PAIN

Ridhima's Office – The Deal is Set

Ridhima exhaled sharply, forcing herself to keep her voice firm. "I don't want you close to me, Veer. This is just a four-month marriage. After the project is completed, we'll go our separate ways."

She expected him to smirk, to throw a cocky remark her way. But he didn't.

Veer sat back in his chair, his expression unreadable. A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes, but he masked it well. His jaw clenched slightly, but he didn't argue. He simply nodded, as if the words didn't cut through him.

Ridhima continued, "I don't feel anything for you. I don't want any of this in my life."

This time, Veer's fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair. His face didn't give away much, but deep inside, it stung. More than disrespect, it felt like an ache he didn't expect.

Still, he played it cool. "Okay. If that's what you want, fine. We're on the deal."

Silence stretched between them.

Veer leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "But what about the public? If they question us?"

Ridhima met his gaze without hesitation. "We pretend to be the perfect couple."

Veer raised a brow. "And?"

She straightened her posture. "No physical intimacy. Nothing serious. It's just a deal."

Something about her tone—so cold, so detached—made Veer pause. That line stuck in his mind more than it should have.

For a second, he just watched her. And then, he let out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

"Okay, if that's what you want, sweetheart. My headache will be half."

Something in the way he said it made Ridhima feel... something. A twinge of something she didn't want to name. But she kept her face neutral. She wouldn't let him see it.

They both stood, and Veer extended his hand. "Deal?"

She hesitated for half a second before shaking his hand. His grip was firm, warm, steady.

But before she could pull away, Veer tugged her closer.

Her breath hitched as she found herself inches away from him, his scent—rich cologne and something undeniably him—wrapping around her.

His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Are you sure it's just a deal?"

A tense silence filled the room.

Ridhima's heart pounded, but she kept her face blank. "Yes."

Veer held her gaze for a beat longer. Then, with a smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes, he let go and walked out of her office.

The Elevator & The Emergency Call

Ridhima grabbed her bag and walked behind Veer toward the elevator.

Veer turned slightly, catching her movement from the corner of his eye. "Why are you following me, Miss Rajawat?" His voice held that usual teasing lilt.

Ridhima rolled her eyes. "I'm not following you, Mr. Arora. I'm also going home."

Veer didn't say anything further and stepped inside the elevator, standing behind Ridhima. His eyes unintentionally trailed down her back, her soft curls cascading over her shoulder.

He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to look away. But damn, why was it so hard?

By the time they reached the ground floor, Veer exhaled and walked toward his SUV, while Ridhima moved toward her car.

Just as she was about to unlock her car, her phone buzzed in her hand. It was Meera.

"Di, I need your help at the hospital. It's urgent—"

Before Meera could finish, the call cut off.

Ridhima's heart pounded. What just happened?

Veer, who had been leaning against his car, overheard everything. He noticed the sudden worry on Ridhima's face.

Without hesitation, he walked up to her. "Come with me. We're going to Meera's hospital."

Ridhima looked up at him, momentarily surprised.

But there was no teasing in his expression this time—only determination.

Without wasting another second, she nodded and followed him to his car.

The Hospital Encounter

As the car sped toward the hospital, Ridhima's face remained tense with worry.

Veer glanced at her and saw her fidgeting, her breathing uneven. Without thinking, he reached out and cupped her hand. "Relax, everything is alright." His voice was firm yet gentle.

Ridhima instinctively tightened her grip on his hand. Her fingers, warm and trembling, clutched onto his for comfort.

Veer felt the warmth of her touch, a strange sensation spreading through him. But he didn't say anything. For the first time, he just wanted to be there for her.

Within minutes, they pulled up to Jaipur's most prestigious hospital—where Meera worked as a cardiologist.

As they entered, Ridhima's eyes darted around until she spotted Meera.

But instead of relief, a wave of confusion and concern hit her.

Meera stood in the middle of the corridor, her face red with anger. She was in a heated confrontation with a man who looked too calm for the situation—too composed, too calculating.

And that's what made him dangerous.

Veer's instincts kicked in as he assessed the scene. Something was wrong.

Ridhima, still holding onto Veer's hand, took a shaky breath. Who was this man? And why did Meera look like she was ready to fight him?

Veer and Ridhima reached Meera, and the tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Meera, is everything alright?" Ridhima asked, concern evident in her voice.

Meera, still furious, grabbed Ridhima's hand and pulled her into her cabin. "We need to talk," she said sharply.

Meanwhile, Veer stood face-to-face with the man who had clearly provoked Meera.

His sharp eyes scanned the man, trying to read him. He was calm, too calm, and that only made Veer more alert.

"Who are you, and what the hell did you do to make Meera this angry?" Veer's voice was cold, demanding answers.

The man smirked slightly, folding his arms. "My name is Aryan Rawal. I'm a lawyer by profession. And I stand against Dr. Meera Rajawat..." He paused, watching Veer's expression darken. "I will ensure she goes to jail for attempting to kill the minister's son."

Veer took a step forward, his fists clenching. "Firstly, Mr. Rawal, who the hell are you to decide that? Her brother-in-law is standing right here. Secondly, don't you dare come near her again."

Aryan chuckled, unfazed. "Firstly, Mr. Brother-in-law, I never lose a case. So yes, she's definitely going to jail. And secondly..." He leaned slightly forward, lowering his voice to a taunting whisper, "I can do whatever I want."

With that, Aryan adjusted his suit and walked away, leaving Veer standing there, fists clenched, jaw tight.

Veer's blood boiled, but he forced himself to stay calm.

This man was dangerous. And Veer had a feeling... this was just the beginning.