Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh (Completed)

Chapter 76: Together

Aarav sat at his desk in the corner office, the soft glow of the afternoon sun casting a warm hue across the room. He was reviewing some financial reports, his mind momentarily distracted by thoughts of upcoming meetings and project deadlines. The gentle hum of activity outside his office provided a steady backdrop to his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Manvi stood outside his office door, nervously adjusting the stack of files in her arms. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage, before knocking lightly on the door.

"Come in," Aarav's voice called from inside.

Manvi entered cautiously, her heart beating a little faster as she approached his desk. Aarav looked up from his work, his expression softening as he saw her.

"Manvi, come in," he greeted warmly, gesturing for her to take a seat across from him.

"Thank you, Aaravji," Manvi replied, feeling a mix of nerves and gratitude.

They sat in a brief silence, Aarav observing Manvi with a thoughtful gaze. He noticed how she carried herself with a newfound confidence, a testament to her resilience despite the challenges she had faced.

"sab kaisa hai?" Aarav asked gently, breaking the silence.

Manvi took a moment to collect her thoughts. "It's been a learning curve, but I'm grateful for the opportunity," she replied sincerely.

Aarav nodded in understanding. "I'm glad to hear that," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "tum bahut acha kar rahi ho"

Manvi smiled gratefully at his words, feeling a surge of appreciation for his support. "Thank you for believing in me," she said softly.

Aarav leaned forward slightly, his gaze meeting hers. "I always have," he replied earnestly.

Their eyes held a silent understanding, a shared acknowledgment of the journey they had been through together. Despite the complexities of their past, they found themselves in this moment, connected by mutual respect and a growing sense of camaraderie.

Aarav sat at his desk, the scattered client folders surrounding him, his focus unwavering until the folder labeled "Maya" caught his eye. As the afternoon light streamed through the window, it bathed the room in a soft, warm glow, but Aarav's heart felt cold, heavy. His fingers paused mid-flip, and the name on the folder pulled him into a spiral of memories he had buried deep a bitter past filled with heartbreak and betrayal, the remnants of his failed marriage.

His breath quickened, and his hands began to shake, the calm he had moments ago shattered. Waves of panic coursed through him, tightening his chest, making the room feel smaller, suffocating.

Across the room, Manvi, engrossed in her own work, sensed the shift in the atmosphere. She looked up and immediately noticed Aarav's distress. Concern flickered in her eyes as she moved toward him, her steps gentle and deliberate, not wanting to startle him further.

"Aaravji, aap thik hai?" she asked softly, her voice full of care. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, offering him a lifeline to steady himself.

Aarav looked up, eyes wide with the vulnerability he rarely showed, as though caught between past pain and present reality. His throat tightened, words refusing to form as the weight of old wounds pressed down on him. He had always been the composed one, the pillar of strength, yet in this moment, the cracks were evident.

Manvi's hand remained firm yet soothing, her presence grounding him. "Take your time," she said, her voice steady and warm, allowing him the space he needed.

After a few deep, shaky breaths, Aarav managed to speak, though his voice was barely audible. "It's Maya," he whispered, the name hanging in the air like a dark cloud. "The name... it brought back everything."