𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

Chapter 28

The air crackled with nervous energy as Reena trailed behind Rajveer, navigating the bustling hallways of Bairya Industries. Today was the finalization of the investment deal for their art space project, a culmination of months of tireless work. Yet, amidst the excitement, a knot of apprehension tightened in Reena's stomach.

Their unconventional marriage, a contract born out of necessity, remained a closely guarded secret within the Bairya family. Rajveer, the epitome of a stoic businessman, hadn't shown any inclination to announce it publicly. As they neared the conference room where the investors awaited, Reena felt a familiar pang of insecurity. Did he want to keep their connection hidden? Did he see her simply as a business partner, someone to be kept at arm's length?

Just as Reena started to lose herself in a spiral of doubt, a warm hand grasped hers. She looked up to find Rajveer, his gaze fixed on her. A gentle smile played on his lips, a silent reassurance that sent a tremor of warmth through her.

Before she could question his sudden gesture, he pulled her hand, gently but firmly, guiding her to walk beside him. Reena's heart skipped a beat. This wasn't the cold, distant Rajveer she had encountered initially. This was a man whose eyes held a flicker of something more, a hint of something personal that left her breathless.

As they entered the conference room, a hush fell over the gathered investors. Heads turned, eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Rajveer, the powerful CEO, holding hands with a woman most of them didn't recognize.

Reena, caught in the spotlight, felt a blush creep up her cheeks. Self-consciousness warred with a strange sense of pride. Rajveer, however, unfazed by the surprised stares, offered a confident smile.

"Gentlemen, allow me to introduce my partner, Reena Desai," he declared, his voice firm and clear. "She's the creative force behind the art space project we've been discussing."

A collective murmur of surprise rippled through the room. Reena, surprised by his introduction, met his gaze. A silent conversation passed between them, unspoken gratitude intertwined with a hint of amusement.

The meeting that followed was a resounding success. Reena, with Rajveer's unwavering support, delivered a captivating presentation, her passion for the project evident in every word. The investors, clearly impressed, unanimously agreed to invest, paving the way for their dream to become a reality.

As they walked out of the conference room, a sense of accomplishment mingled with a lingering tension. The investors' surprised reactions hung heavy in the air, an unspoken question mark hovering over their relationship.

Finally, after a few steps of comfortable silence, Rajveer turned to Reena. "That was brilliant," he said, his voice sincere. "You completely captivated the room."

Reena couldn't help but smile. "Thank you," she replied, basking in the genuine praise. "And thank you for... everything."

Rajveer hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching hers. "This," he said, squeezing her hand gently, "changes things."

Reena's heart pounded in her chest. The line between their contract marriage and something more was blurring with each passing moment. But what did "this" mean? Was he ready to acknowledge their connection publicly? Or was this simply a temporary lapse in his usual facade?

"How?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Rajveer drew closer, his voice low and husky. "We need to talk," he said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "About the future of the project... and us."

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken possibilities. Reena, her breath catching in her throat, nodded eagerly. The future of the art space project was exciting, but the prospect of discussing "us" filled her with a nervousness that was exhilarating at the same time.

___________________________________

The air hung thick with a mixture of concern and amusement as Reena fussed over Manveer, Rajveer's younger brother. Manveer, sprawled on the guest bed, looked like a dejected puppy, his arm swathed in bandages and an ice pack clutched dramatically to his forehead.

Rajveer, ever the picture of composure, stood by the doorway, a hint of a smile playing on his lips despite the worry etched on his face. "Honestly, Manveer," he said, his voice laced with amusement, "how do you manage to get yourself into these situations?"

Manveer, his voice muffled by the ice pack, mumbled something about a rogue squirrel and an ill-advised attempt at a daring jump. Reena stifled a laugh, knowing full well her playful scolding wouldn't be as effective as a bit of lighthearted teasing from his older brother.

"Well," she said, her voice firm but laced with affection, "next time, maybe stick to admiring squirrels from a safe distance."

Manveer peeked at her from under the ice pack, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Yes, doctor Reena," he mumbled, earning a playful swat on the arm from Rajveer.

Despite the lighthearted banter, Reena knew she had to take care of the sprain. Years of living with her boisterous younger brother had equipped her with the necessary skills to handle such situations. With practiced ease, she cleaned the scrape, the antiseptic sting eliciting a dramatic yelp from Manveer.

"Hold still," she commanded, her voice laced with mock sternness. "This won't take long, unless you want me to tell Nani about your little bike adventure."

The mention of their formidable grandmother sent a shiver down Manveer's spine. He instantly stilled, his bravado replaced by a look of genuine fear. Reena couldn't help but chuckle. Nani, though strict, adored her grandchildren and her disapproval could be a powerful deterrent.

As she finished bandaging his arm, Manveer eyed the steaming glass of turmeric milk Reena held with suspicion. "Ugh, Reena, not that again!" he whined. "Come on, I'm not a little kid anymore."

Reena, unfazed by his protest, narrowed her eyes playfully. "Don't underestimate the power of tradition, Manveer," she said, her voice laced with mock sternness. "Besides, it has magical healing properties, especially for daredevil little brothers who forget to look out for squirrels."

Manveer groaned, but under Reena's unwavering gaze, he knew there was no escape. With a resigned sigh, he took a hesitant sip of the golden concoction. His eyes widened in surprise.

"Hey, this isn't that bad," he mumbled, taking another gulp.

Reena smiled, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. It was moments like these, where she could play the role of the caring friend and confidante to both Rajveer and Manveer, that reminded her of the unexpected joys that had come with this unconventional marriage.

Later that evening, as Manveer dozed off on the guest bed, lulled by the warmth of the turmeric milk and the gentle hum of the air conditioner, Rajveer and Reena found themselves on the balcony overlooking the sprawling gardens. The city lights twinkled in the distance, painting a mesmerizing picture against the velvety night sky.

"Thank you for taking care of him," Rajveer said, his voice sincere. "He can be a handful, but his enthusiasm is infectious."

Reena smiled. "He's a good soul, Manveer. Just needs a little... direction sometimes."

A comfortable silence settled over them, the shared concern for Manveer having forged a deeper bond between them. They were a makeshift family, united by an unusual circumstance, and the comfort they found in each other's presence was undeniable.

That's it for today 

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Till next time

ISHI