Avantika watched from afar. Her heart thudded like it would cause an explosion in her body any time. She tried calming her nerves but it just didn’t help. How could it? He had just walked in.

He, who was her sole reason for her survival at work. Pleasing him was her raison d’etre.

Avantika ran to the pantry, under the pretext of another cup of coffee. He’d surely go past the pantry to reach his cubicle.

She waited silently, watching, as he returned all the greetings from the team. Even though, he was back in the office after almost a week, it seemed to her as if she’d spoken to him just yesterday. Oh wait, she had actually spoken to him just yesterday. He had called to get an update about work before he returned from his vacation today. She was familiar with his every mannerism, how his eyes crinkled when he smiled, or, how he threw back his head when he laughed. Or how every now and then, he would look to her and raise an eyebrow, as if asking about her.

Was she imagining things? Or was she over-thinking it and making it look like something that really wasn’t?

If he felt the same, why didn’t he come out and say it? Or was he waiting for her to say it? He should have known her enough to know how shy she was. She hardly ever spoke even. Or was that the problem?

Avantika decided to take the plunge and ask him upfront. She waited till he was in the pantry to speak to him. She’d say it today, and deal with the consequences later. She’d tell him she was ready for the promotion she well deserved.