Tanya's Engagement Preparations & A Little Teasing
Tanya hurriedly adjusted her hair as she scanned through the guest list one last time. Morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the living room, casting a warm glow over the space.
Her mother, sipping tea beside her, discussing the guest list with her, while Disha who came to Tanya's home early in the morning as Tanya's mother asked her to for the engegment discussion sat cross-legged on the floor, flipping through sample for the decor. Coco, was sprawled lazily in Disha's lap, enjoying the attention as she gently stroked his head softly.
"You are way too calm for someone getting engaged to Avinash Malhotra." Disha said mischievously.
Tanya barely gave her a glance as she adjusted her watch. Calm? Not really. She had an entire day of back-to-back meetings ahead, but her thoughts kept drifting to a man who wasn't even supposed to be a part of her routine. A man whose rare but sharp observations, calm nature, and the way he simply watched her were starting to take up space in her mind far too often.
"I am just organizing things properly." Tanya said, glancing at the time, already thinking about the meetings lined up for the day.
Disha, still playing with Coco's ears, smirked. "Hmm. Organizing things and sneaking glances at your phone every now and then. Interesting multitasking."
Tanya glanced at Disha with a slight glare . "I check my phone for work, unlike some people who have too much time to analyze my habits."
Disha laughed, unbothered. "Of course, work."
Tanya huffed, slipping on her blazer.
Disha, held up a deep maroon swatch. "This one, for sure. It looks royal, classy very Malhotra."
Tanya hummed in acknowledgment , her mind elsewhere.
Disha smirked. "Although, knowing Avinash Malhotra, I am surprised he isn't demanding something dull and business like. Maybe an all black theme? Minimal, lifeless, and intimidating just like him."
Tanya's head snapped up before she even realized it. "That is not true." she said, a little too quickly.
Disha raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Defending him already?"
Tanya huffed. "I am just saying he is not lifeless. He has a taste."
"Oh, so you do pay attention to him." Disha said teasingly
Tanya rolled her eyes, a slight hint of blush on her cheeks. "Can we focus on the engagement instead of your unnecessary commentary?"
Her mother chuckled, setting her tea cup down. "Disha, stop teasing her. And Tanu, stop pretending you don't think about him at all."
Tanya didn't respond .
Coco, sensing her movement, got up and toddled toward her, wagging his tail. She crouched down, ruffling his soft fur. "Be good, okay? Don't let Disha spoil you too much."
Coco licked her hand in response, and she smiled, pressing a quick kiss to his head before standing up.
Just as she reached the door, her father stepped out from his study, pausing at the sight of her. "Leaving already, Tanu?"
"Meetings, Papa." Tanya sighed.
He nodded giving her a small smile while walking to her. "You are doing well, beta. Just don't forget to breathe in between all your responsibilities."
Something in her chest softened. "I won't, Papa."
She wrapped her arms around her father in a warm hug before stepping out. His embrace made her calm even if it's just for a moment.
As she pulled away, he patted her head fondly. "Don't overwork yourself."
Tanya smiled and nodded before walking toward the door, but her thoughts were caught up with just one person-Avinash Malhotra. Despite everything, she was starting to feel less distant from him.
--
Avinash's Growing Awareness
In his office, Avinash sat behind his desk as he looked through financial reports. The numbers should have his full attention, but instead his mind was elsewhere.
He knew Tanya had back-to-back meetings in the morning they had talked about it last night. He wasn't the kind of man to think about such details or to wonder if she had taken a moment for herself. And yet, here he was, his focus breaking in ways it never had before.
His phone lay on the desk beside the financial reports. Normally, it remained locked until he decided to check it. But today, it stayed open , almost as if he was waiting for something.
Something or someone.
He exhaled sharply, locking at the screen.
Ridiculous, he thought.
--
A Small Moment of Vulnerability & A Late-Night Discussion
That night, Tanya sat at her desk, exhausted. Between work and engagement preparations, the day had drained her. She rested her forehead against her palm, eyes slipping shut for a moment.
Her phone vibrated.
She glanced at the screen, expecting a work message but it wasn't.
Avinash: I have. Have you eaten, Tanya?
She blinked.
Simple. Unexpected.
She had sent him a casual text earlier, remembering something his mother had said how he often forgot everything else when he worked.
Tanya: Have you eaten dinner?
And now, just after some minutes, he was... returning the question?
She took her phone in her hand and replied.
Tanya: Yes, I did.
A pause. Then
Avinash: Good.
Her lips curled into a small, soft smile.
It was not grand. It was not even much. But from him to someone who doesn't waste words-it meant everything.
She hesitated for a second before typing again.
Tanya: How was your day?
A few moments passed before his reply appeared.
Avinash: Productive. And yours?
Tanya: Busy, as expected. Meetings back-to-back.
Avinash: Any progress?
Tanya: A little. Some projects moved forward. Some didn't. You know how it is.
Avinash: Hm. Did you at least take a break?
She hesitated for a moment before replying.
Tanya: Not really. Too much work.
A pause. Then
Avinash: Don't make it a habit.
Her breath caught slightly. It wasn't phrased as a suggestion. More like a quiet demand.
Tanya: I'll try.
Avinash: Good.
A small smile tugged at her lips before she shook her head, exhaling. How did he manage to sound both serious and concerned at the same time?
Tanya: Who's talking? The man who forgets breaks exists when he's working?
Avinash: That's different.
Tanya: Oh? How exactly?
Avinash: I handle it.
Tanya: Right. Because you are Avinash Malhotra, and exhaustion doesn't dare touch you.
A pause. Then
Avinash: Exactly.
Tanya rolled her eyes, but she could not fight the small smile playing on her lips.
Tanya: By the way, I wanted your opinion on something.
Avinash: Go ahead.
Tanya: The engagement decor theme.
Avinash: I thought you would have decided it by now with the event manager.
Tanya: I was about to. But Disha suggested deep maroon as she thinks this would go with you, and I don't know it feels too heavy for an engagement. What do you think?
A moment passed before his reply appeared.
Avinash: Why does Disha think deep maroon would suit me?
Tanya: Because it's dark. Serious. Powerful. Just like you.
She smirked slightly as she hit send, half expecting him to ignore the comment altogether.
But a few seconds later
Avinash: I see. So, according to her logic, our engagement theme should be black, then?
Tanya let out a small laugh.
Tanya: Actually she suggested that too.
A longer pause this time and then
Avinash: She wants the engagement to look like a corporate event?
Tanya grinned.
Tanya: Her exact words were: "Although, knowing Avinash Malhotra, I am surprised he isn't demanding something dull and businesslike. Maybe an all black theme? Minimal, lifeless, and intimidating just like him."
Avinash: So, a funeral.
Tanya burst out laughing, covering her mouth.
Tanya: I think she meant it as a compliment.
Avinash: Mm.
She could almost picture his unimpressed expression.
Avinash: Maroon is too formal. Choose something lighter.
Tanya: Any preferences?
Avinash: Something elegant. Soft. A colour that suits you.
Her heart did a funny little flip. A colour that suits you. The words lingered in her mind for a moment.
After a pause she texted
Tanya: So... soft pastels? Maybe ivory and blush?
Avinash: That works.
It was a simple exchange, yet it held something unspoken. A quiet acknowledgment. A balance between them.
Before she could overthink it, another message appeared.
Avinash: Also if you have time, you should design our engagement outfits.
Tanya's eyes widened slightly. The man who wore only the finest, most exclusive brands was now willing to wear something designed by her?
Not just willing. He had suggested it.
Tanya: You trust me with that?
Avinash: I don't say things I don't mean. And besides, you are a very talented designer you have your own brand, and it is both successful and well-known.
Her heart did a strange little flutter. His compliment made her feel something.
She was not doubting herself-she had built a great brand, worked with high-profile clients and celebrities. But this wasn't just anyone.
This was him.
Tanya: Alright. I'll design them.
Avinash: Good.
She read his message again.
Avinash Malhotra, known for his sharp style and love for perfection, wanted her to design what he would wear.
And for some reason, that meant more than she was willing to admit.
As Tanya was about to put her phone down, another message appeared.
Avinash: It's late. Get some rest. And if you need any help with the engagement preparations or work, let me know.
She exhaled softly, a small smile forming on her lips.
Tanya: I will. You should get some rest too.
Avinash: Take care, Tanya.
Tanya: You too, Avinash. Good night.
She locked her phone, her exhaustion still present but lighter now.
And miles away, Avinash stared at his screen for a beat longer before finally setting it aside.
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Hello, lovely readers!!
First of all, sorry for the late update! I got caught up with something, but I am back now with a fresh chapter for you. Thank you for your patience!
And to make up for the wait, this chapter is a little longer.
So, tell me do you think Avinash is fully aware of his growing attachment, or is he still convincing himself that it is nothing? And how long before Tanya stops pretending she doesn't feel it too? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Next chapter? Expect more tension, more moments, and maybe a shift that neither of them sees coming. Stay tuned!
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