Arya groaned as the sunlight hit her face directly through the gap in the curtains. She rolled over and buried her face in the pillow, hoping it would magically block out the light. It didn’t.
"Arya , when will you wake up"
A loud voice echoed through the room, followed by a sharp knock on the door.
"Tem lagega tem" Arya mumbled into her pillow.
The door swung open, and Aryan’s face peeked in, grinning mischievously. "Oh no, you don’t. Mom said if you’re not at the table in five minutes, she’s handing your pancakes to me."
Arya shot up instantly. "You wouldn’t dare!"
Aryan smirked. "Oh, I would."
Without warning, he walked over to her bedside table and grabbed her phone.
"Aryan!" Arya shrieked, scrambling out of bed.
"Oops," Aryan said, holding the phone above his head, just out of Arya’s reach. "Guess you’ll have to chase me for it."
Arya narrowed her eyes. "Give it back!"
"Come and get it," Aryan teased, backing toward the door.
Arya lunged for him, but Aryan ducked and ran down the hallway, laughing. She chased after him, her hair a mess.
"Aryan, if you don’t give that back, I swear—"
"Swear what?" Aryan smirked as he turned into the dining room, where their mom and dad were already seated.
Arya skidded to a stop, trying to catch her breath as their mom raised an eyebrow.
"Aryan, stop teasing your sister," their mom said, trying to suppress a smile.
"She started it," Aryan said, sitting down and scrolling through Arya’s phone like he owned it.
"I literally just woke up!" Arya shot back, collapsing into the seat next to him.
"You know, Arya," their dad said, folding his newspaper, "if you put as much effort into waking up on time as you do into chasing your brother, mornings would be a lot calmer around here."
Arya groaned, dropping her head onto the table. "It’s a talent to wake up late, Dad. Not everyone has it."
"And it’s a talent to annoy you, Arya," Aryan said smugly. "And I’m very good at it."
Arya lifted her head and narrowed her eyes. "Hand over my phone or I’m posting that baby picture of you in the bunny costume."
Aryan’s face paled. He slid the phone across the table instantly. "You wouldn’t."
Arya grinned. "Try me."
Their mom shook her head with a small smile. "At least they’re bonding."
"Yeah," Arya said, scrolling through her phone. "Family goals, right?"
🎀
After breakfast, Arya stood in front of her wardrobe, a towel wrapped around her head as she stared at the endless row of formal clothes. She sighed.
"Why do all these outfits scream ‘I have my life together’ when I clearly don’t?" she muttered to herself.
Pulling out a beige blouse and black trousers, she tossed them onto the bed and started getting dressed. Her phone buzzed on the bedside table. She picked it up and groaned when she saw the name flashing across the screen.
Kunal
Her hand hovered over the phone for a second before she hit ‘ignore.’
"Not in the mood to deal with you today," she mumbled, running a hand through her damp hair.
The phone buzzed again. This time, a message popped up.
Kunal: Meeting at 10. Don’t be late.
Arya rolled her eyes. Oh, don’t worry, Kunal. I wouldn’t dream of keeping you waiting.
Her reflection in the mirror stared back at her, lips pressed together in annoyance. Of course, he was being his usual cold and professional self. As if nothing had ever happened between them. As if he hadn’t once loved her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered. As if he hadn’t—
"Nope. Not going there," she told herself.
She grabbed her bag, slipped on her heels, and headed downstairs. Aryan was leaning against the wall near the front door, smirking.
"Heading to work?" he asked.
"No, Aryan, I’m going to the moon," Arya deadpanned, brushing past him.
Aryan leaned casually against the doorframe. "Whatever you say."
Arya pushed past him. "I swear, I’m this close to deleting all your embarrassing baby photos."
"You wouldn’t."
"Try me."
As Arya reached for the car keys on the counter, her phone buzzed again.
Kunal: You’re already late.
🎀
Arya stepped into the office building, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. The receptionist smiled and greeted her warmly, but Arya only gave a brief nod before heading toward the elevator.
She adjusted the strap of her bag as the elevator doors slid open. Stepping inside, she pressed the button for the 12th floor. Just as the doors were about to close, a hand shot out and stopped them.
Kunal stepped in.
Of course. Because the universe hated her.
He didn’t even glance at her as he pressed the button for the same floor and stepped back, standing a polite but tense distance away. He was wearing a tailored navy suit, his dark hair neatly styled, and his jaw clenched in that familiar way that made Arya want to scream.
She stood stiffly, arms crossed over her chest, eyes fixed on the numbers above the door. The air in the elevator felt heavier with him standing there.
"You're late," Kunal said, his tone cold and flat.
Arya’s jaw tightened. "And?"
Kunal's gaze slid toward her, softly. "We had a meeting scheduled at 10. It’s 10:05."
"Oh no," Arya said with mock concern. "Five whole minutes. Should we reschedule the entire business deal?"
Kunal's smile and said. "Its okay mam
Arya cut him off with a sharp smile. "Just stup up"
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Arya strode out without a backward glance, but kunal followed closely behind.
They walked side by side through the sleek glass hallway toward the conference room. ,Kunal's long strides easily matched hers, but Arya refused to acknowledge him.
As they reached the door, Kunal's hand brushed against the handle at the same time as hers.
Arya’s gaze shot up. "Do you mind?"
Kunal ’s hand didn’t move. His eyes met hers — dark, steady, and annoyingly unaffected. "Ladies first."
Arya’s lips curled into a sharp smile. "How chivalrous."
She pushed the door open and stepped inside, leaving him to follow.
Inside the conference room, Arya’s father and Kunal ’s father were seated at the head of the long glass table. Their business partners were already waiting.
"Arya, Kunal," Ashok (Arya’s father) said warmly. "Good, you're here."
Arya slid into her seat without a word. Kunal took the seat next to her, his expression blank and controlled.
"Shall we begin?" Neil (Kunal's father) asked.
Kunal's voice was smooth and professional as he said, "Of course."
Arya leaned back in her chair, her gaze cold as she pulled out her notebook. She wasn’t going to let him see how much he still got under her skin.
The meeting lasted exactly 45 minutes. Arya spoke her clear point or shut down a weak suggestion. Kunal, of course, was smooth and composed the entire time, handling the negotiations with that maddening calmness that used to impress her. Now it just irritated her.
When the meeting wrapped up, Arya stood, gathering her files. Kunal stood too, his gaze steady on her.
"Arya," he said softly.
She stiffened. "Yes?"
"We need to discuss the deal with the Oberois before Friday," Kunal said, his tone professional. "Can you meet tomorrow afternoon?"
Arya’s jaw tightened. "My schedule’s packed."
Kunal’s eyes softened — that same patient look he used to give her when she was stressed, back when things were simpler. Back when he could touch her hand and calm her down without a word. "I’ll work around it. Just let me know when you’re free."
She scoffed. "Of course you will."
"Arya," Kunal said quietly, stepping a little closer.
Arya’s eyes flashed. "Don't."
Kunal’s brow furrowed slightly. "Don’t what?"
"Don’t act like we’re still…" Her voice trailed off as her father approached them.
"Arya, Kunal — excellent work today," her father said, clapping a hand on Kunal’s shoulder. "You two make a solid team."
Kunal smiled faintly. "Thank you, Mr. Khanna."
Arya’s father turned to her. "You’ll be working closely with Kunal over the next few months. The merger is delicate, and we need both of you at your best."
"Of course," Arya said, her voice even. "We’ll keep it professional."
Kunal’s gaze didn’t leave her. "Always."
Her father walked away, leaving them alone. Arya turned to leave, but Kunal’s voice stopped her.
"Arya."
She exhaled sharply and turned back, her eyes cold. "What?"
Kunal’s expression softened. "You know you don’t have to do this."
Her smile was bitter. "Do what?"
"Pretend you don’t care."
Arya’s eyes darkened. "Oh, I’m not pretending, Kunal. You lost the right to assume how I feel a long time ago."
Kunal’s jaw tightened, but his gaze remained gentle. "I didn’t mean to hurt you."
Arya’s chest tightened, but her face stayed cold. "Well, you did."
Kunal’s eyes searched hers for a long moment, but Arya didn’t flinch. She turned on her heel and walked toward the door.
Before she left, she said over her shoulder, "Next time, if you want to discuss business, email me."
Kunal’s eyes softened as he watched her leave. "Sure," he murmured. "Whatever you say, Arya."
🎀
Shaurya strode down the polished marble hallway of Khanna Enterprises, his steps confident and purposeful. It had been over a month since he last visited Kunal’s office, and he wasn’t one to waste time with formalities. He pushed open the glass door leading to the executive wing and walked toward Kunal’s cabin.
Just as he reached for the handle, a soft voice stopped him.
"Excuse me…"
He turned, his brows lifting as his gaze landed on a petite girl standing a few feet away. She had long, dark hair pulled into a neat ponytail and wore a crisp white blouse tucked into tailored black pants. Her expression was calm but hesitant, brown eyes wide as they met his.
"Yes?" Shaurya’s tone was polite but edged with curiosity.
She took a step forward, her hands clasped together in front of her. "I’m sorry, but Mr. Choudhary instructed me not to allow anyone inside his cabin for the next hour." Her voice was soft, almost apologetic, but steady.
Shaurya’s brows drew together. "Kunal’s expecting me."
Her gaze faltered for a brief moment before she lifted her chin. "I understand, sir, but Mr. Choudhary very clear about not being disturbed."
Shaurya’s eyes sharpened as he studied her. "You’re new?"
She nodded. "Yes. I joined two week ago. My name’s Kiara—I’m Mr. Choudhary ’s new PA."
That explained it. Shaurya’s gaze softened slightly. He could see the nervousness in her posture, the way her hands tightened around the folder she was holding. Still, she was standing her ground—a quality he could respect.
"You’re just following orders." His tone lost its edge.
Kiara relaxed slightly, her shoulders loosening. "Yes, sir. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience."
Shaurya’s lips curled faintly. "It’s fine. I’ll wait."
She blinked, surprised. "Oh. Thank you."
He gave her a small nod, then leaned casually against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. Kiara hesitated for a moment before stepping back toward her desk, casting him a quick, uncertain glance.
Kunal glanced at the clock on his desk and frowned. It was almost thirty minutes past the time Shaurya was supposed to arrive. He leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest. His gaze flicked toward the door. Why hadn't Shaurya walked in already?
A sharp knock broke his thoughts. Before Kunal could respond, the door opened, and Kiara stepped inside, her expression calm and composed.
"Sir, Shaurya Sir is waiting outside," she said softly.
Kunal sat up straighter. "Waiting?" His brows furrowed. "Why didn’t he just walk in?"
Kiara hesitated. "You said you didn’t want to be disturbed."
Kunal pinched the bridge of his nose, already knowing what had happened. "Kiara…" He sighed, standing. "Let him in."
Kiara gave a small nod and left the room. A moment later, Shaurya stepped inside, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
"Took you long enough," Kunal said, his tone dry.
Shaurya’s mouth twitched. "I would have come in earlier, but your PA takes her job very seriously."
Shaurya’s gaze drifted toward the door Kiara had just exited through. He raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair, arms crossing over his chest.
"Since when do you have a new PA?" he asked casually.
Kunal’s eyes flicked toward him, his expression unreadable. "Two weeks ago."
Shaurya’s brow lifted "Okay "
Shaurya leaned back on the leather chair opposite Kunal’s desk, his sharp gaze studying his best friend. "So… Arya’s back in town."
Kunal didn’t react immediately. He continued reviewing a contract, his fingers tightening slightly on the pages before he set them down. "I know." His voice was calm, but there was an edge beneath it.
Shaurya tilted his head. "And?"
Kunal exhaled through his nose, rubbing his temples. "And nothing. She’s handling business. I’m handling mine."
Shaurya huffed a quiet laugh. "Yeah, sure. Because you’ve been doing such a great job of 'handling' it for the past two years."
Kunal’s jaw clenched. "Shaurya—"
"Look, I’m not here to rub salt on your wounds," Shaurya said, his tone softer this time. "I just don’t get why you’re acting like she’s just another business associate when we both know she’s not."
Shaurya watched him, seeing the flicker of pain Kunal tried so hard to mask. He leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. "You still love her."
Kunal didn’t hesitate. "Always have I love her more than myself I worship the place where she walks but it doesn't matter now." His voice was firm, no trace of doubt.
Shaurya scoffed. "Doesn’t matter? Kunal, you’ve been in love with her for years, and don’t even try to deny it. We both know why you haven’t moved on."
Kunal clenched his fists. "And what do you expect me to do, Shaurya?" His voice was low, controlled, but there was an edge to it. "She hates me. She barely looks at me unless it’s necessary. And if she does, it’s like I’m nothing more than a stranger."
Shaurya’s expression softened slightly. "You know that’s not true."
Kunal let out a bitter chuckle. "She made it clear two years ago."
Shaurya sighed. "Look, I know what happened wasn’t fair. But you have to tell her everything."
Kunal’s grip on the armrest tightened. " I try but she push me back She didn’t want to hear it."
"Maybe she didn’t back then. But have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, she’s waiting for you to say something now?"
Kunal stayed silent.
Shaurya studied him for a long moment before shaking his head. "You’re a damn idiot."
Kunal gave him a dry look. "Glad to know your opinion."
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