The polished corridor of Tech High pulsed with the hum of distant voices and the steady clack of footsteps. Inside the conference room, the conversation between Rudra and Kunal had dwindled to measured, heavy silences, punctuated by the low murmur of business proposals and unspoken challenges. Outside, the world continued obliviously, unaware of the delicate balance of power and desire being negotiated within these walls.
Meanwhile, in the open-plan office, Anaya sat at her desk, her mind still lingering on the fragments of conversation from earlier. The ambient noise of keyboards and hushed discussions faded into a distant backdrop as her thoughts drifted to Ravi's quiet, intense gaze. The day felt different—charged with possibilities and subtle shifts that promised more than the predictable rhythms of corporate life.
Ria's own world was turning as she prepared for her next engagement. In the solitude of her room, she had meticulously arranged her accessories: a pair of delicate earrings, a slim silver bracelet, and the final piece of her ensemble—a sleek watch that shimmered under the soft light. But it wasn't her outfit that consumed her thoughts tonight—it was the recent interactions, the whisper of a secret that still echoed in her heart.
After tidying her wardrobe, she stepped out, her confident stride punctuated by the click of her high heels—Jimmy Choo, polished to perfection. The hallways of Tech High, with their modern décor and understated elegance, bore witness to her quiet determination. She moved with the grace of a woman who had learned to mask her inner turmoil with style, every step a declaration of her resilience.
As she descended the stairs, she caught a glimpse of Ravi in the distance, his figure partially hidden by the shadowed corridor. His face was a study in controlled emotion, eyes dark and pensive, and though his expression remained impassive, she sensed a storm beneath the calm surface. He was lost in his own thoughts, the silent weight of his unspoken words hanging in the air. Ria's heart skipped a beat, though she tried to hide it behind a practiced smile.
Their eyes met briefly across the space. Ravi's gaze, however, was carefully averted when she looked back, as if to hide the depth of what he felt. That subtle exchange left her with more questions than answers.
By the time she reached the entrance of the building, a sense of urgency and quiet anticipation had taken hold of her. Outside, the night air was cool, and she felt a mixture of relief and trepidation. It was then that she remembered the whispered promises from earlier, the unspoken hints that something was changing.
Later that evening, Ravi's car pulled up near the club—a familiar scene unfolding against the backdrop of Mumbai's dazzling skyline. The vehicle's engine purred softly as Ravi prepared to drop her off. The car ride was long and silent, punctuated by Ravi's occasional glances at her as she stared out the window, lost in thought.
Her mind replayed the delicate moments of the night: the unexpected closeness in the elevator, the way Kunal had approached her with a confident smile, the unspoken tension in his eyes. And then Ravi—protective, yet burdened by his own secret feelings.
As the car navigated the quiet streets toward the venue, Ravi finally spoke in a low, controlled voice, "Ria, please sit properly." He reached over and gently adjusted the strap of her dress, fastening the seatbelt with care. His actions were deliberate, a silent promise that he was there for her, even if he couldn't voice all his emotions.
Ria's eyes wandered over the interior of the car—the soft hum of the engine, the faint glow of city lights through the windows, and the steady rhythm of Ravi's calm presence. Yet her heart felt a flutter of anxiety. "Why do you behave like this, Ravi?" she whispered to herself, wondering about the depths of his silence and the hidden meanings behind his every gesture.
Before she could sink into her thoughts, Ravi slowed the car, pulling over onto a quiet stretch of road beside a small park. The soft click of the door opening punctuated the silence, and Ravi handed her a water bottle along with a neatly folded handkerchief and a small chocolate bar—her favorite treat.
Ria stared at the items in her hands, surprised at how well Ravi seemed to know her. In that tender moment, she felt an unexpected warmth—an understanding that transcended their professional boundaries. She looked up, searching for his eyes, but Ravi kept his gaze forward, as if shielding himself from the vulnerability of the moment.
She managed a soft, "Thank you," and then hesitated, gathering the courage to ask, "Are you… going to answer me about why you said, 'Your man will'?" Her voice was gentle, tinged with both curiosity and apprehension.
Ravi's jaw tightened for a moment, and he exhaled slowly. "I was just trying to say… that sometimes, you might have someone who cares enough to be there for you—when no one else will." His voice was low, almost inaudible, and his eyes flickered with a mixture of regret and longing.
Ria's heart pounded as she absorbed his words. Before she could press further, Ravi added in a firm tone, "If you're done, I'm taking you home. I have a meeting waiting, and we need to keep things moving."
A flicker of defiance stirred within her. "But… why did you come back?" she whispered.
Ravi's gaze hardened for a moment before he replied, "Because I had a feeling you'd need me."
The words hung between them, heavy with meaning. In the silence that followed, Ravi resumed driving, and the car filled with the quiet sound of the engine and the soft hum of the city.
At the mansion's gate, as they pulled up, Ravi's eyes were still lost in thought. Ria stepped out first, her steps quick and measured, but she paused and looked back at him one final time. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Ravi's expression remained unreadable, though something in his eyes flickered—a silent promise, a burden carried in his soul.
And as Ria walked inside, her figure swallowed by the vastness of the building, Ravi murmured under his breath, almost to himself, "Goodbye, future wife…" The words, raw and filled with unspoken pain, echoed in the emptiness of the car before he drove off, leaving behind a trail of questions that neither of them could answer just yet.
In that fleeting moment, as the night slowly gave way to the promise of a new day, the unspoken truths of their hearts began to stir, mingling with the quiet rhythm of life—a dance of shadows, desire, and the bittersweet hope of what might come next."
.______..______.✒️.______..______.✒️.______..______.
The polished corridor of Tech High buzzed quietly as Ravi led Kunal toward Rudra's office, the air thick with the murmur of whispered conversations and the soft click of footsteps on marble. Outside, the city's neon glow danced along the glass windows, but inside, every word was measured, every glance deliberate.
Kunal's eyes, cold yet tantalizingly curious, lingered on the space where Anaya had just appeared. The memory of her hesitation in the elevator still pulsed beneath the surface—a delicate secret, too fragile for the light of day. Ravi's steady, impassive gaze concealed his own inner turmoil, but even he could not ignore the tension that crackled in the silence between them.
Reaching the door to the conference room, Ravi pressed it open, and inside, Rudra Singhaniya sat behind his immaculate desk. The man's presence was imposing—his grey suit perfectly tailored to accentuate his commanding frame, his dark eyes flickering over a meticulously organized array of files and a glowing laptop. The room exuded an aura of efficiency, as if every detail was engineered to reflect the power of the Singhaniya legacy.
"Mr. Rajawat," Rudra said, his tone cool and businesslike, "to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"
Kunal's lips curved into a subtle, enigmatic smile. "I have come to discuss an opportunity—a potential collaboration that I believe will benefit both our organizations." His voice, smooth and persuasive, resonated with quiet authority.
Before Rudra could reply, Ravi interjected with a curt, "We have a meeting scheduled." The underlying edge in his tone hinted at personal stakes that went far beyond the routine business discussions.
Rudra's eyes narrowed briefly before he returned his attention to the files before him. "I'm aware. But tell me, Mr. Rajawat, does your proposal extend beyond mere numbers?" he asked, his voice low, probing.
Kunal's smirk deepened. "In this rapidly evolving market, innovation isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. I propose a partnership that blends the best of technology and hospitality. Imagine transforming our customer experience by integrating cutting-edge AI with our service model. The future is calling."
Rudra's gaze was steady, his mind racing through calculations and possibilities. Outside the room, the conversation of the office buzzed on, oblivious to the silent duel of words taking place behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, in another part of the building, Anaya sat at her desk, her thoughts wandering despite the familiar hum of keyboards and hushed office chatter. The events of the night played repeatedly in her mind—the uncertain glances, the whispered words, and the brief moment of intimacy in the elevator that she could hardly decipher. She tried to focus on her work, but her heart was restless, her mind clouded by unanswered questions.
.______.📖.______.📖.______.📖.______.📖.______.
The hallway buzzed with the usual energy of a busy office—footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors, the faint hum of printers, and hushed conversations between colleagues as they hurried to their next task. Fluorescent lights cast a soft white glow over the pristine space, where employees moved swiftly, their hands full of files and minds preoccupied with deadlines.
Anaya Malhotra and Janvi Sharma walked side by side, their heels clicking against the floor in rhythmic unison. Both carried a stack of documents, their arms pressed against their chests as they exhaled simultaneously, exhausted yet determined. They had barely crossed the stretch of the corridor when Ravi strode past them, his presence commanding attention.
Anaya instinctively lowered her gaze, her fingers tightening around the folders, while Janvi let out a subtle sigh, exchanging a fleeting glance with her companion. As they brushed past the meeting rooms, their shoulders unconsciously squared as if shielding themselves from any unexpected confrontation.
Just as relief settled between them, a sharp yet composed voice cut through the air.
"Ms. Malhotra, Ms. Sharma."
Both women froze mid-step, a chill running down their spines before they turned to see the figure of their HR head standing with a clipboard in her hands. Her expression was unreadable, her tone formal and precise.
Anaya and Janvi exchanged a silent look—one filled with a mix of hesitation and silent questions.
"Come to my office. Now."
Neither of them dared to question the direct order. The weight of the HR head's words left no room for debate. With a swift nod, they adjusted their grips on the files and followed her down the corridor.
The walk to the HR office felt longer than usual. Each step was accompanied by the low murmur of conversations from nearby cubicles, the clicking of keyboards, and the faint ringing of phones in the background. The glass-walled rooms lining the hallway revealed glimpses of employees in deep discussions, some engrossed in presentations, while others remained glued to their screens.
The door to the HR office opened with a smooth push, revealing a modern yet minimalistic space. Shelves lined with neatly arranged files, a large wooden desk standing at the center, and a sleek leather chair where their HR head now settled. The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the faint traces of lavender air freshener.
Anaya and Janvi stepped inside cautiously, their fingers subconsciously brushing against each other in silent support as they took their respective seats. The weight of uncertainty pressed against their chests as they waited for the reason behind their sudden summons.
The HR head adjusted her glasses before sliding a neatly stacked file across the desk.
"You both have been assigned to a new project," she announced, tapping the folder lightly. "You'll be working alongside your senior and will be representing the company in an upcoming client meeting. The details of the project and the schedule are enclosed in this file."
The weight of those words settled in instantly. Anaya's fingers trembled slightly as she reached for the document, her breath hitching. Janvi, sitting beside her, leaned in subtly, her eyes scanning the bold headings on the first page.
"The meeting is scheduled for Monday," the HR head continued, her gaze unwavering. "That gives you the weekend to prepare. I expect both of you to be ready and well-versed with the agenda. This is an important deal, and your performance will be noted."
Anaya swallowed hard, nodding slowly while Janvi forced a polite smile, masking the internal panic that had begun to stir within her.
Their minds raced with silent questions—How? Where? Why them?—but the unwavering authority in the HR head's voice kept them from voicing their concerns.
Breaking the tense silence, the HR head folded her hands together and spoke one last time.
"I trust you will handle this professionally. You may leave."
With that, Anaya and Janvi stood up, giving a respectful nod before retreating from the office. The door shut softly behind them, but the unease lingered in the pit of their stomachs.
As they walked back toward their desks, Anaya finally exhaled, her fingers clenching the file tightly.
"Did that just happen?" Janvi whispered, her voice laced with disbelief.
Anaya shook her head, still processing everything. "I guess it did. And we just signed up for something we weren't even prepared for."
Janvi let out a small nervous laugh. "You know what's worse? We can't even say no."
Anaya chuckled dryly. "Exactly. And that's the scariest part."
Neither spoke for a while, their footsteps growing heavier with the realization of their new responsibility. As they settled into their desks, the office buzzed around them as usual, oblivious to the storm of thoughts swirling in their minds.
Their weekend was no longer theirs. Monday awaited with challenges they had yet to face. And as they exchanged one last glance, an unspoken promise passed between them—they would get through this together.
.______..______..______.📑.______..______..______.✒️
As Anaya and Janvi left the HR office, their minds were clouded with uncertainty. The hallway felt eerily silent, with only the soft hum of office chatter filtering through the glass-paneled walls. Their heels clicked against the polished marble floor, each step echoing their shared confusion.
Janvi was the first to break the silence. "Did she just say senior? As in, we're working with someone? Not just for some random paperwork?" Her voice carried a mix of disbelief and dread.
Anaya exhaled sharply, clutching the folder in her hands. "That's exactly what she said. And, to top it off, we don't even know who this senior is. It could be anyone. Ravi. Kunal. Or worse…" she trailed off, biting her lower lip.
Janvi's eyes widened. "Please don't say it. I'm already having a hard time breathing."
They reached their desks, neatly arranged side by side near the large glass windows overlooking the city skyline. The golden rays of the evening sun spilled into the office, casting elongated shadows across their workspace.
Anaya sat down with a sigh, tapping the folder against the desk. "Monday. That means we have the weekend to prepare, right?"
Janvi, already unlocking her computer, gave her a pointed look. "Right. But let's be real, this means our weekend is ruined. I was planning a quiet, drama-free two days, but now? Work, stress, and a mysterious senior hanging over our heads."
Anaya flipped open the folder, scanning the details. "It's a client deal. Something about a foreign investment project. The meeting is scheduled at 10 AM sharp. Great. Just what I need first thing on a Monday morning."
Janvi groaned dramatically. "I swear, if it's Kunal, I'm quitting."
Anaya chuckled, shaking her head. "You're not quitting. You love your job too much."
"Yeah, but I don't love him breathing in the same space as me," Janvi muttered, stealing a glance at the hallway as if expecting Kunal to appear out of thin air.
Before Anaya could respond, a shadow loomed over their desks. A deep, familiar voice cut through their conversation. "What are you both whispering about?"
Both women froze.
Ravi.
He stood there, one hand casually resting in his pocket, his sharp gaze flickering between the two of them. Dressed in his usual crisp black suit, he looked every bit the no-nonsense professional he always was. But Anaya wasn't blind—there was something different in the way he was looking at her today. Something unreadable.
Janvi recovered first, straightening in her seat. "Nothing. Just discussing work."
Ravi arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Right. Work." His gaze settled on Anaya, and for a brief moment, she thought he was going to say something else. Instead, he pulled a document from his own folder and placed it on her desk.
"Review this before Monday. It's related to your project," he said, his tone even but firm.
Anaya hesitated before taking it. Their fingers nearly brushed, and she swore she saw a flicker of something in his eyes—something fleeting, something restrained.
Janvi watched the interaction closely, her curiosity practically radiating from her.
"Who's the senior we'll be working with?" she asked suddenly.
Ravi's jaw tightened slightly, but he remained composed. "You'll find out soon enough," he replied, before turning on his heel and walking away, his presence leaving an odd tension in the air.
Janvi leaned in, lowering her voice. "Did you see that? Did you feel that? The tension? The eye contact?"
Anaya rolled her eyes. "You're imagining things."
Janvi smirked. "Oh, sweetheart. You wish I was."
But as Anaya flipped through the documents Ravi had given her, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe Janvi wasn't imagining things at all.
💕.______.💕.______.💕.______.💕.______.💕
Evening at the Bus Stop
The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the city streets in a warm glow as Anaya and Janvi stood at the bus stop, waiting for their ride home. The faint honking of cars, the murmur of passersby, and the occasional chatter of street vendors filled the air. A soft breeze ruffled Anaya's dupatta as she absentmindedly tapped her foot against the pavement.
Janvi, arms crossed, eyed her with curiosity. "You know, you have cars, right? Expensive ones. Why do you still use public transport?"
Anaya exhaled, her gaze fixed on the approaching headlights of an incoming bus. "I know, but… they're not mine," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "They all belong to him. I didn't earn them. I just… have them, but they don't feel like mine."
Before Janvi could reply, the deep rumble of an approaching luxury car interrupted them. The sleek black vehicle came to a smooth halt in front of them. It wasn't Rudra's car, but—
"Aarav?" Anaya blinked in surprise as the tinted window rolled down, revealing Aarav Singhaniya, looking effortlessly stylish as always. He removed his sunglasses in one swift motion, his lips quirking up into a half-smirk.
Janvi arched a brow but remained silent, observing the interaction with quiet curiosity.
Aarav leaned slightly toward the window. "Bhabhi, I'm heading home. Let's go," he said, his tone casual but firm.
Anaya hesitated. "Yeah, but I can take the bus—"
Aarav cut her off immediately. "It's not a request. It's an order," he stated, a playful yet knowing glint in his eyes. His smirk deepened just slightly as he added, "Not from me, though."
At that, Anaya sighed. "Aarav, you and I are different. What's with this sudden change?"
Aarav ran a hand through his hair, then leaned back in his seat with an exaggerated sigh. "Bhabhi, please andar aa jao, warna bhai meri class laga denge."
(Bhabhi, please just get inside, or else Bhai will lecture me to death.)
He kept stealing occasional glances at Janvi, who pretended not to notice but was clearly intrigued.
Anaya exhaled in resignation. "Ohk, thik hai. But tum pehle Janvi ko drop karoge."
(Okay, fine. But you'll drop Janvi off first.)
Janvi, who had been silently watching the exchange, scoffed, muttering under her breath, "Behen, tu meri hi friend hai na?"
(Girl, are you even my friend?)
Anaya turned to her with a small smirk before grabbing her wrist and pulling her inside the car's back seat.
Janvi huffed. "Great. Now I feel like a kidnapping victim."
Aarav chuckled, shaking his head as he adjusted the rearview mirror. "Welcome to the Singhaniya experience."
The car rolled forward, leaving behind the crowded streets as the city lights flickered to life.