Timeline of Events: Unknown

Deal.

User 707 noticed a document in the corner of the office table and picked it up.

GUIDELINES:

1. Work Hours: Standard shift is 8 hours. Overtime is mandatory when required.

2. Communication: All external communications must be logged and approved.

3. Targets: Daily quotas are non-negotiable. Failure to meet targets will result in performance review.

4. Workspace: Employees must remain at their designated stations unless authorized.

5. Health & Safety: On-site medical staff available 24/7. External appointments discouraged. We have the best in-class technology and practitioners. No extra charges mandated.

6. Leave: All leave requests require 14 days notice and management approval. This is so we can better allocate your task to someone in the team.

7. Technology: Company devices are monitored. The data we work on is highly sensitive and hence personal devices prohibited on premises.

8. Dress Code: Company-issued uniforms must be worn at all times. This is to drive uniformity and team ethics.

9. Meetings: Attendance at daily briefings is mandatory.

10. Reporting: Any unusual activity or behavior must be reported immediately.

11. Living Quarters: Employees are required to reside in company-provided accommodation.

12. Nutrition: Meals are provided in the cafeteria. Outside food is not permitted. This is to ensure the utmost health of our employees.

13. Training: Ongoing training sessions are compulsory. Schedule will be provided.

14. Privacy: CCTV in operation throughout the facility for your safety.

15. Termination: Employment separation procedures are strictly confidential.

Remember to smile, you're on camera :)

They knew these in the back of their minds. The regulations were created and learned within the first hour of their new job.

A sigh leaves their lips as they place the document at its designated place.

Things weren't allowed to be displaced. Maintaining order.

But did it really matter?

No one seemed to bother if a new employee joined or employee left.

A voice called out in the distance.

"Hey,"

Karan's POV:

Present timeline [2008]

"Hey,"

I took a deep breath and called Arav. It was almost evening time now and I wondered if he'd be coming around tomorrow. We needed him but he needed us more.

"Hey Kan!" An enthusiastic tone greeted me.

"Arav! Did you have a date today? Why were you absent?"

A snort and a dry chuckle greeted me. "Sure. A date with my ghost. It sure was more fun than talking to you right now."

"How can you date your ghost if you're not dead?" I laughed

"That's not why you called me, did you? Tell me, what's up?"

"About that..." I trailed off, unsure how to deliver this message. "We met someone today but... I am not too sure how you'll take it."

"We? Are you on a double date? Goodness, Karan, I didn't know you were into that stuff."

"Arav... you are one mischief maker!" It was my turn to snort this time. "Take me seriously for once."

"Alright, what did you want to say?" His tone turns serious and I shake my head, trying to get in the zone.

"I can't say it over the phone. Just need to make sure you're coming tomorrow, though. It's very important."

"Alright man. I'll be there tomorrow."

I disconnected the phone and sat down on my bed.

The clock showed 7 P.M. Was it a good idea to meet him now and tell him?

Our parents might suspect us and if they overheard us...

No, it has to be tomorrow.

My dad knocked on the door, jolting me out of my reverie.

I opened the door and noticed details about him that I might've previously missed.

The eyebags under his eyes were more evident than the last time I saw him.

His dark brown eyes were tired.

What secrets did he harbor and what caused him to be so drained?

"You look tired, dad." I commented without thinking twice, "Have you been working a lot lately?"

"Yeah, the recent workload has been more. Our company made new collaborations and the recent affiliate HORIZONS is having some issues over the agreement terms. We're trying to sort that out."

I put my hands on his arms, reassuring him. "That sounds tough. Please do not stress out."

He gave me a nod and a reassuring smile.

Dinner was chapati and a unique curry that I had never tried before.

"What's this curry, dad?"

"Banana flowers. They're good for health and digestion."

"You have never made these before. Where did you buy them?" I asked him curiously as I took a hesitant bite of the chapati with curry.

Surprisingly, it didn't taste like much. The spices added flavor and there was a tang of bitterness to it but mostly.. it was tasteful without being too flavorless.

"This is so good. Thanks dad."

He smiles at me. "Of course. I wanted to ask something if it isn't too much?"

"Sure dad, go ahead."

"Are you three back together?"

He didn't have to elaborate more. He was aware of how our camaraderie drifted because of Arav's disappearance and how it changed his life. But did he truly know what was the matter?

"Yes! It took us some time but we're going to stay together now. Did you know what had happened to him, though?"

The question escaped my lips before I could stop the words.

He shook his head, much to my relief. "Mr. Joshi told me that something was amiss with Arav and that's why, to avoid troubles, their family had decided to step behind. And, since family matters can be sensitive... we made sure you guys stayed out of trouble. I understand you guys were concerned for your friend but anything could've happened and when it involves a girl... you know how society can be. A small matter could spark a huge fire. It was what we thought best at the time. I hope you can forgive me."

"Don't worry about it dad. I understand you."

We ate our dinner in peace under the blanket of stars.

Maybe there was still hope for us.

Maybe.

"Maybe."

Jay said in response to if they should reveal the matter to Arav now or later.

I look at him, puzzled. "Decide on something. It's crucial to him."

"But that's exactly why it's so difficult! I mean, we could just tell him but then..."

He stopped midway when he looked past us and that's when I saw Arav walking towards us with a smile.

We fist bump each other; a tradition we had developed ever since our reunion.

"For what reason did you guys say I had to be here?" Arav asked nonchalantly.

"Well, to begin..." Jay started, "I think Karan might've told you that we met someone."

He brushed his hands at the back of his head.

"And for some reason, both of you seem to have troubles revealing the name. If you had a double date with someone, just say it! I am not going to judge you for it."

"Goodness..." I shake my head.

"We met your ex. I literally do not know how to frame this otherwise." Jay attempted, his expression a mix of laughter and grim.

"For the last time, Riya doesn't count as my ex!"

"No, your other ex!" I attempted, hoping he'd see the truth.

"Wait, what?" Realization struck him and it struck him hard.

Color drained from his face and he looked at us with shock and apprehension - hoping that we pulled some sort of prank on him and didn't actually meet her.

His feet were wobbly and we had to hold him in place.

Oh, how we wish things never happened.

But it was too late to turn back.

Riddhi's POV:

Timeline of Events: 2006

But it was too late to turn back.

The pen hovered above the paper for what felt like hours. My fingers trembled as I gripped it tighter, trying to steady my hand. The weight of the moment hung heavily over me, thick like a fog I couldn't shake off. I signed the documents, each stroke of ink digging deeper into my gut. It felt like signing my life away.

The room seemed to shrink around me, the walls closing in, suffocating.

My heart pounded in my chest, louder than the quiet murmur of Rohan and the company lawyer discussing terms. They sounded distant, as if they were in a different room entirely. I wanted to ask them if this was the right decision, but the words stuck in my throat.

I smiled instead, a weak, faltering smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

This was supposed to be the beginning of something great. A new chapter. Fresh opportunities.

I had convinced myself of that over and over. This was what we wanted, wasn't it? A chance to start from the ground up, to be part of something big.

Rohan had always said it was risky, but risk was where the rewards were, wasn't it? I'd get to work with a company from its very inception, learn the ropes, prove my worth.

I told myself this was the chance of a lifetime, something most people would never have.

But why, then, did I feel like I had walked into something far bigger than I could handle?

I glanced over at Rohan. He seemed calm, collected - almost too calm. He always knew what to say to make me feel safe. His assurances echoed in my head:

We're in this together, Riddhi. This is our future. Nothing can come between us.

But his calmness didn't comfort me like it usually did. Not today. Not here.

Something was wrong, though I couldn't put my finger on it. My mind raced through a hundred different scenarios, each more ominous than the last. What if things didn't work out? What if Rohan's faith in this company-this idea-was misplaced?

I had seen it before, the promises of a brighter future that never came. The deals that crumbled, leaving only shattered lives and broken dreams in their wake. I pushed the thoughts away, but they clawed their way back, refusing to leave me in peace.

But no-Rohan would be with me. He'd promised. We were going to be together, no matter what. He was my anchor. He believed in us. And I believed in him.

Still, a voice at the back of my mind whispered: What could possibly go wrong?

I told myself it was just nerves. I had always been the cautious one, the worrier. But this felt different.

Regardless, I took a deep breath and signed on the last line.

The die is cast.

❛when flowers bloom at places you never expected, reality can often be harsh.❜

a/n: and.. things are slowly starting to roll out!! I hope you like it :D

what are your theories so far? drop them in the comments!