THE IInd DECISION

🌸Plan Backfired??🌸

Aashi Pov:-

I didn't realize how late it had gotten until I noticed the sun beginning to set. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since morning. I sighed, closing my laptop for a moment, and headed downstairs, hoping to grab a quick bite. The house was eerily silent, a stark contrast to the usual bustle. I found one of the household staff and asked about the others.

"Mrs. Adviti, Riya, and Ayan are all at the office," he informed me.

I nodded, feeling a bit relieved that I had the place to myself, but also a bit lonely. I made my way to the kitchen, quickly put together a plate of food, and went back upstairs to continue working. There was so much left to do, and the pressure was getting to me. I couldn't help but curse the new CEO under my breath. May he not get his favorite food tonight, or may his favorite show get the worst adaptation ever! I muttered to myself with a smirk, feeling slightly better after venting.

I tried to focus on my work, but after chatting briefly with Ruhi, I noticed the time-it was already 9 PM. A sudden knock on the door startled me, and I looked up to see Ayan standing there. His blazer was draped over his arm, his shirt slightly untucked, and his hair was tousled, giving him a disheveled yet oddly perfect look. He stood there for a moment, just staring at me, and I couldn't help but fear he'd ask me to sleep on the floor again tonight.

But instead, without a word, he walked into the bathroom, and I heard the shower start. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly shut my laptop, deciding to take a break and head downstairs. I found Aditi Aunty and Riya already seated at the dining table.

"I was about to call you," Mrs. Adviti said with a smile.

"I'll go get the halwa," I offered, heading to the kitchen. As I dished out the halwa into bowls, a mischievous idea popped into my head. With a grin, I grabbed the salt shaker and added a generous amount to one of the bowls-the one I intended to give Ayan. This is what you get for making me sleep on the couch, I thought, chuckling to myself as I stirred the salt into the halwa.

Back at the table, I carefully placed the bowls in front of everyone, making sure Ayan got the special one. I sat down beside him, trying to keep a straight face as the others began to eat.

"This is delicious, Ashi," Adviti Aunty said with a pleased smile. "I haven't had such good halwa in a long time."

Riya nodded in agreement, spooning more halwa into her mouth. "So good! I need another bowl," she said, reaching across the table to grab Ayan's bowl.

My heart skipped a beat, and without thinking, I blurted out, "No!" Riya froze, staring at me in surprise. Realizing how suspicious I must look, I quickly added, "Take mine instead," and passed her my bowl with a forced smile. Ayan's brow furrowed in confusion, but he said nothing.

I excused myself and went to the kitchen to get another bowl for myself, hoping the moment had passed without too much suspicion. But when I returned to the table, I noticed that the bowl I'd brought out earlier was back on my plate. Ayan had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he gestured for me to eat.

I hesitated, knowing exactly what was in that bowl, but under his watchful gaze, I had no choice but to take a bite. The moment the salty halwa hit my tongue, I had to fight back a grimace. Ayan, seeing my reaction, stifled a laugh, and I shot him a glare, which only seemed to amuse him more. Riya and Aditi Aunty looked between us, utterly confused by the silent exchange.

"Ashi, are you okay?" Adviti Aunty asked, concerned.

"Y-yes, I'm fine," I lied, forcing down another spoonful of the salty halwa. Ayan's barely contained laughter made it even harder to maintain my composure, but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me admit defeat.

After dinner, I quickly excused myself, feeling utterly embarrassed by how my prank had backfired. I informed Adviti Aunty about my busy schedule for the next day, explaining that I had an important work meeting and needed to prepare.

Upstairs, I collapsed onto the chair, groaning in frustration. What was I thinking, trying to prank Ayan like that? Not only had it backfired spectacularly, but now he had one more thing to hold over my head. And yet, as I replayed the evening in my mind, I couldn't help but smile at how he'd managed to turn the tables on me so effortlessly.

But tomorrow was another day, and I had work to do. Shaking off the events of the evening, I turned my attention back to my laptop. This strange, awkward, and unexpected journey was only just beginning, and I needed to stay focused on what mattered most-my career and making it through these six months without losing my sanity.