The Silent Seduction

20. MAHIRA/ ARJUN

Arjun

The steady hum of the office blended into the background, becoming nothing more than a distant murmur in my mind. The air felt stifling, the walls closing in around me as I leaned back in my chair, staring blankly at the files scattered across my desk. I hadn’t been able to focus on a single word since this morning, my thoughts continuously drifting back to her.

Mahira Kapoor.

That name was a constant buzz in my head, pulling me deeper into an abyss I had no way of escaping. The kiss—that kiss—had been a mistake. A mistake that now had me unraveling at the seams.

I stood abruptly, the chair scraping harshly against the floor as I began pacing the length of my office, trying to shake off the maddening thoughts.

But how could I? How could I erase the memory of her lips on mine, the way she clung to me as if I was her lifeline?

I had tried to reach her, tried to explain, but each attempt had been met with silence. When I finally managed to reach Raj Kapoor, his words struck me like a lightning bolt—Mahira is sick, resting at home.

Sick?

I slammed my fists on the desk, feeling the frustration boiling over. Was she avoiding me? Hiding away from the reality of what happened? The thought of her lying in bed, perhaps haunted by the same thoughts that plagued me, made my chest tighten.

I couldn’t stay here. I couldn’t just wait, wallowing in this turmoil, while she was somewhere else—perhaps drowning in the same storm that had consumed me.

Without another thought, I grabbed my keys and jacket, leaving the suffocating confines of my office behind.

The drive to Kapoor Mansion was a blur, the city's lights flashing by in a cacophony of colors and shadows, mirroring the chaos inside me.

My grip tightened around the steering wheel as I replayed every moment of that fateful encounter, every fleeting touch, every breath we shared.

I arrived at the mansion in record time, my heart pounding as I stepped out of the car. My chest tightened with every step I took toward the entrance, the weight of what was to come bearing down on me like a vice.

The house staff greeted me with the usual courtesy, leading me to the living room where Raj Kapoor was going through some paperwork.

His smile was warm and welcoming, but I barely noticed, my eyes darting around the room, searching for any sign of Mahira.

“Arjun! Good to see you, my boy. I was just going through the files,” Mr. Kapoor said, his voice breaking through the fog of my thoughts.

I forced a tight smile, my mind racing. “Good evening, sir. I apologize for dropping by unannounced.”

“Nonsense! You’re always welcome here. I assume this is about the project? I was hoping Mahira could assist, but she’s resting today.”

The mention of her name was like a trigger, sending a sharp jolt through me. “Yes, sir, that’s actually why I’m here. I wanted to check on her… if that’s alright.”

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his gaze. “Of course, of course. You two have been working closely, after all. She’s upstairs in her room. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

I nodded, swallowing hard as I tried to keep my composure. “Thank you, sir. I won’t be long.”

As I made my way upstairs, the tension coiled tighter around my chest, each step toward her door feeling heavier than the last.