It was Friday afternoon and Susan's team was working on computers as well as looking through files. Susan had informed her entire team about the new project and everyone was given their partners to coordinate with. Raji was assigned to Ashok, Vishnu and Lakshmi were working with Kaushik and Karthik's partner was Divya. The entire team was gathered in the large computer lab with files around their tables.
Divya looked at her watch and spoke to everyone.
"I don't think we will be able to finish this by today. We might need to take some this work home and work on it."
Everyone looked at her and then at one another.
"She's right, there is still a lot left to finish then we need to go through everything. If we want this project to be successful, we're going to need to put extra hours for sure." Kaushik said.
"I'm fine with coming here tomorrow." Ashok spoke up.
Raji looked at Ashok from the corner of her eye. She didn't mind working on Saturdays but she would prefer working from home than coming all the way here tomorrow.
"Ok then, who else can come tomorrow?" Kaushik asked.
Raji looked at everyone then at Karthik. She let a little frown and Karthik noticed this. He whispered and asked her
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing...I just don't want to come here tomorrow but I don't mind working from home..."
"Why?"
"I was going to spend the weekend helping my father with the house but if I'm here, he's going to be by himself that's why I was wondering..."
"Tell Ashok then."
Raji shook her head.
"No, it's okay, looks like everyone is coming tomorrow anyways so I better be here also."
Everyone nodded and said they would be able to come. Ashok looked at Raji now who looked like she was lost in some thoughts.
"Raji you are coming tomorrow right?"
"Huh...yes...yes I am coming tomorrow."
A smile came on Ashok's face now.
"Great!"
Raji smiled back half heartedly then looked at Karthik before continuing her work on the computer.
It was almost 5 pm now and everyone was still in the computer lab. Kaushik got up from his chair.
"Ok guys, I think that's enough for today, everyone looks tired also. We'll meet tomorrow at 10 am to continue." He said.
Vishnu let out a groan and looked at Lakshmi who looked back at him.
Kaushik took the files he was working on and left the lab. One by one everyone shut down the computers, grabbed the files and left the lab. Everyone went to the locker hall to get their things before leaving for the day. Divya and Kaushik got their things and said bye to everyone walking to the elevator. Karthik and Raji were walking beside each other now to their lockers. Raji opened up her locker and got out her bag. Ashok came up to her now.
"Raji, do you need a ride today?" He asked.
Raji felt a little awkward now.
"No thanks Ashok, I'm taking the bus today."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes I'm sure, I'm going with Lakshmi we both are going to buy some things."
Ashok looked a little disappointed and shrugged his shoulders.
"Ok then, see you tomorrow."
"Yup...see you tomorrow."
Ashok left the hallway while Raji sat down and put her hand in her head. Karthik sat down beside her and looked at her worried.
"Raji, are you okay?"
She looked up now.
"Huh...oh yeah, I'm fine...I just have a slight headache."
"Talk about headache Raji, me too!" She heard a voice call out.
It was Lakshmi who came with Vishnu now. Both didn't look too happy.
"You have a headache also Lakshmi?" Karthik asked.
"Yeah Karthik I do. I don't know why." Lakshmi replied back.
"It's probably because of this work stress. And on top of that Kaushik is grinding us." Vishnu said.
Vishnu and Lakshmi were now sitting down on chairs.
"Is Kaushik being hard?" Karthik asked.
"Yes he is. He's a perfectionist and has high expectations." Lakshmi said.
"Dei machan, how is Divya?" Vishnu asked.
"She's fine, nice and helpful. She gives a lot of tips and guides me along the way." Karthik said.
"You're lucky you are not working with Kaushik, I feel like he puts a lot of pressure on us and he's intimidating to approach sometimes." Lakshmi said.
"I'm sure we will get used to him, we're still new here right...it will take time." Raji said while her hand still on her head.
"Is Ashok treating you properly?" Karthik asked Raji looking at her.
"Yeah Raji, how is Ashok? He seems to like you or something... " Lakshmi stated.
Raji was surprised with what Lakshmi said.
"Ashok is fine...I think he is just a little over excited with this project since it's a big assignment."
"Just make sure you are careful Raji." Lakshmi said.
"Yeah...don't worry...I'll be careful. Hey Lakshmi, this headache is not getting any better for me how about you?"
"Me neither, let's cancel the shopping and just get some food and go home."
Raji smiled at her.
"Good idea."
"Do you girls want us to drop you off?" Vishnu asked.
"No it's okay Vishnu, we are going to get some food home on our way home." Lakshmi said.
Lakshmi and Raji took their bags from their lockers and walked with Karthik and Vishnu to the elevators. They all got off on the ground floor and left the building.
Vishnu went to his car while Lakshmi walked a little ahead talking on her phone. Karthik and Raji were beside each other.
"Bye Raji, go home and rest, we'll try to finish early tomorrow so you can be home early with your dad. Let me know if you need anything."
Raji looked at him straight in the eyes.
"Thank you so much Karthik, I can always count on you."
Both smiled at each other then parted ways for the evening.
sorry for the delay friends..hope u like it.and thank you for your support..!!
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
