CHAPTER 60
ABHIMAAN
It’s supposed to be a normal afternoon. The kind where I’m buried in paperwork, surrounded by the sound of keyboard clicks and the faint buzz of the AC.
Instead, I find myself staring at my inbox with the most ridiculous grin on my face. Correction—grinning and giggling.
Yes. Me. Abhimaan. The man who could intimidate a room into silence with a single look.
The man whose employees swear has never once “laughed” in the workplace. I’m giggling like an idiot in my glass office.
Because of her.
Always because of her.
Subject: A Note of Appreciation
From: Aditi Malhotra
To: Mr. Abhimaan
Dear Mr. Abhimaan,
I hope this message finds you maintaining your usual high standards of excellence, charm, and mild stubbornness.
It has come to my attention that you have been performing exceptionally in the dual roles of “Mentor” and “Boyfriend.” Despite occasional lapses in patience (read: glaring contests), your dedication, strategic thinking, and ability to make me feel loved—even when you’re pretending to be annoyed—are unparalleled.
Please note that your recent acts of affection (bringing me coffee exactly how I like it, offering your jacket when I claimed I wasn’t cold but was shivering, and that kiss yesterday that made my brain short-circuit) have not gone unnoticed.
We value your contribution to this… relationship venture. You are an irreplaceable asset, and your presence continues to exceed expectations.
Warm regards,
Your Girlfriend.
I don’t even realize the sound that escapes me is a laugh until my own reflection in the glass wall points it out.
God. If anyone from the board walked in right now, my reputation would be ruined.
And yet, I open a new email without hesitation. My fingers type faster than they ever have for an actual business proposal.
Subject: Re: A Note of Appreciation
From: Abhimaan
To: Ms. Malhotra
Dear Ms. Malhotra,
I appreciate your timely feedback regarding my performance in the aforementioned roles. Please be advised that while I occasionally find your methods unconventional (and sometimes distracting to overall productivity), they have proven to significantly improve my morale.
Your recent initiatives—including spontaneous hugs, unsolicited hand-holding during meetings, and your smile when you think I’m not looking—are commendable and have been documented as highly effective strategies.
In light of your continued support, I am prepared to extend my commitment to this arrangement indefinitely, with the possibility of lifetime tenure.
Please also be informed that any future “brain short-circuiting” will be considered a direct result of your actions and will therefore be entirely your responsibility.
Regards,
Your boyfriend (and ex-favorite work distraction).
I hit send, leaning back in my chair, a smirk tugging at my lips.
God, what has she done to me?
A year ago, the only thing in my inbox would’ve been cold, lifeless corporate chatter.
Now? My day is split between deals, deadlines… and love letters disguised as memos.
She walks into my life and flips every rule I’d built for myself.
And I’m not even mad about it.
I glance back at my sent mail, the ridiculous formality of it sitting right there between two actual contract negotiations.
Shaking my head, I can’t stop the smile this time.
My life will never be boring again. Neither will it be colorless.