Can't Stay Away ✔️

37. Friends and Fears

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Any guesses who the stalker could be? 🔪

A Y E S H A

The past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions and chaos, but today felt like a moment of respite. I found myself at Arjun's office, helping him organize the upcoming 30th anniversary party for Yug Industries. Organizing a party for Yug Industries' 30th anniversary is no small feat, but with Mukesh Uncle by my side, it feels like I've got the best possible ally. Arjun had told me countless times how Mukesh Uncle had stepped in after his father's death, becoming a guiding hand, a mentor, and, in many ways, a father figure. Over time, I've come to see why Arjun holds him in such high regard. Mukesh Uncle's wisdom and warmth are infectious, and working with him has been a breeze, even with the looming chaos.

Arjun often jokes that Mukesh Uncle is so invested and important part of the firm that he is like a spirit that will always haunt the workplace.

As I run through the guest list, my mind keeps drifting back to the whirlwind of the past few days. It all started when I finally blurted everything out to Arjun, my worries, my fears, everything. I expected him to be angry, but what I didn't expect was the way he just picked me up, bridal style, without saying a word, and took me straight to his penthouse. That moment marked a turning point—I've been living with him ever since. Part of it is because we both feel safer this way, with the stalker's threats hanging over our heads. But the other part, the more comforting part, is just being with him.

Zoya also had to move out of the apartment and is staying with her cousin who also lives in the city. Abhishek tried to coax her into staying with him but she didn't agree, yet. Also, Abhishek scanned the whole apartment and it turns out that the apartment was indeed bugged. There were microscopic cameras and microphones planted in various parts of the apartment. It still gives me whole body shivers to even think about what that asshole must've seen. I am barely holding myself together because if I get upset, Arjun gets really really upset. And I don't want that.

Of course, the minute Arjun made our relationship 'Instagram official,' the media went berserk. Suddenly, we were the 'it' couple, and there were cameras and reporters everywhere. Arjun, being the overprotective man he is, immediately had security details assigned to me. I can't step out without a guard shadowing my every move. It's annoying, sure, but if it keeps Arjun from worrying, I'll tolerate it.

For now, I've been throwing myself into organizing this party, using it as a distraction from everything else. Arjun has been handling most of the logistics while I deal with the aesthetics and coordination. It's kept my mind busy, which is exactly what I need.

.....

Tonight, though, the penthouse is buzzing with something different—our friends. Arjun, in a rare move, invited everyone over. Isha, Raghav, Zoya, Virat, and even Aditya, though Arjun made it abundantly clear he wasn't thrilled about that last one. Abhishek, predictably, arrived following Zoya like a lovesick puppy, which is both adorable and mildly concerning. I know Arjun invited everyone for me as he thinks that maybe I am missing my friends ever since I came to live with him.

Isn't he the cutest?

As the evening goes on, the penthouse is filled with laughter, teasing, and the occasional serious moment. Arjun, however, is the grumpiest host in the history of hosting. Every time someone takes my attention away from him, especially Aditya, I can practically see the steam coming out of his ears.

I also invited Sanvi and Samarth and my boyfriend doesn't know about that. He might get mad considering they all kind of gang up against him ever since they walked in on us, twice.