A few weeks had passed since Aditya's injury and he seemed to be on his way to a speedy recovery. When Zoya and Aditya woke up the next morning after sharing the bed for the first time, things were pleasantly awkward at first. Aditya had his arm around Zoya's waist and that is how they woke up. Clearing their throats, they separated and went about their morning routine.

There was an odd comfort that had developed between Zoya and Aditya. They weren't walking around egg shells with each other anymore. And this bond didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the family.

The Hoodas were sitting at the dining table, eating breakfast and chit chatting as usual.

"Beta...how long will you be gone for?" Harshvardhan asked, as he picked up a spoonful of scrambled eggs.

"Just a few days papa." Aditya answered, and took a sip of his orange juice. Breeding season was in full swing and Aditya had to go back to the Hooda ranch to oversee some of the breeding of his horses.

Zoya quietly ate her breakfast. She remembered her conversation with Aditya when they were at the farmhouse the last time.

*Flashback*

"That sounds fascinating. You know...after seeing Sweetheart give birth...the whole process looks so much more interesting." Zoya replied, conversation flowing freely between them. "How do you know which horses are best matched?" Zoya asked, genuinely curious.

"Tell you what..." Aditya began, "...Mares are most fertile during the spring and I have to come back here in a few weeks for breeding season. Come back with me. You will get to see everything." Aditya said.

*Flashback end*

She wanted to go with Aditya...but didn't say anything and quietly ate her breakfast.

"Zoya...I want to leave around noon...so you have enough time to pack." Aditya said, casually, catching Zoya off guard.

"Huh?" Zoya asked, not quite sure she understood.

Aditya gave a confused look, "You said you wanted to see the horses breed right? I thought you would want to come with me..." He said, his voice slightly trailing off.

Anjana and Harshvardhan shared a knowing glance, trying to hide smiles.

'He remembered...' was all Zoya thought. Aditya Hooda was really surprising her at every corner. A conversation that took place weeks ago...something so simple...he remembered.

"Yes...of course." Zoya replied, giving Aditya a genuine smile. The kind of smile that lit up the room.

Aditya smiled back, unaware at how his simple comment touched Zoya. Aditya then turned to Arjun, "Arjun tu bhi tayar rehna...I don't want to hit traffic and be late". Aditya said.

Arjun looked from Aditya to Zoya...and then back at Aditya...and the wheels in his head started turning. "Bhai I won't manage to go this time...I have...chemistry...yea...I have a chemistry test I have to study for." Arjun replied, trying to sound convincing.

Aditya gave Arjun a skeptical look, not buying Arjun's excuse for one second.

"Oh common Arjun. It'll be fun." Zoya tried to convince him, completely oblivious to what Arjun was up to.

"Nahin di...mujhe chemistry bikhul bhi samajh mein nahi aata...I really have to study." Arjun rambled, giving Aditya a knowing look.

That's when Aditya caught on. Arjun could pass chemistry in his sleep. He was trying to get out of going so Aditya and Zoya could have time alone. Aditya bit the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning and spoiling Arjun's plan.

The scene was not going unnoticed by Harshvardhan and Anjana either. Both tried to hide their smiles, knowing exactly what their youngest son was trying to do.

Harshvardhan decided to settle the matter, "Zoya...you and Aditya go. I need Arjun here for an important meeting also. Since Aditya is gone, Arjun will go with me."

Arjun caught Aditya's eye and winked at him. Aditya simply grinned and shook his head at his younger brother's antics. Completely oblivious of the conspiracy that just took place, Zoya picked up her spoon and continued to eat her breakfast.

******************************************

Aditya pulled the car into the Hooda farmhouse driveway, and on cue, Brijraj kaka came out and greeted Aditya and Zoya. Several servants came out as well and carried the bags inside the house.

"How are you uncle Brijraj?" Aditya asked the elderly man, hugging him. Brijraj returned the hug, "Bikhul teek Aditya baba." He replied.

He turned to greet Zoya and Zoya gave him a hug as well. It was so sweet to see that the eldest children of the two most influential families in India were so down to earth...greeting the butler as if he was part of the family.

The three of them entered the house and Brijraj instructed the servants to take Aditya's bags into his bedroom.

"Zoya betiya...which bedroom did you want to take?" Brijraj asked, assuming that Zoya would want a separate bedroom like last time.

Zoya hesitated, but went with her gut feeling when she answered, "Brijraj kaka...aap Aditya ke kamre mein mera samaan rakh dijiye."

Aditya blinked in surprise. Brijraj smiled, the skin around his aging face wrinkling at Zoya's response as he carried one of the bags in the direction of Aditya's bedroom.

Aditya simply stared at Zoya, not sure what to say. Zoya saw Aditya's questioning stare and spoke, "We're already sharing a room...it doesn't make sense to have separate rooms here." Zoya said casually. She wasn't sure who she was trying to convince more...Aditya or herself.

"Right..." Aditya agreed, a small smile adorning his handsome face. When Zoya walked away towards his bedroom, Aditya's smile split into a full on grin at her retreating back. Damn...he was crazy about her.

*************************************

The next day, Harshvardhan sat in the large conference room facing the board members of Hooda Hotels. Dressed in a sharp suit, Arjun sat to Harshvardhan's left and Harshvardhan sat at the head of the table.

"Gentleman...I call this meeting today...because I have decided to start the transition of responsibilities to my eldest son Aditya Hooda." Harshvardhan announced, voice clear so the decision was heard throughout the room. Murmurs broke out amongst the board members.

Harshvardhan continued, "Of course...the transition will not be immediate. But both my sons have been preparing for the responsibility of Hooda Hotels since they were kids." Harshvardhan said proudly, glancing at Arjun, who smiled in return. "I have decided that once Aditya takes on the role of CEO...my youngest son, Arjun, will start his training as Vice President...and I will happily retire." Harshvardhan voiced.

Most of the board members clapped at the exciting news...all expect one. Mr. Rajveer Khanna, a man in his 40's, was not too happy with the news. He has always wanted more power over Hooda Hotels and has worked his way up to a board member. However, he wanted the top most position...the position of CEO.

"This is ridiculous!" Mr. Khanna roared. "Aditya is a child! He isn't fit to be CEO." He argued.

The other board members hushed, some gasped at Mr. Khanna's boldness. Everyone was aware of the ever present tension between Harshvardhan Hooda and Rajveer Khanna.

Arjun opened his mouth to give the rude man a piece of his mind, but his father's raised hand stopped him.

"Excuse me?" Harshvardhan asked in a steely voice, his expression angry, "Aditya is more than capable. Aditya is my son and he is deserving of this position." Harshvardhan argued.

"HAH!" Mr. Khanna barked. "Do we really want to go down that route Mr. Hooda?" He replied cryptically, smiling when he saw he hit a nerve with Harshvardhan.

Arjun and the other board members looked at each other, confused at what Mr. Khanna meant. Harshvardhan, however, seemed to understand because his face slightly paled. Keeping composure, Harshvardhan turned to the rest of the group.

"Please give Mr. Khanna and I some privacy." Harshvardhan said. The strict order was followed without argument and soon only Mr. Khanna and Harshvardhan were in the conference room.

"What are you talking about?" Harshvardhan asked directly, not beating around the bush.

Mr. Khanna gave an evil smile...almost snake like...just like his nature. "I think you know...it's such a well hidden secret really..." He said, trying to push Harshvardhan's buttons.

Harshvardhan understood perfectly. He kept his eyes steady...even when his heart dropped. "I want you gone." Harshvardhan said simply.

Mr. Khanna's face turned red with fury. "You can't get rid of me! I gave too many years to this company!" He barked.

Harshvardhan stayed calm, "This company belongs to my son. Aditya will be the CEO of Hooda Hotels whether you like it or not. I want you gone by the end of today. I will not tolerate any more of your behavior." Harshvardhan said.

Furious, Mr. Khanna made his way to the door, but before exiting, he gave Harshvardhan one final blow, "You will regret this." And with that said, Mr. Khanna made his exit.

Harshvardhan let out a shaky breath and took out his cell phone, his hands shaking a little as he dialed.

"Hello." Anjana spoke into the phone. When she heard Harshvardhan's shaky breath on the other end of the line she instantly knew that something was wrong.

"Kya hua? Aap teek toh hai?" Anjana asked, extremely concerned.

She quietly listened as Harshvardhan explained to her what had just taken place. Stunned, Anjana sunk to the nearest chair.

"How is this possible? How can he possibly know? We were so careful..." Anjana asked, panicking a little at the news.

"I don't know Anjana...he might be lying...but I plan on finding out exactly how much he knows." Harshvardhan said into the phone, trying to comfort his wife and trying to reassure himself as well.