Chapter 5

Here is the new chapter!

ENJOYYYYY!!!

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5) Felt Familiar

KASHVI'S POV

I stood there in front of Mehrotra's building. The Mehrotra Industries.

My hands were trembling slightly as I looked up at the tall glass structure that seemed to touch the sky. The logo - a bold 'M' in gold - was prominently displayed at the entrance. This was it.

The day of my interview.

I had spent the entire night preparing - ironing my clothes, reviewing basic office protocols, making sure Minku was comfortable with Sudha ji. The delivery at the Goshala had gone well, thank God. Bansari had given birth to a healthy calf, and both mother and baby were doing perfectly. The relief and joy of that moment had been incredible.

But now, standing here in my crisp white shirt and simple black trousers, holding a small folder with my documents, I felt the butterflies in my stomach intensifying.

Just two days. Two days since I met Usha Dadi, Ashok Dada Ji, and Atharv Sir at the temple. Two days since they offered me this job. Two days since my life took such an unexpected turn.

I took a deep breath and checked my phone - 8:45 AM. I had arrived 15 minutes early, just like Atharv Sir had instructed when he called yesterday to confirm my interview date.

"Welcome to Mehrotra Industries, Kashvi." I whispered to myself, gathering courage.

I pushed open the glass doors and stepped into the air-conditioned lobby.

The lobby was impressive - sleek marble floors, modern furniture, and a large reception desk manned by a young woman with perfectly styled hair. The place smelled of fresh coffee and expensive cologne.

"Good morning! Welcome to Mehrotra Industries. Name please?" the receptionist said with a bright smile.

"Kashvi... Kashvi Goenka. I am having an interview today as an assistant." I replied, trying to sound confident despite my racing heart.

The receptionist's eyes lit up. "Oh yes! We were expecting you. Atharv Sir is waiting for you in the Conference Room on the 19th floor. Take the elevator, it's Room B. He will brief you about everything before you meet Mr. Mehrotra."

"Thank you." I said, managing a small smile.

I walked toward the elevators, my reflection staring back at me from the polished surfaces. Was I really doing this? Me, fresh graduate Kashvi Goenka, who just yesterday was feeding a poor child at a temple and helping deliver a calf at a Goshala, was now walking into one of the city's largest corporate buildings.

The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and I stepped inside. As it climbed higher and higher, my mind kept wandering back to Minku. He had been so excited this morning, playing with the baby calf at Goshala. Sudha ji had promised to take good care of him. She had already started treating him like her own child.

The elevator doors finally opened on the 19th floor, revealing a sophisticated corridor with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. Everything looked pristine and professional.

I spotted Conference Room B down the hallway and walked toward it, my heart pounding heavily.

I took another deep breath and gently knocked on the glass door.

"Come in." A familiar voice called from inside.

I pushed open the glass door and stepped into the conference room. Atharv Sir was sitting at the head of a long-polished table, dressed in a sharp grey suit. He looked completely different from the casual man who had driven us to the Goshala - more authoritative, more corporate. His demeanor had shifted entirely into professional mode.

When he saw me, he gave a slight nod and smiled. "Kashvi Goenka. Good morning. Please, have a seat."

"Good morning, Atharv Sir. Thank you for having me." I said, sitting down formally and placing my folder on the table.

"Let's begin with your background. Walk me through your educational qualifications." He said, pulling out a pen and making notes.

"I completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration this year, Sir. My specialization was in Business Management. During my course, I completed two internships. One in marketing operations and another in business administration." I replied, speaking clearly and professionally.

"Experience with office management systems? Microsoft Office? Email management?" He asked, looking up from his notepad.

"Yes Sir. I am proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and basic accounting software. I have also handled email correspondence, scheduling, and documentation during my internships." I answered.

"Why did you choose to work as an assistant despite having a management degree?" He asked, leaning back in his chair.

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "Sir, I believe starting as an assistant will give me practical corporate experience. I can learn how a professional organization functions from ground level before moving into management roles."

He nodded, making more notes. "Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses."

I took a moment to collect my thoughts before answering. "My strengths, Sir, would be my organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask effectively. I learn quickly and I am reliable - I believe in meeting deadlines and maintaining professionalism."

"And your weaknesses?" He pressed, his pen still poised over the notepad.

I hesitated slightly. Being honest about weaknesses in an interview was always tricky. "I am still new to the corporate environment, Sir. I don't have extensive experience working in a fast-paced corporate setting like this. However, I am committed to learning and adapting quickly."

"Fair enough." He said, jotting down notes.

"Raghav, the previous assistant, will be leaving for a project in one week. During this transition period, you will be shadowing him and learning the processes. Are you comfortable with that?"

"Absolutely, Sir. I am ready to learn." I replied with conviction.

"Your daily responsibilities will include managing Kairav's calendar, organizing meetings, handling correspondence, preparing reports, and coordinating between departments. It can get hectic. How do you handle pressure?"

"I work best under pressure, Sir. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and I maintain composure to ensure nothing falls through the cracks." I answered.

"Why should we hire you over other candidates?" He asked directly, his eyes meeting mine.

I took a breath. "Because beyond my qualifications, Sir, I have the dedication and integrity that your organization deserves. I am not just looking for a job - I am looking to build a career and contribute meaningfully."

He studied me for a moment, then nodded slowly. "One last question - do you have any personal commitments that might affect your work performance?"

I hesitated for a moment, thinking about how to answer this delicate question.

"Sir, I am currently single and focused on building my career. I don't have any serious personal relationships that would affect my work commitments." I said professionally

Atharv Sir nodded, making a note. "Good. This role requires flexibility and sometimes you might need to work late hours or attend urgent meetings. A stable personal life without complications is important for that."

"I understand Sir. My priority right now is establishing myself professionally." I replied.

"And you are comfortable with that? No issues?" He asked, looking up from his notepad.

"None at all Sir. I am completely committed to this role." I answered with conviction.

He seemed satisfied with my response and closed his notepad. "Alright then. One more thing - this company values discretion and professionalism. We deal with sensitive business matters, and confidentiality is paramount. You will be working closely with Kairav and privy to important information. Can you be trusted with that?"

"Absolutely Sir. I understand the importance of confidentiality and professional ethics. I take that very seriously." I assured him.

"Good. I think we are done here. You will start your orientation with Raghav from tomorrow. HR will provide you with all the necessary documentation and access cards today. Any questions?" He said, standing up.

"No Sir, I think everything is clear." I said, standing up as well.

"Welcome to Mehrotra Industries, Kashvi." He said, extending his hand.

I shook it firmly. "Thank you, Sir. I won't disappoint you."

"I am sure you won't. Come on, let me take you to meet Kairav. His office is on the 20th floor." He said with a slight smile.

"Thank you, Sir." I replied, following him out of the conference room.

We walked down the sophisticated corridor toward the elevators. The 19th floor had an impressive view of the city, but I tried to focus on the task ahead. Meeting my actual boss - the CEO of Mehrotra Industries - was making my nervousness spike again.

The elevator ride to the 20th floor felt longer than it actually was. Atharv Sir stood beside me calmly, checking his phone.

"Kairav can seem intense at first, but he is reasonable. He just values efficiency and commitment. You will do fine." Atharv Sir said, glancing at me.

"Thank you for the encouragement, Sir." I said.

The elevator doors opened to reveal the executive floor. This was clearly where the top management operated. The decor was even more elegant than the floor below - dark wood paneling, subtle lighting, and an air of quiet authority.

We walked toward a large corner office with floor-to-ceiling windows. Through the glass walls, I could see a man sitting at an impressive mahogany desk. He appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties, with sharp features and an intense gaze. He was reviewing some documents.

Atharv Sir knocked on the door frame. "Kairav, she is here."

Kairav Sir looked up, his dark eyes assessing me in a single glance. He set down his pen deliberately.

"Kashvi Goenka. Your new assistant." Atharv Sir said, his voice calm.

The moment those words left Atharv Sir's mouth, I saw Kairav Sir's entire expression shift. His eyes widened slightly, and for a second, he looked completely frozen. The confident CEO demeanor seemed to crack.

"Kashvi... Goenka?" He repeated slowly, his voice sounding different - more strained.

I noticed the change in his reaction and felt confused. Did he know someone by that name? Was there something wrong?

"Yes Sir, good morning." I replied, still extending my hand respectfully, though I was now uncertain about his reaction.

Atharv Sir seemed to notice it too because he glanced at his brother with a questioning look. "Kairav?"

Kairav Sir blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. He stared at me for a long moment, really stared at me, like he was trying to place where he knew me from or like I represented something significant to him.

"Kashvi Goenka." He said again, this time more quietly. His gaze traveled upward to my face, studying my features carefully. His eyes moved from my formal white shirt to my black trousers, taking in my appearance.

"Yes Sir?" I said uncertainly, my hand still extended. My heart was starting to race. What was happening? Why was he looking at me like that? Like he recognized me from somewhere, or like this moment meant something to him that I did not understand.

For a moment, the silence in the office felt suffocating. Kairav Sir's jaw tightened slightly, and I could see his hand clench and unclench at his side.

He stared at me intensely, his dark eyes searching my face as if trying to solve a puzzle. His expression was a mix of shock and something else I couldn't quite identify - maybe confusion, maybe concern.

"Kairav? Is everything alright? She has already completed the formal interview process." Atharv Sir spoke again, breaking the heavy silence.

Kairav Sir blinked, seeming to pull himself back to the present moment. He ran his hand through his hair in what looked like a gesture of frustration or internal conflict.

"Yes... yes, of course." He said, his voice sounding strained.

He finally extended his hand to me, though his expression remained difficult to read. "Welcome to Mehrotra Industries, Kashvi Goenka."

I shook his hand, feeling the firmness of his grip and noticing the tension in his shoulders. There was something deeply unsettling about the way he was looking at me - like he was haunted by something or someone.

"Thank you, Sir. I will try my best in my work." I said carefully, pulling my hand back.

"Raghav will be here in a few minutes to begin your orientation. You can sit. I will explain your responsibilities personally." Kairav Sir said, gesturing to a chair in front of his desk.

He looked down oh his file, but I could sense that his mind was elsewhere, preoccupied with something that my arrival had triggered.

I settled into the chair, still feeling the weight of his earlier intense stare. There was clearly something about my name or appearance that had affected him, but I couldn't understand what.

Atharv Sir moved toward the door, preparing to leave. As he reached the threshold, he paused and turned back to look at me.

"Kashvi, one more thing, you are not in my office or in formal meetings, you can call me Bhaiyaa instead of Sir. So there is no need for such formality between us. We are friends, after all." Atharv said with a warm smile.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me at his kindness. "Thank you, Atharv... Bhaiyaa. I appreciate that."

He nodded approvingly and then glanced at Kairav Sir, who was watching this exchange silently. Something unspoken seemed to pass between the two brothers - a look of concern or understanding that I could not quite decipher.

"I will leave you two to it then. Kashvi, if you need anything, just call me. Kairav, I will see you at home." Atharv Bhaiya said.

"Sure." Kairav Sir replied, his voice quiet and measured.

As Atharv Bhaiya left the office and closed the door behind him, I suddenly became very aware that I was now alone with my new boss. The office felt smaller somehow, and Kairav Sir's presence seemed to fill the entire space with an intensity that made it difficult to breathe normally.

Kairav Sir leaned back in his chair, studying me once more before finally speaking about work matters.

"Your responsibilities will be substantial, Ms. Goenka." He began, his voice returning to its professional tone, though something underlying still seemed troubled.

I straightened in my chair, trying to regain my composure. "Yes, Sir. I am ready to take on whatever responsibilities you assign to me."

"You will be managing my calendar, coordinating meetings, handling important correspondence, and preparing daily briefings. There will be times when you need to make decisions on my behalf. Discretion and confidentiality are absolutely crucial." He explained, his eyes focused on the papers on his desk now rather than on me directly.

"I understand, Sir. I take confidentiality very seriously." I assured him.

He nodded slowly, then finally looked up at me. His gaze was still intense, but now it seemed more controlled, more professional. Yet underneath that professionalism, I could sense something turbulent - like there was a storm brewing beneath the surface that he was trying very hard to contain.

"You will work closely with Raghav for one week, Ms. Goenka. He will train you on all the systems, processes, and protocols. After he leaves for his project, you will be managing everything independently." He continued.

"One week sounds like a reasonable timeframe, Sir. I am a quick learner." I said, trying to sound confident despite the strange tension in the room.

"Good. These are some documents you need to familiarize yourself with - company policies, confidentiality agreements, organizational structure. Go through them thoroughly by end of day." He said, opening a drawer and pulling out a file.

He slid the file across the desk toward me. As I reached for it, our eyes met briefly, and I saw that troubled expression flash across his face again before he quickly looked away.

"Your working hours are nine to seven, Monday through Friday. However, as I mentioned earlier, there will be times when you need to stay longer or come in on weekends for urgent matters. When Raghav arrives, he will take you to HR to complete all the formalities - documentation, access cards, system logins, everything."

"Yes, Sir. Everything has been explained to me." I confirmed, clutching the file in my hands.

"Ms. Goenka, I expect punctuality, accuracy, and complete professionalism at all times. I do not tolerate carelessness or excuses. If you make a mistake, own it and fix it. Understood?" He said, his tone firm but not unkind.

"Absolutely, Sir. You will not be disappointed." I replied with conviction.

He stood up from his chair and walked toward the large windows overlooking the city. With his back to me, he seemed to be collecting his thoughts, or perhaps wrestling with something internal.

"Ms. Goenka, have we... met before? Prior to today?" He said quietly, still facing the window.

The question caught me off guard. So he had felt something familiar too.

"No, Sir. I have never met you before today. This is my first time at Mehrotra Industries." I answered honestly.

He turned slightly, glancing at me over his shoulder. His expression was unreadable.

He held my gaze for a long moment, as if searching for any hint of recognition or deception in my eyes. Finally, he nodded slowly and turned back to face the window.

"I see." He said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Sometimes... sometimes people just remind us of others."

I didn't know how to respond to that. The atmosphere in the office had become heavy with unspoken emotions and questions that neither of us seemed ready to address.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, breaking the tension.

"Come in." Kairav Sir called out, his professional demeanor snapping back into place instantly.

The door opened, and a man in his early thirties walked in. He was dressed in a crisp blue shirt and black pants, carrying a tablet and looking efficient and organized.

"Good morning, Sir." He said with a polite smile.

Then he turned to me. "You must be Kashvi Goenka. I am Raghav Sharma, Kairav Sir's current assistant."

"Good morning, Raghav Sir." I said, standing up to greet him properly.

"Please, just Raghav. We are going to be working together closely for the next one week." He said warmly, extending his hand. His friendly demeanor immediately put me at ease.

Kairav Sir returned to his desk and sat down. "Raghav, take Ms. Goenka to HR first. Get all her paperwork completed, access cards issued, and system credentials set up. Then bring her back here. I want her to start shadowing you from today itself."

"Yes, Sir. Ms. Goenka, shall we?" Raghav replied efficiently. He looked at me.

"Yes, of course." I said, standing up and clutching the file Kairav Sir had given me.

As I moved toward the door, Kairav Sir spoke one last time. "Ms. Goenka."

I turned back to face him. "Yes, Sir?"

His dark eyes held mine for a brief moment, and I could see that internal struggle playing out again - like he wanted to say something important but was holding himself back.

"Welcome to Mehrotra Industries." He said finally, his voice carefully neutral.

"Thank you, Sir." I replied, feeling that there were a hundred unspoken words hanging in the air between us.

Raghav and I stepped out of the office, and I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I had been holding. The intensity of that meeting had left me feeling emotionally drained.

"Are you okay? Kairav Sir can be quite intimidating on the first meeting. But trust me, he is fair and reasonable once you get to know him." Raghav asked, noticing my expression as we walked down the corridor toward the elevators.

"Yes, I am fine. Just... first day nerves, I suppose." I said, managing a small smile.

"Completely understandable. HR is on the 5th floor. It should not take more than an hour to complete everything. Then I will show you your workstation and start explaining the daily routine." Raghav said kindly as we entered the elevator.

As the elevator descended, I found myself replaying Kairav Sir's reaction in my mind. The way he had frozen when he heard my name. The way he had stared at me like I was a ghost from his past. The way he had asked if we had met before.

Who did I remind him of? And why did that question feel so important?

♡

ATHARV'S POV

I was sitting in the back seat of the car, watching the city pass by as we headed to the office. My mind wandered to my wife, and without realizing it, a smile tugged at my lips. She would love to hear this news, I thought to myself.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone. The screen lit up as I unlocked it with my thumbprint, and my fingers naturally moved to open our chat.

'Dharampatni Ji'
('Wifey')

I stared at the empty text box for a second before typing, "Suniye jara, Dharampatni ji." My thumb pressed send, and I leaned back against the seat, waiting.

("Listen, Wifey.")

A few moments passed. Then my phone buzzed in my hand, making me look down immediately.

Her reply was already there on the screen. I couldn't help but smile even more.

"Sunayiye Pati Parmeshwar ji." She had written back.
("Say, Husband.")

My fingers moved quickly across the keyboard. "Have some good news for you." Send.

I barely had time to blink before another ping came through.

"Kahiye kahiye." Her message read. I could imagine her sitting somewhere, phone in hand, probably smiling that curious smile of hers, eager to know what I had to say.

("Tell")

I typed out the news carefully. "Kashvi is single and just wants to focus on her career first." My finger hovered over the send button for just a moment before I pressed it.

Almost immediately, her response popped up on my screen.

"Arreee Waaahhh, aapne hamara kaam kar hi diya na aakhir kaar."
("Wow, you finally got my work done after all.")

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. I could hear her excitement even through the text.

I stared at her message, reading it twice, my chest filling with warmth. Her happiness always had this effect on me - it was contagious, spreading through me like sunlight breaking through clouds.

My fingers moved across the screen again. "Told you I would handle it." I typed, adding a simple smiley at the end before sending it.

The three dots appeared almost instantly, showing she was typing. I found myself watching them, waiting.

"Aap bhi na... I knew you would find out somehow. But this is perfect! Ab toh koi problem hi nahi hai." Her text came through.

("You really... I knew you would find out somehow. But this is perfect! Now there is absolutely no problem.")

I could picture her so clearly - probably sitting in our room, maybe on the bed with her legs crossed, phone clutched in both hands, that beautiful smile lighting up her face. The same smile that had captured my heart from the very first day.

"Just doing my duty as your husband." I replied, feeling a bit proud of myself.

Her response was quick. "Achha? Bas duty hai?"
("Really? Just duty?")

I laughed out loud at that, earning a curious glance from the driver through the rearview mirror. I cleared my throat and typed back, "Aur kya hai, that you already know, Dharampatni ji. No need to make me say it."

("What else is there, that you already know, Wifey. No need to make me say it.")

"Hmmm... thik hai thik hai. But seriously, thank you. You really made my day."
("Hmmm... Okay, okay. But seriously, thank you. You really made my day.")

Even after everything, she still had this effect on me.

"Anything for you." I typed simply, because it was the truth.

The car slowed down, and I looked up to see we were approaching the office building. "Reaching office now. Will talk to you later?" I sent.

"Haan haan, go. Focus on work. Love you."

"Love you too." I typed back quickly, then reluctantly locked my phone and slipped it back into my pocket.

But that smile? That stayed on my face the entire way up to my office.

FLASHBACK

I was standing in front of the mirror, getting ready for work. As I reached up to fix my collar button, it suddenly popped off and fell into my hand. I stared at the small button resting in my palm and muttered sarcastically, "Wow, great. Just perfect."

That's when Aadhya walked in. "Kitni der lagegi aapko? Aana nahi hai kya breakfast ke liye?" She asked, a hint of impatience in her voice.

("How long will it take you? Aren't you coming for breakfast?")

She came and stood beside me. I turned toward her, the button still lying in my open palm, and gave her my most innocent look, the kind that said this wasn't my fault, I swear.

I held out my hand to show her. She glanced down at the button and said softly, "Arre, ye tut gaya... ruko abhi theek kar deti hu, koi baat nahi." Before I could say anything, she walked over to the closet and returned with a small sewing box filled with needles and threads.

("Oh no, this broke... wait, I will fix it right now, it's okay.")

I couldn't help but smile watching her. She placed the box on the edge of the bed, then came closer and gently took the button from my palm. Without wasting a moment, she started threading it back onto my collar, her fingers working carefully.

I placed my hands on her waist and gently lifted her up so she could stand on my feet - just like I used to do whenever my shirt's button broke down.

"Ye aap kya kar rahe ho. Achhe se karne do na mujhe. Varna sahi se nahi hoga." She protested, though there was a small smile tugging at her lips.
("What are you doing? Let me do it well. Otherwise, it will not be correct.")

"Theek se hi ho raha hai. Aur waise bhi, tum choti ho. Uper tak achhe se nahi dekh paa rahi hogi." I said softly, looking down at her.

("It is happening properly. And yes, you are small. You can't see the up properly.")

She shot me a look. "Main choti nahi hu. Aap lambe ho, that's different."
("I am not small. You are tall, that's different.")

"Haan haan, jo bhi bolna hai bolo." I teased, grinning.
("Yes, yes. Say whatever you want to say.")

She rolled her eyes but didn't move away. "Bas kijiye. Mujhe karne dijiye." She mumbled, concentrating on the button. Her tongue peeked out slightly from the corner of her mouth - the way it always did when she focused hard on something.

("Stop it. ... Let me do it.")

As she carefully threaded the needle through the fabric, she suddenly said, without looking up, "Waise... aaj aap Kashvi ka interview le rahe ho na?"

("By the way... You are interviewing Kashvi today, aren't you?")

"Haan. Kyun? Kya hua?" I replied casually.
("Yes. Why? What happened?")

Her hands paused for just a second before continuing. "Bas... toh aap usse puchiyega ki wo single hai ya nahi?"

("So you will ask her if she is single or not?")

I blinked, surprised. "Kya? Kyun puchun main?"
("What? Why should I ask?")

She shrugged, still focused on the button, but I could see a hint of pink creeping up her cheeks. "Bas... ese hi. Aap puchiyega na?"

("Just like this. You will ask her, right?")

"Aadhya. Ye interview hai. Main usse directly kyun puchun wo single hai ya nahi?" I said slowly, trying not to laugh.

("Aadhya. This is an interview. Why should I ask directly if she is single or not?")

"Aap puch sakte hai. Interview mein log personal questions bhi poochte hai na." she said, her tone matter-of-fact but slightly defensive.
("You can ask. Personal questions are also asked in the interview.")

"Haan, but that's a bit too personal, don't you think?"

"Toh kya? Aap professionally puch sakte ho. Subtly." She said, not looking up.
("So what? You can ask professionally. Subtly")

"Okay Patni Ji, ham puch lenge unse. Professionally. Don't worry." I said softly
("Okay, Wifey. I will ask her. Professionally. Don't worry.")

"Good Pati Ji. Ab koi aur sawaal nahi. Hai na?" She smiled sarcastically.
("Good, Hubby. Now, no more question. Right?")

"Haan ji ab koi sawaal nahi, khush?" I said, trying not to laugh.

("Yes. Now, no more questions. Happy?")

I could not hold back my smile. I leaned down closer to her ear and whispered softly, "Vese aaj kuch jyada hi pyaare nahi lag rahe aap, hmmm?"
("By the way, aren't you looking too beautiful today, hmm?")

Before I could even register what was happening, I felt a sharp little prick on my chest.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed, looking down to see she had deliberately jabbed the needle slightly into my chest - not enough to hurt seriously, but enough to make her point.

"Kya tha woh?" I asked, rubbing the spot, though I was trying hard not to laugh.
("What was that?")

"Galti se ho gaya. Aap hile toh nahi the na?" She said with the most innocent expression, though her eyes held a mischievous glint.

("It happened by mistake. You didn't move, did you?")

"Haan haan, galti se. Bilkul believe kar liya maine." I said sarcastically, shaking my head.

("Yes, yes, accidentally. I absolutely believed it.")

She bit her lip to suppress her smile and went back to finishing the button, her fingers working quickly now. Within moments, she tied off the thread and stepped back to examine her work.

"Ho gaya. Perfect." She announced, looking satisfied.
("It's done. Perfect.")

I looked down at the button, then back at her. "Thank you, Patni Ji." I said softly, my tone genuine now.

She smiled, a real one this time, and started to turn away. But I caught her wrist gently and pulled her back toward me.

"Kya?" She asked, looking up at me with those beautiful eyes.

("What?")

Without saying anything, I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer. She did not resist, just placed her hands on my chest where she had just sewn the button.

"Aap bhi na..." she whispered, shaking her head slightly, but her smile was warm.

("You...")

I leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, letting it linger for a moment. "I love you." I murmured against her skin.

"I, too, love you." She whispered back, her fingers curling slightly into my shirt.

We stood there for a moment, just holding each other in the quiet morning light, the world outside forgotten.

"Chaliye. Breakfast karne." She finally whispered, breaking the spell gently.
("let's go. For breakfast.")

"Chaliye." I agreed, reluctantly letting her step off my feet.
("Let's go.")

♡

KAIRAV'S POV

I stood by the large glass window of my office on the 20th floor, looking down at the busy street below. It was already night, and the city lights had started to glow. People were leaving their offices, rushing to get home, some walking alone, others in groups, talking and laughing.

I watched them all, but my mind was somewhere else.

There was something different about today. Something calm. Peaceful. A kind of peace I hadn't felt in a long time. It was strange how just knowing one simple thing could make everything feel so... right.

My thoughts drifted back to earlier today. To her.

I had finally seen her. Her full face. That girl from the orphanage - the one I had only caught a glimpse of before. Back then, all I had seen were her eyes. Just her eyes. Dark, deep, with something unreadable in them. Something that made me pause for a second longer than I should have.

But today, here in my office, I saw her completely. Her whole face.

Kashvi Goenka.

I said her name quietly to myself, letting it roll off my tongue. It felt... strange. Not unfamiliar, but not exactly known either. Like hearing a song you think you might have heard once, a long time ago, but you're not sure if it's real or just your mind playing tricks.

My eyes still fixed on the street below, but not really seeing anything anymore. My mind was replaying the moment I saw her today. Her face. Sharp features. Composed expressions. The calm, confident way she spoke.

And yet... something lingered.

Not quite recognition. Not quite a memory. Just... something. A faint tug at the back of my mind. A feeling I couldn't name.

Kashvi Goenka.

The name sat in my mind like an unanswered question. Not loud. Not demanding. Just... there.

I didn't know why she stayed in my thoughts. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe I was overthinking.

But something about her - those eyes, that face, that name - felt like a thread I wasn't supposed to pull. Not yet.

***************

Hellooo Lovely readers!
Sooo, here ends the chapter. I hope you liked it.

And..... finally they both saw each other. Moreover, Kairav finally saw Kashvi's face completely. That reaction though!

What do you think is going in his mind? Why did her name shake him like this?

Also, can we talk about Atharv and Aadhya? They both are so cute😭! But..... why is Aadhya so curious about Kashvi being single? What is cooking in her mind?

And, do you think there is the past connection between Kashvi and Kairav? And what do you think it is?

First of all, Vote and drop your thoughts in the comments! I love reading your comments and your guesses!

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Thank you!

Yours Sincerely,
Ishvari🤍