The Moon to my night

20

When he met her
  7 years ago

It was the start of fall when the Institute of Management decided to welcome the freshers by organizing a cultural fest. Being a second-year student in the integrated course at IIM Delhi, she was asked by the teacher to perform at the fest. While performing on stage wasn't new to her, it was certainly a challenge, as she had barely spoken to anyone during her first year at college, except for a girl who occasionally sat beside her during tests.
Deciding to pursue college without her brothers was a significant decision for her and the entire Rajvansh family.

It was the first time the family's princess stepped out without the protective shadows of her brothers, venturing into a world full of uncertainties. Her upbringing had been so guarded that it made her an introvert, finding it difficult to talk to people or make friends. All her life, she had Aahana by her side, and she never felt the need to converse with anyone else.

The Rajvansh siblings all pursued their education in prestigious institutes abroad, a path Aridhaan Singh Rajvansh also wanted for his sister. As he was in the final stages of his business master's degree, he wished for her to follow a similar path. However, she chose to stay in her country to be close to her family and overcome her avoidance of social situations. She faced issues settling in, skipping the hostel and agreeing to her brother’s condition to live in a penthouse, with a driver appointed for her daily trips to and from college.

Being an academic prodigy, navigating her studies wasn’t much of a task. However, the stares she received during her first year, due to the bodyguard her brother insisted on, made her uneasy. This semester, she managed to convince her brother to drop the everyday guarding, giving her a bit more freedom. Her brother never wanted to control her life, but letting her navigate a city like Delhi without any safety measures was a significant concern for all of them. Despite his protective instincts, he understood her need for independence and gradually loosened the reins, allowing her more freedom while still keeping a watchful eye on her well-being.

On the other hand, Rudransh Singh Chauhan, the eldest son of the Chauhans, was a man of few but valuable words. As the heir to the Chauhan empire, Rudransh understood his life's goal from a young age: to elevate the Chauhan empire to new heights. Rudransh had always led a life laden with responsibilities and expectations.

His aura exuded the confidence he had meticulously built over the years. This sense of duty shaped every aspect of his existence, fueling his quiet confidence and sharp focus. Though reserved, Rudransh's few words always carried weight, reflecting the discipline and determination instilled in him from a young age. His rare, genuine smile and sparing use of his sharp wit added to his mystery, making him an eye candy to watch. While his demeanor could be intimidating to some, those who took the time to know him discovered a kind and thoughtful individual beneath the stoic exterior. His close friend Rishi, who had been by his side since childhood, often witnessed the softer side of Rudransh, one that was not readily visible to the world.

"It's probably the last fest of college life. Next semester we’ll have our internships and then pass out to intern in your father’s company.

The only enjoyment we’ll afford there will be breathing. Come on, let's go, Rudra," Rishi said, his constant yapping finally breaking Rudransh's concentration on his book.

Rudransh lifted his eyes, squinting at his best friend. "Chauhan Corporation is one of the finest conglomerates in the country. We should be grateful, Rishi, that we cleared the interview. Otherwise, Dad wouldn’t have even allowed us to step into the premises." He turned the page of his book, clicking his tongue.