Blueprints Of Love

A Twist in the Plan 🌼

The next few days passed in a blur of construction deadlines, client meetings, and site visits. Rhea kept her head down, determined to focus on her work and ignore the ever-present pull she felt toward Reyansh. But fate, it seemed, had other plans.

One evening, while reviewing the final floor plans, Rhea received an unexpected phone call from the Kapoor family matriarch—Reyansh’s mother, Aditi Kapoor.

"Rhea, darling, I hope I’m not interrupting," Aditi said in her usual warm tone.

"Not at all, Aunty," Rhea replied, surprised. She had always liked Aditi; the woman had a grace and warmth about her that made everyone feel welcome. But a personal call was unexpected. "What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to personally invite you to our family dinner this weekend. Just a small gathering—family and close friends only," Aditi said cheerfully.

Rhea hesitated. She wasn’t sure she could handle being around Reyansh in such a casual setting, especially with his family involved. But she couldn’t exactly say no to the woman who had practically treated her like a daughter since she began working with RK Enterprises.

"Of course," Rhea finally agreed, smiling through the phone. "I’ll be there."

"Wonderful! Reyansh will be so pleased to see you."

Rhea’s smile faltered. She could practically hear the mischief in Aditi’s voice, and a sinking feeling settled in her stomach. This family dinner was bound to complicate things even more.

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When the evening of the dinner arrived, Rhea found herself standing in front of the Kapoor mansion once again, nerves swirling in her stomach. She adjusted the strap of her elegant gown—a soft champagne color that hugged her figure in all the right places—and mentally prepared herself for whatever was about to happen.

As she entered the mansion, she was greeted warmly by the Kapoor family. Aditi enveloped her in a hug, and Reyansh’s younger sister, Meera, squealed in delight at Rhea’s arrival.

But it didn’t take long for her eyes to find Reyansh. He stood near the back of the room, dressed in a dark navy suit that made him look even more devastatingly handsome than usual. His eyes found hers, and a slow, lazy grin spread across his face.

"Rhea," he said smoothly as he approached her. "You look... stunning."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself. "Don’t get used to it," she shot back playfully, her voice laced with just enough teasing to keep him at bay.

He chuckled, his eyes flickering with amusement. "Too late."

The dinner passed smoothly enough, though every time Reyansh caught her gaze across the table, it felt like a spark ignited between them. He didn’t tease her as much tonight—didn’t push her the way he usually did—but somehow, that only made things worse. The silence between them was filled with unsaid words, stolen glances, and a tension that threatened to unravel them both.

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Later that evening, after the family had retired to the garden for drinks, Rhea found herself alone on the balcony, staring out at the moonlit sky. She was trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling in her chest when Reyansh appeared beside her, his presence unmistakable.

"You’re hard to find," he said softly, standing close enough that their arms brushed.

"I needed some air," Rhea murmured, refusing to look at him. "Your family is lovely, by the way."

"They seem to like you more than me," he teased, but his voice was gentle. "They’ve already started planning how we’ll get married."

Rhea choked on her laugh, finally turning to face him. "Don’t give them any ideas."

Reyansh smiled, but his eyes softened as he looked at her. The teasing vanished, and what remained was raw and real. "Rhea, I’m not playing games anymore."

Her breath hitched, and her heart raced at the sincerity in his voice. He reached out, gently brushing his fingers along her arm, his touch sending a shiver through her.

"Stop pretending you don’t feel it," he whispered. "This... whatever this is between us—it’s real."

Rhea swallowed hard, her resolve crumbling with every word he spoke. She could feel the walls around her heart weakening, and for the first time in weeks, she wondered if maybe—just maybe—Reyansh was right.

But before she could say anything, a voice interrupted them.

"Reyansh! Rhea!" Meera called from the garden, waving at them excitedly. "Come join us!"

The moment was broken, and Reyansh exhaled, stepping back reluctantly. "We’re not done here, Rhea," he said softly, his eyes holding hers for just a second longer before he turned and walked back inside.

Rhea stood there, her heart pounding in her chest, knowing that the unraveling had already begun.