Office Glances

The office floor of NovaTe Automotive Solutions had a rhythm of its own the soft click of keyboards, murmured conversations, and the occasional ring of a phone blended into a calm background hum. For most people, it was ordinary. For Aaradhya—Aaru to her few close friends. it was a stage to observe, silently, carefully, and always from the shadows.

Aaru belonged to the Circuitrix Team, a small corner of the floor specializing in wiring schematics. Introverted and reserved, she often went unnoticed outside her immediate circle. Only Ankita, her closest friend, had the privilege of seeing the playful, slightly mischievous side of her personality. Around the rest of the office, she was quiet, efficient, and nearly invisible—a ghost in a room full of people.

Her desk reflected her mind: neat, precise, organized. Dual monitors displayed intricate schematics, pens were perfectly aligned, and diagrams were stacked meticulously. This structure comforted her, a sanctuary in a bustling office environment.

Across the floor sat Anroop, or Roop, from the InnoDiagnostics Team. Calm, composed, quietly confident, he moved with the ease of someone completely at home in his environment. Roop didn’t need loud jokes or boisterous laughter to be noticed; his presence was subtle but undeniable.

Aaru had noticed him, too—more than she cared to admit. Subtle glances during meetings, quiet acknowledgment in the hallway, the occasional meeting of eyes before quickly looking away. Nothing intentional, nothing overt—just… awareness. And lately, the awareness had grown into curiosity.

She tried not to think about it. He’s just a colleague. Calm, responsible… organizing things. Nothing else. Yet, her mind had a way of ignoring logic.

The morning passed as usual, Aaru buried in schematics, when Ankita plopped down beside her with barely contained excitement.

“Aaru! Guess what?” Ankita whispered, leaning in conspiratorially.

“Hmm? What now?” Aaru asked, glancing up but keeping her tone neutral.

“Anu’s wedding! And Roop… he’s organizing a hill station trip after the wedding. Two days at Silver Mist Hills! Fifteen people confirmed already!”

Aaru blinked. Her friend’s wedding wasn’t the surprise. it was the trip and, more importantly, Roop’s involvement. Her pulse quickened slightly, and she looked away, pretending to focus on her monitor.

“Roop organizing a trip… with me… fifteen people,” she muttered under her breath, though no one heard. Ankita grinned.

“You’re coming, like it or not. And I’ll be there, don’t worry,” Ankita said cheerfully.

Aaru allowed herself a faint smile. Ankita had no idea how quietly she was already anticipating seeing Roop in this new context. That secret curiosity was hers alone, tucked safely behind her usual calm demeanor.

The week drifted by. Aaru helped Anu with small wedding preparations, blending into the background while Ankita ran around charming everyone. She remained quiet, observing—the way people moved, the subtle gestures of her friends, and, of course, the occasional memory of Roop’s calm, measured presence.

She tried to push the thought away. Focus on the wedding, Aaru. He’s just… organizing the trip. Nothing more.

Yet, when she caught herself thinking of him during these quiet moments, she allowed a small, private smile.

By the time she left the office on the eve of the wedding, Aaru felt a quiet anticipation. She didn’t know exactly what the trip would bring, but she knew one thing: her attention had already settled, silently and privately, on Roop.

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