The moment Meera stepped out of Aryavardhan’s cabin, the door closing behind her felt heavier than usual.

Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she walked down the corridor.

Inside her chest, humiliation burned like acid.

“Tum meri sirf ek employee ho… aur Anu is very special.”

The words echoed again.

And again.

And again.

For a moment she stopped near the glass railing overlooking the work floor.

Her fingers curled slowly around the metal.

Below her, employees moved around their desks.

Phones ringing.

Printers humming.

Normal office life.

But Meera’s eyes were searching for one person.

And then she saw her.

Anu.

Sitting at her desk in that red silk saree, hair open, typing calmly as if the entire world wasn’t watching her.

As if she hadn’t just walked into Arya’s cabin and walked out with that same fearless confidence.

And the mark on her neck…

Still visible.

Still shameless.

Meera’s jaw tightened.

For a second the old impulse rose inside her — to walk there immediately and slap that smug confidence off Anu’s face.

But then something shifted.

Slowly…

very slowly…

Meera’s expression changed.

The anger didn’t disappear.

It settled.

Hardened.

Turned cold.

Her grip on the railing loosened as a small smile appeared on her lips.

Not a warm one.

A calculating one.

“Interesting…” she murmured quietly.

She turned and walked toward the pantry area where two junior employees were whispering over coffee.

The moment they saw her, they straightened nervously.

“G-good morning ma’am.”

Meera smiled politely.

“Good morning.”

She picked up a cup of coffee casually.

Then she said in a light, conversational tone—

“Waise… aaj kal office mein kaafi interesting changes ho rahe hain na?”

The employees exchanged confused glances.

One of them nodded cautiously.

“Ji… ma’am?”

Meera stirred her coffee slowly.

“Bas… bohot si aisi cheeze ho rahi hai jo ki itne forward hai ki kuch samajh hi nahi aa raha hai” she said softly.

“Talent kaafi fast grow kar raha hai yahan.”

A pause.

Then she added casually—

“Kuch log toh directly CEO ke cabin tak bhi pahunch ja rahe hain.”

The words were gentle.

But the implication was sharp.

The two employees glanced toward Anu’s desk instinctively.

Meera noticed it.

Perfect.

She took a sip of her coffee.

“Waise…” she added thoughtfully,

“Promotion aur appreciation toh achhi baat hai. Lekin professional boundaries bhi important hoti hain… hai na?”

Now the whisper had begun.

Exactly as she wanted.

Meera placed the cup back on the counter and walked away without another word.

Behind her—

the two employees immediately leaned closer together.

“Tumne suna?”

“Ma’am kiski baat kar rahi thi?”

“Obviously… Anu ki.”

Across the office floor, Anu suddenly felt something strange.

The air had changed.

People were looking at her.

Whispering.

She frowned slightly, unsure why.

Inside his glass cabin—

Aryavardhan watched the floor below.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the shift in the atmosphere.

And near the elevator lobby—

Meera stood quietly.

Watching.

Observing.

Waiting.

Because she had realized something important.

If she attacked Anu directly…

Arya would protect her.

But if the entire office started questioning her character—

Then even Aryavardhan wouldn’t be able to silence the storm.

Her lips curved slightly.

The game had begun.

And this time—

Meera wasn’t going to lose.

_____

The late morning sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows of the office floor, turning the polished marble and glass walls into sheets of pale gold. The hum of work had settled into its usual rhythm—keyboards tapping, muted phone calls, the occasional shuffle of files.

Anu had been working quietly for almost an hour.

Her red silk saree still carried the same quiet authority she had walked in with earlier, but the confidence that had sparkled in her eyes was slowly fading.

Something wasn’t right.

She shifted slightly in her chair, pressing her palm subtly against her lower abdomen.

A dull ache had begun spreading there—slow, twisting, uncomfortable.

She inhaled slowly, hoping it would pass.

But it didn’t.

Instead, the cramp deepened, making her shoulders stiffen.

She glanced around quickly.

No one seemed to notice.

Good.

Quietly, she stood up and picked up her phone, walking toward the washroom.

The soft sound of her payal echoed faintly across the floor as she disappeared down the corridor.

___

Inside the washroom, the cool tiled walls felt strangely comforting.

Anu leaned against the sink for a moment, her breathing slightly uneven.

She already knew what had happened.

Her periods had started.

A little earlier than expected.

She closed her eyes briefly, frustration mixing with discomfort.

“Abhi hi hona tha…” she muttered under her breath.

After a few minutes she adjusted herself, splashed some cold water on her face, and tried to compose herself.

When she stepped out again—

the world felt a little heavier.

The cramps hadn’t eased.

If anything, they had worsened.

She walked slowly back toward her desk, one hand unconsciously pressing against her stomach.

Her steps had lost the graceful rhythm from earlier.

The payal that had chimed confidently before now sounded softer… slower.

Across the floor—

Aryavardhan noticed immediately.

Inside his cabin, he had been reviewing a report, but his gaze instinctively lifted the moment she emerged from the corridor.

He knew her walk now.

The confident sway of the red silk.

The quiet spark in her eyes.

But this—

this was different.

His brows knit slightly.

Anu walked back to her chair and sat down carefully, adjusting her saree around her waist.

She tried to focus on the screen in front of her.

But every few minutes her fingers paused on the keyboard.

Her shoulders stiffened.

Her lips pressed together.

Arya watched silently through the glass.

Something was wrong.

Very wrong.

He stood up.

Without thinking twice, he stepped out of his cabin.

The sudden movement caught the attention of several employees nearby.

Aryavardhan rarely left his cabin during work hours unless something serious was happening.

His footsteps were calm but purposeful as he walked toward Anu’s desk.

Anu was trying to finish typing a mail when she suddenly sensed a shadow near her desk.

She looked up.

And froze.

“A… Arya sir?”

His eyes scanned her face carefully.

“Tum theek ho?”

His voice was low, controlled—but the concern in it was unmistakable.

Anu straightened quickly, slightly embarrassed.

“Haan sir… main theek hoon.”

But Arya didn’t move.

He watched her for another moment.

Her slightly pale face.

The faint crease between her brows.

The way her hand kept drifting toward her stomach unconsciously.

His gaze softened.

“Jhooth.”

Anu blinked.

“Sir main—”

Another wave of pain tightened in her abdomen and her words faltered.

Arya noticed instantly.

His voice dropped further.

“Anu.”

Just her name.

But the way he said it made her defenses crumble slightly.

She looked around nervously.

A few employees were already glancing toward them.

Office gossip was dangerous enough already.

“Sir… please… main theek hoon,” she whispered.

Arya didn’t care.

His tone turned firm.

“Stand up.”

“Sir?”

“Stand up.”

Reluctantly, she rose from her chair.

The moment she did, the pain hit harder and she instinctively steadied herself against the desk.

Arya’s jaw tightened.

Without hesitation he stepped closer.

“Come with me.”

Anu’s eyes widened.

“Sir… sab dekh rahe hain.”

“Let them.”

The words came quietly but decisively.

Before she could protest again, Arya gently took her wrist—not possessively, but firmly—and guided her toward his cabin.

Whispers instantly began spreading across the floor.

“Dekha?”

“Sir khud lekar ja rahe hain usse…”

“Something’s definitely going on…”

But Aryavardhan didn’t even glance at them.

____

The cabin door closed behind them.

Inside, the air felt calmer.

Anu immediately stepped back slightly.

“Sir… main theek ho jaungi. Bas thoda sa—”

Another cramp twisted through her and she instinctively pressed her hand against her abdomen.

Arya saw it clearly this time.

Understanding dawned in his eyes.

His voice softened.

“Periods?”

Anu’s cheeks flushed instantly.

She looked down, embarrassed.

“Haan…”

The admission was barely audible.

For a moment Arya said nothing.

Then he walked toward the small lounge corner of the cabin.

“Sit.”

Anu blinked.

“Sir…?”

“Sit, Anu.”

This time she obeyed.

She lowered herself carefully onto the couch.

Arya picked up the phone and dialled Jhende's number.

“Jhende.”

"Haa Arya?”

“Medical room se heating pouch aur painkiller bhejo. Immediately.”

Anu looked up in surprise.

“Sir… zarurat nahi hai…”

Arya ended the call and looked at her calmly.

“Tumhari condition dekh kar mujhe lagta hai zarurat hai.”

She shifted slightly, still embarrassed.

“Office mein… sab kya sochenge?”

Arya leaned against the desk, folding his arms.

His gaze rested steadily on her.

“Jo sochna hai sochne do.”

His voice was quiet but unwavering.

“Tumhari tabiyat mere liye zyada important hai.”

For a moment Anu didn’t know what to say.

The pain was still there.

But something about the way he was looking at her—concerned, attentive—made the discomfort feel lighter.

Outside the cabin, whispers were already spreading like wildfire.

But inside—

the space felt strangely private.

Calm.

And for the first time since morning, Anu allowed herself to relax slightly against the couch.

Because Aryavardhan was watching her closely.

And right now—

he had completely taken over her care.

The soft knock on the cabin door broke the quiet stillness.

Before either of them could react, the door opened slightly and Jhende stepped inside.

He paused just a second inside the doorway.

His gaze moved between the two—Arya standing near the couch, Anu sitting there slightly curled in discomfort, her saree neatly gathered around her as she tried to hide the pain in her abdomen.

Without saying a word, Jhende walked forward and placed a heating pouch and a strip of painkillers on the glass table.

For a moment, his eyes flicked toward Arya.

A silent question.

Arya simply gave the smallest nod.

Jhende’s lips twitched into a faint knowing smile—the kind only a best friend understands.

“Doctor se baat ho gayi hai, unhone kaha hai ye medicine le sakte hai” he said casually, placing the pouch properly on the table.

Then he looked once more at Anu—who was staring very intently at the floor, clearly too shy to meet anyone’s eyes.

Jhende suppressed a chuckle.

“Main chalta hoon,” he said lightly.

Before leaving, he gave Arya a small nod—half teasing, half supportive—and walked out, quietly closing the door behind him.

The cabin fell silent again.

Anu still hadn’t lifted her eyes.

Arya picked up the heating pouch and switched it on, checking the temperature carefully.

Then he walked toward the couch.

Without saying anything, he adjusted the pillows behind her back, making a small comfortable support.

“Lean back,” he said softly.

Anu hesitated for a moment but then slowly leaned against the pillow.

The warmth from the pouch began spreading gently across her abdomen.

She exhaled softly.

The relief was small… but noticeable.

Arya watched her carefully.

Then he asked calmly,

“Tumne kuch khaya?”

Anu nodded slightly.

“Haan… breakfast kar ke aayi thi.”

Arya glanced at his watch.

“Usse toh kitna time ho gaya.”

He straightened.

“Ruko… main tumhare liye kuch order karta hoon.”

Anu quickly shook her head.

“Sir, maine tiffin laya hai.”

Arya raised an eyebrow.

“Vo toh thanda ho gaya hoga.”

He picked up his phone.

“Ruko… main garam kar ke laata hoon.”

Before he could step away—

Anu instinctively reached out and caught his hand.

Her fingers wrapped lightly around his wrist.

Arya stopped.

His gaze slowly dropped to her hand holding him.

Then he looked up into her eyes.

She seemed slightly flustered.

“Aap kyun garam karenge?” she said softly.

For a moment Arya just looked at her.

Then his other hand lifted gently.

He cupped her cheek.

The touch was warm.

Careful.

His thumb brushed lightly near her ear as he answered quietly,

“Kyunki… main ye karna chahta hoon.”

Anu’s breath caught slightly.

“Sir… par aap toh boss hain…”

Arya’s lips curved into the faintest smile.

“Haan… main boss hoon.”

Then he leaned a little closer.

“Par apne boss ka nahi.”

Anu blinked in confusion.

“Aapka boss?”

Arya nodded with exaggerated seriousness.

“Yes, my highness.”

His voice softened teasingly.

“Aap hi toh meri boss hain.”

A small laugh escaped Anu despite her discomfort.

“Sir… aap bhi na…”

Arya straightened.

“Kuch nahi.”

Then he gently moved her hand off his wrist.

“Tum baitho. Main abhi aaya.”

Before she could protest again, he walked toward the door.

The cabin door opened.

Outside, the office floor was fully alive now.

Employees typing.

Phones ringing.

Low conversations drifting through the air.

Aryavardhan walked straight toward Anu’s desk.

Instantly, heads began lifting.

he walked directly to Anu’s desk.

Without hesitation, he picked up her small steel tiffin box.

A murmur spread across the room.

“Sir… kya kar rahe hain?”

“Woh… Anu ka tiffin hai na?”

“ye chakkar kya hai?”

Arya ignored every whisper.

He turned calmly and walked toward the mini pantry area.

His movements were composed.

Unbothered.

As if heating someone’s lunch was the most natural thing in the world.

Across the office—

Meera watched everything.

From her desk, her fingers had frozen over her keyboard.

Her eyes followed Arya as he walked into the pantry with Anu’s tiffin in his hand.

The gossip she had carefully begun spreading earlier had been meant to damage Anu’s image.

To make Arya distance himself.

But this—

this was the exact opposite.

Aryavardhan wasn’t distancing himself.

He was openly caring for her.

In front of the entire office.

Meera’s nails pressed into her palm beneath the desk.

Jealousy burned sharply in her chest.

Meanwhile, inside the cabin—

Anu sat quietly on the couch, the warmth of the heating pouch slowly easing the pain.

But her mind wasn’t on the cramps anymore.

It was on one image.

Aryavardhan—

walking across the office floor with her tiffin in his hand.

The mini pantry was quiet except for the soft hum of the microwave and the faint clink of steel utensils.

Aryavardhan stood near the counter, sleeves slightly folded, his attention completely focused on the small steel tiffin resting in front of him.

He opened the containers one by one.

Simple food.

Roti.

Aloo sabzi.

And a small portion of homemade dal.

For a moment, something softened in his eyes.

This was so different from the lavish meals usually served in his world of polished boardrooms and luxury dinners.

Yet somehow…

this felt warmer.

More real.

The microwave beeped softly.

Arya took the bowl out carefully and stirred the dal, checking the temperature like someone who had done this many times before.

Just as he began placing the food neatly into a plate—

he heard it.

The sharp, deliberate click of heels.

Approaching.

Slow.

Confident.

Arya didn’t need to turn.

He already knew who it was.

Meera.

But he didn’t even glance at her.

Instead, he calmly placed the roti on the plate, arranged the sabzi beside it, and adjusted the spoon.

Only when the plate was properly served did Meera finally speak.

Her tone carried restrained irritation.

“Toh ab aap ek mamuli employee ke liye yeh sab kar rahe hain…?”

Arya’s hand paused for just a fraction of a second.

Then he placed the lid back on the tiffin slowly.

Without looking at her, he said coolly—

“Lagta hai tumhare kaan kamzor ho gaye hain.”

Now he turned.

His gaze met hers directly.

Sharp.

Uncompromising.

“Tumse maine subah hi kaha tha… Anu is special.”

The words landed like a slap.

Meera’s jaw tightened.

“Lekin vo aapse umra mein chhoti hai.”

Arya raised his brows in exaggerated surprise.

“Oh… accha? Really?”

His voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Mujhe toh pata hi nahi tha.”

Meera exhaled sharply, clearly losing patience.

“Sir, you are not understanding the gravity of the situation.”

Arya’s expression hardened.

He leaned slightly against the counter, folding his arms.

“I understand.”

Then his voice turned colder.

“Koi doodh peeta baccha nahi hoon main.”

He stepped closer.

Just enough to make his presence intimidating.

Then he pointed a finger toward her.

Not aggressively.

But with unmistakable authority.

“Lekin tum ek baat bilkul clear kar lo.”

His eyes darkened.

“Meri personal life se door raho.”

The air in the pantry felt suddenly heavier.

Arya’s voice dropped lower.

Dangerously calm.

“Varna tum Aryavardhan ka vo roop dekhogi…”

A pause.

His gaze locked into hers.

“…jiske baare mein soch kar bhi tumhari rooh kaap jayegi.”

Meera froze.

She had seen Arya angry before.

But this—

this was different.

This was controlled fury.

Arya picked up the plate calmly.

Then he turned and began walking toward the door.

But just before stepping out—

he stopped.

Without turning back, he spoke again.

His tone now almost casually sharp.

“Waise… kya fayda tumhara Vice President hone ka?”

Now he turned slightly.

Just enough to look at her over his shoulder.

“kaam ke naam pe sirf mera schedule hi mange karti ho”

His lips curved faintly.

“Vo toh koi mamuli si assistant bhi kar leti hai.”

Meera’s eyes widened in disbelief.

The words hit deeper than she expected.

Arya continued calmly—

“Mujhe ladkiyon se is tarah baat karna pasand nahi hai.”

His gaze hardened again.

“But now you're crossing your limits.”

Then he finished quietly—

“Pehle khud ke kaam par focus karna seekh lo… phir aake mujhe gyaan dena.”

And with that—

he walked out of the pantry.

The plate in his hand still warm.

Leaving Meera standing there.

Silent.

Stunned.

Her fingers slowly curled into fists.

Because for the first time—

Aryavardhan hadn’t just ignored her.

He had put her in her place.

And the worst part?

He had done it—

for Anu.

Aryavardhan walked back toward his cabin with the warm plate in his hands, his steps steady but quieter than usual.

Outside the glass walls, the office buzzed with muted whispers and curious glances. Some employees pretended to work while their eyes followed him.

But Arya didn’t spare them even a second.

His attention was somewhere else.

The moment he reached the cabin door, he pushed it open slowly with his shoulder and stepped inside.

The room was calm.

Soft.

Sunlight filtered through the tall blinds, falling in warm golden strips across the couch.

And there—

Anu was resting against the pillows.

Her head tilted slightly to the side.

Eyes closed.

Her breathing slow and even.

Somewhere between the warmth of the heating pouch and the exhaustion of pain, she had drifted into sleep.

Arya paused near the door.

For a moment, he simply stood there watching her.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

It was the kind of smile no one in the office had ever seen on the face of the powerful CEO.

Gentle.

Unguarded.

He walked toward the table and carefully placed the plate down.

He made sure not even the slightest sound disturbed the quiet of the room.

Then he turned back to her.

Slowly.

He sat down beside her on the couch.

For a few seconds he simply watched her sleep.

The fierce, playful girl who had walked into his cabin in red silk and confidence earlier that morning now looked impossibly soft.

Vulnerable.

Real.

A loose strand of her dark hair had slipped forward, resting over her eyebrow.

As she breathed, the strand tickled her skin.

Her brows twitched slightly in discomfort.

Arya noticed instantly.

He lifted his hand slowly.

Carefully.

As if touching something fragile.

His fingers brushed lightly against her hair and he gently tucked the strand behind her ear.

The movement was tender.

Almost reverent.

But just then—

Anu shifted slightly in her sleep.

Her shoulders moved.

Her brows tightened again.

Arya’s smile faded into concern.

“She’s uncomfortable,” he murmured softly.

He adjusted himself on the couch and then slid one arm gently behind her head.

Very delicately—

he lifted her head from the pillow.

Anu stirred faintly but didn’t wake.

Arya settled back and slowly placed her head on his lap instead.

Then he adjusted the pillow behind her shoulders so she could lie comfortably.

He carefully straightened her saree pleats so they wouldn’t pull at her waist.

Finally, he gently lifted her legs and positioned them properly along the couch so she wouldn’t curl up in pain.

When he finished—

Anu was lying comfortably across the sofa.

Her head resting on his lap.

Her breathing soft and peaceful again.

Arya leaned back slightly.

His hand instinctively rested near her temple, his fingers lightly brushing her hair in slow soothing strokes.

For the first time since morning—

her face looked relaxed.

The tension had disappeared.

Outside the glass walls, a few employees walking past froze when they saw the scene.

The CEO of the company sitting silently on the couch…while Anu slept with her head on his lap.

But inside the cabin—

Arya didn’t notice them.

Or perhaps he simply didn’t care.

His gaze remained fixed on her face.

Soft.

Protective.

As if the entire chaotic world outside that cabin had suddenly stopped existing.

And in that quiet moment—

Aryavardhan wasn’t the powerful head of an empire.

He was just a man sitting still…

guarding the sleep of the girl who had unknowingly become the center of his world.

An hour had slipped by quietly.

Inside Aryavardhan’s cabin, time seemed to move differently.

Anu was still asleep, her head resting comfortably on his lap, her hair spread softly across his thigh like a dark silk veil. The warmth from the heating pouch had eased the tightness in her stomach, and the exhaustion of the morning had pulled her into a deeper, calmer sleep.

Arya hadn’t moved.

Not once.

His laptop lay open on the table, a few files waiting for his attention, but they had received only brief glances. Most of the time, his eyes returned to her face.

Every now and then his fingers moved through her hair in slow, absent-minded strokes.

Protective.

Unhurried.

The plate of food he had warmed for her still rested on the table beneath the lid.

Then suddenly—

Anu shifted.

Her brows twitched slightly.

A faint sigh escaped her lips.

Slowly…

her eyelashes fluttered open.

For a moment she looked disoriented. The sunlight filtering through the blinds painted soft golden lines across the cabin, making everything look hazy.

She moved slightly.

And felt something firm beneath her cheek.

Her eyes focused.

Arya.

Her head was resting on Arya’s lap.

Her breath caught instantly.

She jerked upright.

“Sir!”

Arya looked down at her calmly, as if nothing unusual had happened.

“Good afternoon.”

Anu stared at him, completely flustered.

“Main… main… yaha kaise…?”

Arya leaned back casually against the couch.

“So rahi thi tum.”

Then he added with a faint teasing curve on his lips—

“Aur pichhle ek ghante se.”

Anu’s eyes widened.

“Ek ghanta?!”

She quickly began fixing her hair, clearly embarrassed.

“Sir mujhe jagaya kyun nahi?”

Arya shrugged lightly.

"Aur mai tumhe kyu uthata bhala?”

His voice softened.

“Tumhe rest ki zarurat thi.”

The embarrassment in her expression slowly melted into something quieter… warmer.

She looked at him carefully.

“Aap… pura time yahin baithe the?”

Arya looked at her as if the answer should have been obvious.

“Aur kahaan jaata?”

The simplicity of his reply made her heart flutter unexpectedly.

Before she could respond, Arya reached for the plate on the table and removed the lid.

"Chalo ab drama band karo, aur khana Khao"

He placed the plate in front of her.

“Main garam karke laaya hoon.”

Anu looked at the food in surprise.

“Aap… sach mein pantry gaye the?”

Arya raised one eyebrow.

“Kya laga? Mr CEO ,CEO banne ke bad microwave chalana bhul gaye hain?”

Anu couldn’t help smiling softly.

But as she reached for the plate, a faint cramp twisted through her stomach again and she winced.

Arya noticed immediately.

Without a word, he picked up a piece of roti, tore it, dipped it in the dal, and held it in front of her.

“Khao.”

Anu froze.

“Sir… main khud—”

“Anu.”

His voice carried that quiet authority she knew too well.

She hesitated.

Then slowly leaned forward and took the bite.

Arya watched her carefully.

“Dard kam hua?”

She nodded while chewing.

“Thoda.”

He leaned back again.

“Painkiller le lena khane ke baad.”

Anu looked at him quietly for a moment.

“Sir…”

“Hm?”

“Aap itna kyun kar rahe hain mere liye?”

The question lingered between them.

Arya didn’t answer immediately.

His gaze rested on her face.

Then he said quietly—

“Jaise tumhe pata hi nahi.”

He leaned a little closer.

His voice dropped lower.

“Agar chaho toh hotel room wala scene recreate karke yaad dila doon.”

Anu’s breath caught.

“Y… ye aap kya keh rahe hain?”

Arya’s eyes held a teasing glint.

“Kya keh raha hoon? Tumhe yaad dilane ki koshish kar raha hoon.”

The memory flashed through Anu’s mind instantly.

The hotel room.

The closeness.

His voice.

Her face flushed deep crimson and she quickly looked down.

Arya noticed.

“Waise… couch bhi wahi hai, tum bhi aur...mai bhi”

Her fingers tightened around the edge of the plate.

“Aap… aap kya keh rahe hain mujhe nahi pata.”

“Accha ji?”

Arya set the plate aside slowly.

Before she could react—

he leaned forward.

Now she was gently pressed back against the couch cushions.

His presence close.

Too close.

“Arya sir please!”

He tilted his head slightly.

“Please what?”

Anu’s voice trembled.

“M… mujhe…”

She looked away shyly.

“Mujhe yaad hai.”

Arya’s eyes darkened with amusement.

“Accha? Kya kya yaad hai?”

Anu swallowed.

“Vahi… jo aapne kaha tha.”

His hand rested lightly at her waist, still and restrained.

“Kya kaha tha maine?”

Anu’s cheeks burned.

“A… aap ye kya kar rahe hain?”

Arya’s gaze remained steady.

“Pehle ye batao maine kya kaha tha.”

Anu struggled to speak.

“Aapne kaha tha ki…”

“Ki?”

She finally whispered—

“Ki aap bhi mujhse… pyaar karte hain.”

Arya shook his head slowly.

“Naa.”

Anu looked at him, confused.

Arya’s expression softened.

“Maine kaha tha… main tumse bohot pyaar karta hoon.”

His voice turned deep and certain.

“Aur jab main tumse pyaar karta hoon… aur tum bhi mujhse pyaar karti ho…”

His thumb brushed gently along the edge of her pallu.

“…toh tumhara khayal rakhna meri zimmedari hai.”

He leaned slightly closer, his voice now a quiet promise.

“And dare if you ever try to keep me away from my responsibility, my love.”

Anu looked up at him.

Her heart racing.

The warmth in his words wrapping around her like the soft sunlight filling the cabin.

Outside the glass walls of the office—

the world continued to move.

But inside that quiet room—

there was only Anu… and Arya.

Arya’s last words still lingered between them like a challenge.

“And dare if you ever try to keep me away from my responsibility, my love.”

For a moment neither of them moved.

The cabin was silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioner and the distant murmur of the office outside the glass walls.

Anu’s heart was racing so loudly she was sure he could hear it.

Arya was still hovering above her, one arm braced against the couch beside her shoulder. The other rested lightly at her waist, just enough to keep her from slipping away.

Her breath came shallow.

“Sir…”

Arya’s brows lifted slightly.

“Phir se sir?”

Anu swallowed nervously.

“Toh kya kahu?”

Arya’s lips curved slowly.

“Wahi jo naam hai mera.”

Her eyes widened.

“Main kaise le sakti hoon aapka naam?”

Arya leaned a little closer.

His voice lowered.

“Waise hi jaise sab lete hain… muh se.”

Anu’s cheeks turned crimson.

“Matlab aap… aap bade hain na…”

Arya’s eyes darkened slightly with mischief.

“Pyaar karte waqt nahi pata tha ye?”

Anu’s lips parted in protest.

“Vo toh mere haath mein nahi tha na.”

Arya tilted his head, watching her carefully.

“Par mera naam lena toh tumhare hi haath mein hai.”

His voice softened but carried that stubborn authority she knew too well.

“Come on… no more excuses.”

Anu’s fingers twisted nervously on the edge of her saree.

“Lekin…”

Arya leaned closer.

Closer.

The distance between their faces disappeared slowly.

Her breath hitched.

Their lips were barely inches apart now.

His voice dropped into a whisper.

“Please… mere liye.”

Anu’s lips trembled.

“Aar…”

Arya’s eyes flickered.

“Haan… bolo.”

She squeezed her eyes shut, flustered.

“Sir… par ma—”

“Arya.”

His voice was firmer this time.

“Call my name… or stay stuck beneath me.”

Anu opened her eyes again, glaring weakly.

“This is unfair.”

Arya smirked.

“Everything is fair in love and war.”

He leaned even closer, his breath brushing her lips now.

“Come on.”

Anu took a deep breath.

Her heart pounding wildly.

“A… Ary…”

She faltered.

Arya’s gaze never left her face.

“Haan… bolo.”

Finally she whispered—

“A… Arya.”

Arya inhaled slowly.

His grip on the couch tightened slightly.

“Once more.”

His voice was heavier now.

Anu’s breath trembled.

“A… Arya.”

Arya’s eyes darkened further.

“Again.”

This time she didn’t hesitate as much.

“Arya.”

That was it.

The last fragile thread of restraint snapped.

Arya leaned forward the final inch.

Their lips met—

softly at first.

Then the moment deepened before either of them could pull away.

The world outside the cabin seemed to vanish completely

But just as the kiss lingered—

a sharp knock echoed against the cabin door.

Both of them froze.

And before either of them could move—

the handle of the door began to turn.

___