POV KATHIR RATHORE
Vidya's figure faded from view as Arshan smiled, clearly captivated by her departure. He then turned to me and climbed the stairs toward my side. Extending his hand for a handshake, his grin seemed a little too wide, like someone who was excited for something more than just business.
"Glad to see you again, Kathir."
I returned a slight smile, nodding in acknowledgment. I wasn't one for excess pleasantries.
"Same! Shall we discuss this in the room?" I replied, keeping my tone neutral, a simple invitation.
Arshan shrugged, raising both eyebrows in that typical overconfident manner. "Yes! Let's go."
I led the way, my steps deliberate as I climbed the stairs with the ease of someone used to this routine. Reaching the third floor, I unlocked the office door and gestured for him to step inside. He did so with enthusiasm, immediately taking a seat in the chair opposite mine. I moved over to the drawer, pulling out a few files and placing them on my desk, then sat down myself. The quiet rustle of paper was the only sound for a moment as I began flipping through the documents.
"Wait, let me check. Do all the files have..." I muttered to myself, scanning the papers.
"Okay, take your time," Arshan said, his voice cheerful but laced with an undercurrent of impatience. He leaned back in his chair, glancing around my office, letting out a long sigh. His eyes shifted back to me, clearly restless as he waited for me to finish.
"Kathir?" He called out.
I didn't respond immediately, still focused on the files, trying to make sure everything was in order. His sigh cut through the silence again, this time more exaggerated.
"Yes?" I asked, looking up briefly to see what had him so distracted.
"Can I get Vidya's phone number?" His words were direct, as though he had already expected me to agree.
I paused, the request landing heavily in the room. My eyes narrowed as I stared at him, processing the audacity of it. I didn't immediately reply, turning my attention back to the files, flipping them with slow deliberation.
"Why would you want her number?" I asked, my voice steady, not giving away the irritation starting to rise inside me.
"Just to get to know her better," he said casually, like it was the most natural request in the world.
I couldn't hold back my eye roll this time, the movement almost imperceptible, but enough for him to catch. I closed the file in front of me with a sharp snap and leaned back in my chair, studying him carefully.
"Sharing employee details is illegal for me. Why don't you ask her directly?" I said with a smirk, pushing the files toward him.
He pouted, clearly disappointed, but still hopeful. "Is that all?" he asked, a glimmer of desperation in his voice.
I folded my arms, maintaining my composed demeanor. "Yes."
Arshan seemed to consider his next move. He leaned forward slightly, his tone shifting as he asked, "At least you can give me some tips on how to impress her."
I felt a sharp sigh escape me as I clenched my jaw. I glanced at him with a look that conveyed just how little I cared for this conversation.
"Listen, I don't like discussing this stuff. And I don't know how to deal with girls. It's better if you ask someone who's an expert in this kind of stuff."
He sighed dramatically, clearly unsatisfied with my answer. But he nodded, accepting that he wasn't going to get much more out of me on the subject. I stole a quick glance at his face, watching as he began organizing the files in front of him, his shoulders slumped in mild defeat.
I went back to typing on my laptop, the clicking of the keys filling the space. Still, my curiosity got the best of me.
"You just met her for the first time at the party. Are you already in love?" I asked, half-mocking him, half-serious.
Arshan smiled at my question, his eyes lighting up in a way that made it clear he wasn't backing down.
"Not already in love. I just want to get to know her better, be good friends, and maybe fall in love later." His words were confident, as though this was part of a plan he had already mapped out.
I stopped typing for a moment, glancing up at him. His smile was genuine, but the sentiment felt somewhat naive. I gave a brief "Oh," barely more than a mutter, before my attention turned back to my laptop.
Arshan stood up, taking the files with him, and spoke again with a finality in his voice.
"Alright, Kathir! Everything is perfect! I'm leaving."
I nodded slightly, not really offering much of a farewell beyond a polite response.
"Okay, Arshan. See you again."
I didn't smile this time, just acknowledging his departure with a brief nod. He returned the gesture, flashing me a quick grin as he waved and exited the room. The door clicked shut behind him, and the office was once again filled with only the sound of my keyboard.