Chapter 8: The Silk Knot BJ

The Friday afternoon shift at the Andheri branch was buzzing with the usual crowd. Around 2:30 PM, the glass doors swung open, and Sonia walked in with her senior manager from the Central Office.

Akash looked up from his counter and froze for a second. She looked stunning. She was wearing a Chanderi silk salwar suit and well-done makeup. She deliberately kept her eyes fixed straight ahead, completely avoiding his gaze as her manager led her right into the branch manager’s cabin for their meeting.

Akash had already set up his excuse early that morning, claiming he had a critical doctor’s appointment at 4:30 PM. The moment the clock hit 4:00 PM, he wrapped up his work, grabbed his keys, and slipped out of the branch. He took a quick auto ride down the road to where his car was parked, a full kilometer away from the office. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he cranked up the AC, put on some music, and waited for her text.

Inside the branch manager’s cabin, the meeting wrapped up at 4:30 PM. After casually greeting her old colleagues, her manager checked his phone.

Manager: Sonia, there’s no need for you to travel all the way back to the Central Office now. You can leave directly for home from here.

Sonia: Thank you, sir. I’ll leave immediately.

The moment her manager walked out, Sonia went straight into the branch washroom, pulled out her phone, and opened WhatsApp.

Sonia: I’m leaving where are you.

Akash: I am in the car. Take an auto and come to the parking spot where I am.

Sonia: No, come near the branch before the main gate. It’s working hours right now, so all the branch staff are completely busy at their desks inside. No one will notice. Come fast.

Akash: Ok, moving now. See you in two minutes.

Sonia tucked her phone away and walked out of the branch, keeping her face completely blank. Outside on the main road, Akash pulled up, and she quickly slid into the passenger seat. They drove off into the traffic, eventually turning into the parking lot of a discreet hotel nearby. They booked a room directly at the front desk and headed straight upstairs.

Once inside, they sat on the bed and began their conversation. Akash dropped his car keys onto the mattress next to him, running a hand through his hair as he looked at her.

Akash: I really thought you were moving on this time.

Sonia: And yet, here I am. Didn’t I tell you to stop overthinking everything?

Akash: It’s hard not to. No messages at night, no meetings. The moment your husband’s shift changed, it felt like you just completely cut me off.

Sonia: I didn’t cut you off, Akash. The new commute is exhausting, and Ramesh is home every single evening now. I barely get a minute to myself.

Akash: I miss our rickshaw rides. Sitting at the bank all day feels completely different when we aren’t even talking.

Sonia: Akash, don’t make this so dramatic. It’s just a temporary change in our schedule.

Akash: It doesn’t feel temporary. When you went to Goa, and then with this transfer, it felt like you just adjusted instantly while I was stuck waiting. Do you even think about me when we aren’t here?