The next day Akhil anxiously waited inside the booth of the cafe before checking his watch. As he watched the minutes click by he sighed before getting up to leave but right as he picked up his phone from the table, the door opened and Laila rushed through.
“Sorry,” she apologized as she bit her lip and stood in front of him, dressed in much more comfortable clothes than she was in yesterday. Akhil couldn’t help but smile and shake his head,” It’s okay. I was just stretching,” he lied before the two slid into the booth.
Nodding, Laila brushed back loose strands of her hair before folding her hands on her lap. “Actually, I wanted to say thank you for yesterday and also say sorry. It wasn’t right for me to tell you all of that,” before she could complete what she wanted to say Akhil held up a hand before replying,” I’m glad you did. After yesterday,” clearing his throat he moved to sit up straighter than he already was and continued,” I want to know more about you.”
Laila shook her head before someone tapped her on the shoulder and she looked up to see Akash standing over her. Worried, when he raised a hand she put both of her hands up to defend herself and cover her head from getting hit but didn’t feel anything. Cautiously, moving her hands she raised an eyebrow at seeing Akash on his knees with his hands folded in front of him.
Looking around to see if anyone else was seeing the same thing as her, she looked back at Akash who said,” I’m sorry. After today you won’t ever see my face again because I’m going to leave you alone,” Laila raised an eyebrow before seeing Akask’s eyes go wide and he fell at her feet before blubbering out apologies.
Akhil smiled at Laila when she turned to look at him before the smile left his face once she turned back around to the scoundrel. Glaring at him, he made a motion across his throat before he actually began to apologize and then rolled his eyes at how extra the man was acting. Waving at the guard at the entrance he watched as the man was taken out of the cafe. Laila turned to look at him once again with shock written all over her face before a hint of a smile broke through and she started laughing, having to cover her mouth from the intensity of it.
“How- I mean- what,” she said before Akhil shrugged and took a sip of his water to hide his smile before shrugging again. “Uh, so, about what I said before,” Akhil said and then lowered his voice before asking,” Would you be okay with that?” Laila blushed before lowering her gaze and asking, "Would that be right?" Akhil shrugged before asking, "If we want it, who is to perceive it as wrong?"
Laila played with her scarf before nodding her head and answering,” I would like to get to know more about you.” Akhil smiled and couldn’t fight the blush that began to show on his cheeks and neck. The two laughed before Akhil waved over an employee and asked for two coffees. “Uh, can you make those to go,” Laila asked and the waiter nodded before going to do as he was asked.
“To go,” Akhil asked and Laila nodded her head. “I have to pick up a few things for my sister’s wedding. So, unfortunately, I will not be able to join you for coffee today,” then taking a look inside her bag picked out his handkerchief and slid it over.
Looking at it, Akhil smiled and hesitated for a few minutes before asking,” Do you need a ride? I’m off from work today and I wouldn’t mind,” seeing the unsureness on her face he rushed to say,” I mean, do you have a car because alone, it’s not safe.” Nodding her head, Laila said,” I’d like that.” The two grabbed their coffees before making their way to Akhil's car. Opening the door for her, Akhil smiled at Laila before helping her into the car and then shutting the door behind her.
Hurrying over to his side, Akhil started the car before following Laila's directions to the mall. "I never said this was going to be fun," she warned as they stepped into the clothing store and Laila plastered a large fake smile on her face before greeting the store attendee.
"I'll just sit here," Akhil said to himself before taking a look around and taking a seat on the empty chair that was facing the dressing room. Taking out his phone he sat back and crossed his leg over the other by resting his ankle on the opposite legs thigh.
Scrolling through his emails he groaned at seeing the books' information that he would have to personally check this weekend. "That bad," Laila asked as she looked down at the gown she was wearing. Akhil looked up before his mouth dropped open at seeing Laila standing in a pair of heels with a long skirt and long sleeve top.
"Beautiful," Akhil whispered and then smiled when Laila blushed before turning her back to him so she could look in the mirror. "Didi, I have the scarf," a man said and Laila attempted to grab it but the man pulled back and smiled creepily before asking,"Didi, we can help you. After all, that is our job."
Laila raised an eyebrow and opened her mouth to curse the man out before Akhil patted him on the shoulder with a firm hand. The man sneered before he turned around and his face lost a little bit of colour.
"I'll take care of it," Akhil informed the man before grabbing the elegantly embroidered scarf and stepping onto the ramp behind Laila who had turned around to face the mirror. Akhil softly slipped the scarf over one of her shoulders before Laila turned around.
Her gaze was glued to the floor and Akhil hesitantly raised her chin with one finger but right as they were about to make eye contact a woman clapped her hands and cheered, "You look absolutely stunning." Turning around to face the woman Laila smiled and squeezed her hands before giving the lady a twirl.
"I see you. Work it, girl," the woman cheered her on before finally noticing Akhil who had gone silent and was standing there like a soldier with his hands folded behind him.
"And you are," the woman asked before giving Laila a look who just rolled her eyes. "Akhil Dev Malik. Pleasure to meet you," he said and raised his right hand which the woman shook.
"Akhil, this is my best friend and saviour. Meera. She owns this store and is the only reason I was able to find a dress on such short notice," Laila praised and then laughed when Meera gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"She gives me too much credit," Meera warned before picking at the clothes and then stepping back to take a look at the whole outfit. "I think it's perfect but is there anything you want done," she trailed off as she asked and Laila gave herself one more look over in the mirror before shaking her head. "Okay. You can take it since you have already paid in advance," she said before hugging Laila once more and then nodding to Akhil who nodded back.
As they left the store with Akhil's hand gently hovering on Laila's back to guide her out of the store, Meena made a small noise as she smiled 'there was definitely something there'.
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