As he made his way to the HR department on the first floor, Arjun decided to take the stairs for some exercise. Halfway up, he heard laughter coming from above. A group of women was coming down the stairs, and one of them caught his eye immediately.
She was standing slightly behind her friends, her quiet presence only adding to her beauty. Jyoti. Her skin was like fresh cream - flawless, smooth, and radiant. Her long, thick hair, the colour of rich coffee, cascaded down her back in waves, catching the light as she moved. It seemed to have a life of its own, swaying gently with every step she took.
Jyoti wore a simple yellow saree, soft and flowing, draped modestly yet elegantly. The pleats of the saree shifted slightly as she moved, giving a teasing glimpse of her waist. A small, smooth curve of her side tummy peeked out, while the pallu covered her navel completely, maintaining a traditional grace. A silver anklet adorned her slender ankle, chiming softly with every step. Her feet, shaped perfectly, had nails painted in a delicate pink shade. She moved gracefully, her steps light and careful.
Jyoti's large, dark eyes were lowered shyly, and a faint blush coloured her cheeks. Her friends had just cracked a joke, and her soft laughter added to her charm. She had an innocence about her that made Arjun feel captivated, unable to look away.
Their eyes met for a brief moment as Jyoti glanced up. Her gaze locked with his before darting away quickly, her cheeks turning an even deeper pink. A shy smile played on her lips, and Arjun felt something stir within him. It was a moment he couldn't forget.
When they passed each other, he nodded politely to the group. As he continued climbing the stairs, he found himself glancing back to catch another glimpse of her. She was already walking away, her saree flowing behind her, her hair swaying gently.
Later that day, after completing the HR formalities, Arjun was introduced to his team. And there she was again. Jyoti. When her name was announced as his "buddy," the person assigned to help him settle in, Arjun felt a spark of happiness.
Jyoti gave him a shy but genuine smile, her hands clasped neatly in front of her. "Hi Arjun, welcome to the team," she said softly, her voice sweet and melodic.
Arjun extended his hand, his smile warm. "Thank you, Jyoti. It's great to be here." Her hand was small, soft, and warm in his, and he couldn't help but notice the delicate feel of her touch.
Over the next few days, Jyoti helped Arjun settle into his new role. She explained the company culture, introduced him to colleagues, and even showed him the best coffee spots. At first, their conversations revolved around work, but soon, they began to share more personal stories. Arjun learned that Jyoti had a deep love for classical music and was passionate about dancing - both the graceful movements of folk dances and the expressive energy of western styles. She, in turn, discovered his love for photography and travel.
Despite her initial shyness, Jyoti's quiet intelligence and subtle sense of humour started to shine through. Arjun found himself drawn to her. He noticed little things, like how she bit her lip when concentrating or how her eyes lit up when she talked about something she loved. He admired her dedication to her work and her kindness towards everyone.
One day, there was excitement in the office about the upcoming annual party. Arjun overheard Jyoti telling her friends that she planned to go home to change before the event. An idea crossed his mind.
Later, he approached her desk. "Jyoti," he began, his voice casual but warm, "since we live in the same direction, would you like me to drop you home and then pick you up for the party?"
Jyoti's eyes widened in surprise. A faint blush crept up her cheeks. "Oh, that's very kind of you, Arjun. Are you sure it won't be too much trouble?"
"Not at all," Arjun replied with a smile. "It would be my pleasure."
The evening of the party arrived. After changing at his own place, Arjun drove to Jyoti's apartment. He texted her that he had arrived, and a few minutes later, the building door opened. Jyoti stepped out, and Arjun's breath caught in his throat.
She was stunning. Jyoti wore a knee-length black dress that hugged her figure gracefully. Her smooth, milky white arms were bare, and the delicate knots on her shoulders added a touch of elegance. Her hair was styled in soft waves, framing her face perfectly. The glow on her skin made her look even more radiant.
But what caught Arjun's attention most were her legs. Below the hem of her dress, her calves gleamed, smooth and flawless. Her delicate black heels accentuated the length and shape of her legs, making her look effortlessly elegant. As she walked towards the car, her movements were graceful, her beauty almost otherworldly.
Arjun quickly got out of the car to open the door for her. As she settled into the seat, the fabric of her dress rode up slightly, revealing more of her shapely legs. He couldn't help but glance, his gaze lingering for a moment.
Jyoti noticed and blushed deeply, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Where are you looking?" she teased softly, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.
Caught off guard but recovering quickly, Arjun grinned. "Your legs are on fire," he quipped with a wink.
Jyoti giggled, her laughter light and musical. She adjusted her dress slightly, her cheeks still pink. The drive to the party was filled with easy conversation, and the occasional comfortable silence only deepened their connection.
The office party was lively, with music, laughter, and delicious food. After grabbing plates of snacks, they found a table near the dance floor. As the music slowed to a romantic tune, Arjun turned to Jyoti.
"Care to dance?" he asked, holding out his hand.
Jyoti hesitated for a moment before nodding, her shy smile making his heart race. They moved to the dance floor, and Arjun gently placed his hand on her waist. Jyoti rested her hand lightly on his shoulder, her touch sending a spark through him.
As they swayed to the soft music, their bodies moved closer. Their hips occasionally brushed, and each fleeting touch sent warmth coursing through Arjun. He could feel the heat of Jyoti's body through her dress. Her soft floral scent filled his senses, making it hard to focus on anything else.
Jyoti was equally aware of Arjun's closeness. His hand on her waist, firm yet gentle, made her heart beat faster. When their thighs grazed, she felt a jolt of electricity. She tried to concentrate on the music, but her thoughts were entirely on him. His cologne, a subtle masculine scent, was intoxicating.
As they turned slowly, her arm brushed against his chest. She felt the firmness of his muscles beneath his shirt, and her cheeks flushed again. She couldn't remember ever feeling this way before - a mix of shyness and excitement.
The song ended too soon, and they stepped apart reluctantly. Arjun's gaze lingered on her flushed face, and Jyoti's eyes sparkled with a newfound confidence.
"Thank you for the dance, Jyo," Arjun said softly, his voice warm. "I hope I can call you that."
"Thank you, Arjun. Yes, you can" she replied, her voice barely audible. Her heart was still racing, but a small, shy smile curved her lips.
That evening felt like the start of something special. The connection between them, though unspoken, was undeniable. And for Arjun and Jyoti, it was just the beginning of their story.