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Vihaan ~

"Lighten up that scowl, Raichand. It's been three years. If you like her, make a move. At least exchange one word with her because your level of obsession with this woman is downright concerning." Yash, my best friend and silent partner in this firm, lounged across from me, sipping his coffee.

I lifted my gaze from the computer screen, fixing him with a cold glare. He merely smirked, unfazed.

" You know you are obsessed with her, I do now too. The point is, when will she find that out?" He ignored every hint I threw his way.

I dismissed him by focusing back on the deposition on my screen, silently willing him to leave.

"Fine, I'll leave you alone if you answer one question." He leaned forward, eyes glinting with mischief. I raised an eyebrow, signaling him to proceed.

"Have you ever spoken to her? Ever exchanged a word?" His voice dripped with mockery. I pressed my lips into a thin line, restraining the urge to lash out.

Suppressing my irritation, I kept my gaze fixed on the screen, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

" Tsk tsk Raichand. Make a move man. You have been fucking celibate for three years now, ever since she walked down that interview room and with a stick being as far up your ass as it is right now, you need to get laid." He knew better than to push this button.

"Get out," I gritted through my teeth. He was more of a disturbance than usual today.

"Sure. I'll see you for that family dinner in an hour." He stood up, brushing off his shoulders with a self-satisfied air before sauntering out. I threw my head back against the chair, closing my eyes for a moment before a knock on the door interrupted my brief respite.

"Come in, Amaya." My PA was the only one allowed to knock. The others had to go through her.

"Mr. Raichand, all your open cases have been followed up on, and the fresh ones are assigned for the month. You have no more appointments today." She popped her head in, and I nodded, dismissing her with a wave before grabbing my black coat jacket from the couch and heading to the parking lot.

It was almost seven-thirty, and I had to get to my mom's dinner. Missing it was not an option.

As I walked to my car, I saw her—Shivanya—unlocking her car and sitting inside. I halted, rooted to the spot, watching as she rested her head on the steering wheel. A minute passed, and I couldn't take my eyes off her.

When she finally drove away, I realized I was behaving exactly as Yash accused—obsessed. But I wasn't. She was just my employee, nothing more.

As I drove home, the conversation with Yash kept replaying in my mind. His words had struck a chord, unsettling the carefully constructed walls I had built around my feelings for Shivanya. I couldn't shake the image of her from my mind.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost missed it—the familiar sight of Shivanya's car parked at the side of the road, a few kilometers away from our office. My grip tightened on the steering wheel as I slowed down, my eyes fixed on her ahead.

Shivanya ~

The whole day, I tried my best not to cry in front of people. Every fifteen minutes, I found myself retreating to the break room, the washroom, or the file room, anywhere I could be alone to let the tears flow.

The ache in my heart was relentless. I immersed myself in work, hoping to numb the pain, but the voice of betrayal echoed in my mind. By the end of the day, I was drained, the tears refusing to come no matter how hard I tried.

You know you're heartbroken when even your tears betray you," I murmured to myself as I sat in my car, resting my head on the steering wheel. I needed to drive home, to my sister, Radhika, but the thought of her and Taran finding out about my feelings sent waves of fear and nausea through me.

Just then, my phone buzzed with a notification from Radhika, asking how long I'd be. I didn't reply, just gathered myself before starting the car.

I was just a few minutes from the office when my car began to make strange noises and sputtered to a halt. I managed to pull over to the side of the road, away from traffic.

"Fucking brilliant," I muttered, frustration boiling over. I popped the bonnet, hoping it was the usual faulty wire, but it wasn't. I had no idea what was wrong.

"This is a sign," I said aloud, sarcasm heavy in my voice. "The universe doesn't want me to get home tonight."

I pulled out my phone to find a mechanic, but the closest one was five kilometers away and unreachable. I decided to leave the car and try my luck with a cab, but none were available. Mumbai's infamous traffic seemed determined to thwart me.

"Maybe I should just walk home," I mumbled, already knowing how impractical that was. My home was a half-hour drive, at least an hour and a half on foot. Still, I started walking, my heels clicking on the pavement.

"Yeah, Shivanya, wear more heels. That'll help," I muttered to myself, each step a fresh torture. After exactly two minutes, my feet were killing me, and a chill ran down my spine. I had the unsettling feeling that I was being followed.

"Stop being so cynical. No one is following you. Why would anyone? You're not interesting enough for your best friend to fall in love with you. Why would a stranger be interested?" The words coming out of my mouth were unbelievable. I was ready to be stalked but didn't want to admit that no one had ever shown interest in me.

Just when I was close to taking off my pumps and walking barefoot, a low rumble echoed behind me and a second later, I found a Rolls Royce parked next to me after a honk, making me stop. The windows rolled down, and I saw my boss, Vihaan Raichand, looking at me. He couldn't possibly know me by face because, in the three years I've worked for him, I've only seen him once during the job interview.

Miss Chopra, get in the car." His voice as sharp and cool as the night air. It wasn't a question, but an order, leaving no room for argument. Shame burned in my cheeks. Did he think I was incapable? A helpless damsel in distress needing rescuing?

"Umm... no, thank you, sir," I stammered, my voice barely a whisper against the city's peak-time rush.

A hint of exasperation flickered across his face, as fleeting as a shooting star. "Miss Chopra," he started again, "walking home at this hour in Mumbai is impractical. Get in."

The bluntness of his words stung, but a tiny spark of gratitude flickered in my chest. Maybe he wasn't judging me, just stating a fact.

Still, pride warred with practicality. "I'm walking to the bus stand, sir," I lied, the words catching in my throat and the lie tasted bitter.

"Give me some credit, Miss Chopra. I know a lie when I hear one. The bus stand is in the opposite direction," he remarked, raising a brow. I took a brief moment to collect myself before meeting his gaze again.

Busted. My cheeks burned even hotter. How could I have forgotten such a basic detail? Such a rookie, rookie mistake Shivanya!

"I don't want to be a bother, sir. Besides, I'm sure I'll find a cab soon," I mumbled, my voice barely louder than a sigh.

Vihaan held my gaze, his dark eyes unreadable. "There's no point in arguing. Get into the car, Shivanya."

The use of my first name sent a jolt through me. It was the first time he'd ever addressed me in the three years that I have worked for him and the sound of it on his lips, a low rumble vibrating through the car, sent a strange flutter into my chest.

" Get into the car Shivanya." He spoke up once again and I sighed.

" Mr. Raichand I don't...." I had started to oppose this time too when his one look made me shut my mouth and walk to the other side, opening the door and slipping onto the passenger's seat. If there was a moment of resistance in me, it was all gone when he gave me that look for some damn reason!

What on Earth did just happen?

"You didn't have to go through this trouble, Mr. Raichand. I could have managed on my own," I said, breaking the tense silence that enveloped us.

He seemed unfazed, his demeanor composed, "My mechanic will take care of your car, Miss Chopra. Leave your car keys with me." he replied smoothly, effortlessly changing the subject.

"Thank you, sir." I murmured softly, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me.

You're going to assist me in the triple murder case starting tomorrow, Miss Chopra. I suggest you review the files before the meeting tomorrow afternoon," Vihaan instructed, his tone carrying the weight of authority that came naturally to him.

"Of course, sir. Thank you for the opportunity," I replied, my mood lifting at the news. Working directly with Vihaan on such a high-profile case was an opportunity I had been eagerly awaiting.

Vihaan's gaze held mine for a moment, his expression inscrutable. Then, to my surprise, a faint hint of approval crossed his features. "You've been doing good work for us, Shivanya," he complimented, his authoritative tone softening just a fraction. Despite his typically reserved demeanor, I couldn't help but smile at the rare acknowledgment.

"Thank you, sir. I'll make sure to give this case my all," I assured him, determined to prove myself even further.

As he steered the car through the streets, I found myself unable to tear my gaze away from him. From the watch on his wrist to the way he gripped the steering wheel, the subtle flex of his muscles, the air of sophistication that seemed to envelop him—it was all so captivating. But as quickly as the realisation dawned upon me, a surge of embarrassment flooded my senses, and I hastily averted my eyes, willing myself to focus on anything but him.

Vihaan's Look

Thankfully, he seemed preoccupied with the road ahead, and I turned my gaze out the window, feigning interest in the passing scenery while inwardly chiding myself for letting my thoughts drift in such an unprofessional manner. He is my boss!

Vihaan's voice cut through the tense silence, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Miss Chopra, I don't mind this long drive in the least, but it seems you were in a bit of a rush, weren't you?"

His words, caught me off guard, and I blinked, momentarily taken aback. Had he just made a joke? My confusion must have been evident because he raised an eyebrow inquiringly, waiting for my response.

"Huh?" I managed to utter, feeling utterly foolish.

"Your address, Miss Chopra," he clarified, his tone still laced with humor. "Where am I taking you?"

"Oh, yes, sorry, sir," I stammered, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "Ch... Churchgate."

Before I could embarrass myself further, my phone rang. It was Taran. My hands trembled slightly as I saw his name. I disconnected the call, but it rang again. This time, I answered.

"Let me get home and talk to you, please?" I said without a hello.

"I'm at your place. How far are you?" he asked.

"Almost there. My car broke down," I admitted.

"What? Where? Send me your location, I'll pick you up," he sounded panicked.

"No, it's okay. I'll get home soon. See you," I replied, not wanting to explain further.

"Mr. Raichand, thank you for driving me home," I said gratefully as he parked in front of my apartment building, the warm glow of the streetlights casting a soft illumination around us.

Vihaan merely nodded in acknowledgment, his authoritative demeanor unwavering even in this seemingly casual exchange.

"I expect you at the meeting on time tomorrow, Miss Chopra. I don't tolerate tardiness," he reminded me, his tone a firm reminder of the standards he held his employees to.

"Yes, sir," I replied, though part of me had been expecting a more conventional "you're welcome" in response to my gratitude. However, Vihaan remained stoic, his attention already shifting back to the road ahead.

With a final nod of acknowledgment, I stepped out of the car, offering him a brief smile before turning to walk towards the entrance of my building.

As I reached for the door, I couldn't help but steal a glance back at his car, only to find him disappearing into the night.

Now, it was time to finally face the piper.

Hey guys! This is the next chapter. I hope you all like it.

I love you all. Until next time. Byee!!