Author's POV :
The next day at work, she was surprised to find him waiting outside the accounting department. He looked slightly less polished than usual, his tie askew and his eyes holding a hint of nervousness. "Shreya," he called out, his voice a little too loud in the quiet corridor. "Could I have a word?"
Shreya approached him warily, the baby bag slung over her shoulder. "What is it?" she asked, trying to keep the impatience out of her voice. Vivaan cleared his throat, his eyes darting around the room. "I wanted to apologize," he said, his gaze finally settling on her. "For the other day. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
The sincerity in his voice took her aback. "It's okay," she said, her guard slipping slightly. "I know you didn't mean any harm."
Vivaan's shoulders relaxed, and he offered a tentative smile. "I was wondering," he began, "if you'd like to grab a coffee after work tomorrow. Just to talk, you know, as colleagues."
Shreya hesitated, her instincts screaming caution. But there was something in his eyes that seemed genuine, a curiosity that didn't hold the same predatory glint she had seen before. "Alright," she said finally. "But just as friends, Vivaan. I have a daughter to think about."
He nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Of course," he said, his smile sincere. "Just as friends."
The next evening, they met in the lobby, the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting from the café across the street. Vivaan held the door open for her, his hand briefly brushing against hers as they stepped out into the cool evening air. Shreya felt a strange tingle at the contact, one she quickly brushed aside. They walked in silence, the clack of her heels and the murmur of the city the only sounds between them.
Once inside, they found a quiet table in the corner, far from the prying eyes of their colleagues. Vivaan ordered for both of them, his confidence seemingly restored. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes studying her face as if he was trying to read the secrets etched there. "So, tell me about Aradhya," he said, his voice gentle.
Shreya felt a warmth spread through her at the mention of her daughter's name. She talked about Aradhya's first smile, her love for the swings at the park, and the way she clung to her when she was scared. As she spoke, she noticed the way Vivaan's expression softened, the hard lines of his face melting away. For the first time, she saw a glimpse of the man beneath the CEO mask, and she found it surprisingly endearing.
They talked for hours, about their lives, their hopes, and their fears. Vivaan spoke of the pressure to live up to his father's legacy, the loneliness that came with wealth, and his regret for the way he had treated others in his pursuit of happiness. His vulnerability was disarming, and Shreya found herself opening up to him in a way she never had with anyone else.
Finally, it was time for her to share her story. She told him about the fateful day she had found Aradhya, the tiny bundle of life left behind in the dustbin. She spoke of the overwhelming love she had felt in that moment, the fierce protectiveness that had surged through her. She talked about the struggles of being a single mother, the fears that kept her awake at night, and the joy that Aradhya brought to her life.
Vivaan listened, his eyes never leaving hers, as she recounted the days and nights spent in the hospital, the endless paperwork to gain custody, and the quiet moments of motherhood that filled her heart to bursting. His expression shifted from shock to admiration, the realization of her strength sinking in. "I had no idea," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "You're incredible, Shreya."
Her cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she looked down at her hands. "It's just what needed to be done," she said, her voice small. "Anyone would have done the same."
