What Happened To Your Crush.

After the photoshoot wrapped up, Anushka and the rest decided to grab a quick bite at a nearby café. The atmosphere was light and relaxed, the four of them laughing and chatting as they enjoyed their meals. Jacqueline and Aaron discussed the success of the shoot, while Mark and Anushka sat close together, their conversation a mix of playful teasing and quiet moments of connection.

Once they finished eating, they headed back to the Bendilani Group headquarters. As they walked through the reception, Mark was immediately swarmed by employees who were thrilled to see him back. One after another, they approached him, offering warm greetings, handshakes, and even a few hugs. Mark did his best to keep up, his smile genuine but slightly strained as he exchanged pleasantries.

Anushka, Jacqueline, and Aaron watched from a distance, amused by the scene. "Looks like someone's still the favorite," Jacqueline said, her tone teasing.

Anushka chuckled, her eyes soft as she watched Mark. "He deserves it. They've missed him."

As Mark continued to greet his employees, Anushka, Jacqueline, and Aaron made their way to the private elevator. Jacqueline and Aaron got off on the middle floor, leaving Anushka to continue to the top floor alone. When she reached her shared office with Mark, she settled into her chair, her mind still buzzing from the events of the day.

Her thoughts drifted to the journalist from earlier and how Mark had stepped up, claiming she was his girlfriend. The memory made her heart flutter, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. She couldn't help but smile as she replayed the moment in her mind, her fingers absentmindedly tapping on her desk.

But before she could get too lost in her thoughts, the door to the office opened, and Mark walked in. He looked slightly disheveled, his tie loosened and his hair a little messy. "Finally," he said, his tone exasperated. "I thought I'd never get away from them."

Anushka giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You should be thankful, well knowing that so many people care about you."

Mark groaned, running a hand through his hair. "It's overwhelming. I mean, I appreciate it, but it's a lot. Everyone wanted to talk, and it just kept going and going…"

Anushka's giggles turned into full-blown laughter, her shoulders shaking as she tried to contain herself. "You should've seen your face. You looked like you were about to bolt at any second."

Mark's eyes narrowed, a playful smirk spreading across his lips. "Oh, you think this is funny, do you?"

Before Anushka could respond, Mark crossed the room in a few quick strides. He reached down, his hands gripping her waist as he lifted her out of her chair and onto his shoulder. Anushka let out a surprised squeal, her hands gripping his shirt as he spun her around.

"Mark! Put me down!" she protested, though her laughter made it hard to take her seriously.

Mark chuckled, his grip firm as he continued to spin her. "Not until you promise that you will never laugh at me again."

Anushka swatted his back, her laughter uncontrollable. "Okay, okay! I promise! Now put me down!"

Mark finally relented, gently lowering her onto the desk. He pulled up a chair and sank into it, his grin widening as he looked at her. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood."

Mark's expression softened, his gaze warm as he looked at her. "You know, as I was coming in here, I remembered something. The first time you came to Cyber Genesis. You were sitting on the couch out there, looking all nervous and professional. You even greeted me as 'sir,' but I ignored you."

Anushka's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. "You remember that?"

Mark nodded, his smile growing. "Yeah. I couldn't take in how stunning you were. I think I fell for you back then, Ruhi. That's why I got kinda furious when you and Jerry seemed to get along so easily. I think I was jealous."

Anushka's breath caught, her cheeks flushing as she processed his words. "Mark…"

Mark reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "You've always been special to me, even if I didn't realize it at the time. And now that I've got you, I'm not letting you go."

Anushka's eyes filled with tears, her heart swelling with emotion. She reached out, her hand resting against his cheek. "Mark, I…I." She failed to speak.

Mark smiled, his thumb brushing away her tears. "You don't have to say anything. Just know that I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

For a moment, they just sat there, lost in each other's eyes. The world outside the office faded away, leaving only the two of them and the quiet hum of the computers. 

Anushka's cheeks were still flushed from Mark's confession, but she couldn't help but smile as she looked at him. "You know what?" she said, her voice soft but filled with amusement. "At first, I really hated you. Not knowing that it wasn't really hate… I don't know what it was. I think it was....."

Mark chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he interrupted her. "Love," he said simply, his tone teasing but affectionate.

Anushka's blush deepened, and she looked down at him, then quickly away, unable to hold his gaze. "Mark please," she said shyly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mark reached up, his hand gently tilting her chin so she was forced to look at him. "Then what was it, Ruhi?" he asked, his tone playful but curious. "If it wasn't hate, what was it?"

Anushka hesitated, her heart racing as she searched for the right words. Finally, she sighed, her voice soft but sincere. "Okay, maybe it was… love."

Mark's grin widened, his eyes filled with warmth and triumph. "I knew it," he said, his tone teasing. "You couldn't resist me, could you?"

Anushka rolled her eyes, looking at him with mock annoyance. "That's why I really hate you."

Mark laughed, his hand still resting gently on her cheek. "But you love me anyway."

Anushka's smile softened, her eyes meeting his. "Maybe, I do."

They sat there for a moment, the air between them thick with unspoken emotions. But then Mark's expression shifted, his tone turning playful again. "By the way," he said, his eyes narrowing slightly, "what happened to your crush on Jerry?"