression soft, almost reverent.
"Let me," he said gently, taking the shirt from my hands.
I didn't resist as he slipped it onto my shoulders. His hands were warm, his movements careful, as if he didn't want to startle me. Slowly, he began buttoning it one by one. His eyes were focused. Steady. He felt it too, but he didn't pull away.
When he reached the last button, he stayed close. His gaze drifted to my neck.
He leaned in.
First, a kiss on the right side of my neck gentle, soft. His breath brushed my skin, warm and gentle.
I shivered.
Then the left slower, intentional. His hand rested over my heart.
"You can go rest now," he whispered, as if saying it louder would break the moment.
I nodded. I couldn't speak. My voice would betray me.
He left for the kitchen. I stood still, heart pounding.
What was that?
Wrapped in a blanket, I sat on the couch, thoughts circling around his touch, his lips, the way he dressed me. It wasn't just tender—
it was intimate. Emotionally charged. Warm.
When he called me to the table, I almost expected his eyes to say something more. And they did. We sat across from each other. I ate slowly, wanting to prolong the moment.
"Is it good?" he asked, though he already knew.
"Too good," I smiled. "Honestly, I might never order food again."
He looked at me a moment longer than necessary.
Then Chak said, thoughtfully, "You look tense."
"I want to let everything out, but I can't," I admitted. "When I draw, it's easier. I pour my feelings onto paper. That's how I release the stress."
Chak sighed. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have taken that away from you. I'm sorry. I won't do it again. You mean too much to me."
He added, "After we finish eating, I'll unlock your art room."
"Thank you," I replied with a soft smile.
"But don't forget you still have to finish the documents for LF Lab today."
"I will," I promised.
After lunch, Chak stood up and took my hand. Together, we walked to his office. He opened a drawer, took out a key, and led me to the locked door.
He unlocked it and pushed it open.
I felt alive again. Back in my world. The one where I was truly myself.
I hugged him.
"Tomorrow I'll design your tattoo in a way you've never seen before," I whispered with a smile.
Later, after cleaning up, we returned to Love Food. At Pim's desk, a mountain of papers, emails, and Pim herself awaited me with a fresh to-do list. Chak just glanced at me with a look that said, *You've got this*, then disappeared into his office.
By 3:45 p.m., I was drowning. My head throbbed from the pressure. But when I checked the time, I knew Chak's fruit was due in 15 minutes.
I rushed to the kitchen and grabbed mango, watermelon, and melon. I cut each piece with care, like creating a piece of art. I even carved a heart-shaped slice of watermelon and smiled.
With the tray in hand, I knocked on his door.
"Come in," came his usual cold voice.
"Snack time, boss," I said playfully.
When he saw the colorful tray, his expression softened.
I sat on the edge of his desk and held up the heart-shaped mango.
"Open," I said softly.
He raised an eyebrow but obeyed. I placed the fruit on his tongue.
"This is…?" he asked with a smile.
"Just for you. For making me smile," I replied, offering another piece with my fingers, slow and intentional.
After a few bites, he looked at me with a spark in his eyes, picked up a slice of melon, and leaned toward me.
He fed me gently.
I opened my mouth and took the fruit, eyes locked on his.
Neither of us looked away.
When we feed each other, the air feels warmer. And with him, I'm happy.
I don't want to think about this just a couple of hours and he goes with Vikran for dinner.
I stood up with the tray in my hands, not wanting the moment to end.
At the door, I turned slightly and looked back.
I smiled and blew him a kiss, quietly.
He caught it with his eyes, and I left before I could change my mind.