The Silent Seduction

3. MAHIRA

The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. I took a deep breath as I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the creases in my ivory blouse.

Today felt different—there was a nervous energy humming beneath my skin, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The tailored black trousers I wore hugged my legs, giving me a sense of confidence, but it was the sharpness in my eyes that I counted on the most.

I reached for my earrings, delicate gold hoops that caught the light just right, before slipping into my black pumps. My reflection stared back at me, poised and ready, but there was something else lingering in the back of my mind.

Today wasn’t just another day at the office; it was a step closer to the unknown.

As I walked downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. My father sat at the dining table, his usual newspaper in hand, but something was different.

Instead of the business suits I was accustomed to seeing him in, he wore a casual button-down shirt and trousers. A slight smile played on his lips as he glanced up at me, but there was a weight behind his gaze.

“Good morning, Papa,” I greeted him, masking the surprise in my voice. “You’re not dressed for the office?”

He folded the newspaper, setting it aside with a deliberate slowness. “I’m not going to the office today, Mahira. In fact, I won’t be going regularly anymore.”

I frowned, taking a seat across from him. “What do you mean?”

He took a sip of his coffee, savoring the taste before answering. “It’s time for me to step back, to let the new generation take the reins. I’ve spent decades building this company, and now it’s your turn to lead.”

My heart skipped a beat. I had known this day was coming, but hearing it out loud was a different reality. “So… Arjun will be bringing the documents and files here?”

“Yes, he’ll handle everything that requires my attention. I’ll still be involved, but only when absolutely necessary. It’s time for you to learn, to take control.”

His words settled over me like a heavy cloak. There was no turning back now. I nodded, forcing a smile. “I understand, Papa.”

Breakfast passed in a blur, my mind already racing ahead to the office. I had so much to prove, not just to my father, but to myself.

As I slid into the backseat of the car, the driver pulling away from the curb, I stared out the window, lost in thought.

The cityscape of Delhi blurred past—towering buildings, bustling streets, and the constant hum of life. But all I could think about was the man I would face at the office.

Arjun.

His presence had been lingering in the back of my mind since our first meeting. There was something about him that unnerved me, something dark and impenetrable that I couldn’t quite place.

He was arrogant, cold, but also… intriguing. There was a tension between us that I couldn’t ignore, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to.

When I arrived at the office, the usual hustle and bustle greeted me. I strode through the hallways, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor, each step echoing with purpose.

The employees greeted me with respectful nods, but their eyes held a hint of curiosity—they knew who I was, and they knew what was coming.

As I entered the conference room, Arjun was already there, standing by the large window that overlooked the city. His long hair was tied back, but a few strands escaped, framing his sharp features.