Chapter 73

The Moment We Got Assigned to the Same Project (Mehul's POV)

I should have seen it coming.

The second I walked into that meeting room and saw him sitting there—**smirking like he belonged everywhere—**I knew.

I knew my life was about to get worse.

And when our manager announced that we'd be working on the same project together?

I wanted to disappear.

Vihaan?

He just grinned.

Like this was some fun little coincidence.

Like this wasn't about to be the most infuriating experience of my career.

And the worst part?

He was excited.

I could see it in his eyes.

He thought this was going to be fun.

Meanwhile, I was mentally preparing myself for the headache of the century.

Lunch breaks were supposed to be quiet.

Peaceful.

A time where I could sit alone, enjoy my meal, and not deal with unnecessary interactions.

But then—Vihaan Malhotra happened.

One day, I was sitting in my usual spot, eating quietly—

And suddenly, he was there.

Tray in hand. Grinning.

Like we did this all the time.

Like he was invited.

I glared at him.

"What are you doing?"

Vihaan sat down, completely unfazed.

"Eating."

I exhaled sharply.

"You have other friends."

Vihaan shrugged. "Yeah, but you're more fun to annoy."

…I hated him.

And yet—

I didn't tell him to leave.

Lunch wasn't enough for him.

Now, he had to ruin my tea breaks too.

Every time I got up from my desk, hoping for five minutes of peace—

Vihaan appeared.

"Oi, boss man, getting chai without me?"

Like I owed him something.

Like he hadn't already inserted himself into my life enough.

I stopped reacting.

Stopped giving him the satisfaction of a glare.

But did that stop him?

No.

It only made him try harder.

And the worst part?

Somewhere along the way—

I started expecting him to show up.

Started noticing when he wasn't there.

Started wondering when this turned into a habit.

And that?

That was when I knew—

I was completely screwed.