The one who stayed
Author's pov-
Divya didn’t sleep that night.
Not because she didn’t want to.
But because her mind wouldn’t let her.
Purv’s words haunted her. "Then let me earn it."
She had expected arrogance. Persistence. Even frustration.
But not this.
Not a man who was willing to be patient.
And that terrified her more than anything.
—
The Office – The Next Day
She walked into work, determined to pretend last night never happened.
Determined to act as if her world wasn’t shaking beneath her feet.
But Purv?
He had other plans.
The moment she stepped out of the elevator, she saw him.
Not in a meeting.
Not busy with work.
But waiting for her.
He stood by her office door, hands in his pockets, watching her with an expression that sent her heartbeat into chaos.
She forced herself to walk past him. "Purv, I have a lot to do."
"I know," he said smoothly, falling into step beside her.
She stopped in front of her door, exhaling sharply. "Then why are you here?"
Purv leaned against the doorframe, completely unfazed. "Because I meant what I said."
Divya’s fingers curled around the file in her hand. "And what exactly do you think is going to happen, Purv?"
He tilted his head, studying her. "You’ll let me in."
She let out a bitter laugh. "You think it’s that easy?"
His expression didn’t change. "No," he admitted. "But I also know you don’t push away things that don’t matter to you."
She froze.
Because he was right.
If he didn’t matter, she wouldn’t be standing here, feeling like the walls were closing in.
If she didn’t care, his presence wouldn’t unravel her piece by piece.
Purv took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Tell me to leave, Divya. Look me in the eye and tell me you feel nothing, and I’ll walk away."
Her breath hitched.
This was her chance.
She could end it right here.
But when she opened her mouth—nothing came out.
Silence stretched between them. A silence too heavy. Too loud.
Purv smiled, just a little. A knowing smile.
"You can’t, can you?"
She turned away, heart pounding. "I don’t have time for this, Purv."
"Alright," he said easily. "Then I’ll wait."
Her head snapped up. "Wait for what?"
His gaze softened. "For you."
Her chest tightened, something dangerously close to longing creeping in.
She wanted to believe him.
But she couldn’t afford to.
Not yet.
So she did the only thing she could.
She walked away.
And Purv?
He let her go.
But for the first time in five years, Divya realized something.
He wasn’t leaving.
Not this time.