She DESTINED With Me.

🤍brother🤎

Every protection from every one and there is protection from brother.

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The office was bathed in warm afternoon light, casting a golden hue across the room as Mayank, Karan, and Arpit sat around the sleek conference table, sharing a simple yet satisfying lunch. The quiet clinking of cutlery against plates filled the air, a comfortable silence settling over the three men as they ate.

Mayank, ever composed, seemed focused on his meal, his eyes occasionally glancing at the documents beside his plate. Karan, seated to his right, engaged in light conversation, mostly about work and upcoming projects. Meanwhile, Arpit, though present physically, was lost in thought. His gaze, sharp and thoughtful, repeatedly drifted to Mayank, studying him intently.

Mayank was aware of the scrutiny. He felt Arpit's eyes on him, knew the unspoken questions lingering in his mind, but he chose to remain indifferent, refusing to acknowledge the tension building between them. The silence grew heavier, thick with unspoken words, until finally, Arpit couldn't hold back any longer.

"Why didn't you pick up my calls last night?" Arpit's voice was calm, but the underlying concern was unmistakable.

The question sliced through the air like a blade, causing both Mayank and Karan to freeze. The clinking of cutlery ceased as they exchanged quick, apprehensive glances, the atmosphere shifting from casual to charged in an instant.

Mayank slowly placed his fork down, his eyes narrowing slightly as he met Arpit's gaze. His expression remained unreadable, a mask of calm that betrayed nothing of the thoughts running through his mind. For a moment, the only sound was the hum of the air conditioning, and then Mayank spoke, his voice measured and composed.

"I was busy," he said simply, as if that were explanation enough.

But Arpit wasn't satisfied. He leaned forward slightly, his brow furrowing as he pressed on, "Busy doing what, Mayank? You know how late it was. I was worried."

Karan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, sensing the growing tension. He opened his mouth to say something, perhaps to diffuse the situation, but the words never came. He knew better than to interfere when the conversation turned personal, especially when it involved Mayank and Arpit.

Mayank's gaze remained locked with Arpit's, the weight of the unspoken hanging heavily between them. He knew Arpit's concern was genuine, but there were things he wasn't ready to discuss-things he preferred to keep to himself. After a long moment, he sighed, leaning back in his chair, his expression softening just slightly.

"I appreciate your concern, Arpit," Mayank finally said, his tone a touch more gentle, "But I had everything under control. There was no need to worry."

Arpit's eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced. "You say that, but it doesn't change the fact that you ignored my calls. What if something had happened? What if Ayati-"

Mayank's expression hardened at the mention of Ayati, and he quickly cut in, "Nothing happened, Arpit. Ayati is fine. I'm fine."

The room fell silent again, the tension thick in the air as Mayank's words lingered. Arpit leaned back, his gaze still fixed on Mayank, as if searching for a crack in his composure, but finding none. Finally, he sighed and looked away, picking up his fork once more.