Shiddat

Chapter 25

In the bustling office of Rathore Enterprises, Ananya sat at her desk, her fingers dancing over the keyboard as she reviewed a detailed report. The office buzzed around her, but her focus remained on the glowing screen and her desk organizer, which was adorned with motivational quotes that gently nudged her towards her goals. Her dark brown eyes reflected the concentration and dedication she poured into her work.

Maya Rathore approached Ananya's desk with a bright smile. "Anu!" she greeted warmly. "I'm about to head out for a coffee break. Wanna join?"

Ananya looked up from her work, her eyes lighting up with the prospect of a break. "That sounds lovely."

Maya's smile widened. "Great! There's this charming cafe around the corner with the best pastries. How about it?"

Ananya chuckled, feeling a wave of relief at the thought of a short respite. "That sounds perfect."

She quickly wrapped up her tasks, closing her laptop and tidying her desk before grabbing her purse. Together, Ananya and Maya walked to the cafe, their lively conversation punctuated by Maya's easy laughter and Ananya's cheerful responses. Their camaraderie created a pleasant bubble amid the day's busyness.

The cafe Maya had chosen was cozy and inviting, with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of delectable pastries greeting them as they stepped inside. They settled into their seats, each with a steaming cup of coffee in hand.

Maya leaned in, her expression softening with genuine concern. "I'm really sorry Arjun Bhai had to leave suddenly for Dubai."

Ananya's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly composed herself. Her voice was steady. "I understand his work is really important."

Maya nodded sympathetically, her eyes reflecting her concern. "If you need anything or just want to talk, I'm here for you."

Ananya felt a warm gratitude for Maya's words, appreciating the support. "Thank you, Maya."

Maya reached across the table to gently squeeze Ananya's hand. Their conversation soon shifted to lighter topics as they continued to enjoy their coffee, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

After their break, they returned to Rathore Enterprises, where the office was buzzing with activity as employees wrapped up their tasks and prepared for the end of the day. Ananya headed back to her desk, while Maya made her way to her department. Both women focused on finishing their responsibilities. Ananya reviewed her to-do list, sending off a few final emails and organizing her workspace. As she was finishing up, Maya appeared by her side with a friendly smile.

A few minutes later, Ananya and Maya met Rohan in the lobby. His confident demeanor softened into a warm smile as he saw the two women approaching. The three of them stepped out of the building and into Rohan's car. The evening air was cool, a refreshing change after a long day.

As they settled into the car, Rohan glanced at the rearview mirror to ensure everyone was comfortable before asking the driver to start the engine. The drive to Rathore Mansion was peaceful, the city lights twinkling outside as they made their way through the streets.

Arriving at the grand entrance of Rathore Mansion, the trio stepped out of the car. They were greeted by a lively atmosphere that immediately lifted their spirits. The sounds of laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air, with Aksh entertaining everyone with his usual flair. His jokes and stories had the entire gathering in high spirits, the room echoing with laughter and merriment.

As they stepped inside, all eyes turned towards them, and the room's energy shifted to include their arrival. Sumiran, their warm and welcoming grandmother, caught sight of them and approached with a loving smile. "Welcome back! Go freshen up and join us for dinner."