𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑.5

One week had passed since Ruhi's tireless efforts had yielded a potential investor for their project. The excitement was palpable, but so was the nervous energy as the investor was set to arrive at their office that very day. The conference room was being meticulously arranged, a testament to their eagerness to impress. In the midst of the preparations, Ruhi, Dhriti, and Arjun were huddled together, anxiety simmering in the air.

"Riti, I don't think I can do it," Ruhi confessed, her voice laced with apprehension."I'm feeling incredibly nervous. I'll mess the meeting up. Do you think you could present the project instead?"

 Dhriti's eyes widened in surprise. "Me?" she echoed, taken aback by the suggestion. Arjun, ever quick with a quip, chimed in, "I think Riti, deep down, you actually want to do this. Otherwise, this 'dumb' one will ruin everything."

Ruhi, instantly bristling at the insult, grabbed a nearby file and playfully swatted him. "I'm dumb? You're the dumb one! Don't you dare call me dumb, okay?"

Dhriti, witnessing the escalating childish banter, intervened, her voice firm yet calming. "Okay, guys, stop it. Why are you both always fighting like children? Alright, I'll present the project." Her willingness to step up, coupled with the playful banter, eased the tension in the room, leaving them focused on the task at hand – making a strong impression on the investor and securing the funding for their project.

✫✫✫✫✫✫

Aarush, dressed in a crisp suit, stood in the hallway, his reflection in the polished marble floor mirroring his anxious energy. Two burly men, members of his father's special team, stood beside him, their faces stoic and their physiques imposing.

"Where is the meeting, Raghav?" Aarush asked, his voice a little higher than usual."Dad didn't informed me."

Raghav,stepped forward, "we're going to AURA Group of Companies."

Aarush's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. "What! We're going to AURA Group of Companies?" he exclaimed, the surprise evident in his voice.

"Yes sir. What happened sir? Is there any problem?" Raghav, sensing Aarush's unease, asked.

"No," Aarush said. 

A a r u s h

The sheer coincidence was almost unbelievable. Just a week ago, I was discussing her with my friends. Now, here I was, stepping into her company's office for a business meeting. The building wasn't grand like ours, but it possessed a distinct charm – well-organized, with a calming air that I found appealing. As we were guided towards the conference room, I anticipated seeing her, expecting her to be waiting for us. But the room was empty, save for two staff members. A young woman entered, but I didn't recognize her.

"Good morning Mr. Aarush Malhotra. I am Ruhi Ahuja, HR of the company," she introduced herself. I returned the greeting with a formal handshake.

Then, a familiar voice echoed from beyond the door, "Yes Henry, please keep those files on my cabin, okay?" My anticipation surged. Finally, the door swung open, the sound of heels clicking on the tile floor filling the room. She emerged, a vision of effortless style in light blue jeans, a black crop top, and a black blazer. Chains adorned her neck, a bangle her left wrist. Her face was bare, save for a touch of nude lipstick, and her hair flowed freely.

In that moment, she was a picture of natural beauty, radiating an undeniable heat. And then, a strange sensation washed over me. What was happening to me? These thoughts, these feelings, were unexpected, even unsettling. Something was definitely shifting inside me.