It's the first time Arnav and Khushi are truly alone together outside a professional setting. Arnav had asked her to help him with a presentation for an upcoming meeting, but they find themselves sitting side by side at a coffee shop late one evening. The tension between them is palpable. Khushi is fidgeting with the straw in her coffee cup, while Arnav is tapping his fingers on the table, trying to think of something to say. They've both been working late to prepare the presentation, but neither knows how to start a casual conversation.

Khushi: [Quietly, avoiding eye contact] "So... the meeting's tomorrow. I think we're ready."

Arnav: [Nods, but then pauses, glancing at her] "Yeah. But I was thinking... maybe we should go over the figures once more? Just to be sure."

Khushi looks up at him, but only briefly. There's something in her gaze—hesitation, a bit of wariness—as though she's not sure how to engage with him outside the office walls.

Khushi: [Nods stiffly] "Sure. I can go over the numbers one more time."

Arnav watches her, intrigued by how guarded she is. She's always been professional, but there's something more to her, something he can't quite pinpoint. Every time he tries to talk to her in a way that isn't work-related, she becomes distant, as though she's hiding behind an invisible wall.

He leans forward slightly, trying to break the silence.

Arnav: [Softly, more out of curiosity than anything else] "You're not really a fan of coffee, are you?"

Khushi looks up, surprised by the question. Her eyes widen, and she's not sure how to respond. How does he know that? She quickly composes herself.

Khushi: [Hesitantly] "I... I'm not. I prefer tea, actually. But I thought it might help me stay awake tonight."

Arnav smiles faintly, his curiosity piqued. There's a softness in her voice when she answers, but she's still distant, as though keeping a part of herself hidden from him. He wonders what it is—what she's keeping to herself. It's not just the usual office tension; there's something deeper, something personal.

Arnav: [Casually, trying to keep the conversation going] "I never understood why people drink coffee to stay awake. It never works for me."

Khushi shifts slightly in her seat, her eyes flicking down to her cup again. She's trying to figure out how much she's willing to share with him. After a moment of silence, she speaks up, her voice a bit softer than usual.

Khushi: "Sometimes... you don't really have a choice but to keep going, even when you're exhausted."

Arnav notices the way her voice falters, the way her words seem to carry an unspoken weight. She's not just talking about coffee. There's something behind those words that hints at more than just work stress. Something personal. He wants to ask her about it, but he's unsure—he's afraid of pushing her too far too soon.

Instead, he keeps his tone light, trying to make the moment feel less tense.

Arnav: [Half-smiling] "Yeah. I guess we've all been there. But... I think we could both use a real break after tomorrow."

Khushi offers him a small smile, but it's a hesitant one. She's not used to opening up to people, especially not someone like Arnav, who seems so... intense, so driven. She's learned the hard way not to trust easily. But for some reason, she's beginning to let her guard down, even if just a little.

Khushi: [Quietly] "Maybe. We'll see."

Khushi's house was buzzing with activity as the weekend arrived. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes wafted through the air, signaling the start of a leisurely family morning. Anya, was the first to rise, her tiny feet padding on the wooden floors as she dashed to the kitchen in her colorful pajamas, excited to start the day.

"Mumma, Mumma! I'm hungry! Pancakes!" Anya's voice rang through the house.

Khushi, wiping her hands on her apron as she stood by the stove, turned and smiled at her daughter. "Good morning, sweetheart! Yes, pancakes are ready. Just wait for a minute."

Anya, with her big, bright eyes, skipped over to her mother, her pigtails bouncing with every step. "Mumma, did you make the smiley pancakes?" she asked, her voice full of hope and excitement.

Khushi chuckled softly, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Of course, darling. I've made them just the way you like."

Anya squealed with delight and ran to the dining table where Khushi's younger brother, Vikrant, was already seated, scrolling through his phone.He along with Shashi and Nisha their sister has came few days back as their vacation were ongoing.

"Mamu, Mamu! You have to eat pancakes! They're the best!" Anya exclaimed, her little hands animatedly gesturing in excitement.

Vikrant rolled his eyes playfully but couldn't help but smile at his niece's infectious energy. "I'm sure they're the best, Anya. I'm just waiting for you to serve me first."

Khushi's parents, Garima and Shashi, sat across from each other at the breakfast table. Garima, with her graceful demeanor and a smile that could light up any room, reached over and patted Khushi's hand affectionately.

Shashi, ever the quiet support in the family, smiled and gave Khushi a thumbs-up. "She's a strong girl, Khushi. You've got the right qualities in her. A little too much of her mother's energy, but that's good, isn't it?"

Khushi laughed, rolling her eyes as she placed a stack of smiley pancakes in front of Anya. "Oh, believe me, Dad. I'm getting a crash course in energy every day."

As Anya dug into her pancakes, Khushi's sister, Nisha, walked into the kitchen, stretching her arms and yawning. "Good morning, everyone! Who's ready for a lazy day?" Nisha was the opposite of Khushi—more laid-back, always up for an adventure or a laugh.

"I am! I'm definitely ready for a nap after this amazing breakfast," Vikrant said, rubbing his stomach as he dug into his own plate of pancakes.

Anya's voice broke through the banter. "I want to go to the park today! We can play on the swings!"

Khushi smiled. "Sure, sweetheart. We'll go after breakfast. How does that sound?"

The family continued their relaxed morning, chatting about little things—plans for the weekend, the latest gossip, and Anya's obsession with a new animated show. Laughter filled the air as Anya performed her "version" of a song she had learned, twisting and twirling in the middle of the room.

Zoya, who had stayed over the night before, walked into the kitchen, still wearing her pajamas and her hair in a messy bun. She laughed as she looked at the commotion Anya was causing.

"Good morning, crazy bunch," Zoya greeted with a playful grin.

Zoya, having been Khushi's friend for years, had become part of the family. She was like a sister, and Khushi had always been there for her during both the good times and the tough ones. Zoya shared a special bond with Anya too, often playing the role of a big sister or an extra "mum" when Khushi needed a break. However the insecurities part stayed but she's overcoming it with the help of therapy and by realising that Shashi and Garima never discriminated between their real children and her. Nowadays she truly feels that she belongs to the family. The bond between them was strong, and today, like every other day, Zoya slid into the kitchen, making herself a cup of tea.

Khushi looked at her and winked. "You know, Zoya, you're always the last one to get up. We were already planning a trip to the park without you."

Zoya rolled her eyes, sipping her tea. "Well, you know I'm not a morning person. But I'll come along if you guys are really going to the park. I could use some fresh air."

The family spent the rest of the morning in easy camaraderie. They planned the day, discussing a picnic in the park, and decided to take Anya's favorite kite along with them. The little one had been obsessed with flying kites for weeks now, and Khushi had promised her that they would spend the afternoon outdoors.

As they all gathered their things, Khushi felt a surge of contentment. This was her family—her safe space. Each one of them had their own quirks, but together, they made a perfect team. Her parents, who were always there when she needed them. Her brother, Vikrant, with his easygoing attitude and constant teasing. Her sister, Nisha, who always knew how to lighten the mood. And of course, Zoya, who had stuck by her side through thick and thin, bringing so much laughter and love into their home. And most of all, there was Anya, her heart and soul, the little girl who had brought so much joy into her life.

As Khushi stepped into the car with her family, ready for a day out, she couldn't help but smile. Life wasn't always perfect, but with them by her side, she knew she could handle anything that came her way. This was her world, her sanctuary, and she was deeply grateful for it.

Later, in the park, the family spent the afternoon laughing, playing, and enjoying each other's company. Anya's bright smile as she flew her kite, Zoya and Nisha chatting about their favorite memories, Vikrant teasing everyone, and Khushi watching it all with a heart full of love. It was a simple day, but it was the kind of day that Khushi cherished the most.

It was a rare day of respite at Arnav's penthouse—one of the few times the weight of the world didn't rest on his shoulders. The modern, sleek apartment with its large windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline, but today, the view seemed distant. The penthouse felt more like a refuge, a place where Arnav could breathe and unwind.

Despite its luxurious exterior, the apartment was never truly home for him. His adoptive parents, Arvind and Sameera Raizada, had long since stopped pretending to care about him, and it had been his grandfather, Arjun Singh Raizada, who had stepped in to raise him with love and guidance. His grandfather was more of a father to him than Arvind ever had been. Arjun's wisdom and unwavering support were the anchors that kept Arnav grounded in a world that often felt like it was out of his control.

Today, though, there was a rare calm in the air. Aditya, his best friend, had dragged him away from his office for a day of relaxation. It wasn't easy for Arnav, a man always in control, to let go of the constant grind of work and his usual responsibilities. But Aditya, with his laid-back personality and his knack for pulling Arnav out of his shell, had convinced him to take a day off.

As the morning sun streamed through the penthouse windows, Arnav sat back on his modern leather couch, sipping coffee from his favorite mug. His feet were propped up casually on the coffee table, and the usually tense and serious Arnav was trying, albeit with some difficulty, to relax.

Aditya, as usual, was sprawled on the opposite end of the couch, flipping through a magazine with a bored expression. His carefree attitude was the perfect counterbalance to Arnav's often intense demeanor.

"So, what exactly are we doing today?" Arnav asked, raising an eyebrow as he leaned back, glancing over at his friend.

Aditya flashed a grin and shrugged, tossing the magazine onto the table. "We're doing absolutely nothing, my friend. Just you, me, and no work. Think you can handle it?"

Arnav gave him a look, half skeptical and half amused. "You know that's not possible, right?"

Aditya snorted. "You'll survive, trust me."

The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, and Arjun, Arnav's grandfather, entered the room with his usual air of quiet dignity. Even in his senior years, there was no mistaking the energy Arjun radiated. His sharp, yet kind eyes always seemed to know what was going on in the world, and his steady hand had guided Arnav through all the tough times in his life.

"Good morning, you two," Arjun said with a smile, settling into the armchair across from them.

Arnav offered him a small smile. "Morning, Grandpa."

Aditya leaned back, glancing at Arjun with a grin. "You know, Grandpa, I thought you'd be out in the garden today. You've been planting those herbs for weeks now."

Arjun chuckled. "I've planted enough for today. Thought I'd join you two for a bit of company. It's rare that I see both of you free at the same time."

Arnav felt a small sense of warmth in his chest. Aditya and Arjun were his anchors. His life might have been full of challenges, especially with his adoptive parents who had never cared for him, but these two—his best friend and his grandfather—had been constants in his life.

As the three of them settled into a relaxed conversation, Aditya began poking fun at Arnav, something he often did to lighten the mood. "So, when are you going to stop pretending that you're some kind of workaholic, Arnav? You might actually start enjoying life if you let go of the office for a day."

Arnav rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "You should try telling that to my phone," he replied, reaching for the device on the coffee table. "It's like an extension of my arm."

Aditya laughed, leaning over to ruffle Arnav's hair, something he hadn't dared to do in years. "Look at that. I didn't think you could smile for real. Maybe we should make this a weekly thing."

Arjun watched the playful exchange between the two with an amused look on his face. He'd seen how Arnav had grown from the quiet, withdrawn boy he was into the confident man he had become, but one thing had never changed—his need for control, his inability to truly let go. It made him proud of the man Arnav was, but also concerned for him, knowing how easy it would be for the weight of the world to crush him under all the responsibilities.

"So, what's really on your mind, Arnav?" Arjun asked, leaning back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You've been quieter than usual."

Arnav sighed, glancing out of the window, his gaze distant. "I've just been thinking about... everything, Grandpa. Work, life, the people I'm surrounded by. You know, sometimes I feel like I'm juggling a million things and no matter how hard I try, I'm never really at peace. It's exhausting."

Aditya tilted his head, clearly understanding what Arnav meant. "You're running a massive company, man. You've got responsibilities coming out of your ears. But don't forget, you've got us. You don't have to do it all alone."

Arjun nodded. "He's right, Arnav. It's easy to get lost in the world of business, but you can't forget to live. Don't carry all the weight on your shoulders. Let us help, let Aditya help."

Arnav looked at his grandfather, feeling a lump form in his throat. The older man had been through so much in his own life—losing his own son, watching over Arnav when his adoptive parents had been indifferent at best—but he had always been there for him.

"I'm trying," Arnav said softly. "I really am. It's just hard sometimes. But I'll get there."

Aditya, never one to let a serious moment linger too long, cracked a grin. "Well, if you ever need a distraction, I'm always here. You know where to find me."

Arnav chuckled, a genuine laugh that felt like a weight had lifted. "I'm sure you are."

The three of them continued to spend the rest of the day in a relaxed haze—no talk of work, no reminders of the responsibilities Arnav carried. Just family. Just friendship. And for once, Arnav felt truly at peace.

As the evening rolled in, and the sky began to turn a soft pink, Arnav looked out at the cityscape, feeling more grounded than he had in a long time. He had his grandfather's support, Aditya's friendship, and though his adoptive parents had never been there for him, he didn't need them. These two were his family. And in this moment, that was enough.

He wasn't alone.

He had everything he needed right here.

A few days later, Arnav notices something strange. Khushi, who's usually so composed and professional, seems a little distracted during a meeting. She's distracted more than once, her attention wandering to the papers in front of her instead of the presentation on the screen.

After the meeting ends, Arnav watches her gather her things, and without thinking, he approaches her.

Arnav: [Gently, but with a hint of concern] "Khushi, are you alright?"

Khushi freezes for a moment, caught off guard by the question. She doesn't want to show any weakness, especially not to Arnav. But the way he's asking, the genuine concern in his voice, makes her pause. She hesitates before answering, not wanting to open up but knowing she can't lie to him either.

Khushi: [Softly] "I'm fine. Just... tired."

Arnav studies her for a moment, sensing there's more beneath the surface, but he doesn't press her. He knows better than to push someone who's not ready to share. Instead, he offers a small, reassuring smile.

Arnav: [Casually] "You know, you don't have to work yourself to the bone. You can take a break."

Khushi looks up at him, surprised by the offer. It's not the usual order or demand she gets from him, but a genuine suggestion. It's a strange feeling, and she's not sure what to make of it.

Khushi: [Hesitant] "I appreciate it, but I have too much to do."

Arnav doesn't push her further, but he can't shake the feeling that there's something more. It bothers him more than he'd like to admit.

Arnav: [Lightly, trying to ease the tension] "Alright, but don't wear yourself out. You need a clear head to deal with all the madness around here."

Khushi just nods, but there's something in the way she looks at him—a flicker of something unspoken. For the first time, Arnav feels like he's getting a glimpse into her true self, and he wants to know more.

The next time they're alone together, it's in the office late at night. Both are working on separate projects when Khushi finally speaks, breaking the silence.

Khushi: [Suddenly, quietly] "Why do you care?"

Arnav looks up, surprised by the question. She's staring at him now, her expression curious, but guarded.

Arnav: [Slowly, choosing his words carefully] "Care about what?"

Khushi: [Hesitant but direct] "About me. You keep checking in on me, asking if I'm alright. Why?"

There's a moment of silence before Arnav answers. His gaze holds hers, and for the first time, he realizes that he's not just concerned about her work. It's more than that.

Arnav: [His voice quiet, almost vulnerable] "I don't know. Maybe it's because... you don't really let anyone in. You're always so... distant. But I can't help but wonder why."

Khushi is taken aback by his honesty. She's not used to people being so open with her, especially Arnav, who's always been so intense, so controlled.

Khushi: [Softly, almost to herself] "I don't... trust easily."

Arnav's expression softens, and he realizes how much she's holding back. He wants to say something comforting, but he doesn't know how. Instead, he just nods, acknowledging her hesitation.

Arnav: [With a slight smile] "You don't have to. I'm not asking for anything."

For the first time, Khushi feels like he's not pushing her, not demanding something from her. It's a small but significant gesture that makes her feel like she can take a breath. There's no pressure to open up, and for the first time, she's okay with just... being around him.

Over the next few weeks, they begin to interact more, slowly and steadily. Their conversations are more genuine now, less about work and more about their lives outside of it. Arnav learns that Khushi has a passion for art and design, something she never talked about in the office. She shares stories about her childhood, her family, and why she's so careful about letting people in.

Arnav, in turn, talks more about his past, his complicated relationship with his family, and the burden of being constantly watched by others. He's not used to this kind of openness, but something about Khushi makes him feel safe to share.

Their friendship grows, and with it, Arnav's feelings. It's subtle at first, just a tinge of admiration that grows into something deeper. He notices how her laugh lights up the room, how her eyes soften when she talks about her passion for design, and how she's always looking out for others, even when she doesn't have to.

Khushi, too, begins to feel something. It's a warmth, a connection she's not used to. But she's still hesitant, still unsure if she can trust this growing bond. She's been hurt before, and the thought of letting someone in again... terrifies her.

But there's something about Arnav's presence, his quiet strength, and his genuine curiosity about her that makes her wonder if maybe—just maybe—this time could be different.

This slow-burning development of their friendship—steeped in hesitation, curiosity, and shared vulnerabilities—sets the stage for a deeper connection between Arnav and Khushi. The tension is palpable, but the trust they begin to build offers the promise of something more, even if neither of them is quite ready to acknowledge it yet.

THANK YOU!!