Chapter 35

Ignoring things was no longer an option.

Not after that elevator stunt.

Not after he leaned in so close that I could feel his breath.

Not after his fingers grazed mine like he was testing something.

Not after I stood there, frozen, letting it happen.

Because now, it was obvious.

Mehul wasn't just being polite.

He was pushing.

And today?

Today, he did it again.

I had just finished explaining a report to my team when I felt it—

A light pressure against my shoulder.

Warm. Subtle.

But impossible to ignore.

Mehul.

Standing right behind me.

His hand rested against my shoulder like it belonged there.

He leaned forward, looking at my laptop screen. Over my shoulder.

I forgot how to function.

Because he didn't move away.

Didn't just glance at the screen and step back.

No.

He stayed.

Long enough that I could feel the shift of his weight.

Long enough that his fingers pressed a little firmer.

Long enough that I had no idea what we were even looking at anymore.

"Hmm," he murmured. Right next to my ear.

My breath hitched.

And then, finally, he stepped back.

Like he hadn't just sent my entire system into failure mode.

I turned, still trying to process what just happened.

He met my gaze. Calm. Unbothered.

Then—just to end me completely—

He quirked an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

…Was he serious?

I forced my brain to work.

"No. Nothing," I muttered.

Mehul just hummed.

And walked away.

Like he hadn't just changed my entire existence.

By lunch, I was malfunctioning.

And of course, Arjun and Riya noticed immediately.

Riya gasped the moment I sat down. "Oh my god. What did he do this time?"

Arjun grinned. "Spill. Now."

I sighed, picking at my food. "Nothing."

Riya narrowed her eyes. "Liar."

Arjun leaned forward. "Come on. If you don't tell us, we'll just assume he kissed you."

I choked. "WHAT?!"

Riya smirked. "That bad, huh?"

I groaned, dragging my hands down my face.

Arjun tapped his chin. "Okay. Let's guess. He touched you?"

I froze.

That was my mistake.

Because Riya immediately caught it.

She gasped, grabbing Arjun's arm. "Oh my god. He did. He touched you."

Arjun's eyes widened. "Where?"

Riya smirked. "Better question—how long did he keep his hand there?"

I groaned. "I hate you both."

Riya patted my shoulder. "No, honey. You love Mehul."

I wanted to die.

Because the worst part?

I wasn't even denying it anymore.