The soft morning light slipped through the sheer curtains, brushing across her cheek like a whisper. Akshita shifted slightly, her fingers curling into the blanket as she stretched lazily. Her lashes fluttered... but sleep didn’t return this time.
Because the moment she closed her eyes again—
last night’s intense gaze flashed in her mind.
That one moment.
That pause.
That man.
Her breath hitched... a sudden flutter blooming in her stomach.
Ugh, why am I thinking about this first thing in the morning? She groaned internally and pulled the blanket up to her chin, refusing to get up.
The door creaked softly.
A warm, familiar voice filled the room.
Navya: “Good Morning, bacha...”
Akshita peeked from under the blanket.
Akshita: “Good Morning, Mumma...” Her voice was still thick with sleep.
Navya walked closer, her steps soft and full of motherly warmth. She sat on the edge of the bed and brushed her daughter’s messy hair back with gentle fingers.
Navya: “Akshu....utho beta.”
Akshita rubbed her eyes like a small child caught dreaming.
Akshita: “Haan... Mumma... uth gayi...” She muttered, trying not to look too dreamy — or distracted by the flashes of last night.
Navya smiled knowingly but didn’t tease. She caressed Akshita’s head lovingly.
Navya: “Chalo beta, niche aa jao. Papa aur main wait kar rahe hain breakfast pe.”
Akshita nodded half-heartedly.
Akshita: “Mumma, aap chalo... main bas abhi aayi. Aap chalo.”
Navya shook her head with an affectionate sigh, placed a soft kiss on her forehead, and left the room.
The moment the door closed, Akshita dropped back on the bed for a second, staring at the ceiling.
Get a grip, girl. Stop thinking about him. But her stupid traitor mind wasn’t listening today.
She finally dragged herself out of bed, walking into the washroom to begin her morning routine. Warm water on her face... peppermint facewash scent... hair tied loosely. Slowly, she started feeling human again.
After dressing in a soft beige tank top and wide-leg jeans, she headed downstairs.
The smell of parathas and butter greeted her instantly.
“Good morning, princess.”
Her father stood near the dining table —Ashwin Rathore, the man whose voice could calm storms and terrify business rivals.
Akshita walked straight into his open arms, hugging him tightly.
Akshita: “Good morning, Papa.”
Ashwin smiled, pressing a kiss on top of her head.
Ashwin: “Uth gaya mera bacha?”
Akshita: “Haan...”She sat down as he gestured.
Ashwin: “Aaja beta, breakfast kar le.”
She nodded and began eating slowly. Her father watched her for a moment before asking—
Ashwin: “Beta, college nahi jaana hai kya?”
She puffed her cheeks, pouting dramatically.
Akshita: “Mann toh nahi hai, Papa... but jana padega.Attendance ke liye. Koi seminar hai jo hume attend karna compulsory hai.”
Ashwin chuckled softly at her little pout — the one she had since childhood.
Ashwin: “Koi baat nahi beta. Seminar attend karna acha hota hai. Kuch naya implement karne ka idea milta hai... you should attend it. And enjoy it. It’ll be good networking for you.”
He paused, becoming a father again — cautious, protective.
Ashwin: “But haan... dhyan se rehna. Tumhe pata hai na kitne business rivals hain humare. Toh zyada kisi se baat mat karna. Got it?”
Akshita rolled her eyes.
Akshita: “Mhm, I know Papa. Dhyan rakhungi, don’t worry.”
But her mind wasn’t even in this room.
It was still stuck in last night.
Those conversions.
That party.
That unexpected eye contact.
Why did he look at me like that?
Ashwin noticed the distraction — the faraway look — but didn’t question it.
He simply smiled and tapped her hand.
Ashwin: “Princess... jaldi khao. Warna late ho jaogi.”
His voice snapped her back.
Akshita nodded and finished her breakfast, stood up, and kissed her parents’ cheeks before heading upstairs again.
Time to get ready for the day — and hopefully forget the gaze that refused to leave her mind.
But little did she know...
Today wasn’t going to help her forget him.
Not at all.
Monday mornings never surprised me.Same meetings. Same emails. Same employees acting like one wrong step and I’ll freeze them on the spot.
But today felt...Different.
Maybe because I hadn’t slept properly.
Because yesterday kept replaying in my mind.
Specifically—she did.
I walked into my glass cabin earlier than usual. The place smelled of fresh polish and silence. I liked it that way.
I had just opened my laptop when there was a soft knock on the door.
Aarush entered, too cheerful for my taste, holding a mug.
Aarush: “Good morning Sir, your black coffee.”
I stared at him.
“Why are you loud in the morning?”
He made a face and muttered—
Aarush (murmuring):“Sadu kahin ke...”
“Suna maine.”
He straightened instantly. Good.
He handed me my schedule.
Aarush: “Sir yeh aaj ka schedule hai.”
I hummed, opening my laptop. I don’t know why I did it, but the next thing I typed was—
Akshita. And then her college.
The moment her name appeared, something tightened in my chest. Ridiculous.
Before I could think about it, Aarush spoke again.
Aarush: “Sir, Mr. Sharma ko jana tha aaj ek seminar conduct karne but woh available nahi hai toh main cancel kar du?”
Typical. Employees disappearing last minute.
My voice stayed steady.
“College ka kya naam bataya tumne?”
Aarush: “Sir, college ka naam Auroville Institute of Creative Arts hai.”
My eyebrow lifted slightly. Auroville...
A slow smirk formed on my lips as I looked at the screen.
“No need to cancel. I’ll go myself and conduct it.”
Aarush froze. I could almost see the calculations happening inside his tiny brain.
Aarush: “Sir aap kaise... main chala jaata hoon agar aap kahe toh—”
I looked at him sharply.
“Main bol raha hoon na. Tum apna kaam karo. Prepare the stuff.”
Aarush: “Sure Sir... aapki do meetings lined up hain abhi. After lunch seminar schedule kar deta hoon.”
I hummed but he was staring at me too much.
Suspiciously.
So I added—
“Ab mujhe hi apne employees ki reputation ka dhyaan rakhna padega. Inhe toh farq padta nahi.”
Instant guilt on his face.Good.
He turned to leave and muttered—
Aarush:“Mujhe kya jaana hai... jaaiye... acha hai todhe der is khadoos se chutti milegi aur thodi der chill karunga main bhi...hehe”
I heard him.
Of Course.
“Mr. Aarush.”
He flinched like I’d thrown something.
“I guess tumko bhi mere saath chalna chahiye. So, get ready with the stuff.”
His soul evaporated right there.
Aarush: “Su...Sure Sir...”Then under his breath as he rushed out—“Lo kar lo ab aaram...”
I almost smirked.
But before I could take another sip—
The door slammed open.
The moment didn’t last because—
Rishi barged in.
Without knocking. Obviously.
Rishi: “BROOOO I’M HERE!”
He barged inside like a hurricane.
I shut my laptop with a sigh.
And glared at him.
“Knock karna seekh le.”
Rishi: “Bhai, door transparent hai. What’s the point? Aur maine dekha tu kuch soch raha tha toh main seedha aa gaya.”
He collapsed on my couch like he paid rent here.
I rubbed my forehead.
Rishi: “So? How was the party bro?”
I should’ve brushed it off.
But it slipped.
“I met someone.”
Rishi froze mid-breath.
Rishi: “Aur tu mujhe ab bata raha hai? Who? Jldi bta ?”
I leaned back.
“Akshita. Ashwin Rathore’s daughter.”
Rishi sat up straight.
Rishi: “Wait—who? Ashwin Rathore... Rathore Industries? Your rivals business partner ki beti??”
I leaned back casually and nodded before saying -
“Yes. And... she’s interesting.”
Then I told him everything—the party, the conversation, her attitude, the look she gave...
Rishi stared at me like I’d told him I was getting married tomorrow.
Then he whistled.
Rishi: “Oho. Someone actually caught your attention? Bro this is breaking news.”
I ignored his drama.
But I couldn’t ignore the flash of her face in my mind.
Before I knew it, I was standing.
“Call the driver.”
Rishi blinked.
Rishi: “Kahan?”
“I’m going for the seminar.”
I called my PA.
Aarush: “Yes Sir?”
“Cancel all the meetings. Prepare the car. We’re leaving for the seminar.”
Aarush: “Sure Sir.”
Still confused, but smart enough not to question further.
Rishi stood up too.
Rishi: “Bhai, main bhi chalta hoon. Ek surgery lined up hai.”
I nodded.
Because I already knew the truth, even if I didn’t say it out loud.
I wasn’t going for the company. I wasn’t going for the employees.
I was going because the girl who walked away yesterday...
Somehow managed to walk into my mind and stay.
But while he was heading toward the seminar...On the other side, Akshita had no idea her day was about to collide with his again.
Thank you for reading .
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