Arpit's POV

Reaching home, I checked my email to find a mail from Niharika, the girl I had hurt the most and my would-be boss. A strange feeling crept inside me.

The mail read -

Hello

Dr. Arpit Khandelwal, this is to inform you that you are provisionally selected as the Senior Scientist for the project - "Production of anti-aging skincare products herbally" led by Dr. Niharika Sehgal, Managing Director - 'The Exquisite'.

Please find the details of the project in the file attached in this mail.

Kindly report your proposal for the same within two days of this email.

Regards

Dr. Niharika Sehgal

Managing Director

The Exquisite

*****

Well! Her email bragged of her superiority. Oh! God, she is still the same. I doubt whether my Niharika has even grown up or not. I chuckled at the thought of my Niharika. I loved every bit of her innocence, her determination, her diligence and her unwavering spirit to overcome her sorrow. A sharp pain stung in my heart as I wondered if she was married. Secretly I wished she had never moved on. I actually had the same crush on her as it was fifteen years ago.

I remembered the past. The days when we used to enjoy to the core. I had a kind of crush over her. I mean I have never had such an attachment with any other girl in my life. I wanted to propose her for a relationship after establishing my career but it never happened. Well! Perhaps, life has given another chance to at least apologize and get on a friendly note.

*****

I had dinner with my mother. She was happy knowing that I got a new job. I retired to my room but sleep was long gone.

Lying on my bed, I remembered our good old days.

*****

Flashback

It was my birthday. She had gone for a business trip. She used to manage everything be it, the classes at the college or her parents’ business, just everything. I was feeling bad. I didn't want to celebrate. It seemed as if I wanted her to be with me. She had sent a black Titan watch with a golden circular dial. It was really elegant just like her. She called me from the hotel to enquire whether I liked the watch she had sent me. I thanked her with immense gratitude. It is indeed a lucky watch, I wore it even today and voila! I cracked the interview with my fiery tigress.

That night, on my birthday we had talked the whole night wherein I had shared my fears for my career. I was worried about my future at that time. I was the only son in the family who had responsibilities on his head. Belonging to the middle-class family, I had my own fears about the financial constraints in my family.

Then, I remembered I had said, "Dear, why do your parents stress over your part? It is your college life. Why don't they let you enjoy it? Why can't they handle their business all alone?"

There was silence for a minute. It was then she told about the car accident and death of her parents. She was sobbing throughout. She appeared too vulnerable. I was shocked at her strength and I hated myself to bring the topic about her parents. I wished to hug and console her, wiping her tears and telling her that I was there for her. She was indeed, strong to bear everything in life. Her strength at the age of seventeen years became a motivation for me till now. Since then, Niharika has been my inspiration.

I am amazed to see where she stands today. Being a successful entrepreneur is not easy. She is the only one who can handle all the pains of her life and turn her upside down life into a happy one. I searched about her over the internet and was glad to know about her single status. I smiled as I searched her beautiful pictures and admired them. I read about her accolades and achievements. I realized she was indeed, a perfect entrepreneur.

*****

Thinking of my old days, sleep engulfed me with a hope that I will surely apologize from Niharika. She had immense trust over me. She told me her fears, her dreams and all the tidbits of her life. She shared about her relatives who were after her property. She shared about the then rising business which is 'The Exquisite' empire today.

“I had broken her trust in me via an ugly altercation. I will mend everything. I wanted my friendly Niharika back along with her beautiful smile and peace. She is still angry with me and I can't just bear that. I was wrong, immensely wrong. I was so wrong that I didn't confront her even in the last fifteen years. The Almighty has given me the opportunity to mend things now. I will mend everything." My mind was reiterating these thoughts again and again.

I remembered her pretty face today. She was truly looking amazing in the professional suit too. I realized she was also dressed up in navy blue like me. A smile crept on my lips as I realized we were twinning. She had truly turned into a gorgeous lady and she was sexy just like fifteen years ago. Her long fingers and manicured nails painted in sky blue nail-paint were kinda arousing along with the rogue strands of her hair which I urged to put behind her ear.

I drifted into sleep remembering her beauty. My rational side of brain kept my thoughts in place otherwise a certain part of my body was all set to go wild.