The next morning, Mumbai glittered fresh after the rain. But inside **SkyLine Advertising**, the mood felt charged — as if something new was about to unfold.
Aanya arrived early, humming softly, trying to shake off the memory of last night's car ride. Arjun dropping her home had felt like a scene from her own diary — quiet, intimate, incomplete.
She sat at her desk, pretending to focus on her screen, but her thoughts were everywhere.
*Why did he look at me that way? Why didn't he say anything?*
Just then, the elevator doors opened with a soft chime — and in walked **Maya Kapoor**.
Tall, graceful, and dressed in a sleek white suit, Maya carried the aura of someone who had the world at her feet. Her presence drew every eye in the room.
"Good morning, everyone," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "I'm back."
The room buzzed instantly. Someone whispered, "That's Maya — Arjun sir's ex-creative director… and ex-fiancée."
Aanya's heart skipped. *Ex-fiancée?*
---
Arjun stepped out of his office just then, his usual calm expression flickering for a split second when he saw her.
"Maya," he said quietly. "Didn't expect you back in Mumbai."
She smiled — sharp, knowing. "Well, you know me. I hate unfinished stories."
The tension between them was thick enough to feel. Aanya stood frozen at her desk, her fingers clutching her notebook.
Maya walked closer, her heels clicking softly on the floor. "Relax, Arjun. I'm not here to haunt you. I'm consulting on the *Aurora Perfumes* expansion campaign. The clients requested me."
Arjun's jaw tightened. "I see."
And then Maya's eyes flicked to Aanya. "And you must be the famous new talent. I've heard about your line — 'Moments you wish would last forever.' Beautiful."
Aanya smiled nervously. "Thank you, ma'am."
Maya tilted her head, studying her. "You remind me of someone I used to be — before I learned that dreams can be dangerous."
The words stung, though Aanya didn't know why.
---
The day moved slowly, the air heavy with old memories and unspoken emotions. During the afternoon meeting, Aanya tried to concentrate, but she could feel Maya's eyes on her — sharp, assessing, almost protective, but also… possessive.
Arjun remained professional, but Aanya could sense his discomfort. When Maya presented her new concept, he nodded politely, though his fingers drummed restlessly on the table.
Later, when everyone left, Aanya stayed behind, helping Arjun organize the files.
"Sir," she said softly, "if you don't mind me asking… was Maya—"
He looked up sharply. "My past. That's all."
"I didn't mean to pry, I just—"
He sighed. "No, you deserve to know. She was my fiancée, yes. Years ago. We worked together, built this company together. Then… something changed. She wanted fame. I wanted peace. And peace lost."
Aanya nodded, her chest tight. "I'm sorry."
He smiled faintly. "Don't be. Some stories are meant to end."
But the way his eyes drifted toward the window told her — the story wasn't quite over.
---
Over the next few days, the office seemed to hum with invisible tension. Maya was brilliant — confident, composed, and undeniably close to Arjun. They discussed ideas late into the evening, and sometimes Aanya would see them laughing softly in his office.
Each time, it hurt — quietly, unexpectedly.
Riya noticed it too. "You've got it bad," she said one evening as they sat at their favorite café.
"What do you mean?" Aanya asked, stirring her coffee too fast.
"Oh come on. You like him. And seeing the ex around is driving you crazy."
Aanya looked away. "He's my boss, Riya. Nothing more."
"Sure," Riya said with a smirk. "Keep telling yourself that."
---
That night, back in her apartment, Aanya stared at her reflection in the mirror.
She hated how easily her heart betrayed her — how just one glance from him could undo her calm, and how Maya's presence made her feel small.
She whispered to herself, "I can't lose myself in this. Not again."
But when her phone buzzed, her resolve melted.
> **Message from Arjun Raichand:**
> *"Still awake? I wanted to say — your new concept for Aurora… it's beautiful. Thank you for reminding me what honesty looks like in a world full of noise."*
Aanya read the message twice, then smiled faintly, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Good night, Arjun," she whispered to the empty room. "Even if you'll never hear it."
---
Meanwhile, across the city, Maya stood on her balcony, staring at her phone — the same text thread open on her screen, but empty.
She whispered to herself, "You think you've moved on, Arjun. But hearts don't forget that easily."
And in the silent night, the stage was set — for a love story that would soon be tested by fate, jealousy, and truth.