8.

5671 words 🤩.

Abhiraj’s POV

I sit in my car, watching her enter her apartment safely. A small smile lingers on my lips.

"Let’s go" I say to my driver and he starts the car.

I lean back looking out of the window, my smile growing. It has been a long time since I felt this kind of peace.

Today she worked really hard. One thing I have noticed about her she is truly passionate about her work. She doesn’t see it as a burden. she enjoys it. Watching her makes me admire her even more.

I rest my head against the seat my eyes softening. I’m just waiting for the moment when she becomes mine.

My lady your man is waiting for you.

A small sound pulls me out of my thoughts. I glance at Zar, who is half asleep beside me. He looks exhausted.

I chuckle remembering how he spent the entire day jumping around the office. He was angry with me for not being soft with his mumma.

I reach out my hand  and gently run my fingers through his fur. He lets out a small huff before shifting closer, resting his head on my lap.

Zar is my everything.

My mind drifts back to the past. I still remember when he was just a baby tiger, small enough to fit in my arms. But now, he has grown into a beast who can make hundreds of people fall to their knees with just one growl.

The car stops. We have reached home. As soon as I step inside a delicious aroma fills my nose.

I pause.

The smell of something rich and creamy lingers in the air. My gaze shifts toward the kitchen where I see Dev standing near the stove, stirring something in a pan.

"Your uncle is making dinner for us" I say to Zar.

Hearing this Zar immediately perks up and runs toward the kitchen. I follow behind him.

"You both are home" Dev says not looking up as he stirs the food.

"Yes. And what are you making?" I ask peering into the pan.

Zar jumps onto the kitchen slab and sits there watching Dev cook like an eager child.

"I’m making pasta" Dev replies.

I grin. "Trust me when I say this you make the world’s best pasta"

Dev smirks, knowing very well that his cooking is unbeatable.

"I’m coming after freshening up" I say rushing toward my room.

After a quick shower, I return to the dining area feeling refreshed. Dev has already served the food onto plates.

I sit down rubbing my hands together excitedly. The moment I take the first bite my eyes automatically close. The flavors explode in my mouth creamy, cheesy, perfectly balanced.

Dev watches me. "How is it?" he asks taking his first bite. I give him a big thumbs-up.

"It’s amazing. Mind blowing. Out of this world" I say savoring another bite. He chuckles.

"Where’s Zar?" he asks glancing around.

"He was really tired today so he’s already asleep" I reply taking another bite.

Dev nods, eating in silence for a moment. Then he looks at me. "How was their first day?"

I pause then start telling him everything from the beginning. As I finish, Dev leans back, smirking.

"So you left both father and daughter?"

I smirk back. "I told Varun to make their life hell. It’s not the first time she bullied her. She has been doing it since college. And now their family is already bankrupt."

Dev’s smirk deepens. A satisfied look crosses his face.

I take another bite before casually asking "Why don’t you want to be in a relationship?"

Dev stops eating. His fork lingers mid air as he looks at me. A second of silence.

Then he sighs. "It’s just been ten days… and in these ten days, you have changed a lot." His gaze sharpens. "Before Mira came into your life you used to say you’d never give a woman the power to control you And now… look at yourself."

I chuckle leaning back in my chair.

"Then be ready because I know you’re going to fall head over heels for a woman soon" I say with a challenging smirk.

Dev gives me a look. Let’s see. We finish our dinner, talking about random things, laughing and teasing each other.

Soon we head to our rooms ready to rest for the night.

Mira’s POV

I wake up early today because I don’t want to be late for work.

Stretching my arms I sit up on the bed and let out a deep sigh. The air feels fresh and the room is quiet except for the soft ticking of the clock. I grab my towel and head to the bathroom, craving a long hot shower.

The warm water soothes my skin washing away the sleepiness from my body. I stand under the stream for a few extra minutes, enjoying the heat.

After my shower, I wrap a towel around myself and walk to my small wardrobe. I pick out my formal clothes a simple, elegant dress that fits me well. I quickly put it on and tie my hair into a neat ponytail.

Once I’m ready I turn toward Jiya’s bed and call out, "Jiya!"

No response. I roll my eyes. She never wakes up with just one call.

A mischievous smirk forms on my lips as I take a deep breath and shout "Dev Malhotra with Sanjana Thakur!"

Jiya jerks up from her bed so fast that her blanket falls off. Her eyes are wide, scanning the room as if looking for someone. "Where?! Where?!" she asks frantically.

I cross my arms and glare at her. Realizing she has been tricked she pouts and throws a pillow at me.

"Now get ready or else I’ll teach you a good lesson" I warn turning around to head to the kitchen. Jiya groans but drags herself out of bed.

I enter the kitchen and start preparing breakfast. As I chop vegetables my mind drifts to yesterday my first day at work.

It was really good. The people there were helpful and kind. I could see why they had been working there for so long. The work environment was warm and welcoming.

But… something felt strange.

At times, I had the feeling that someone was watching me. Every time I turned around I found nothing unusual. No one was looking at me. It could have just been my imagination.

I shrug off the thought and focus on cooking.

Jiya comes out all ready. She looks fresh, though I can still see a little sleepiness in her eyes. We eat our breakfast quickly and leave for the bus stop.

As soon as we reach Jiya sighs. "Isn’t it too crowded today?"

I nod scanning the people waiting around us. "I hope we get a seat."

Jiya huffs. "Look at this! Even after coming early we still have to wait for the bus" She crosses her arms and sulks.

I chuckle at her reaction but suddenly.....

I feel something. A touch. My body stiffens for a second. Someone’s hand is on my butt. I turn around immediately.

A boy around my age, stands behind me. His face is calm, looking straight ahead as if nothing happened.

I frown. Maybe it was an accident? The crowd is big and people are standing too close to each other.

I step aside putting a little distance between us and start talking to Jiya again But then—

The same touch. Again. This time anger rises inside me like fire. My hands clench into fists as I spin around sharply.

The boy is still looking straight ahead acting like he has done nothing. But I know. I know he did it on purpose.

I grit my teeth and lean closer to Jiya. "He’s touching my butt" I whisper my voice filled with anger.

Jiya’s eyes darken as she looks at him. Without hesitation she steps in front of me, shielding me from him But then....

His hand moves again. This time he touches Jiya’s back. Jiya snaps.

"Are you crazy?!" she shouts her voice loud and sharp. "Why are you touching us again and again?!"

Her voice echoes in the bus stop. People around us stop talking. Heads turn. Now everyone is looking at us.

The guy looks at me with fake innocence. "Why would I touch you?" he asks acting like he has no idea what I’m talking about.

I clench my fists. My blood is boiling.

"You touched us! Not once but three times!" I snap my voice filled with anger.

Instead of looking guilty he gives us a disgusting look as if we are the ones bothering him.

"Girls these days just want attention" he mutters under his breath Before he can say another word....

SMACK!

My palm collides with his cheek the sharp sound echoing around the bus stop.

He freezes his head slightly turned from the impact. A red mark starts forming on his skin.

"Bloody creep" I hiss glaring at him.

His eyes darken with rage and he suddenly steps forward, raising his hand to hit me. But before he can even try...

Jiya shoves him. Hard. He stumbles back and falls to the ground.

"We are not the kind of girls who will stay silent" Jiya shouts her voice shaking with fury. "Do something like this again and we will show you hell!"

The crowd around us remains still. No one steps forward to help. No one says a word. They are just watching, like it’s some kind of entertainment.

Bloody so-called people.

Our bus arrives. Without sparing another glance at the guy we get on and find our seats.

I sit down but my mind is in turmoil. My whole mood is ruined by that asshole. Jiya notices my clenched fists and burning expression. She leans closer.

"Chill" she says though her own voice is still laced with anger. "Those kinds of bastards need a good beating."

I look at her. She is still fuming. So am I.

We reach our office and step inside. The familiar, clean scent of the workplace greets us.

"Thank God we came early" Jiya sighs. "Or else we would still be waiting for a bus"

We head to the elevator and press the button for the 15th floor. The doors close and the lift starts moving up.

Soon we reach our floor and step out. Our mentor is already there. She is a really nice woman kind, helpful and always guiding us with patience.

"Good morning girls" she greets with a warm smile.

"Good morning" we reply and take our seats.

She gestures toward the files on our desks. "I have placed your files on the table. You need to prepare a report by noon. Also at 11 we have a meeting with ASR sir"

We nod, absorbing the instructions and get to work.

I am focused on my computer when something catches my eye. A magazine is lying on my desk.

Curious I pick it up and place it in front of me. The cover page instantly grabs my attention.

ASR.

His sharp breathtaking features stare back at me. No doubt he is the most handsome man in Asia.

I slowly trace my finger over his face on the glossy cover, my mind drifting. Prom night.

Memories of that evening come flooding back. The way he had looked at me the way his presence had made my heart race....

"Ahem, ahem." Jiya’s teasing voice snaps me back to reality.

I blink and look up at her. She is smirking. Why is she smirking?

"What?" I ask pretending to be clueless. Her smirk only widens.

"Someone is falling in love I see" she teases her eyes flicking toward the magazine in my hands.

Realization hits me like a truck. I was… tracing his face.

I shove the magazine aside as if it burned me and scramble for an excuse.

"I w…was… I…" My brain goes blank. Nothing comes to mind.

Jiya chuckles. "It’s okay" she says turning back to her computer. "I’m not asking anything."

But I know her. She is going to tease me about this till my death. I scoff and shake my head forcing myself to focus on my work.

Abhiraj's POV

I sit inside my car, eyes glued to my laptop screen finalizing the details for my next mission. My fingers move swiftly, checking reports, ensuring everything is in place.

Just then...RING!

My phone vibrates on the dashboard. I glance at the caller ID. Mira’s guard. I pick up the call and bring the phone to my ear.

"Bos  there’s a boy at the bus stop. He’s touching Ma’am inappropriately." Silence.

"Should I kill him or bring him to you?" His voice is calm professional.

My grip on the phone tightens. A sharp wave of rage rises in my chest burning through my veins. I don’t blink. I don’t breathe.

"Bring him to the office basement" I order, my voice deathly cold. Without waiting for a reply I cut the call.

I rake a hand through my well-set hair trying to calm the storm raging inside me but it’s useless. My body is trembling with anger.

That bastard touched her? My woman? A sharp growl echoes inside the car. I turn my head...Zar. His sharp blue eyes hold the same rage I feel. He understands.

"What happened?" Dev’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I look at him, my jaw clenching.

"A boy touched her inappropriately" I say my voice dripping with fury. The moment the words leave my mouth...

GROWL!

Zar’s growl shakes the air. His muscles tense, his tail thrashes against the seat. A cruel smirk forms on my lips.

"I’ll kill you for touching my woman" I murmur under my breath.

The veins in my forehead and neck pop out. My fist tightens so hard my knuckles turn white.

"Drive faster" I command Varun. He nods and accelerates.

The city blurs past us. My heart is pounding but my mind is clear one thought repeating over and over. He dared to touch what’s mine. He will pay.

Within five minutes we reach the office. I don’t waste a second.

I get out of the car and stride towards the basement at the back of the building. Zar walks ahead of me, his ears alert his sharp claws clicking against the floor. My guards follow behind.

The moment I step inside the basement the dim lights cast long shadows on the concrete walls. The air is thick with silence an unsettling kind of silence.

My eyes fall on the boy. He is tied to a chair his head covered with a black cloth.

Pathetic.

Without breaking my stride I remove my coat and throw it somewhere don’t know, don’t care. I roll up my sleeves exposing my forearms. My muscles flex my body humming with restrained violence. I step closer standing directly in front of him.

"Remove the cloth" I order in a cold emotionless tone.

A guard rips the cloth off. The boy blinks, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The moment he sees me... His body trembles. His breathing turns uneven.

Good. Fear. That’s what I want.

"Untie him" I command.

The guards exchange glances but don’t dare to question me. Within seconds the boy’s hands and legs are freed.

His eyes dart around looking for an escape. There isn’t one. I grab his collar in a tight crushing grip.

"You like touching women inappropriately, huh?" I whisper my voice dripping with venom.

He shakes his head violently. "N…No s....sir I didn’t t....touch a.....anyone I....."

PUNCH!

I don’t let him finish. My fist crashes against his face. A sickening crack fills the air. He flies off the chair hitting the cold ground with a thud.

Blood drips from his nose painting the floor red. I step closer towering over his pathetic trembling form.

He whimpers. That’s not enough. I pick up a metal rod its tip glowing red hot from the heat. His eyes widen in horror.

"P....please… I....I’m sorry...." I press the burning rod against his palm.

SIZZLE!

A deafening scream echoes through the basement. His body jerks his screams growing louder. The stench of burning flesh fills the air.

I pull the rod back. A hole is now visible in his palm. I crouch down gripping his hair, forcing him to look at me.

"How dare you touch my woman?" I ask my voice eerily calm. Tears stream down his bloodied face. His body shakes violently.

But I’m not done. I punch him again.

And again.

And again.

Each hit lands harder than the last. My knuckles are covered in his blood but it’s still not enough.

I grab the rod again. This time I swing it. It lands directly on his hand...the same hand he used to touch my lady.

His agonized screams pierce through the air. I keep hitting.

Crushing.

Breaking.

Until his hand falls apart from his body. He is barely conscious now his body twitching in pain.

I stand up wiping the blood off my face with the back of my hand. My breaths are heavy but my rage?

Satisfied.

I grab his hair yanking his bloodied face up to meet my eyes. His whimpers fill the room but I don’t care.

"You think women are objects?" I roar my voice echoing through the basement. "You think you can do whatever you want with them?" His lips quiver but no words come out.

"Today you touched my lady." My rage explodes. I pull out my gun and...

BANG!

I shoot his leg.

BANG!

Another bullet.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

He screams in agony his body jerking with each shot. Blood pools beneath him, staining the concrete floor.

A deep menacing growl vibrates through the room. I turn my head.

Zar. His blue eyes burn red with fury. His muscles are tense his claws scraping against the floor.

He wants blood. I take a step back giving him space.

WHOOSH!

In an instant Zar lunges.

SNAP!

The boy’s screams are cut off as Zar’s powerful jaws sink into his flesh. His body thrashes but there’s no escape.

I stand there breathing heavily watching the scene unfold. I should feel satisfied. But I’m not.

Something inside me is still restless. I need to know...Is she okay?

I snatch my tablet from Varun’s hands. My fingers move fast as I pull up the CCTV footage of her desk.

My heart pounds as the screen loads. And then...I see her.

My baby.

She’s sitting at her desk looking perfectly fine. A sharp exhale of relief escapes my lips.

But then...My eyes catch something. She’s holding a magazine. Not just any magazine. A magazine with my photo on the front cover.

I watch frozen as she smiles looking at my picture. My heartbeat stutters. Then She lifts her hand and... My breath stops.

She starts tracing her fingers over my face in the picture. Softly. Gently. With a pure smile.

A strange unfamiliar warmth spreads through my chest. My hands tremble. My legs feel weak And then...

"WOOHOOOOO!"

I shout at the top of my lungs and jump up in excitement. Varun and the guards stare at me in pure shock but I don’t care.

My woman—

MY WOMAN

Was looking at me with a smile. My heartbeat is out of control. My face is burning. I look back at the screen.

She’s still caressing my photo but She suddenly stops. Her friend says something to her. And just like that, she pushes the magazine away.

My eyes widen. I jump again frustrated. Why did she stop?! Why didn’t she keep looking?! But before I can think something....

"Ahem." A loud cough snaps me back to reality. I freeze. Slowly I turn my head.

Varun is standing there staring at me. His expression? Priceless. A mix of disbelief, horror and pure secondhand embarrassment.

I immediately clear my throat and straighten my suit, pretending nothing happened. I silently hand the tablet back to him. Then I turn around And see the boy’s dead body.

Zar is sitting beside him his mouth dripping with blood. His tail swishes lazily his blue eyes filled with satisfaction.

The guards? Three or four of them are passed out on the floor. I frown.

"What happened to them?" I ask. Varun still trying to process what he just saw answers with a blank expression.

"They… fainted, sir."

"Why?"

"Because they saw you… like this." I blink. Oh. Right. The jumping. The shouting. The woohoos. Ahem.

Ignoring everything, I walk out of the basement. Zar follows me his tail wagging happily.

I head straight to my private spare room. The moment I close the door. I lose it. I start jumping around the room like a madman.

Zar watches me with a big toothy grin. I bend down to his level cupping his face in my hands.

"Your mumma was looking at my picture" I whisper my voice filled with excitement. "She was smiling at it. She was touching it."

Zar’s eyes widen. And then He starts jumping too. Both of us are now bouncing around the room like lunatics.

I’ve killed men without blinking. I’ve destroyed empires without hesitation. But one smile from her? It’s enough to make me lose my mind.

"Sir we are getting late for the meeting" Varun’s voice comes from outside.

I freeze mid jump. Zar does too. Shit. Clearing my throat I quickly change into a new suit.

Then I grab a towel and start cleaning Zar’s face. No one needs to know that Abhiraj singh Rajvansh the most feared Mafia King just had a mini heart attack because of a girl’s smile.

No one.

"Let’s go" I say in my cold commanding voice and step inside the company building my face as unreadable as ever.

But inside? A storm. Someone is dancing in my stomach. I’m so damn happy today. But control yourself Abhiraj.

If you keep behaving like this people will think their mafia boss has lost his mind.

I walk through the grand hallways of my company my every step firm my expression cold. Employees lower their heads in respect as I pass.

Finally I enter my cabin and sink into my head chair.

Varun follows me in standing straight as he begins listing my schedule for the day.

I listen carefully nodding at every point. My mind processes everything, but the moment he says.

"And sir, we have a meeting with the interns after ten minutes."

My hands freeze on the keyboard. And in an instant Her face flashes in my mind.

Mira.

My baby.

The interns meeting means I’ll see her. For the first time today. Calm down, heart.

"Okay inform me when everything is set" I say keeping my tone firm.

Varun nods and walks out. The moment he’s gone. I throw my head back against the chair and place a hand over my wildly beating heart.

"Hayeee my poor heart." A deep sigh leaves my lips as I let the excitement take over.

I start swinging on my chair unable to stop the small smile threatening to appear.

Zar who has been silently watching me, tilts his head. I grin and look at him.

"Zar, your mumma is going to be the reason for your dad’s death."

His ears perk up and he bares his sharp teeth in something that looks too much like a smirk.

"Come here" I say. Zar dashes toward me and jumps on me, placing his massive paws on my shoulders. I stroke his head but then I glare.

"Why were you behaving like that yesterday?" I ask my tone firm. His tail stops wagging.

"I strictly warned you didn’t I? Not to go near her." Zar lowers his gaze as if caught red pawed in a crime.

A guilty tiger. I click my tongue and grab his face, making him look at me.

"I’m warning you. If you do that again I won’t bring you to the office anymore."

His eyes widen. Pure betrayal. He looks at me with puppy like innocence, silently pleading. I sigh.

"Listen, I’m only doing this so she comes to us faster. If we rush things she might push us away."

Zar tilts his head in thought. Time for the final blow.

"Or…" I narrow my eyes "Do you want her to marry another man?"

His body jerks. His ears shoot up. His Blue eyes fill with horror. He shakes his head furiously.

"Good" I say with satisfaction patting his head.

"Now, we’re going to the meeting. But remember you have to behave like Zar Singh Rajvansh, the royal tiger not like an excited cub. Got it?" Zar straightens and nods.

A knock on the door.

"Sir everyone is in the meeting room" Varun’s voice comes from outside. I stand up, adjusting my suit.

Zar walks beside me his massive presence commanding the room. We step into the hallway my footsteps heavy my face back to its usual icy expression. The double doors of the meeting room swing open and the moment I enter.

Everyone stands. All the interns. Their mentors. I scan the room. And then My eyes find her.

Mira.

Sitting among the interns looking as beautiful as ever. My heart races. But my face? Still cold.

I give a slight nod and move to my head chair sitting down like the king of this empire. Which I am.

"Let’s begin" I say my voice deep and firm. But inside? I’m just a man losing his mind over one girl.

"Start" I say in my cold firm voice.

The meeting begins. The lights go dim as the projector flashes on the screen. Silence falls over the room as someone starts explaining the company’s policies.

But my eyes They are not on the projector. They are on her.

Mira.

She’s sitting a little far from me, her back straight, her face calm and focused as she listens carefully.

Her eyes are glued to the presentation but mine They are glued to her. She looks so beautiful. she always looks beautiful.

Her hair is tied neatly a few loose strands falling over her face. Her lips are slightly parted in concentration. I watch the way her fingers tap lightly on her notepad, writing something down.

My baby.

She suddenly turns around her eyes looking For me. Before she can catch me staring, I snap my head toward the projector so fast it feels like I might break my neck.

My heart slams against my ribs.

I can still feel her gaze on me. I don’t dare to move, keeping my face blank pretending to be deeply invested in whatever nonsense is flashing on the screen.

After a few seconds she looks away focusing back on the presentation. I finally let out a slow, silent breath.

"Stop" I whisper to my heart which is doing Bhangra in my chest like there’s a wedding going on.

The worst part? I’m sure everyone in this room can hear it. I glance at her again.

For the entire meeting I don’t hear a single word. Not the policies not the rules nothing. Because the only thing I am focused on is her.

The meeting ends. The lights switch back on. I blink pretending like I’ve been paying attention this whole time.

Varun quietly hands me my tablet where he’s written everything discussed during the meeting.

Good. At least he was listening. I lean back in my chair my face unreadable again.

"I hope you all now understand the policies and rules of our company" I say my voice calm but authoritative. The interns nod.

"Does anyone have any doubts?" I ask. A few hands go up. I spot her hand among them.

Her delicate hand is raised slightly her head tilted, waiting for me to notice But I don’t. Instead I pick someone sitting at the back.

"Yes?" I ask completely ignoring her.

The girl at the back asks her question, and Varun answers it quickly. One by one the other girls ask their questions.

All except two Mira and another girl But before they can speak I cut them off.

"And those who still have questions" I say my voice cold and dismissive, "can clear their doubts with their mentors."

I don’t even glance at my baby. I stand up, button my coat and prepare to leave. The meeting is over at least for everyone else.

For me? This was never about the meeting. As I walk toward the door Zar follows closely behind And then As I pass by her I take a slow deep breath.

Her scent hits me instantly. Soft. Subtle. Unique. She doesn’t wear strong perfumes like others. But her scent it’s different. It’s her.

And for a moment I feel like I’m drowning in it. I glance at her from the corner of my eye. She’s looking at me. Her arms are crossed her face blank but her eyes?

Not impressed.

A part of me grins inside. She’s annoyed. Good. Let the game begin. I keep walking not giving her another look. My plan is going perfectly.

Mira's pov

I reach my desk and drop into my chair with a frustrated sigh. I hate myself. Why?

Because I’m craving his attention. Why do I feel like this? Why does it bother me that he didn’t even look at me in the meeting? Why do I care?

I shake my head and try to focus on my work but my mind keeps drifting back to him.

"Let’s go for lunch" Jiya says standing beside me. I scoff.

"What happened?" she asks gently creasing my forehead with her fingers, trying to comfort me. I look at her and sigh.

"I don’t know. My mood is just… bad" I mumble, feeling irritated for no reason. Jiya smiles knowingly.

"Do you have something for Abhiraj sir?" she asks completely catching me off guard. My eyes widen. I shake my head quickly.

"Why would I have something for him?" I say trying to sound casual. But Jiya’s smile only grows bigger.

"I know you since you used to wear diapers" she teases crossing her arms. "And you think you can hide things from me?" I let out a small chuckle rolling my eyes.

"There’s nothing like that" I say standing up. "Let’s go. I’m hungry"

Ignoring everything about him I walk toward the office canteen with Jiya by my side.

At night

I cross my arms and huff in frustration.

"Why is there not a single bus or cab?!" I complain looking at the empty road.

We’ve been standing here for twenty minutes now. Every cab we booked canceled on us.

"I’m hungry" Jiya whines slumping onto a bench. "Let’s go home fast" I glance around, thinking.

"Let’s go by walking" I suggest. Jiya gives me a look but then nods.

"We don’t have any other option" she mutters, standing up. Just as we’re about to walk..

A series of black cars suddenly pull up in front of us. We both freeze. I recognize those cars instantly.

ASR’s cars.

I feel Jiya’s gaze on me but I can’t tear my eyes away from the vehicles in front of us. The window slides dow And there he is.

Abhiraj Singh Rajvansh.

Sitting in the car his sharp gaze locked onto mine his lips curved into a small smile.

"Come inside" he says in a smooth commanding voice. "I’ll give you a lift."

I stare at him in shock. What is going on? Why is he suddenly being… nice? I shake my head quickly.

"It’s okay, sir" I say politely trying to keep my voice normal. "We will go by ourselves."

His eyes darken slightly. Then He turns his head and looks at Jiya.

"You can sit with Dev in the car behind us" he says. Before I can process what’s happening Jiya runs off.

She leaves me behind without a second thought, sliding into the car with Dev like she was waiting for this moment.

I stare at her dumbfounded. She didn’t even hesitate?! I slowly turn my head toward him again. His gaze is on me.

"Come inside, Mira" he says. The way my name rolls off his tongue It makes my heart jump.

I freeze. He calls me by my name. He always acts distant, cold as if I don’t exist. But now He’s calling me like we’ve always been close.

I hesitate. But under his intense gaze my feet move on their own. I open the car door and sit inside.

And the moment I do....He shocks me to my core by.....