The next morning, Shivay left his home, feeling oddly energized as he headed to a property shop. There, he met with a real estate agent, discussing potential spaces for a new office project. Meanwhile, Arohi was prepping for a very different kind of day — her community project exhibition.
Nervousness crept in as she rushed to get ready. Just as she was about to leave, she paused, turned back to the small mandir in her home, and clasped her hands together, murmuring a quiet prayer for strength. Feeling a little calmer, she stepped out, determined to make the day count.
In the grand hall, where the exhibition was being held, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. Banners displayed all the community projects, and business professionals were already mingling. Arohi quickly spotted Meera and Vicky, standing near their section.
"Hi, girls!" Vicky greeted with a teasing smile. "Ready to shine, or should we all just hide under the table?"
Arohi chuckled, trying to shake off her nerves. "I’m seriously considering hiding. What if I mess up the entire presentation?"
"Mess up? Arohi, you’ve rehearsed this a million times!" Meera chimed in, giving her a reassuring smile. "Besides, if you forget anything, we’ll just blame Vicky."
"Hey! Why me?" Vicky exclaimed, mock-offended. "I’m just here for moral support and snacks."
Before they could joke further, their boss, Mr. Oberoi, walked up, his usual composed demeanor intact.
"Good to see you all ready. Remember, this is our chance to make an impression, especially with the board here today," he said, glancing over at Meera. "You’re leading this, Meera. Make it count."
Meera nodded confidently. "Absolutely, sir. We’ve got this."
As the room filled up with people, a host stepped onto the small stage at the front of the hall. It was barely big enough for more than one person, but it was enough for the event. The crowd consisted of employees from various companies, all gathered to witness the exhibition. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation.
The host smiled warmly and began the event. "Good morning, everyone! We are thrilled to have you all here for this special community project exhibition. Today, we have a very special guest joining us. He’s not just any guest but the CEO of one of the most successful industries in the country. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to the CEO of Dhanraj Industries, Mr. Vihaan Dhanraj!"
As the host announced the name, the tall, dark, and strikingly handsome man walked in wearing a dark blue formal suit, exuding an air of confidence and power. His presence immediately grabbed everyone's attention.
Meera's jaw practically hit the floor. "Oh my God! I mean, he's... he's handsome!" she whispered, giving Arohi a little nudge on the shoulder.
Arohi, however, was more stunned than Meera. Her eyes widened in disbelief, unable to process the sight in front of her.
Vicky, noticing Meera's reaction, grinned. "Oh, come on, Meera. He’s not your type."
"Shut up!" Meera hissed, still starstruck.
The host continued, "Please welcome Mr. Vihaan Dhanraj, CEO of Dhanraj Industries, our special guest today."
Vihaan joined his hands together and bowed slightly, acknowledging the audience with a polite smile, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Arohi felt her heart skip a beat as their eyes briefly met before he shifted his attention elsewhere.
Vihaan stepped up to the microphone, his calm and composed demeanor commanding attention. He flashed a polite smile before speaking, his voice deep and smooth.
"Good morning, everyone. It’s an absolute honor to be here today," he began, his gaze sweeping across the room. "I’ve heard a lot about the amazing work that has gone into this community project, and I’m truly impressed by the dedication and passion all of you have shown."
He paused briefly, looking directly at the employees, making sure to engage the crowd. "At Dhanraj Industries, we believe that community and collaboration are the cornerstones of success. Projects like these don’t just build businesses, they build futures, and I’m excited to see what you all have achieved."
Vihaan’s tone softened slightly, as if offering personal encouragement. "This event is not just a showcase of ideas but a testament to the hard work you’ve all put in. I look forward to seeing the creativity and vision you’ve brought to life today. Let’s make this a memorable event."
He nodded once, offering a final, charismatic smile, and stepped back, allowing the applause to fill the room. Arohi, still in shock, couldn’t shake the feeling that Vihaan’s presence was more than just a coincidence.
As Vihaan stepped away, the host returned to the stage, signaling the start of the presentations. A large screen lit up behind him, displaying the first slide of the community project.
“Alright, everyone,” the host announced, “let’s get started. We’ll begin with the first team presenting their innovative solutions for community growth and sustainability.”
Arohi, Meera, and Vicky exchanged nervous glances, standing off to the side as the initial group began their presentation. The room buzzed with excitement and anticipation.
As the first team finished, the host called out, “Next up, we have the team led by Meera Sharma.”
Arohi’s heart skipped a beat. This was it—their moment.
Meera, exuding calm confidence despite her earlier fangirling over Vihaan, stepped forward with Arohi and Vicky by her side. As they approached the front, the lights dimmed slightly, and their project details flashed onto the screen.
Meera began, “Good morning, everyone. Our project focuses on empowering local communities by creating sustainable models for small businesses.”
Arohi, feeling a wave of nerves, joined in, adding, “We’ve worked closely with local entrepreneurs to design a system that helps them grow, not just economically, but socially as well.”
As they continued the presentation, breaking down their data, statistics, and future plans, Arohi couldn’t help but notice Vihaan’s intense gaze from the back of the room. He seemed particularly interested in their approach, occasionally nodding at key points.
Vicky, with her usual casual flair, wrapped things up. “And that’s how we plan to make a lasting impact on the community. Thank you.”
As they finished, the room filled with applause, and Arohi breathed a sigh of relief. They had made it through. Now, all that was left was the feedback from the judges—and Vihaan, the special guest.
Arohi, Meera, and Vicky had left the hall, their nerves settling after the big presentation. They found a small room nearby to rest, taking a moment to celebrate.
"We did it, guys!" Vicky exclaimed, pulling Meera and Arohi into a tight hug. They jumped with excitement, laughing as the stress melted away.
"We totally nailed it!" Meera added, still buzzing with adrenaline.
Just as they were catching their breath, there was a knock on the door. Vicky opened it, revealing a young employee holding a clipboard.
"Miss Arohi Mehra?" she said, glancing at the clipboard before pointing to Arohi. "Mr. Dhanraj would like to meet you."
Meera's eyes widened with excitement. "Oh my god, Arohi! You have to tell me everything that happens. Pleaseee!" she pleaded, practically bouncing in her seat.
Arohi smiled, a bit amused at her friend's enthusiasm, and nodded. "I'll let you know," she promised.
With a deep breath, Arohi left the room and made her way to Vihaan's office. Her heart beat a little faster with each step, still processing the shock of realizing that Vihaan, her casual acquaintance, was the CEO of Dhanraj Industries.
Reaching his office, she knocked gently on the door.
"Yes, come in," came Vihaan's smooth, professional voice from the other side.
Arohi opened the door and walked in. Vihaan was sitting on a plush sofa, his demeanor calm and composed, exuding the same professionalism she had witnessed during the event.
"Arohi, please, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the seat across from him.
Arohi smiled as she sat down, feeling a little awkward but trying to stay relaxed. "Honestly, Mr.Dhanraj, you really shocked me today. I had no idea you were the CEO of Dhanraj Industries."
Vihaan chuckled lightly. "Well, you never asked what I actually do. But please, just call me Vihaan—we're friends, aren't we?" He looked at her with a soft expression, almost as if seeking confirmation.
Arohi's smile widened as she nodded. "Of course, we're friends, Vihaan."
He seemed pleased with her response. "Good. I didn't want things to get weird after today," he admitted, leaning back slightly in his seat. "As for why I called you here... I wanted to personally congratulate you on your presentation. It was impressive, and your ideas stood out to me."
Arohi blinked, a little surprised. "Oh, thank you! That means a lot, especially coming from you."
Vihaan nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Your approach to community development is exactly what businesses like mine are looking to support. I believe there's potential for us to work together in the future—if you're interested."
Arohi’s heart fluttered slightly at the thought. "I’d love that," she said, her voice more confident than she expected.
Vihaan smiled. "Great. We'll stay in touch."
Just then, Arohi's phone buzzed in her bag. She glanced at Vihaan apologetically before pulling it out to check the screen. It was a message from Shivay.
“Where are you? Need to talk. Urgent.”
Arohi’s heart skipped a beat, her mind quickly shifting from the conversation with Vihaan to the message. She frowned slightly, wondering what could be so urgent.
"Everything okay?" Vihaan asked, noticing her change in expression.
Arohi looked up, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just... something came up."
Vihaan nodded understandingly. "I won’t keep you long, then. But before you go, just think about the partnership idea. We can discuss more when you have time."
Arohi stood up, tucking her phone back in her bag. "I will, Vihaan. Thank you again for everything today."
"Anytime, Arohi. Take care," he said with a small smile.
As she left the room, her mind was racing. What could Shivay possibly need to talk about?
Arohi stepped out of Vihaan’s office, her phone buzzing insistently. Seeing Shivay’s name, she immediately called him back.
“Hey, Shivay. I just got your message,” she said, her voice curious but calm. “What’s going on?”
There was a brief pause, then Shivay spoke with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. “Arohi, I wanted to tell you something important. I’m opening my own company tomorrow.”
Arohi’s eyes widened in shock, completely caught off guard. “Wait, what? Your own company? Tomorrow? How... How come you never mentioned this before?”
“I know, I’m sorry,” Shivay said quickly, sounding almost apologetic. “I’ve been working on it quietly, getting everything ready. I didn’t want to say anything until it was all set. But now, it’s happening, and the opening is tomorrow.”
Arohi was stunned, her mind racing. "Shivay, that’s amazing, but you never gave me any hint! I had no idea you were doing this.”
“I know. I didn’t mean to keep it from you. I just... I wanted everything to be perfect first,” Shivay explained. “I really want you to be there, Arohi. It wouldn’t feel right without you.”
Arohi’s heart softened at his words. Despite the shock, she couldn’t help but feel proud of him. “Of course, Shivay. I’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Thanks, Arohi. It means a lot,” he said, sounding relieved.
As Arohi hung up, she stood there for a moment, still processing everything. Tomorrow, Shivay’s new journey would begin. And once again, everything between them seemed to be shifting.
After Arohi agreed to be there for Shivay’s big day, he paused for a moment before speaking again.
"Hey... how are you doing?" Shivay asked softly, his tone suddenly gentler. "I mean, really, how are you? We haven't talked like this in a while."
Arohi smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. "I’m okay, Shivay. A bit nervous with all the projects going on, but you know me. I’ll manage."
Shivay chuckled lightly, “You always do. You’re stronger than you think, Arohi.”
There was a comfortable silence between them for a few seconds before Shivay spoke again, his voice soft and a little teasing. “Honestly, I wasn’t just calling to tell you about the company. I just wanted to hear your voice.”
Arohi’s heart fluttered at his words. "Is that so?" she said, trying to sound casual but failing to hide the smile in her voice.
“Yeah,” Shivay admitted. “I’ve missed talking to you. I know things have been busy, but... you make everything feel lighter, you know? Like no matter how stressful things get, hearing you laugh makes it all okay.”
Arohi felt her cheeks warming up. “Shivay, you’re being cheesy now.”
“Maybe,” he said with a playful tone, “but it’s true. You’re my favorite person to talk to.”
She let out a soft laugh, feeling the tension of the day melt away. “You’re my favorite too, Shivay.”
“I better be,” he teased, his voice filled with warmth. “Now, go get some rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day, and I want you at your best.”
“I will,” she said softly. “And Shivay?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really proud of you.”
Shivay’s voice softened even more. “Thanks, Arohi. That means everything to me.”
As Arohi hung up the call, a soft laugh escaped her lips. She leaned against the wall, shaking her head in disbelief. It all still felt surreal—Shivay, the same person who had been such a constant presence in her life, was now so much more. He was hers, in a way she had never quite imagined before.
The thought of it made her heart race. She couldn’t help but smile at the irony of it all—how two people who had danced around their feelings for so long had finally found their way to each other. It still didn’t feel real, like she was living in a dream she hadn’t realized she wanted.
"He's mine now," she whispered to herself, the words feeling both strange and wonderful.
Just then, Arohi's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden voice of her colleague, Meera, “Who’s yours?”
Arohi felt her cheeks flush, suddenly embarrassed. She hadn't even realized she’d spoken out loud. "Uh, no one! Just... just talking to myself." She tried to play it off with a nervous laugh, hoping Meera would let it slide.
But Meera narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "Oh really? That smile says otherwise!" she teased, nudging Arohi playfully.
Arohi quickly changed the subject, not ready to spill the truth. Only her sister-in-law, the other Meera, knew about her relationship with Shivay. It wasn’t something she was ready to share with her colleagues just yet.
"Seriously, it’s nothing," Arohi said, trying to sound casual as she avoided eye contact.
“Hmm… I don’t believe you, but I’ll let it go… for now,” Meera replied with a grin, clearly not buying her excuse but choosing not to press further.
Arohi let out a small sigh of relief, her heart still racing from almost being caught. She wasn’t ready for everyone to know—not just yet.
As Arohi was getting ready to leave with her friends, they stepped out of the hall, chatting and laughing about the success of the exhibition.
Just then, Arohi heard her name being called, "Arohi." The familiar voice made her pause. She turned, and there he was—Vihaan, standing by the entrance, waiting for her.
“Oh my God, he’s calling you!” Meera whispered excitedly, her eyes wide with curiosity. She nudged Arohi's arm. “But why? And he’s so... so...” Meera trailed off, clearly starstruck. She was practically drooling over Vihaan, who looked effortlessly charming in his dark blue suit.
Arohi, on the other hand, felt a nervous flutter in her chest. She wasn’t expecting to see him again so soon. “I-I don’t know,” she stammered, glancing at Meera and Vicky, who were both staring at her in disbelief.
“Well, go talk to him!” Vicky chimed in, giving her a little push. “We’ll wait for you.”
Arohi shot them both a look before taking a deep breath and walking towards Vihaan, her heart pounding. She could feel her friends’ eyes on her, and she knew they’d have a million questions afterward.
As she approached, Vihaan smiled, that calm, collected demeanor still intact. “Hey,” he said softly.
“Hey… What’s up?” Arohi asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
“I just wanted to talk to you before you left. Can we have a quick word?” Vihaan’s tone was polite but had an undertone that suggested something more personal.
Arohi glanced back at Meera and Vicky, who were pretending not to stare but failing miserably. “Sure,” she said, stepping closer.
As they were about to leave the hall, Vihaan approached Arohi and her friends with a confident stride.
"Hello, you guys did great today," he said, his gaze lingering on Arohi for a moment longer. "I wanted to tell you this personally, Arohi."
Arohi blushed slightly, smiling at the compliment. "Thank you, but it was really a team effort."
Meera and Vicky, standing by her side, beamed with pride. "Thank you so much," they both chimed in.
Vihaan then hesitated for a second before continuing, "If you don't mind, would you all like to join me for dinner tonight?"
Arohi was about to politely decline when Meera jumped in, "We would love to!"
Vicky shot Meera a surprised look but quickly regained his composure, nodding along with a smile. "Yeah, sounds good."
Vihaan smiled. "That's great. Let's go in my car."
As they walked toward his car, Arohi silently questioned, "Why, God?"
Vihaan’s car pulled up in front of a luxurious hotel, its grand entrance glowing under the evening lights. Arohi, Meera, and Vicky stepped out, their eyes wide in awe. The place was stunning—marble floors, chandeliers, and the soft murmur of quiet elegance surrounded them.
“Wow, this is... amazing,” Meera whispered, looking around as they were led through the lobby.
Vicky nodded in agreement. “Yeah, never been somewhere this fancy.”
Vihaan smiled, amused by their reactions. “I wanted to make sure it’s a memorable evening.”
They soon arrived at a private dining room, elegantly decorated, with soft lighting and a table set just for them. Everything was perfect, from the plush chairs to the art on the walls. It felt like a world of its own.
“Please, sit,” Vihaan gestured, pulling out a chair for Arohi before seating himself.
Meera and Vicky exchanged glances, clearly impressed by the gesture and the setting. As they settled down, Meera couldn’t help but lean closer to Arohi. “This is incredible,” she whispered. “How do you know him again?”
Arohi smiled nervously, trying to avoid the question. “We met a while back... didn’t realize he was the CEO until today,” she said, carefully choosing her words.
The waiters arrived, serving them water as Vihaan glanced around the table. “I hope you’re all comfortable. Tonight’s on me, so order anything you like.”
Meera, still in awe, muttered, “Oh, I will.”
Vicky laughed. “Don’t mind if I do.”
Arohi smiled, though she felt a little overwhelmed. Vihaan was being too kind, too attentive. She couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more behind his gestures tonight.
As the waiter handed them the menu, Vihaan leaned closer to Arohi, his voice soft. “You deserve this, you know. I meant it when I said you did great today.”
Arohi felt a warmth spread through her, and though she tried to play it cool, she couldn’t help but smile. "Thank you, Vihaan. That means a lot."
Meera, sitting across from them, noticed the exchange and smirked, nudging Vicky under the table. Vicky gave her a look as if to say, "Don't start."
As the night continued, the atmosphere relaxed, laughter filled the air, and the fancy setting seemed less intimidating. It was a night none of them would forget, but for Arohi, it felt like more than just a fancy dinner—it felt like something was shifting.