The gathering inside the grand hall of the village house exuded an air of pride and anticipation. Chandrashekar, seated in the center, radiated happiness as he led the conversation. Respected elders from the village surrounded him, and Jai sat among them like he belonged, effortlessly commanding attention. His workers and bodyguards stood discreetly in the background, their postures alert and professional, adding to his imposing presence.

Mithra, standing behind one of the ornate wooden pillars, remained partially hidden. Her mother, Sunanda, stood beside her, exuding quiet pride, while Satya kept a sharp eye on Mithra, as if sensing her unease.

Mithra's gaze refused to leave Jai. She couldn't fathom the gravity of the moment—how someone she thought she'd never see again had not only returned but had done so in a way that left her stunned. It was surreal to see the man who had so effortlessly turned her world upside down now holding the admiration of her entire family and village.

"Having a person like you among us is an absolute honor," Chandrashekar began, his voice filled with genuine respect and gratitude.

Jai responded with a small but courteous smile, his aura calm and composed. It wasn't just his demeanor; it was the way he listened, the way he spoke with conviction when he responded—it all seemed to draw people toward him.

But Mithra's thoughts were elsewhere. Her mind raced, replaying every moment she'd shared with him in Hyderabad. From the teasing smiles to the late-night texts to that kiss. Her cheeks burned at the memory, and her heart sank as she realized how intertwined her thoughts had become with him. The very man she had spent the last two weeks trying to forget had returned, weaving his way back into her life as if fate had orchestrated it.

And then it happened.

Jai's gaze shifted, casually scanning the room, only to land directly on her. His dark eyes locked onto hers with startling precision. The sudden connection made her heart skip a beat. His expression shifted slightly—a faint, amused smile curling his lips.

Mithra's breath hitched. She felt like a deer caught in headlights. Her cheeks turned an unmistakable shade of pink, the heat rushing up her face as she quickly averted her eyes, pretending to be engrossed in adjusting the edge of her saree.

But her attempt at nonchalance wasn't convincing, at least not to Jai.

As the elders continued their conversation about the factory—its potential benefits, the employment opportunities, and the plans for development—Mithra couldn't help but notice Jai stealing glances at her. They weren't intrusive or obvious, just quick, subtle looks that made her pulse race every single time.

She wondered what he was thinking. Did he remember everything as vividly as she did? Did he know the chaos he was stirring inside her?

Her thoughts were interrupted when Chandrashekar leaned forward, speaking with a tone of respect. "We've always dreamt of bringing progress to our village, but no one has ever shown the confidence in us that you have, Jai garu. It means more than words can express."

Jai nodded, his voice smooth yet commanding. "Your village holds promise, Chandrashekar garu. It's not just about progress but about preserving the essence of what makes this place special. I see potential here, and I believe in working together to achieve something meaningful."

His words drew murmurs of approval and admiration from everyone present.

Mithra's chest tightened as she watched the scene unfold. This wasn't the flirtatious man she had kissed on a whim; this was someone who commanded rooms, who inspired trust and respect. He wasn't just charming—he was powerful.

As the meeting continued, Satya leaned closer, whispering, "Why are you blushing?"

Mithra stiffened. "I'm not!" she hissed back, though the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. Satya smirked knowingly but didn't push further.

When the meeting wrapped up, Chandrashekar stood, inviting everyone to move to the dining area. Jai rose gracefully, exchanging handshakes and polite words with the elders. Mithra instinctively shrank further behind the pillar, hoping to avoid another direct encounter.

But Jai didn't miss a beat. As he walked past her, he turned ever so slightly, his lips quirking into that familiar smirk as their eyes met again, just for a fleeting moment.

Mithra's heart thudded painfully in her chest as she watched him disappear into the dining hall. The room buzzed with chatter and movement, but she remained rooted to the spot, trying—and failing—to catch her breath.

The world might see a poised and respectful businessman, but Mithra saw something more—a man who could unravel her with just one look.

The chatter in the room seemed to blur into background noise as Mithra leaned against the wall, her gaze flitting back to Jai. He had disappeared into the hand wash area, but her thoughts stayed with him. That was, until Kavya's exaggerated exclamation snapped her back to reality.

"Oh my god! He's so hot! Did you see the way he just spoke? Uff!" Kavya, one of their distant cousins, swooned dramatically.

Mithra rolled her eyes so hard she thought they might get stuck. Typical Kavya. She barely managed to keep herself from muttering something sarcastic as she watched her cousin bolt off in Jai's direction, her bright smile and eager steps making her intentions embarrassingly obvious.

Standing next to Mithra, Satya was engrossed in a conversation with a relative, leaving Mithra to stew in her growing irritation. Her eyes drifted back to the washing area just as Jai stepped out. His hands were still wet, droplets glinting under the sunlight streaming in from a nearby window. He glanced around, clearly looking for something to dry them with.

And then came Kavya, swooping in like a hawk. Her high-pitched, chirpy voice pierced the air. "Do you want to wipe your hands?"

Jai looked up, momentarily surprised by her sudden appearance. He smiled politely, though Mithra could see a flicker of awkwardness in his expression. "Uh, yeah," he replied, his tone casual but restrained.

Mithra watched with growing irritation as Kavya, in what she clearly thought was a grand gesture, offered her voni. "Here, you can use my pallu," she said, holding out her saree drape with an exaggerated flourish.

Mithra's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. She folded her arms tightly across her chest, leaning a little further out from the wall to watch the absurd exchange unfold. Jai, frowning slightly, hesitated as though unsure whether this was normal village hospitality or an attempt at flirtation. Just as he reached for the voni, his gaze shifted and locked with Mithra's.

This time, there was no shyness in her expression. Gone were the flushed cheeks and nervous glances. Instead, her face exuded annoyance, her brows furrowed in clear disapproval. Her eyes darted to Kavya's voni and then back to Jai, her glare practically daring him to accept it.

Jai, catching the silent message loud and clear, let out a small, amused breath. His lips quirked upward in a smirk. Mithra, unamused, rolled her eyes dramatically and pushed off the pillar, her saree swaying behind her as she walked off toward the dining area, her head held high.

Jai straightened, his smirk softening into a knowing smile. "Thank you, but I have a hankie," he said smoothly, patting his pocket as he stepped back from Kavya. Her face fell slightly, but Jai was already walking away, his eyes following Mithra's retreating figure.

He chuckled lowly, shaking his head. Mithra's fiery gaze, her dramatic departure—it all amused him more than it should. She wasn't just angry; she was fuming. And yet, even in her irritation, she had a way of drawing his attention like no one else.

Adjusting his blazer, he quickened his pace to follow her, the soft patter of his polished shoes echoing against the stone floor. 

As Jai entered the dining area, his eyes scanned the long dining table that stretched across the room, adorned with a spread of dishes that could rival a royal feast. There were bowls of steaming curries, plates piled high with crispy fritters, a variety of chutneys, and stacks of soft, freshly made rotis. His lips quirked into an amused smile, and he let out a soft chuckle.

Sunanda, standing nearby with her warm and motherly demeanor, noticed his reaction. "What's so funny?" she asked with a teasing glint in her eye.

Jai gestured toward the table with a wave of his hand. "This feast," he began with a playful tone. "I think I'll need to spend twice my time in the gym now, just to make up for it."

Sunanda laughed, gently patting his shoulder. "Spend as much time as you want in the gym later, but now, you'll eat to your heart's content. No shyness, no excuses!"

Her warmth and insistence made Jai chuckle again. From where she stood a few feet away, Mithra couldn't help but smile at the exchange, a moment of genuine affection slipping through her guarded demeanor.

"Wah!" Raghava's voice cut through the moment as he pulled out a chair and plopped down across from Jai. "I've been eating here all my life, and I've never gotten this kind of treatment. You must be special!"

The group burst into laughter at Raghava's mock complaint, and even Jai's grin widened as he shook his head.

Satya, not one to miss an opportunity, chimed in with a playful glint in her eye. "Raghava, maybe if you hit the gym as much as Mr. Jai here, Amma might finally give you some special treatment!"

The room erupted into more laughter, Chandrashekar's hearty chuckle ringing above the rest. He turned toward Jai, his expression filled with pride as he gestured toward Satya. "Jai, meet Satya, our daughter-in-law. She's the one who keeps us all in line."

Satya gave Jai a warm, teasing smile. "Mostly the men, though," she added, earning another laugh from Raghava.

Jai nodded respectfully at Satya, his smile soft and genuine. "It's a pleasure," he said warmly.

"And," Chandrashekar continued, his gaze shifting toward Mithra, who stood behind one of the pillars, pretending not to notice all the attention. "That's Mithra, my younger daughter."

At her father's introduction, Mithra froze momentarily, her cheeks tinging pink. Slowly, she stepped forward, her movements deliberate and restrained, and gave Jai a polite nod without meeting his gaze.

Jai's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, his warm smile never wavering. "It's nice to meet you, Mithra," he said, his voice low and smooth, the same voice that had once sent her heart racing.

Mithra swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words. She managed a faint smile in response before quickly stepping back, her hands gripping the edge of her saree as though it could anchor her in place.

Sunanda, oblivious to the undercurrents, began serving food, urging everyone to eat. Jai, however, sneaked another glance at Mithra as she moved to the side to help with serving, her every movement filled with a quiet grace that he found impossible to ignore.

"Junnu, serve Jai the curry," Sunanda called out, her voice loud enough to cut through the chatter at the dining table.

Mithra's breath hitched, her eyes widening slightly in disbelief. Junnu? Really, Amma? she thought, internally cursing her mother. Of all the times to use her nickname, why did it have to be now? And in front of him?

She hesitated, clutching the bowl of curry tighter, her knuckles turning white. The amused smile that spread across Jai's face only made matters worse. His smirk was infuriatingly teasing, as though he could sense exactly how flustered she felt.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Mithra forced her feet to move, her steps slow and deliberate. The closer she got to Jai, the heavier her breathing became, her chest rising and falling as though she'd just run a marathon. Meanwhile, his smirk deepened, his eyes following her every movement like a predator watching its prey.

Finally, she reached his side, the bowl trembling slightly in her hands. Mithra tried to focus on serving the curry, avoiding his gaze as much as possible, but it was impossible to ignore his presence.

The scent of his rich cologne hit her, a tantalizing blend of woodsy and spicy notes that made her senses reel. As she leaned forward slightly to pour the curry into his plate, she realized, to her horror, just how close she was standing.

Her half-saree left a sliver of her waist exposed, and it was now mere inches from Jai's hand, which rested casually on the edge of the table. The proximity sent a jolt through her, her skin tingling with awareness.

Jai, ever so nonchalant, shifted slightly in his chair, his fingers brushing the air near her waist—not enough to touch, but just enough to make her feel the heat radiating from his presence.

"Thank you, Bangaram," he said in a low murmur, his voice so soft that only she could hear it.

Mithra froze, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes darted to his face, her cheeks flaming as she met his amused, knowing gaze. That damn smirk of his—it was both infuriating and captivating.

Without saying a word, she straightened up abruptly, her movements sharp as she stepped back and quickly walked away, her heart pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ears.

Behind her, Jai chuckled discretely, his smirk turning into a full-blown grin as he watched her retreat. He picked up his spoon, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he took a bite of the curry she had just served, savoring the moment far more than the food itself.

But the moment was short-lived. Just as Mithra turned on her heel, her heart still racing, a high-pitched voice broke the spell.

"Jai, your plate seems to be empty! Here, have some biryani," Kavya chirped, appearing seemingly out of nowhere.

Mithra didn't even have to look back to know who it was. Her jaw clenched as she heard Kavya's overly enthusiastic tone, laced with a sweetness that could give anyone a toothache.

Jai turned his attention to Kavya, his expression shifting to polite neutrality. "Oh, thank you," he replied, his tone courteous but distant.

Kavya, undeterred, leaned forward with the serving spoon, practically piling the biryani onto Jai's plate. "This is my favorite! I'm sure you'll love it!"

From where she now stood near the kitchen doorway, Mithra glanced over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Kavya flutter around Jai like a moth to a flame, her giggles far too loud and her demeanor far too obvious.

Jai, on the other hand, seemed unfazed. He gave Kavya a brief nod of thanks before casually picking up his spoon. His eyes flicked up once, and for the briefest moment, they locked with Mithra's across the room.

The corner of his mouth lifted into a barely-there smirk, as if to say, Still watching me, are you?

Mithra's cheeks flamed, and she quickly turned away, muttering to herself as she busied herself near the counter. 

Meanwhile, back at the table, Jai took a deliberate bite of the biryani Kavya had so enthusiastically served him. "It's good," he said simply, his tone so mild that it bordered on indifferent.

Kavya's face lit up, clearly taking his comment as high praise. "I knew you'd like it!" she gushed, earning an eye roll from Satya, who had been observing the interaction from a corner of the room.

Satya walked over to Mithra, nudging her playfully. "Looks like your cousin's on a mission," she whispered, her tone dripping with humor.

Mithra huffed, crossing her arms. "She can have him," she muttered, though the irritation in her voice betrayed her words.

Satya grinned knowingly. "Oh, Junnu, if looks could kill, Kavya would've dropped the spoon by now."

As the laughter and chatter slowly ebbed, lunch came to an end. The dining table emptied as everyone began moving towards the handwashing area and eventually the living room. Mithra stood near a wall with Satya, chatting idly about something inconsequential.

Just then, Sunanda called out to Satya for some help. Satya excused herself with a quick smile, leaving Mithra alone and lost in her thoughts.

The commotion of people washing their hands and moving around seemed distant to Mithra as she leaned lightly against the wall, her mind wandering aimlessly. It wasn't until she felt a subtle yet unmistakable tug on her pallu that she snapped out of her reverie.

Frowning, Mithra turned her head sharply to see what—or who—was responsible.

And there he was. Jai.

Standing just behind her, a picture of nonchalance, he was casually wiping his damp hands on the edge of her pallu. The action was so audacious, so unexpected, that Mithra froze, her mouth slightly agape.

Jai didn't even look up, as if what he was doing was the most natural thing in the world. His movements were deliberate but unhurried, his expression calm yet tinged with the faintest hint of amusement.

As he finished, he let the pallu slip from his hands, brushing it gently as though to straighten it. Then, without so much as a glance back at Mithra, he walked off toward the living room, his gait confident, his face betraying nothing but quiet satisfaction.

Mithra stood rooted to the spot, baffled and utterly flustered. Her fingers instinctively clutched her pallu as if to shield it from further violation, her cheeks burning crimson.

What just happened?! she thought, her mind racing to make sense of his actions.

The audacity! The nerve! The casual arrogance of it all! And yet, somewhere deep down, an inexplicable flutter stirred in her chest.

Mithra shook her head furiously, trying to dispel the conflicting emotions coursing through her. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and muttered under her breath, "Unbelievable."

But as she turned toward the living room to join the others, she couldn't stop the small, frustrated smile that tugged at the corner of her lips.