Page 3 of Always? Forever.
"You're a lifesaver!" I exclaimed with gratitude.
"Now, tell me, Kartik, what can I do for you today?" Rory turned her attention to the guy named Kartik, and I couldn't help but notice that it was a pretty good name – the same as my favorite actor's.
Kartik, the gorgeous obnoxious man responded with a charming smile that could probably melt any woman's heart, though today, I remained unaffected. "You know why I'm here," he said.
"I'll be right back," Rory told him before disappearing into the back room, leaving Kartik and me standing there in an awkward silence.
Breaking the awkward silence, Kartik initiated a conversation. "So..." He glanced at me, curiosity in his eyes, and I couldn't help but be intrigued by what he might say next.
"What's your favorite Starbucks drink that was sold out?" he inquired, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. In a better mood, I might have noticed the boyish charm he exuded.
Clearing my throat, I responded, "Midnight Frappe."
He raised an eyebrow in surprise. "That's your go-to coffee choice? A Frappuccino?"
I scoffed, unable to hold back a snide comment. "Let me guess, your order is black coffee," I muttered under my breath.
Kartik narrowed his eyes and retorted, "Well, at least that's coffee, not a cup full of sugar!"
Kartik
I couldn't help but hear her growl in frustration as I observed her with an amused grin. This girl was truly something else, juggling six books in her arms, along with her laptop and bag.
"I had my doubts, but you would drink black coffee, just like your soul!" she retorted before I could respond. Then, in a whirlwind, she stormed out of the shop, leaving me gaping like a fish out of water.
I snapped out of my trance when I heard a chuckle. Turning, I saw Rory returning with the books I had requested. "That girl is quite something, isn't she?" Rory remarked, her smile holding a mysterious quality that sent shivers down my spine. It was the kind of smile that hinted at secret knowledge.
"I'm almost afraid to ask what you mean," I replied, shifting uncomfortably.
"When the time comes, if the time comes, you'll know," Rory replied cryptically, her smile still warm as she handed me my books.
"Thank you, Rory, for saving these books for me," I said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. As I was about to leave after settling the bill, I noticed a sparkly thing on the ground, picking it up I realised it was a necklace with the initial S. Probably belonging to the beautiful woman I had just met. I turned to where Rory was standing seconds ago only to find no one. Pocketing in the necklace, I left the shop and headed to my apartment.
Samaira
That is how I ended up on my ass in front of a very handsome man I had seen in a while who was not onlygorgeous but extremely annoying. My books have spoiled me, I end up liking men who are either assholes or complete jerks. Enemies to lovers trope will never happen to me.
Chapter 3
5 days later, 4 November
Samaira
It was 5 days later since I met that guy and I was late again! For the second time since my internship started. This time I was late because I couldn’t find my necklace. My favourite necklace that I bought from Tiffany’s & Co after earning my first salary. I thought I might have dropped it at the bookstore but knowing my luck it wasn’t there and I was correct. Any moment now I was going to break down and cry after learning from Rory that she hasn’t found it either.
My mind kept wandering back to the jerk, who was he? And why did I keep thinking about him?
I reached my office in a hurry, my things falling out again and again. I was so done. I couldn’t wait to go home and sleep in my comfy bed. It wasn’t like I hated my job, I absolutely loved it! But sometimes I just needed a break or better yet things in my control. I needed the creative freedom of writing on the topics I wanted, I mean I did have a little of that freedom but not entirely.
I walk into my boss’s office, Mrs.Adhira Kapadia, she is the owner of the entertainment house I work at, The Daily Ghup. She’s amazing!
She isn’t here yet, so I keep the books I had taken home at the desk. I am looking out the luxurious French windows to see the majestic city view of New York City. When I hear the door lock turn, I turn around to see the person who I did not expect to see walking in from that door, THE JERK! But am I going to say it to his face, hell no! Probably Sugarcup to irritate the shit out of him.
Kartik
I walk through the corridors of my mom’s office. I have to say my mom is something else. She might be a successful business woman but she is that typical mom who wants her only child well settled in life. But I did not want to be settled in the aspect she wanted me to be in, probably just for a few more years considering my ex-girlfriend was marrying my jackass cousin, who was supposedly my best friend. Shaking my head, I walk into my mother's officeonly to open the door to find that one person I wasn’t expecting to see.
"What the hell are you doing here?" We both exclaimed simultaneously, our voices overlapping in a startled symphony.
