As she worked, Aashi lost sense of time. With so many emotions inside her, like always she immersed herself in work, this way she feels peace and distracted. Himanshu's call snapped her out of her work. She picked up the call.

'Hey,' - She said closing the tab and relaxing in her chair, - 'What's up.' She smiled

'Hello, Madam do you have a clock?'

'Huh!'

'Check the time.' Aashi looked up and gasped, 9 pm, she slapped her forehead and stood up from her chair.

'You haven't left? Okay, wait in the parking lot for me, ten minutes.' Aashi cut the call and quickly began stuffing, papers, files, her mobile and laptop into her laptop bag and left the cabin.

***************************

'Oh God, God, God.' Aashi chanted as she rushed through the corridor towards the elevator. On the way, her heels twisted, and she fell on the floor, - 'Ouch.' She winced sitting on the floor. Her laptop bag was half open and so all the files and papers spilled out from it.

'Shit.' She cursed and began collecting everything.

'Are you, all right?' She heard his voice and looked up, a worried looking Rishabh rushed towards her. Aashi looked at him as he stood in front of her. His expression changed, and he said formally, 'Need help?'

Aashi shook her head and hastily stuffed everything into her bag. But she felt pain in her right ankle as she tried standing up and then sat again with a thud. Rishabh looked on. She mentally cursed him as she tried again. The next time she tried, Rishabh held her hand and made her stand.

'I think you twisted your ankle.' Rishabh said helping her steady on her feet.

'No, I am fine.'

'Don't argue, Aashi.' He said and then quickly fixed his tone. Aashi looked at him, with his tone she saw a glimpse of the old Rishabh. They stared at each other for a while and broke apart when they heard a man's voice.

'Aashi.' Himanshu called. Seeing her wobbling on her legs and Rishabh holding her hand he got worried. Himanshu rushed towards them.

'What happened?' He asked concerned.

'I am fi-' Aashi stumbled, both Rishabh and Himanshu extended their hand but Himanshu held her first. Rishabh retracted his hand back.

'Can you walk?' Himanshu asked concerned as he held her elbow and helped her walk.

'Ahh...' Aashi winced.

Damn! The heels - she cursed mentally.

'Wait...'

Aashi gasped as Himanshu moved her arm around his neck, he held her waist and pulled her closer. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Rishabh looking at them, a sad longingly look. Quickly, he looked away as their gaze met. Aashi felt bad, but looked away when Himanshu spoke, - 'Better?' He asked her. She forced a smile nodding her head. Himanshu helped her walk, she held him tightly and limped towards the elevator. As they stopped by the elevator, Aashi looked at Rishabh who is now walking back towards his cabin. Aashi wondered why he hasn't gone home, it is getting very late and she felt concerned for him. She looked at Rishabh's back longingly till Himanshu lead her inside the elevator.

**************************

Suchitra opened the door and gasped looking at Aashi leaning against Himanshu.

'She tripped and twisted her ankle.' Himanshu said.

Aashi moved her arm from his grip and smiled at him, - 'Thank you, but I can walk now.' She assured him.

'Good. Take care and good night.' Himanshu said and then hugged her. Aashi few seconds to hug him back. He then said goodnight to Suchitra and left.

Aashi sat on the sofa and removed her heels, Suchitra closed the door as Aashi sat massaging her ankle, wincing as well.

She looked up when she felt Suchitra standing in front of her. Suchitra grinned at Aashi, her arms folded

'What?' Aashi raised her eyebrow.

'Nothing.' Suchitra shrugged still grinning. Aashi frowned. Suchitra then walked towards the kitchen saying she is going to get some water for her.

'Someone was very concerned for you.' Suchitra said passing the glass of water towards Aashi. She glared at her while Suchitra winked at her.

'Himanshu is a very nice guy, I think you should give him a chance.' Suchitra said. Aashi paused with the glass near her lips.

She frowned at her friend, - 'Suchitra, you know very well that I-'

'I know,' - Suchitra sighed, she held Aashi's free hand, - 'but there is no harm in... looking at other options.' She said

Aashi raised her eyebrow, - 'Options?'

'I didn't get a better word.' Suchitra said embarrassed. Aashi smiled shaking her head. She gulped down the water and placed the glass on the table.

She looked at Suchitra, 'There is only one option for me, Suchitra, and that is work. Right now, I need to focus on only my work.'

Suchitra smiled sadly, - 'You have been working half your life, time to get into a relationship and enjoy the bliss of being in one.' She said seriously

'For me, only my work is bliss for me.' Aashi said standing. Even though it pained her a little but she managed to limp towards her room. Suchitra watched her sadly.