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A blush crept up Manik's neck as he finished reading Mr. Rathor's letter. The eloquent praise, the veiled affection – it all felt a little overwhelming, a stark contrast to the usual throng of screaming fans. He wasn't used to this kind of personalized admiration, and a strange mix of flattered amusement and nervous curiosity swirled within him.

The letter fluttered in his hand as the sound of the shower shutting off filled the room. Rohit emerged, a towel wrapped around his waist, humming a random tune.

"Done admiring your fan mail?" he teased, noticing the letter in Manik's hand.

Manik quickly shoved it into his pocket, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Just, uh, checking who it was from." He couldn't bring himself to share the full contents of the letter with Rohit, not yet. There was something about the intensity of Mr. Rathor's words that made him feel a tad uncomfortable, a disharmony amidst the melody of praise.

As they settled into their respective pajamas – the playful cat halves now adorning them – a comfortable silence descended upon the room. Rohit drifted off to sleep quickly, exhausted from the day's endeavors.

Manik, however, remained wide awake. Mr. Rathor's letter buzzed in his pocket, a persistent reminder of the man behind the words. Curiosity gnawed at him. He couldn't deny that Mr. Rathor's wealth and influence intrigued him, and the picture Rohit had shown him earlier confirmed a certain undeniable handsomeness.

Unable to resist any longer, Manik reached for his phone, the name "Mr. Rathor" a silent query on his lips. He typed it into the search engine, his heart hammering in his chest with a strange mix of apprehension and anticipation.

A flood of images appeared on the screen – Mr. Rathor, impeccably dressed, attending galas and charity events, a charismatic smile permanently etched on his face. Manik scrolled through the photos, each image adding another layer to the complex puzzle that was Mr. Rathor.

Finally, he found a candid picture – Mr. Rathor, caught off guard, a genuine laugh etched on his face. There was a warmth in his eyes that the other photos lacked, a vulnerability that resonated with Manik. He couldn't explain it, but Mr. Rathor, the man who showered him with extravagant gifts and penned passionate letters, was starting to feel less like an obsessed fan and more like… an enigma he couldn't help but want to unravel.

 Rathor, the man who showered him with extravagant gifts and penned passionate letters, was starting to feel less like an obsessed fan and more like… an enigma he couldn't help but want to unravel

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With a sigh, Manik closed his phone, the image of Mr. Rathor's genuine smile lingering in his mind. Sleep, once a welcome refuge, now seemed elusive. He was caught in a web of his own making, a web spun from curiosity, fleeting attraction, and the intoxicating melody of a secret admirer's words.
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The gleaming glass walls of Abhimanyu's office reflected the bustling energy of Mumbai. As he strode through the entrance, a symphony of "good morning, sir" echoed in his wake. Reaching his cabin, adorned with the prestigious CEO's plaque on the door, Abhimanyu settled into his chair with a practiced ease.

His ever-efficient secretary, Nisha, glided in, her perfectly manicured nails clicking against the polished marble floor. "Good morning, Mr. Raichand," she greeted, her voice exuding professional courtesy. "Here's your schedule for today."

Abhimanyu scanned the itinerary – a relentless dance of meetings, presentations, and finalizing lucrative deals. It was a familiar rhythm, one he navigated with practiced expertise. Yet, beneath the veneer of corporate composure, a flicker of disquiet flickered within him.

The memory of the reunion, the unexpected encounter with Kunj, lingered like a half-forgotten melody. The stolen kiss, a spark rekindled after years, ignited a whirlwind of emotions within him. He pushed the thoughts aside, diving headfirst into the day's agenda.

Lunch arrived, a welcome respite from the relentless pace. As Nisha served him a perfectly curated meal, Abhimanyu allowed himself a moment of introspection. His gaze drifted away, landing on a photograph tucked away on his desk – a younger him and Kunj, smiles wide and carefree.

A pang of longing tugged at his heart. He missed Kunj, the ease of their camaraderie, the way his presence had always brought a sense of balance to his life. Abhimanyu couldn't deny the attraction that still simmered between them, a dormant ember fanned by the unexpected reunion.

Just then, Nisha's voice broke his reverie. "Here's a quick update on the business world, Mr. Raizada," she began, rattling off industry news with practiced efficiency. "Our company's shares are soaring, leaving the competition in the dust. Khurana Industries, on the other hand, seems to have a new CEO at the helm."

A jolt of surprise coursed through Abhimanyu. Khurana Industries – Leela Aunty's company. He distinctly remembered Kunj mentioning his decision to settle back in India at the reunion. A slow smile spread across his face. Could it be…?

"Interesting," he murmured, a newfound energy coursing through him. Perhaps fate, or a higher power, was finally giving him a second chance. Here was his opportunity, a chance to reconnect with Kunj, to bridge the gap that had separated them for years.

With a newfound determination, Abhimanyu pushed away his half-eaten lunch. "Nisha," he declared, his voice firm, "prepare a proposal for a joint venture with Khurana Industries. A collaboration that would be mutually beneficial."

Nisha blinked, surprised. Raizada Enterprises, the undisputed market leader, rarely engaged in collaborations. But a single glance at Abhimanyu's resolute expression told her to question no further. This wasn't just a business decision; it was a calculated move, a strategic step towards a goal yet unspoken. The gears in Nisha's mind whirred, and with a nod, she set about her task.

As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the cityscape, Abhimanyu sat in his office, a sense of anticipation thrumming within him. The proposal, a meticulously crafted bridge, was a testament to his newfound resolve. It was a bridge not just between two companies, but perhaps, a bridge towards a future where he could rekindle the love he had once taken for granted. A small smile played on his lips. The game had just begun.

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Wounds of the Heart (दिल के घाव)💔Where stories live. Discover now