The First Meeting

The restaurant was one of the most exclusive in the city, its golden chandeliers casting a soft glow over the elegantly dressed patrons. Meera adjusted her dupatta nervously, glancing around the room as her parents engaged in polite conversation. Tonight wasn’t just another family dinner—it was the dinner where she would meet him.

“Relax, beta,” her mother whispered, squeezing her hand gently. “He’s just a man, like anyone else.”

Meera wanted to believe that. But Arjun Raichand was not just any man.

He was Arjun Raichand, the billionaire heir who had turned his family business empire into a global powerhouse. He was also the enigmatic rockstar whose concerts sold out within minutes, with fans screaming his name across continents. Tabloids couldn’t decide what to gush over more—his business acumen, his music, or his smoldering looks. The entire world was crazy about him.

And now, here she was, a simple doctor who occasionally sang for her own peace of mind, about to meet the man whose face was plastered on every billboard in the city.

The doors at the far end of the restaurant swung open, and the Raichand family entered. Their presence was magnetic, drawing the eyes of everyone in the room. But it was Arjun who stole the spotlight.

Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, he exuded effortless charm. His dark hair was styled just messily enough to suggest he hadn’t tried, but Meera suspected otherwise. As he walked, flashes of recognition sparked across the restaurant—whispers, excited gasps, and even a phone camera hastily raised before a waiter intervened.

Arjun was used to the attention. But tonight, his focus was entirely on the girl sitting at the far table.

As his family approached, Meera found herself holding her breath. When their eyes met, his lips curved into the faintest smile, one that seemed both practiced and surprisingly sincere.

“Shall we?” his father gestured toward the table, breaking the spell.

As the families exchanged pleasantries, Arjun leaned closer to Meera, his voice low and velvety. “Hi, Dr. Meera,” he began, his tone casual but his eyes intent. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Meera blinked, startled by his presence. “And I’ve heard a lot about you too,” she replied, her voice steadier than she felt.

“Good things, I hope?” he asked, the corner of his mouth lifting in a teasing grin.

She raised an eyebrow, her nerves giving way to a spark of confidence. “Mostly. Though I did hear you can’t resist the spotlight.”

Arjun laughed, a sound so deep and genuine that several heads turned their way. “Touché. But tonight, the spotlight’s all yours.”

Their parents noticed the exchange and suggested they step aside for some privacy. As they moved to a quieter corner, Arjun gestured toward the bustling restaurant. “So, how does it feel to be the center of attention?”

Meera frowned in confusion. “Me? You’re the celebrity here.”

He shook his head, his gaze locking onto hers. “Not tonight. Tonight, it’s just us.”

She smiled despite herself. “For someone so used to the world’s attention, you seem oddly grounded.”

Arjun leaned casually against the wall, his grin softening. “And for someone who has the talent to steal the show, you’re surprisingly humble.”

“Talent?” Meera asked, startled.

“Your singing,” he replied. “I did a little research.”

She flushed, both surprised and flattered. “I didn’t think someone like you would notice something like that.”

“Maybe I’m just tired of all the noise,” he said, his tone quiet but sincere. “Maybe I’m looking for something real.”

For the first time that evening, Meera began to see past the fame and the headlines. Arjun Raichand wasn’t just the billionaire rockstar the world adored. He was also a man searching for someone who could see him for who he truly was.

And in that moment, she decided she just might give him a chance.