Hitesh returned from his Banaras trip and went desk to desk, handing out prasad.Rekha asked with a smile,"How was the trip?"
Hitesh looked delighted."Awesome! Wife and kids enjoyed so much. Ganga aarti was beautiful."
Ricky, as usual, jumped in,"Yeah yeah, Ganga aarti or wife-ki-aarti? Tell me, Hitesh!"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Except two people —Sachi, typing nonstop on her laptop.And Yuvan, surprisingly focused, not even looking up once.
Hitesh, noticing Yuvan for the first time, leaned toward Ricky and whispered,"Who's that?"
Ricky puffed up proudly."That? Oh, that's Sachi madam's intern. His name is Yuvan."
Before Hitesh could react, Megha suddenly gasped at her screen."Guys, meeting room. Now!"
Within minutes everyone gathered—Rekha, Ricky, Neha, Sachi, Yuvan, Hitesh, and even a sleepy-looking SM.
Megha held her tablet up."Triumphs Sounds emailed. They want the entire branding proposal preponed."
The room fell silent.
Rekha panicked,"But we already have so much on our plate! Shoots are pending, the digital calendar is tight, research is incomplete… how are we supposed to finish?"
SM rubbed his forehead."They're considering another agency. They're getting a better offer. That's why they want us to hurry."
Everyone exchanged tense, worried looks.
Triumphs Sounds is one of our biggest client. Losing them meant losing nearly 20–25% of the profit.
Megha checked her screen again and swallowed."Also… they want the proposal in 3 days. And if they like it, the entire branding and digital marketing execution has to be completed within a week."
That hit everyone like a shockwave.
She spoke before anyone could brief her, I had a meeting with Triumphs. So I know their needs.""I'll handle this project."
Megha immediately protested,"But you're already handling Crestline and Boutique. How will you manage another one?"
Before Sachi could answer, SM cut in."If you can do this, Sachi… please take it. We can't afford to lose Triumphs."
The room fell silent.
Sachi nodded once—decisive. Then she stated clearly,"This project—Yuvan, Neha, and I will handle it."
She turned to SM."I only need your help to speak with the Digital Marketing team. They need to clear their schedule for Triumphs Sounds."
SM immediately nodded, trusting her.
Everyone else slowly left the room—still stunned, but with full confidence in Sachi.
Once the room was empty except for Yuvan and Neha, Sachi turned to them.
"Alright, listen."
"Neha, you'll handle:– Brand research– Competitor analysis– Moodboard revisions– Shoot coordination with the photography team"
Neha nodded, scribbling notes.
Then Sachi looked at Yuvan."Yuvan, you'll handle:– Brand strategy refinement– Campaign concept lines– Visual mock-ups– Presentation structure– Coordination with the design team"
Finally, she added,"I'll also take charge of the main proposal, campaign direction, and final approval. We're not just meeting the deadline—we're winning this pitch."
Both of them nodded with full confidence.
After the meeting, everyone began gathering their things, still processing the sudden pressure.
Before anyone could step out, Sachi stopped near Neha's desk.
She handed her a neat folder."These are the pointers you'll need," she said, her tone steady and practical. "Go through them. If you need any help, tell me immediately."
Then she turned to Yuvan—speaking in the clear, structured way she always used when teaching him something important.
"Listen carefully," she said."For this project, your job is to build the first layer of the concept. You don't have to perfect anything—that's my part. You just create the foundation."
She opened the folder and pointed to each section.
"Start with these steps:
Yuvan nodded quickly, trying to absorb every instruction.
Sachi softened her voice just slightly."And don't stress. I'm here. If something confuses you, ask. We're doing this together." With that, she moved to her desk, already opening her laptop—already deep into the project.
By 6 PM, the office had begun to thin out.
Megha quietly placed a warm cup of coffee beside Sachi's desk.Sachi glanced up with a tired smile."Thank you."
Megha folded her arms. "But why did you agree to take this up? You're already drowning in work."
Sachi shrugged lightly, eyes still on her screen."I like working. So chill."
Megha exhaled dramatically, grabbing her bag."Fine. I'll talk to the photoshoot team and block a time slot this week."
Sachi finally looked up and grinned."You're my savior."
Megha laughed. "And you are the real hero."Then she waved and left.
Across the office, Neha went to Ricky's desk.He was known for having a sharp eye for design—colors, fonts, everything.
"Ricky, I need help choosing a color palette and typography set for Triumphs," she said.
"Easy," he replied, spinning his chair. He walked her through combinations, contrasts, and trending styles until she had her options sorted.
At his station, Yuvan worked on preliminary mock-ups—simple rough layouts showing the basic placement of elements, a skeleton version of what the final creative could become.They weren't polished, but they showed direction.
The office grew quiet.Neha finished her tasks and left, leaving only two people behind:
Sachi and Yuvan.
Sachi was glued to her laptop, refining the proposal structure with complete concentration.
Yuvan checked the time. "Uh… Sachi? It's 7 PM. Let's leave for the day."
Without looking up, she replied,"You go. I'll stay for a bit more."
Yuvan didn't agree.
Instead, he saved her file, closed her laptop, and began packing her things without a word.
"Yuvan—stop. I'm not done—"
But he wasn't listening. He gently took her wrist and guided her toward the exit.
"Yuvan," she protested softly, "let me finish—" "No," he said calmly. "You need rest. Come."
In the lift, the doors opened—and standing inside was MM.
Sachi immediately straightened."Good evening, sir."
Yuvan still held her wrist, completely unfazed by MM's presence.
The moment the lift reached the ground floor, Sachi quickly slipped her hand free, embarrassed.
Outside, he told her, "Wait here."
Then he jogged toward the parking lot to fetch his bike.
He dropped her home without a word, and before she could say anything more, he rode away into the night.
At home, Sachi continued working on the Triumphs proposal. Even while drafting the documents, she kept coordinating with the design team, reviewing layouts and giving them direction.
Time slipped away unnoticed.
A long stretch later, she checked the clock—8:30 PM.
Her body felt heavy, her head slightly warm from the cold she'd been fighting. She walked to the kitchen and made a simple bowl of khichdi, ate quietly, and returned to her desk.
The night passed in silence.
By the time Sachi finally closed her laptop, it was 4 AM.She barely made it to her bed before falling asleep instantly.
At 7:30 AM, she woke up with a sore throat and a light headache. Still, after a quick shower, she returned to her laptop and continued working.The cold was getting worse, so she decided she would work from home for the day.
At the office, Yuvan entered and looked around for her.Megha informed him casually,"Sachi is working from home. She's not feeling well."
Yuvan didn't even respond.
He simply grabbed his laptop, his charger, and headed straight out of the office.
When he reached Sachi's flat and she opened the door, he paused.
She didn't look like herself—pale face, hair tied lazily, eyes tired but still focused.
"You're sick," was the first thing he said, not even bothering to mask his concern. He stepped inside and immediately called May.
"Make lunch for Sachi and send it to her address," he instructed firmly.
Then he sat down opposite her, opened his laptop, and they began working together.
Sachi attended a virtual meeting with the design team, reviewing their final set of creatives.At the same time, she and Yuvan worked out the total costing—shoot expenses, influencer budget, ad spend, merchandising, everything.
Hours passed in quiet teamwork.
Lunch arrived, and Yuvan made sure she ate.
Later, Neha joined them online, sharing her own ideas for color palettes, brand voice variations, and a few slogan concepts for the campaign.
It almost felt like a mini-office inside Sachi's home—but calmer, warmer, and strangely comforting.
Sachi worked.Yuvan stayed.Neha contributed.
Almost 7 PM glowed on the office clock. Sachi closed her laptop and said calmly,
"Yuvan, Neha—go home. I'll finish the last part. Yuvan, meet me directly at office tomorrow after my meeting with Simran and Virat."
Yuvan frowned."I'll come with you."
Sachi gave him a look—but eventually nodded. "Fine. Pick me up at 9:30," she said.
While leaving, Yuvan turned back and said,"Eat the leftover food. Warm it before eating."
Sachi only nodded and returned to work.
The final proposal was complete.She checked the digital clock. 1:30 AM.
Exhausted, she pushed the laptop aside, wrapped herself in her blanket, and knocked out instantly.
Morning
Sunlight flooded her room. Sachi opened her eyes weakly, her whole body aching.
She glanced at the watch—
9:30 AM.
Her eyes shot open.
She scrambled to find her phone—it was under her pillow, switched off.She plugged it in, grabbed clothes, and rushed to the bathroom.
When she came back, she switched on her phone—Missed calls from Yuvan. Megha. Neha.
Panic hit her.
The doorbell rang.
Sachi's whole body was burning; her legs felt like they weren't hers.She somehow reached the door, opened it—
—and collapsed.
Yuvan caught her instantly, shock flashing in his eyes.He lifted her in his arms and carried her to her bedroom, immediately calling the doctor.
Sachi's phone rang again. It was Megha.
Yuvan answered, voice tight,"Sachi fainted."
Megha froze."What about the meeting? We need the proposal—" Before Megha could argue, Yuvan said firmly,
"I'll handle the meeting." "What—? Yuvan, this is—" He ignored her. And he hung up.
Megha stood there, completely stunned.
Hours later, Sachi finally stirred.
Yuvan was sitting beside her on the chair, legs crossed, completely absorbed in a book—like he belonged there.Sachi blinked, confused.
Am I dreaming…?
She shifted slightly.Yuvan immediately closed the book and leaned forward.
"You're awake."
Sachi rubbed her eyes, slowly realizing this was real.Then her gaze snapped to the wall clock.
2:16 PM. She jolted upright. "Oh no—the Triumph Sounds meeting! Where's my phone? I need to—"
She hurriedly searched around, dizzy and panicked.Yuvan watched her like she was the most predictable thing on earth.
In a flat, unimpressed tone he said,"Do you seriously have to be this desperate about work?"
She froze.
"You fainted in the morning," he continued, folding his arms. "Doctor said it's stress, fatigue, overworking… basically everything you specialize in."
Sachi's face fell, but Yuvan wasn't done.
"And yes, you missed the meeting—shockingly. What a tragedy."His expression was dead serious but his tone was pure sarcasm."I mean, how could you? The earth might stop rotating."
Her eyes slowly filled with tears.
Yuvan's entire expression changed.
"Hey—hey, I'm kidding!" he sat forward instantly, panicked. "While you were busy creating the entire proposal and dying over it,
I actually read it. Everything. So I attended the meeting."
Sachi blinked at him, stunned.
"It went well," he said softly. "Really well. We'll know the final decision tomorrow."
Sachi's tears finally spilled over—Yuvan froze for half a second, then did the only thing he could think of: He pulled her into a hug. A warm, steady, protective hug. His hand gently patted her head.
Sachi's tears didn't stop.
She had broken—not because of the meeting, not because of Yuvan's jokes…but because his words had cracked open a wound she had buried for years.
Her parents' divorce. Her believing it was all her fault.
So she drowned herself in studies… then work… anything to keep the noise in her head quiet.
She cried for few minutes.
Yuvan sat next to her helplessly, guilt eating him alive.He thought she was upset about the meeting, not realizing he had accidentally hit a part of her she never touched.
When she finally stopped, her voice was barely there.
"Yuvan… please leave."
He opened his mouth to protest, but the doorbell suddenly rang. He sighed and went to open it.
Megha and Neha. Megha pushed inside immediately, panic written all over her face.
"You actually handled the meeting?" she snapped at Yuvan. "Are you out of your mind? You've not even completed one month here! What if you messed it up? What if—"
Yuvan raised an eyebrow, expression dripping with attitude.
"Well, good news. I didn't mess up. Maybe you can breathe now."
Megha's mouth opened… closed…No words came out.
She just walked straight to Sachi's bedroom. Sachi was sitting against the headboard, tired eyes, blanket around her.
Megha rushed to her and hugged her tight.
"I told you not to work so much!" she scolded softly. "How are we supposed to manage the office without you?"
From the doorway, Yuvan muttered dryly,"Clearly you can't, considering you all panicked like the world was ending."
Megha glared at him but couldn't argue.
To calm the tension inside the room, Neha quickly stepped in with a warm smile.
"Sachi, we brought pastries for you," she said, holding the box forward like a peace offering.
Before anyone could say anything else, Yuvan simply turned around and left the apartment.
Not one word.
Just walked out.
Sachi watched him leave silently.
Neha and Megha settled beside her, talking softly, chatting to lighten the atmosphere, doing everything they could to comfort her.
The club lights flashed violet and red, music booming through the private lounge where Miha sat with Rahul, Rush and Sush.
But Miha wasn't enjoying any of it.She was furious.
Rahul raised an eyebrow as he poured himself a drink.
"Why are you so angry? Last time you had gone on a date with Yuvan, right?"
Miha slammed her glass down. Yuvan joined his grandfather's company and now he's suddenly busy with that bitch from his office. Miha's eyes burned.
"He never even invited me to his house! And that woman—if I see her face again, I swear I'll kill her."
Rahul laughed—too loudly.
"You? Competing with Yuvan's new interest? Please. You really think you can handle him?"
Rahul snorted, poured another drink, and handed it to her. "Relax, Miha."
She took the drink and gulped it in one go, her anger only growing hotter. She snatched her phone and dialed Yuvan.
No answer.
She tried again. Still nothing.
Miha's frustration snapped—she threw her phone onto the sofa with a sharp thud, stormed out of the private lounge, and yelled:
"Sush! Bring the car down. Now."
Sush immediately got up to follow her, rushing behind as Miha marched out of the club, her heels clicking like warning shots across the floor.
Megha and Neha had already left, and though Sachi finally felt lighter after the long, exhausting day, one thought still poked at her—Yuvan left without saying anything.He had handled the entire disaster… With a small sigh, she grabbed her phone and stepped out of her apartment.
At Yuvan's House
Miha, slightly drunk, staggered out of her car and banged loudly on the gate.Yuvan opened it, startled."What are you doing here?"
Miha leaned on the gate, her voice slurred with anger and emotion."I love you so much, Yuvan… you don't even care…"
At that exact moment, Sachi's cab stopped at the end of the lane. She got down and began walking toward his house. From a distance, she saw Miha swaying, barely able to stand. Yuvan put Miha's arm around his shoulder to keep her from falling.
A sharp ache hit Sachi's chest.
Maybe… she's his girlfriend.Without another thought, she turned around and quietly walked away.
Yuvan somehow managed to make Miha sit on the small coffee table beside the main door. He pulled out his phone from his track pants and called her father.
"Uncle, please send the driver. Miha's drunk."
Just then, May walked out of the gate, grocery bags dangling from her hands."Young Master, I saw Sachi walking around the lane, she just came and left. You should had inform me, I would've cooked something for her."
The moment Yuvan heard that Sachi had come and gone, he froze. "May, please look after Miha for a minute."
And without wasting another second, he ran out of the gate.
Under the Streetlights at a distance, he saw her—walking quietly in her midi dress, scarf wrapped around her arms, the night breeze brushing through her hair.
Breathless, he reached her."If you came all the way here," he panted, "you could've at least come inside."
Sachi quickly looked away and muttered, "I just… came to get some fresh air."
"This far?" he teased, eyebrows raised, a playful smile pulling at his lips.
She bit back a flustered expression."I just wanted to thank you. That's it. Because you left without saying anything."
"You could've called me," he said softly.
They continued walking side by side, under tall trees and cold drifting breeze. For a moment, neither said anything. They were almost at the end of the lane when Sachi finally exhaled.
"Okay, I'll leave now. Your girlfriend will get worried if she sees you with me."
Yuvan chuckled."But I am with my girlfriend."
Before she could react, he lightly patted her head and walked ahead to look for a cab.
Sachi stood frozen—her face turning a deep shade of red.
Yuvan returned after flagging a cab and snapped his fingers playfully near her face."Serious face get inside the car," he teased with a wicked grin.
Sachi climbed into the cab, completely flustered.Yuvan stood there, hands in his pockets, watching the cab until its tail lights slowly faded out of sight.
At the Sanjay Manjrekar Mansion
The long dining table was set perfectly, silver cutlery lined up with military precision, and bowls of steaming dishes placed neatly in the center. Sanjay, quietly picking at her food. On the other end, Sushant sat next to his mother, half-distracted and half-bored.
Sanjay cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"Now Yuvan has started attending meetings," he said, swirling his spoon in the soup, "slowly, slowly he will begin taking control over the Magnus Group."
Sushant looked up. "What's wrong in that?" he asked, shrugging. "Anyway, the company belongs to him as well."
Sanjay's jaw tightened, and his voice rose without warning."After my brother died, I took care of Magnus Group. I held everything together. And then you joined later. Don't forget that."
Sushant leaned back in his chair, unimpressed and utterly uninterested in the argument."Yeah, I'm done," he muttered and pushed his chair back.
"Sushant, finish your dinner—" his mother tried to stop him.
But he was already walking away, leaving his plate half-eaten as he disappeared into his room.
Sanjay's wife exhaled sharply and snapped, "Did you reallyhave to say all that now? We rarely have dinner together, and you start shouting at him."
Sanjay slammed his spoon on the table in frustration. The atmosphere remained heavy, with only the clinking of cutlery filling the strained silence.
Next day the office felt unusually energetic. People were moving around faster, voices carried a spark, and the air itself seemed lighter.
SM burst through his cabin, his face glowing with excitement. "The proposal got approved!" he announced loudly, almost shouting.
Megha and Sachi exchanged shocked looks—then both broke into matching smiles. Neha clapped her hands, squealing, "YES!"
Megha wrapped Sachi in a quick hug."Congratulations, Sachi! You did it!"
But Sachi shook her head immediately."It's because of Yuvan. He handled the meeting."
She turned instinctively toward Yuvan's chair—empty.Her brows knitted. She tried calling him. No response.
Megha sighed. "Sachi, you made the proposal. At least take some credit."
"But if it hadn't reached them properly, the whole proposal would've been useless," Sachi argued softly.
Before Megha could reply, Ricky walked up, tapping her desk lightly.
"Congrats, Sachi. Seriously—brilliant work."
She thanked him, but just then her phone lit up.
Yuvan Calling.
She quickly stepped near the pantry for privacy. "Where are you, Yuvan?" she asked the moment she picked up.
"I'm not coming to the office," he said casually.
"What? Why?"
"I have something important."
Sachi frowned. "And you're telling me this now when I call you? Seriously?"
There was a pause. Yuvan's tone dropped into teasing mischief.
"You didn't even become my girlfriend yet and you're already this concerned."
Sachi rolled her eyes so hard it hurt.Slipping into the role just to mock him, she said, "Come back from your dreams, okay? This is basic communication." Apply for the leave in the system.
"Mhmm. Then apply the leave for me," Yuvan said, voice lazy. "Since you're sooo concerned."
"Yuvan—"
But he'd already hung up.
Sachi stared at her phone, exasperated. "What is wrong with this guy," she muttered.
MM was practically glowing, "Yuvan handled yesterday's meeting successfully?"
Sethi nodded with pride. "Yes, sir. Presentation went smooth."
"See, Sethi? My grandson made it. First month and already closing meetings." Sethi smiled. "Looks like he has the Magnus blood, sir."
Rekha, Ricky, and Hitesh were wrapped up in animated conversation.
"We have to finalise the venue for next month's annual retreat," Rekha said. "HR needs the list."
Hitesh nodded. "I vote for somewhere with a pool. Last time you people tortured me with trekking."
Ricky rolled his eyes. "You slipped on the first rock and gave up, bro."
"I was conserving energy!" Hitesh defended dramatically.
Ricky laughed and stood up. "Megha! Can you shortlist some good resorts? Preferably ones where Hitesh can survive walking."
Megha shook her head but smiled. "Fine, fine. I'll start searching."
"Oh! Can I suggest places too?" Neha asked excitedly, practically bouncing.
"Yeah," Hitesh muttered.
Meanwhile Sachi typed quietly, looking composed as always.But every now and then, her gaze drifted unconsciously to Yuvan's empty desk.
She didn't realise it, but she was missing his annoying comments, his loud chair-scraping, the way he leaned over her desk unnecessarily…
But she pushed the thought away, "Focus, Sachi," she whispered to herself.
***
The sun was almost gone, the sky fading into a soft lavender as everyone packed their bags and logged off for the day. Lifts dinged, chairs scraped, and the office slowly emptied.
Megha stayed back, determined to finish her pending tasks.Sachi slipped her laptop into her tote and waved.
"Megha, I'm leaving. Don't stay too late."
"I won't," Megha hummed, already lost in an email.
Sachi walked out through the glass door.
Outside, near the entrance gate, Yuvan was leaning on his bike, scrolling on his phone, helmet dangling from one handle.
Sachi blinked in surprise.She walked toward him. "Yuvan?"
He looked up immediately, eyebrows rising. "Oh finally. How long did you plan to make me wait?" he said, snapping his phone shut.
Sachi frowned. "Wait? For what?"
He handed her the spare helmet. "Get on."
"What? Why?" she asked, suspicion all over her face.
His lips twitched."You'll get to know. And relax—I'm not kidnapping you. Yet."
Sachi narrowed her eyes but took the helmet anyway."Your jokes are getting worse."
"Still laughing though," he said, as she got on behind him.
After a 15-minute ride, Yuvan stopped outside a small two-storey building with warm lights and a metal spiral staircase running up the side.
"Where are we?" Sachi asked, stepping off.
"You'll see," he said, already walking toward the stairs.
She followed him up the spiral staircase, one hand gripping the railing, still completely unsure what was happening.
At the rooftop entrance, a man holding a tablet greeted them.
"Good evening, sir. It's ready."
Yuvan nodded. "Thanks." Sachi's confusion only grew.
They stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit, almost completely open on one side. The city stretched below them—tiny headlights moving like fireflies—and above, the sky had already deepened into a velvety blue.
Right in the centre stood a huge, polished telescope.
Sachi blinked."What…is all this?"
Yuvan walked ahead, adjusting the lens casually.
"Come here," he said softly.
She stepped beside him.
He angled the telescope, then moved slightly so she could stand where he was.
"Look."
She leaned in. And gasped quietly.
Clusters of stars, sharp and clear, glowed against the dark sky.Patterns intertwined, gentle and ancient. A constellation she had only seen in charts shimmered right in front of her.
"Yuvan…this is beautiful."
He looked at her, not the sky."Yeah. Worth the ride, right?"
Sachi kept moving the telescope slightly, mesmerised."This is my first time seeing constellations through a real telescope."
"Hm," he said, leaning on the railing.
There was a peaceful silence.The breeze was cool, the studio faintly smelled of old books and metal, and the world below seemed far away.
Sachi finally looked at him."Why did you bring me here?"
Yuvan shrugged, but his tone softened.
"You've been running nonstop. At least for once—look at something that doesn't ask you for anything."
Sachi's chest tightened just a little.She turned back to the telescope, hiding the small smile forming on her lips. The world felt kinder for a moment.
The week passed in a blur of deadlines, revisions.Sachi finally wrapped up her part of the project and forwarded everything to the concerned departments.
She walked toward Yuvan's desk, tapping lightly on the edge."Yuvan, schedule a meeting with the Digital Marketing team for tomorrow morning. I'm leaving early today."
Yuvan looked up instantly."You're leaving early? Why?"
His tone wasn't demanding—just…curious.But Sachi didn't answer. She simply picked her bag and gave him a small nod.
"See you tomorrow," she said, already walking away.
Yuvan stared after her, jaw tightening."Great. No answer," he muttered under his breath.
Ricky popped up from behind his computer, looking around.
"Guys, where's Neha? I need her to scan this design sheet." Then he asked Yuvan.
Yuvan didn't even look up. "Bro, scan it yourself. Not my job."
Ricky blinked."What attitude, man…"
Before he could complain further, Megha appeared between their desks.
"Yuvan," she scolded lightly, "don't talk like that to your seniors."
Yuvan leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed. "Whatever. He sent the meeting invite exactly the way Sachi told him—and snapped his laptop shut.
"Done. I'm leaving too."
Megha watched them—first Sachi leaving early without explanation, then Yuvan walking out right after her, irritated for reasons only he understood.
Sachi stood outside Shreya's Boutique, from a distant she spotted Urvi waving energetically.
"Sachi! Here!" Sachi smiled and both walked in.
Shreya, elegant as always, examined Urvi's portfolio with sharp attention.Five minutes later, her face softened with a genuine smile.
"Urvi… this is good. Really good. You have an eye for colors. If you're willing, I want you to work here. Full-time designer."
Urvi looked at Sachi, wide-eyed, then back at Shreya.
"Really? You're sure?"
"Absolutely," Shreya said. "People need to see your work, not just files hidden in a laptop."
Urvi's happiness was contagious. After the meeting they both celebrated with coffee in the small café beside the boutique, laughing, sharing plans for Urvi's new role.
Eventually, they stepped back into the evening air, warm cups still in hand.
Across the street, Miha froze.
That face.That woman.
The same girl who was with Yuvan that night outside his house.
Her blood boiled instantly. Her heels clicking sharply on the pavement. Her jaw was tight, movements stiff with rage.
Before Sachi could take another step, Miha grabbed her arm harshly.
"You," she hissed. "What the hell are you doing here? Don't act innocent—I've seen you with Yuvan."
Sachi blinked, startled by the aggression."I'm sorry… who are you?"
But before she could process anything, Urvi stepped forward, eyes blazing.
"Excuse me? Who do you think you are touching her like that?" Urvi snapped. "Back off."
Miha scoffed. "Stay out of this. This is between me and her."
Sachi pulled her hand away, spine straightening.
"First of all, you don't get to question me. Second—Yuvan is my intern. That's it. You don't need to be concerned about anything."
She turned to leave with Urvi. But Miha grabbed her wrist again. "I'm not done talking!"
Sachi turned back slowly—this time with a cold, sharp stare.
"You should be done," she said calmly. "Because I don't owe explanations to someone who behaves like a drunk jealous teenager."
Miha's mouth fell open. Urvi smirked. "Come on, Sachi. Some people don't deserve brain cells."
They walked away confidently, leaving Miha trembling with fury.
Her hands shook as she climbed back into her car.
"That woman…" she muttered through clenched teeth.She immediately dialed her father's PA. "Find out who Yuvan reports to at Magnus Group. Immediately. I want every detail."
Before the PA could respond fully, she hung up and slammed the door shut, face burning with humiliation and anger. The car drove off—
Sachi and Urvi walked toward the main road, the evening breeze cooling the leftover tension from Miha's scene.
Urvi shook her head."What was wrong with that girl? She acted like someone stole her brain."
Sachi exhaled. "Forget her. We don't need unnecessary drama." Urvi nodded, calming down. Then her tone softened.
Urvi's expression shifted—hopeful, cautious. "Sachi… can you come home today? Mom is missing you. She asks about you every day."
Sachi's step faltered. Her smile faded slightly.
"Urvi… not today. You go." Urvi groaned in frustration. "Sachi, don't be so stubborn. Don't stay this cold with Mom forever."
Sachi simply patted Urvi's arm—silent, gentle, final.Then she turned and walked away.
As she walked through the dim street, the past rose like a tide she could never stop.
Flashback to her younger self, around eleven, excitedly tugging at her mother's saree.
"Mom please! Everyone is going for the school trip. Please let me go."
Her mother, tired and already running late, barely looked at her. "Sachi, no. I said no. I don't like you going so far." She grabbed her purse and rushed out the door.
The memory shifted—that same afternoon, little Sachi found her father reading the newspaper.
"Dad… can I go? Please? I promise I'll be careful."
He laughed softly and pinched her cheek.
"Okay, princess. If I take your mom out for dinner tonight, by the time we're back, you'll already be return from the trip."
The flashback moved forward.The next morning, her father left with Urvi, giving Sachi the house keys. Lock the door properly, okay?"
She remembered nodding quickly, rushing inside to get her water bottle.She wore her uniform in a hurry.Her hands were shaking with excitement. She locked the door—but in her rush… the latch didn't click fully.
The memory darkened.
Evening.
She came running back home, still smiling from the trip—but the moment she stepped inside, her smile evaporated.
The door was wide open.Cupboards ransacked.Drawers overturned.
Her heart hammered. Then she felt a presence behind her.
Sachi turned, eyes wide—a man stood there.Before she could scream, he shoved her.
Her body hit the floor.Pain flashed through her head—then everything went black.
When she woke up, everything was blurry.The smell of antiseptic. Soft beeping.Her head throbbed.
Then she saw them—her mother crying, holding her tightly.Her father standing beside them, face pale with guilt.Little Urvi looking terrified.
Sachi's father had been the one holding the house together ever since his previous company went bankrupt. He stayed home, trying to rebuild himself slowly, taking small freelance projects while managing the house and the girls. Only her mother went to the office every day—working longer hours, taking extra responsibilities, doing everything she could to keep the family financially afloat.
But after the robbery, everything changed.
All their savings… every piece of jewellery… everything her parents had built over years was gone in one night.
Her father took all the blame, he told the police the door must've been left open by him.
Her mother never learned the real reason.
After that day, the house changed.Her parents argued constantly—money, safety, responsibility.Their relationship fractured.
Two years later, the fights ended with one final blow—a divorce.
Walking alone, Sachi wrapped her arms around herself as the memories played. And the guilt had lived inside her ever since.
***
It was the weekend, and Sachi's house was buzzing with energy. Megha had come over, bringing her two kids—Nishi, seven, and Karan, four. Megha had to visit her mother, who was unwell, and Sachi had kindly offered to look after them.
Both kids were well-acquainted with Sachi's calm and patient nature. Karan immediately set up his little study space, removing his books to finish his homework, while Nishi unpacked her toys, already plotting ways to get Sachi's attention. Megha waved goodbye, and the kids settled in. Nishi tugged at Sachi to play, but Karan, ever the responsible one, told his sister, "Don't trouble anyone, Nishi."
For the first time, Sachi excused herself and went to her bedroom. Both kids assumed she had work to do. Moments later, she returned, wearing casual clothes, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Alright, kids," she announced, "pack yourselves—we're going out today."
Karan and Nishi exchanged shocked glances. Their quiet, serious Sachi was suddenly the adventurous leader of the day.
First stop: the zoo. They marveled at the animals, laughed at the monkeys' antics, and then enjoyed delicious food together, savoring every bite.
By evening, they found themselves at the arcade. Nishi squealed with delight as she spotted the trampoline section, and Karan eyed the game cards eagerly. It was there that Sachi unexpectedly ran into Yuvan, along with Gauresh and Kabir. Kabir and Gauresh wore masks, a nod to their popularity, and were heading toward the bowling area.
Yuvan spotted Sachi immediately and sauntered over, teasing her, "So, babysitting part-time now, huh?"
Karan, not one to be intimidated even at seven, shot back with a savage retort that left Yuvan smirking. "Better watch your words, little man!" Yuvan replied, mock-offended.
Sachi quickly intervened to keep the mood light. "Yuvan, why don't you take Karan for a game?" she suggested.
He protested at first, but eventually agreed. Karan and Yuvan teamed up, with Gauresh and Kabir joining them for support.
Meanwhile, Nishi and Sachi bounced on the trampoline, Sachi keeping a watchful eye on her.
Suddenly, Karan went to reload his game card and ran into a group of classmates—three or four boys who had a habit of bullying him.
"Look who's alone again, nerd!" one sneered.
Karan ignored them, but they persisted. Yuvan, having noticed the delay, came over and assessed the situation. With a sly smile and his trademark sarcastic tone, he said, "Oh, is this the team trying to take on Karan? You'll need more than words."
He challenged the bullies to a game of air hockey, turning the arcade into their own battlefield. Almost every machine in the arcade was booked for this playful showdown.
The match was fierce. Karan and Yuvan strategized flawlessly, and with a final decisive strike, Karan scored the winning point. The young boy squealed with delight, running into Yuvan's arms.
"You're the best, Uncle!" Karan shouted, hugging him tightly.
Sachi, still near the trampoline with Nishi, watched in surprise and pride. She hadn't expected to see the little boy so elated, and Yuvan's presence had clearly given him a newfound confidence. Even the bullies, seeing the camaraderie and fun, laughed, apologized, and admitted, "Your uncle's amazing."
Nishi tugged at Sachi's hand, whispering, "Can we play another game?" Sachi smiled, watching the chaos and joy around her.
Yuvan let the boys choose any game they wanted. Suddenly the arcade was full of energy—racing games, basketball shots, laser targets, everything was buzzing. Even Sachi ended up joining, dragged by Nishi to the music-dance game where both of them danced (well… Nishi danced, Sachi tried).
Laughter echoed everywhere.Karan high-fived his new "rivals," and the boys shook hands with him before leaving.
At the bowling zone, Yuvan and Gauresh teamed up while Kabir went for a solo strike, acting overdramatic every time he missed by even one pin.
Meanwhile, Nishi and Karan sat with slices of pizza, swinging their legs happily. Sachi glanced at Yuvan, who had ordered the food without saying a word.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Yuvan shrugged, as if he hadn't done anything.
When they finally parted ways outside the arcade, Sachi walked home with the children, an unexpected softness blooming inside her.
Later at Night
Sachi was in her bedroom. Both kids were showered, changed into their night suits, and already asleep on her large bed, curled up comfortably on either side of her.
She switched on her laptop—not for work, but to look through the photos she had taken that day.
Zoo pictures… Nishi feeding the rabbits… Karan excitedly pointing at the lions…Then the arcade pictures…One with Karan and Yuvan high-fiving after their victory.Another with everyone laughing.
A small smile touched her lips.
Just then her phone buzzed.It was Yuvan.
Yuvan: Serious face. You owe me a lot for today. Make sure you pay it.
Sachi smirked and typed back:
Sachi: Sure. I'll deduct it from your internship stipend. Slowly. Every month.
A moment later…
Yuvan: You monster.
Sachi: Good night.
She chuckled silently so she wouldn't wake the kids, placed her phone aside, and finally slipped into sleep with a peaceful smile.
Morning sunlight slipped in through the curtains when Sachi slowly woke up. On both her sides, Nishi and Karan were curled up like two tiny kittens, sleeping peacefully. Sachi carefully slid out of the bed, freshened up, and made breakfast.
A little later, Megha arrived—hair messy, worry still on her face.
Megha: "I hope they didn't trouble you. Mom was worse yesterday so I—"
Before she could finish, Nishi ran to her with excitement.
Nishi: "Di! We went to the zoo! And arcade! And played games!"
Karan came behind her holding the stuffed toy Yuvan won for him.
Karan: "And Sachi was actually fun yesterday."
Megha's eyebrows shot up. "Actually?"
Sachi rolled her eyes."Don't listen to him. I was forced."
Megha laughed. "Thank you… really. I didn't expect you to take them out."
Sachi only shrugged. "They were bored."
Megha hugged her tightly before leaving with the kids.As the door closed, Sachi stood there for a moment, feeling a small but warm tug in her chest.
A week later, Sachi was at the café, finishing a meeting with Triumph Sounds about some changes in her project. After Simran left, Sachi stayed back, jotting notes while slowly sipping her now-cold coffee. When the cup finally emptied, she began packing her things.
Just then, the door jingled — and in walked Miha, flanked by Sush and Rush.
Of all people.
They spotted Sachi instantly. Miha's smirk sharpened as she strutted over.
"Well, well… look who's here," Miha sneered. "The old ladypretending to be young."
Sush and Rush giggled like background noise.
Sachi didn't even look up.
At that moment, the waitress arrived with a tray of coffee for another table. Someone called her name from behind, and she turned quickly—her elbow barely brushing Miha's arm.
Miha acted like she'd been attacked.
"How dare you touch me!" she shrieked.
Before the waitress could even apologize,
Miha grabbed the hot coffee from the tray and splashed it on her."Filthy staff!"
Gasps echoed around the café.
This time, Sachi didn't let it go.
She stood up—slow, steady, eyes cold enough to freeze the whole shop.
"Apologize to her," Sachi said.
Miha laughed. "Or what, old lady?"
Sachi stepped closer, voice low and razor-sharp.
"You keep calling me old… but you behave like a toddler who didn't get her favorite toy. At least toddlers have a reason—they're still learning. What's your excuse?"
People around snickered quietly. Miha's face darkened.
Sachi wasn't done.
"And next time you throw hot coffee at someone, make sure you check the CCTV."She pointed to the camera right above them."This place records everything. Management loves videos like this — especially when police get involved. Should I send them the clip? Or do you want to call your dad first so he can come clean up your mess again?"
For once, Miha went silent. The entire café stared.
Sachi gently took a napkin and handed it to the trembling waitress."You're not filthy," she said softly. "But some people's behaviour definitely is."
Then she slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out — graceful, unbothered.
Behind her, Miha trembled with humiliation, anger boiling so deep it burned hotter than the coffee she threw.
***
Sachi was walking toward Magnus Tower, eyes on her phone, when she suddenly froze.
Near the main gate… stood her mom.
The moment her mom spotted her, she stepped forward quickly, almost nervously.
Inside the office, Yuvan was pacing, checking his watch."By now Sachi should be here," he muttered.
Neha, who was scrolling through her phone at her desk, suddenly stopped.
She looked up, eyes wide, and said loudly enough for everyone around to hear,"Guys… the head chef has been released from jail."
Yuvan went still. A sharp worry twisted in Yuvan's chest.Without a second thought, Yuvan grabbed his keys, rushed out of the office, and ran toward his bike while calling her—again and again.
Phone unreachable.
"Damn it, Sachi, pick up…"
Meanwhile, Sachi sat with her mom on a quiet bench in the small park beside Magnus Tower.
Her mom looked at her carefully."How are you, Sachi?"
"I'm fine," she replied quietly. "If you need anything… tell me, okay?"
Her mom sighed. "So… should I meet you only when you need something?"Her voice trembled.
Sachi stayed silent.
After a hesitant moment, her mom pulled out a tiffin box and placed it in Sachi's hands."I made your favorite. Please… at least have this."Then, softly, "And… I'm sorry, Sachi."
She stood up and walked away slowly.
Sachi's eyes burned. A tear slipped down, then another. She lowered her head, clutching the meal box tightly… and finally looked up only when her mom had already crossed the gate and disappeared.
Her phone buzzed.
Yuvan.
"Where are you?" His voice was tense.
Sachi sniffed. "In the park. Beside Magnus Tower."
He was already close by. Within minutes, he ran into the park, scanning around desperately. When he spotted her sitting alone on the bench, he exhaled in relief and rushed over.
He bent forward, panting, and tried to joke, "Next time you plan on disappearing, give me a hint. I almost filed a missing complaint." But Sachi lifted her head.
Her eyes were red. Her cheeks wet.
Yuvan's words died on his tongue.He went completely quiet.
Did something happen?
Sachi stood up quickly. "I'm going home. Inform Megha I'm not feeling well."
She turned away to walk.
But Yuvan wasn't letting it go.
He took two long steps and stopped her again, fingers curling gently around her wrist a second time—not forceful, just desperate.
"Sachi, stop. Talk to me."His voice was lower, more serious.
Sachi's shoulders tensed. "I said nothing happened."
"That's not true," Yuvan replied, frustration mixing with concern. "Your crying. You're shaking. Don't lie to me."
Sachi suddenly yanked her wrist out of his hold—sharper than he expected.
She turned to him, eyes fierce in a way he'd never seen before.
"Stop being nosy, Yuvan."Her voice cracked, but her words were sharp."I don't need your concern. I don't need your questions. And I don't need you hovering around me all the time."
Yuvan froze. The words hit him harder than he anticipated.
Sachi stepped back, breathing unsteadily.
"Just… leave me alone for today," she whispered, irritation and pain tangled in her tone. And she turned away, walking fast.
Yuvan stood there in the middle of the park, stunned—like someone had just pulled the ground out from under him.
The college club room buzzed with low music and scattered chatter. Gauresh sat on the sofa tuning his guitar when Miha walked in, her heels tapping sharply on the floor.
"Gauresh," she said sweetly, too sweetly, "just once, please? Ask Yuvan to meet me. He listens to you."
Gauresh sighed as if he'd aged ten years.
"Please," she insisted, widening her eyes. "Just call him. He won't say no to you."
Gauresh finally gave up."Fine. But only because I don't want this conversation again."
He dialled Yuvan.
Yuvan was already irritated, sitting on his bike, debating whether to call Sachi again."What new music? Send it on WhatsApp," he grumbled.
"No, no, bro. Just come. I need feedback face-to-face," Gauresh insisted.
Yuvan rolled his eyes. "Ugh, fine. I'm coming."
He rode to the college, parked, and walked into the club room.
Miha lit up like a chandelier. "Yuvan!"
He walked right past her without even a glance.
"Show me the music," he told Gauresh.
Gauresh exchanged a helpless look with Kabir.
Miha, refusing to be sidelined, chirped, "Since we're all here, let's take a picture together!"
"No," Yuvan said immediately.
But Kabir, ever the enthusiastic one, nudged him."Come on, bro. One picture. Then you can run."
Gauresh joined the pressure."It'll keep her off our backs for at least two days."
Yuvan gave a deadpan stare, then sighed heavily."Fine. ONE."
Miha smiled triumphantly."But my camera isn't working…" she said dramatically."Yuvan, can we use yours?"
"NO."He answered so fast Kabir snorted.
But Miha kept insisting, guilt-tripping, pouting, acting like the camera mattered more than oxygen.
Fed up, Yuvan unlocked his phone and shoved it into her hand."One. Picture. Done."
They took 2–3 pictures.
Right as Yuvan turned to ask Miha to return his phone—Just when Yuvan reached to take back his phone,Sush stepped in between them, waving her tablet dramatically.
"Yuvan! Quick—look at this stage layout. Does it look tilted to you or am I losing my mind?"
Yuvan blinked."What? Why are you asking me? Ask the event team."
"Just look once!" she insisted, blocking his view on purpose.
While Yuvan was force to examine the "tilted layout,"Miha quickly opened Sachi's chat on his unlocked phone and typed:
"I want to talk to you. It's important.Meet me at Royal Club, Private Room 02, 8 PM."
She hit send, closed the chat, and stepped aside.
Sush immediately straightened up."Okay, crisis over," she said casually and walked away.
Miha returned the phone to Yuvan with a sweet smile, hiding her triumph."Nice pictures," she said sweetly.
Yuvan didn't even look at her.
Miha left the club room, heels clicking like victory drums.
Once seated in her car, she dialled Rahul.
"Rahul?"Her tone turned honey-slick."There's a friend of mine… Sachi. She really likes you."
Rahul perked up. "Oh? Really?"
"And she's… open to a mutually beneficial arrangement," she said, choosing her words carefully."She's shy, so I set up a meeting for you both."
Rahul's grin almost echoed through the speaker."Location?"
"Royal Club. Private Room 02.Be there at 8 PM."
"Done," Rahul said eagerly. "Thanks, Miha!"
Miha smirked as she hung up, her eyes sharp with malice. "Let me show her whom she dared to mess with."
Sachi was still buried in Triumph Sounds modifications, her head drooping over the dining table. At some point she fell asleep, the screen glowing faintly beside her. A notification pinged but she didn't wake.
Hours later, her phone buzzed continuously. She jerked awake.
Varun was calling.
By the time she picked up, it disconnected.
Messages from Yuvan flashed on the screen—why did he want to meet her at Royal Club?
After the tantrum she had thrown in the afternoon, a small wave of guilt pricked her. She typed "okay"… but didn't send it. Before she could call him instead, Varun called again.
"Sachi, you didn't send Yuvan's weekly performance report."
She almost swore under her breath—she had forgotten. "I'll send it tomorrow… is that okay? I have to go out and I'm supposed to meet Yuvan—"
"MM needs it today. Please send it now."
"Fine," she said and hung up, annoyed. She finished the report, emailed it, and rushed to get ready.
At the office, Varun received her email, printed the report, placed it on Sethi's desk, and left for the day
***
Sachi reached the Royal Club. At the reception, she said she was here to meet Yuvan. The receptionist looked confused until she mentioned her name.
"Oh, Sachi ma'am. This way."She was escorted to a private room, booked under Rahul's name.
Meanwhile, Varun stepped out of the lift and saw Yuvan who came to pick up his backpack.
"Yuvan".
Yuvan looked at him. "Who are you?"
"We met at your home. I work under Sethi."
"Okay…" Yuvan stepped inside the lift.
The doors were closing when Varun added, "Sachi said she was meeting you right."
Yuvan quickly pressed the button, reopening the doors. "What? Who told you that?"
"Sachi said it."
Yuvan didn't wait—he immediately tried calling her.
Inside the private room, Sachi froze. Rahul was there.
"Oh, so you're Yuvan's friend Sachi," he said, stepping closer.She turned to leave, but the door was locked.
Outside, Yuvan's calls weren't connecting. Then he received a call from the club.
"Yuvan, Mihir here. Someone named Sachi was looking for you, but the private room she was taken to is booked under Rahul. Is there some mistake?"
Yuvan's chest tightened. He didn't even reply—he drove straight to the club.
Inside, Sachi kept her composure. "There must be some mistake," she said sharply.
Rahul smirked. "Come on… I know you're shy. I'll be easy on you."
When he reached for her, she shoved him and slapped him.His face twisted with anger. He grabbed her wrists and forced her onto the couch, trying to overpower her.
That was when the door burst open—Yuvan stormed in nad he pushed Rahul aside.
But before Yuvan could understand anything, Sachi stood up to him and slapped him.
He froze. "Sachi—?"
She pushed past him and walked out. He hurried after her down the corridor, confused.
"Sachi! Stop. Why were you here? What happened? Why are you—"
"This is the kind of revenge you wanted for today afternoon?" she snapped.
"Revenge? What are you talking about?"
"You set all this up, didn't you?" She held up her phone. "This message—you sent it."
"I didn't send anything. Why would I—"
"I never thought you could be this pathetic," she said, her voice shaking with anger.
She left without looking back.
Yuvan stood there, stunned. Then the shock turned into rage.
He walked back inside the room and slammed Rahul into the wall. Rahul tried to speak but Yuvan's punches silenced him.
"Who sent you here?" Yuvan shouted.
Finally Rahul choked out, "Miha… Miha told me."
Yuvan dropped him and left.
At Miha's house, he barged into her room and swept everything off her desk.Miha jumped back in fear.
He raised his hand but stopped himself.
"If anything happens to Sachi again… I won't stop myself next time." He walked out, leaving the room trembling behind him.
Sachi shut the door of her apartment and leaned her back against it for a second. Not to cry — just to breathe.She wasn't the type to fall apart, not even now. But her chest felt tight in a way she couldn't shrug off.
Annoyance at herself for letting her mother's words get under her skin. Annoyance that Yuvan did it to her. Annoyance that she even cared.
She tied her hair up, rolled her shoulders back, and opened her laptop.
If something hurt her, she didn't cry. She worked.
Her fingers typed faster than her thoughts, as if she could outrun whatever she was feeling. Because the moment she stopped… the heaviness would return.
May stepped forward, relieved to see him back."Yuvan— where were you? You didn't even—"
But he brushed past her without a word.
His jaw was lock, eyes burning, shoulders stiff. May froze; she had seen Yuvan angry, but not like this.
He slammed his bedroom door shut.
With a sharp breath, he punched the mirror.
Glass cracked, splintering like the chaos in his head.Blood smeared across his knuckles, but he didn't care.
Outside, May knocked softly."Yuvan? Open the door, please."
No answer.
Only silence… and the faint sound of him breathing hard.
Next Morning
Sachi walked into the MM floor as if nothing in the world could shake her—but there was a cold tightness in her eyes that even Sethi noticed.
She stopped in front of him."Mr. Sethi, I need to meet MM. Right now."
Her voice was steady. Controlled.Only someone who knew her deeply would've seen the exhaustion behind it.
Sethi informed MM, and she was allow inside.
Sachi stood tall.
"Sir," she said calmly, "about the challenge… I am withdrawing.I don't want to continue working with Yuvan.You can assign someone else."
MM was taken aback."Any particular reason?"
"I don't wish to discuss it."
She bowed her head in respect."Thank you."And left without another word.
As soon as she stepped out, MM called Yuvan.
Yuvan, still on his bed, bruised hand hanging off the side, woke to his phone buzzing.
It was MM. "Come to the office. Now."
"I'm not coming," Yuvan muttered, exhausted, eyes half-shut.He disconnected the call.
The phone rang again—this time MM's voice was sharper, colder.
"Yuvan. Come. Immediately."
Yuvan exhaled heavily.He knew that tone.There was no escaping it.
About an hour Yuvan walked in, face unreadable.
MM didn't waste time."What happened between you and Sachi? She requested to stop working with you."
Yuvan didn't flinch. He had expected this.
Yuvan nodded once and walked out without looking back.
Sachi sat at her desk, eyes fixed on the Triumph Sounds modification sheet on her screen.Megha stood beside her, discussing the last set of changes.
Just then, the door opened.
Yuvan walked in.
His expression was unreadable, but his posture was stiff, tired.He didn't even look in Sachi's direction—just went straight to his chair, grabbed his bag, and walked right back out.
The door clicked shut.
Megha eyebrows raised. "What was that?"
Sachi didn't lift her eyes from her laptop."I have no idea."
"Sachi," Megha lowered her voice, "did you see his hand? It was bruised."She leaned closer. "Something definitely happened."
Sachi exhaled, still typing. "Megha, I'm busy."
Megha wasn't giving up."And do you know the head chef from TRP Foods was released?
Yesterday when Yuvan heard it, he literally ran out of the office like the building was on fire. And now he comes in like this?"
She folded her arms."Don't you think you're going too easy on him?"
Sachi froze for half a second.
…was it because of me? The thought flickered—unwelcome, irritating. She shut it down immediately.
"No," she said flatly, returning her focus to the screen. "I don't want to think about him. He's just… pathetic."
Megha sighed, but Sachi was already typing again, her face calm and expressionless, burying every wandering thought under work.
The next morning, as Sachi stepped into the office, a strange buzz floated through the air. People were whispering in clusters, excitement rolling from desk to desk.
She caught fragments as she walked.
"MM's grandkid—""Kindle Creative—""Joining today—"
Her stomach tightened.
She reached her desk where Rekha, Ricky, and Hitesh were already huddled, mid-discussion."What's going on?" she asked, placing her bag down.
Before anyone else could answer, Megha jumped in."Sushant is no longer heading Kindle Creative. MM's late son'sson is taking over."
Rekha added dramatically, "MM's grandchild is apparently very young. How will he even manage a whole department? But I heard he's extremely handsome—like Sushant". Sachi's pulse ticked faster. She didn't know why.She opened her laptop, pretending to work, trying to ignore the chatter swirling around her.
Ricky and Hitesh were still going. Megha too. None of them could shut up.
Just then, Varun entered, speaking to Jagdish, the office boy."Is the new Vice President's cabin ready? He'll be here in a few minutes."
Jagdish nodded. "All set, sir."
Megha called out, "Varun! Who exactly is MM's grandchild? Tell us!"
Varun took a breath. "He is—"
The door opened. A man walked in.
Black suit. One hand in his pocket. Hair styled perfectly. A sharp presence that cut the entire room into silence. He didn't look like he worked here—he looked like the building belonged to him.
Varun exhaled. "There he is." Everyone turned. So did Sachi.
And her heart stopped.
Yuvan.